Panasonic AJ-HDX900 User Manual

AJ-

DVCPRO HD Camera-Recorder

A Universal HD Camera-Recorder
that Puts High-End Performance Within Your Reach

The AJ-HDX900 produces the high-quality HD content that's in
growing demand as HD production and
broadcasting continue to expand worldwide.
This new camera-recorder uses the DVCPRO HD format,
with its long track record and proven reliability in broadcast
use. Able to record in both the 720p and 1080i digital TV
formats, the AJ-HDX900 excels in the HD production of TV
programs, music and video clips, corporate video and other
content for use virtually anywhere in the world.
A progressive HD CCD and 14-bit digital processing assure
outstanding image quality. A new filmlike gamma curve and
newly developed dynamic range stretching (DRS) function
respond to high-end production needs.
The first DVCPRO HD shoulder-held camera-recorder
to come equipped with IEEE 1394 digital output,
the AJ-HDX900 offers quick, easy linking with IT systems such
as hard disk recorders.
The AJ-HDX900 is also compatible with a newly developed
Remote Control Unit (RCU), for added operational and
functional flexibility. Even with all of these features and
performance, the AJ-HDX900 is surprisingly affordable.
As the perfect complement to the AJ-HDX900, Panasonic is
making available the AJ-HD1400 compact recorder. With these
two new high cost-performance units, Panasonic is offering
versatile, high-quality HD production systems at a cost of
SD production.

The 720p/1080i HD Multi-Format Camera

Able to record in the 11 HD formats listed below, the AJ-HDX900
can produce content for use virtually anywhere in the world. And
with its versatile features, the AJ-HDX900 can be used to
produce virtually any kind of HD video content — TV programs,
music videos, stock footage, corporate video and much more.

Records in these HD Formats

Progressive HD CCD Provides High Sensitivity
and Superior Image Quality

The 2/3" 1-million-pixel IT 3CCD system delivers superb HD
imagery combined with exceptional sensitivity of F10 at 2,000 lx.
The AJ-HDX900 can capture outstanding shots in lighting as low
as 0.032 lx (at +62 dB gain). The native progressive video format,
which drives the CCDs continuously in progressive mode, outputs
high-quality HD images that are suitable for use in filmlike
production or in combination with computer graphics.

14-bit Digital Conversion

In the AJ-HDX900, we offer a 14-bit A/D conversion system, an
upgrade over a conventional 12-bit system. We also incorporated
a new high-performance digital signal processing (DSP) circuit.
The 12-axis color correction matrix lets you make fine
adjustments in specific color regions. Functions such as skin
detail let you further fine-tune the image.

New Filmlike 3 Gamma Curve

We also added a new Filmlike gamma mode called Filmlike 3, to
the popular Filmlike 1 and Filmlike 2 gamma modes found in the
AJ-SDX900 and AJ-HDX400. Filmlike 3 produces a film-like
texture that makes images
more emotionally
expressive. This makes
Filmlike 3 a good choice for
certain TV programs, music
and video clips, and other
content.

DVCPRO HD: Professional Quality Pictures

Designed to broadcast specifications, the DVCPRO HD codec
combines a video bit rate of 100 Mbps with 4:2:2 sampling and
intra-frame compression. This reliable recording system also
minimizes quality degradation with fast-moving subjects and is
highly resistant to drop-out.
The DVCPRO HD-LP format allows 33 minutes of recording on a
medium-size cassette with reliable 1/4" metal particle tape.

New DRS (Dynamic Range Stretching) Function

DRS further extends the auto knee function. It recognizes the
average brightness of highlight and shadow areas and then
automatically adjusts the aperture and uses knee control to
suppress blown highlights in the shadow areas. In scenes with
mixed dark and light areas, such as when moving from indoors to
outdoors, DRS automatically provides a wider dynamic range with
minimal blown highlights and blocked shadows with no need to
manually tweak the camera for each specific condition.

Digital Super Gain (Cumulative Mode)

The AJ-HDX900 provides an easy-to-use, pushbutton super gain
function with a maximum gain of +36 dB. In addition, it introduces
a new digital super gain (in cumulative mode) utilizing the variable
frame rate technology of Varicam and allowing an extra gain of
+20 dB (at 6 fps). Unlike conventional gain adjustment, digital
super gain is virtually noise-free*, so picture quality is preserved
intact. With super gain and digital super gain, the AJ-HDX900
allows ultra-high-sensitive shooting at up to +62 dB.

*At maximum gain (+62 dB) there may be a slight amount of noise.

48-kHz/16-bit, 4-Channel Digital Audio

The AJ-HDX900 can record full 48-kHz/16-bit digital audio on all
four channels. You can freely select the audio source for each
channel, choosing from mic, line, wireless receiver, and others.
A 5-pin XLR jack with 2-channel compatibility is used for the front
mic input. Using the AJ-MC900G optional stereo microphone lets
you record stereo with a single mic.

MULTI-FORMAT HD RECORDING WITH HIGH SENSITIVITY AND SUPERIOR IMAGE QUALITY

QUALITY

59.94Hz area 50Hz area

1080 1080/59.94i

1080/29.97p (over 59.94i)
1080/23.98p (over 59.94i)
1080/23.98pA (over 59.94i)

1080/50i,
1080/25p (over 50i)

720 720/59.94p,

720/29.97p (over 59.94p),
720/23.98p (over 59.94p)

720/50p,
720/25p (over 50p)

Nomal Gain UP Image

Digital Super Gain UP Image

Input

Output

SD

HD

FILMLIKE1

FILMLIKE2

FILMLIKE3

Gamma Curve

Video Gamma Image Filmlike 3 Gamma Image

DRS "OFF" Image DRS "ON" Image