Panasonic AJ-HPX2700, AJ-HPX3700 User Manual

AJ-HPX3700 AJ-HPX2700

Memory Card Camera-Recorder

VariCam Creativity and P2 HD Workflow

The P2 HD VariCam Series Transforms the Moviemaking Workflow

The Panasonic VariCam is well known in the movie industry as a video camera that captures images with an appealing warm, film-like tone and texture. Now the superior image quality and creativity that characterize this ground-breaking camera have been

passed on to two advanced new P2 HD camera-recorders. The AJ-HPX3700 outputs RGB 4:4:4 images with full-pixel resolution and P-10Log gamma, and the AJ-HPX2700 features a full-rate (1 to 60 fps) variable frame function. Adding P2's advanced file-based and tapeless recording to VariCam's world-recognized image quality and expressiveness,

these powerful new camera-recorders facilitate the workflow while cutting costs.

AJ-HPX3700

High-Quality P2 HD VariCam for High-End Production, with RGB 4:4:4

Output in Full 1920 x 1080-Pixel

Resolution and P-10Log Gamma

• 2.2-megapixel 2/3" CCD for full 1920 x

1080 HD images.

• Dual-link HD SDI output for camerathrough RGB4:4:4/10-bit log gamma

signals. Compatible with uncompressed, high-end cinema workflows.

• Recording formats: AVC-Intra 100/50 and DVCPRO HD. AVC-Intra 100 uses 10-bit 4:2:2 full raster sampling.

• HD SDI output of 23.98PsF/24PsF

video signals.

• Variable frame rate function ranging from 1 fps to 30 fps.

• Selectable gamma modes, including Film-Rec.

• Scan-reverse function for film lens use.

• Chromatic Aberration Compensation (CAC) function compensates for

registration error and minimizes lateral chromatic aberration in lenses.

• High F10 sensitivity at 2,000 lx. Minimum illumination of 0.042 lx (at 1 fps VFR and +30-dB gain-up).

• Reliability, speed, and IT compatibility

with advanced P2 card recording.

AJ-HPX2700

Multifunctional P2 HD VariCam with a

Variable Frame Rate from 1 to 60 fps:

Superior Creativity and Outstanding Cost-Performance

• Variable frame rate of 1 fps to 60 fps in

720p, for creative over-cranked or under-cranked shooting.

• Progressive CCD for multi-format

recording*1 in 1080/24p, 1080/30p,

1080/60i, and 720/60p.

• Recording formats: AVC-Intra 100/50 and DVCPRO HD. AVC-Intra 100 uses 10-bit 4:2:2 full raster sampling.

• HD SDI output of 23.98PsF/24PsF

video signals.

• Selectable gamma modes, including Film-Rec.

• Scan-reverse function for film lens use.

• Chromatic Aberration Compensation (CAC) function compensates for

registration error and minimizes lateral chromatic aberration in lenses.

• High F10 sensitivity at 2,000 lx.

Minimum illumination of 0.021 lx

(at 1 fps VFR and +30-dB gain-up).

• DVCPRO (IEEE 1394) output terminal*2

for back-up use.

• Reliability, speed, and IT compatibility

with advanced P2 card recording.

*1:See the Input/Output Video Format table on page 6 for details. *2:Outputs DVCPRO HD codec recording only.

All-new, Next-generation, Premier Digital

Luminance

Image level

FILMLIKE1

FILMLIKE2

FILMLIKE3

FILM-REC

VIDEO-REC

Cinematography Cameras Feature Native HD

2/3” Imagers with Premium-quality Optics

High Resolution 2.2-megapixel CCD (AJ-HPX3700)

For the AJ-HPX3700, Panasonic

developed a high-density

2.2-megapixel 2/3-inch CCD

that provides high-resolution

full-pixel (1920 x 1080) HD images. The AJ-HPX3700

provides a choice of progressive/interlace HD video formats, supporting native 1080

23.98p/24p/25p/29.97p, as well as 1080 50i and 1080 59.94i.

The camera offers a high F10 sensitivity at 2000 lux when operating in 1080i.

1-Megapixel Progressive CCD (AJ-HPX2700)

The AJ-HPX2700's 1-megapixel 2/3-inch progressive CCD combines with a digital signal processing (DSP) circuit to output

high-quality 1080/720 HD images.*

In 720p mode, it provides

variable frame rate recording over the full 1 to 60 fps range. The camera's high F10 sensitivity allows shooting in light as

low as 0.021 lx.*

*1: See the Input/Output Video Format table on page 6 for details. *2: Shooting at F1.4 in variable frame rate mode at 1 fps, with +30dB gain up.

Chromatic Aberration Compensation (CAC)

This exclusive technology works between lens and camera, allowing for a highly sophisticated algorithm to be deployed that automatically compensates the registration error that is caused mainly by lens chromatic aberration, and minimizes the neighboring

blur. By using a CAC-compatible zoom lens, the P2 VariCam Series

can obtain images similar to those captured with a prime lens.

Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS)

In scenes with mixed contrast, such as when panning from indoors

to outdoors, the DRS function automatically suppresses blocked

shadows and blown highlights. A gamma curve and knee slope is estimated to match the contrast of each pixel, and applied in real time. When dark, bright, and intermediate shades are all contained in the same scene, this produces excellent gradation for each shade and minimizes blocked shadows and blown highlights. The images that result are enhanced by a visually wide dynamic range.

DRS OFF DRS ON

Seven Gamma Modes Including VariCam Film-Rec

The DSP circuit in the P2 VariCam Series has seven selectable

gamma modes. These include Film-Rec and Video-Rec gamma for

movie production, which are the same modes incorporated in the

VariCam. When using HD SDI dual-link output with the AJ-HPX3700, images recorded in Film-Rec gamma mode can be converted to P-10Log gamma, or "live" P-10 Log content can be recorded to

external devices for high-end digital cinema production.

Full screen image CAC OFF CAC ON

14-Bit Digital Processing with 12-Axis Color Correction

We offer a 14-bit A/D conversion system along with the new high-

performance 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.

Scan Reverse Function for Film Lens Use

The P2 VariCam Series can use an ultra prime lens and even an

anamorphic lens adapter that creates a 2.35:1 aspect image for

wide-screen cinematic shooting without cropping the image. Its scan reverse function cancels the image inversion that occurs when

Angenieux's HD lens adaptor is used.

VIDEO GAMMA FILM-LIKE GAMMA

AJ-HPX3700/HPX2700 Gamma Modes

HD: A video gamma curve for HDTV

SD: A video gamma curve for SDTV (higher gain in dark areas)

FILMLIKE 1: For FILMLIKE TV production. This reproduces gradation in

highlight areas more clearly than the HD gamma.

FILMLIKE 2: Smoother film-like characteristics than FILMLIKE 1

FILMLIKE 3: Smoother film-like characteristics than even FILMLIKE 2

FILM-REC: For film-style image capture, provides low contrast

wide dynamic range

VIDEO-REC: For cinema production that is also suitable for video display

RGB 4:4:4/10-bit

P-10LOG

VIDEO-REC

–6–5–4–3–2–

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

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–6–5–4–3–2–

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

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–5 stop

–4 stop

–3 stop

–2 stop

–1 stop

Normal

+1stop

+2 stop

+3 stop

+4 stop

VARICAM FILM-REC

HD SDI

RGB 4:4:4 Dual link (1920 X 1080p, 10bit)

HD SDI

Uncompressed Video recorder

AJ-HPX3700

Log Output (AJ-HPX3700)

Both models come ready for system expansion with an HD SDI terminal that allows camera-through 1080/24PsF output. The AJ-HPX3700 adds a second HD SDI output terminal that can serve for dual-link output. HD images can be output with RGB 4:4:4 quality and the 10-bit Log (P-10Log) gamma curve*, ideal for

high-end movie production using an uncompressed recorder.

*P-10Log images can be used only with camera-through output. They cannot be recorded

onto a P2 card.

Conversion chart from FILM-REC gamma to P-10LOG gamma

Film-Rec Gamma Monitor

In Film-Rec gamma mode, a cinema compensation function

converts the signal to provide high-contrast images for monitoring

with ideal gradation. Both the viewfinder and monitor display a fully preserved Film-Rec gamma curve while the images are recorded

onto a P2 card or output from the HD SDI terminal. "VF Gamma"

can be set from the menu for the LCD and viewfinder display, and

"Mon Gamma" can be set for monitor or remote output.

Master-quality, 10-bit 4:2:2

AVC-Intra 100 Recording Assures

the VariCams Deliver a Distinct Look

That Closely Matches The Color and

Response of Film Stock

VariCam's exclusive variable frame rate

Panasonic led the industry in developing the variable frame rate function. This ground-breaking function, from which VariCam takes its name, allows undercranking and overcranking to produce expressive quick-motion and slow-motion scenes.

The AJ-HPX2700's frame rate can be set all the way from 1 to 60 fps, and the AJ-HPX3700's from 1 to 30 fps.

*The settable frame-rate range varies with the system mode and the video format or recording format. See the Input/Output Video

Format table on page 6 for details.

•Normal cinematic shooting (at 24 fps or 30 fps)

The 24 fps rate refers to the same rate as used in film cameras. The 30 fps rate is the standard frame rate used in the production of

TV commercials.

•Higher-speed shooting (at over 25 fps*)

This produces slow-motion effects. It is especially effective for high-action scenes like car chases or crashes, or to create a dramatic impact in a scene.

*When the standard speed is 24 fps. For a standard speed of 30 fps, anything over 31 fps

will be overcranked.

•Lower-speed shooting (at under 23 fps*)

This lets you attain a fast-motion effect. It can be combined with a warp-speed effect to give special emphasis to flowing water, fast-moving clouds, etc.

*When the standard speed is 24 fps. For a standard speed of 30 fps, anything under 29 fps

will be undercranked.

1080p/720p* Native mode

In Native mode, the P2 HD VariCam records images at the frame

rate set in the camera. For example in 24pN mode, it only records 24 frames instead of the normal 60 frames. Playing back the

recording at the normal rate, you can preview the speed effect right on the spot, without using a frame rate converter. Native mode also extends the recording time of a P2 card.

*The AJ-HPX3700 cannot record in 720p mode.

720p over 60p mode (AJ-HPX2700)

This mode makes the AJ-HPX2700 compatible with previous VTR VariCam systems. In 720/24p mode,* it applies a 2:3 pulldown to record 60 frames. The recording time is the same as in 1080i or 720p mode, but the unit can output a DVCPRO HD stream from the IEEE 1394 connector as it records. This lets you produce a backup copy using a connected external P2 Mobile, P2 Gear, DVCPRO HD VTR, or Focus Enhancements FireStore FS-100.

*See the Input/Output Vdeo Format table on page 6 for details.

1080/24p Advance Mode (DVCPRO HD Only)

The 24p Advance mode applies 2:3:3:2 pulldown to one of the 1080/24p recording modes to allow over 60i recording.*

This provides compatibility with the AG-HVX200/HPX170 Series P2 handheld cameras that record using an HD codec.

*See the Input/Output Video Format table on page 6 for details. For information on

compatible nonlinear editing systems, visit <https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/> and click "Nonlinear Compatibility Information."

Electronic Shutter with Half Mode and Angle Setting

Both models feature an electronic shutter that offers 7 shutter

speeds up to a maximum 1/2000 second, plus a Half mode, as well as an angle setting similar to a film camera. This combines with the variable frame rate function to support a wide variety of shooting techniques. A synchro scan function also provides optimal

recording when shooting CRT monitors.

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