Panasonic P2HD AJ-HPX3100 User Manual

AJ-HPX3100

Memory Card Camera Recorder

High-End Performance in a Compact, Lightweight Design.

1

This 2/3-type P2 HD Camera Recorder
Ushers in a New Level of Mobility to Nature, Dramatic,
Documentary and ENG Production.

The new AJ-HPX3100 may just change the way you view
high-end broadcast camera recorders. Its new body
design has a low center of gravity for added stability and
gives you an unobstructed view to both sides. It weighs
only about 3.9 kg (8.6 lb). Two P2 card slots reside on the
side where the main controls are arranged. Boasting
excellent mobility and easy operation, the camera section
incorporates a 2.2 megapixel 2/3-type 3CCD, a high­performance DSP, and an AVC-Intra Codec LSI. The
AJ-HPX3100 records broadcast-quality HD video with
full-pixel (1920 x 1080) resolution using 10 bit/4:2:2
sampling. It has a high sensitivity of F11 (60i)*1 or F12
(50i)*1 at 2,000 lx and low noise with a 59 dB*2 S/N ratio
to assure the level of recording quality that is demanded
for broadcasting and video production. P2 HD functions
newly offered by the AJ-HPX3100 include 24 bit audio,*3
high-quality proxy recording*4, and wireless metadata
input capability via wireless LAN*5. Armed with the
reliability and quick recording starts of solid-state memory
cards, the AJ-HPX3100 could revolutionize your news
gathering and program production workflow. The
AJ-HPX3100 has also dramatically reduced power
consumption as compared with the conventional model*6,
thus improving mobility and helping to protect the global
environment.

• A newly designed body with low center of gravity
offers unobstructed views on both sides and
weighs approx. 3.9 kg (8.6 lb) without accessories.

• Power consumption is approx. 34 W
for the camera recorder only, about 23% lower than

a conventional model.*

• The 2.2 megapixel 2/3-type 3CCD provides
high-resolution full-pixel (1920 x 1080) HD images.

• A high sensitivity of F11/F12*

S/N ratio of 59 dB.*

• The AVC-Intra 100 codec records high-quality
images using 10 bit/4:2:2 sampling.

• Supports high-quality 24 bit audio recording*

• The one-clip recording function records

multiple cuts in a single clip.

• New options enable high-quality proxy video*
and wireless LAN capability.*

• Optional color or black-and-white type viewfinder.

• Supports optional camera studio systems.

*1: F11 sensitivity is attainable in the 1080/59.94i mode, and F12 sensitivity is attainable in
the 1080/50i mode. *2: The S/N ratio is 59 dB when DNR is turned ON. *3: Only in the
AVC-Intra 100/50 mode. For playback, equipment or software compatible with 24 bit audio is
required. For details, refer to “Note Regarding 24 bit Audio” on page 10. *4: The optional
AJ-YDX30G Video Encoder Board is required. *5: The optional AJ-WM30 Wireless Module

and AJ-SFU3100G Upgrade Software Key are required. *6: Compared with the current P2

HD camera recorder model, the AJ-HPX3000.

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1

2

, and an excellent

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5

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AJ-HPX3100

AJ-WM30

Wireless Module

PC such as
Panasonic
Mobile computer

Tablet terminal such as
iPad

Wireless LAN

IEEE802.11b/g

Smartphone*2
such as iPhone

Portable media player*

2

such as iPod Touch

2

Picture simulated

Wireless Network Connectivity

A wireless network connection*1 lets you use a smartphone,*2 tablet device

or PC/Mac to confirm the camera status, to input metadata and also to play

proxy data*3 as well as save it.*4 Text memos can also be entered with

one-touch operation. A wireless network connection helps to use metadata

effectively in video production.

*1: The optional AJ-WM30 Wireless Module and AJ-SFU3100G Upgrade Software Key are

required for wireless connection. A device is connected in ad-hoc mode only.

*2: Playback of proxy data recorded in HQ or SHQ mode is possible with iPhone4 and

iPod Touch fourth-generation and newer models.

*3: The optional AJ-YDX30G Video Encoder Board is required for use of proxy data.

*4: Proxy data can be saved only in PCs/Macs.

* For the latest information, see “Support & Download” on the Panasonic website

(http://pro-av.panasonic.net/). The use of DCF Technologies is under license from

Multi-Format, Inc.

CAMERA SECTION

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High-Image-Quality, High-Sensitivity HD Camera with 2.2-Megapixel 2/3-type 3CCD

2.2-Megapixel 3CCD Offering Both High Resolution

and High Sensitivity

The camera section features a
3CCD system with a high-density

2.2 megapixel 2/3 type 3CCD to

offer full-pixel HD (1920 x 1080)
resolution and high F11 or F12*
sensitivity. The switchable
interlace/progressive system
adapts to 1080/23.98p (or

29.97p, 25p) native video

recording.

*F11 sensitivity is attainable in the 1080/59.94i mode, and F12 sensitivity is attainable in the
1080/50i mode.

14 bit DSP Circuit Achieves High Image Quality
with S/N Ratio of 59 dB

The high-performance DSP circuit
provides rich gradation and
superb color reproduction based
on 14 bit A/D conversion. With an
S/N ratio of 59 dB (when the DNR
is turned ON), it also offers low
noise. The circuit features high­precision picture quality
adjustment functions such as a
skin tone detail function and a 12
axis independent color correction
function. The new DSP circuit achieves less consumption than
previous models.

Chromatic Aberration Compensation (CAC)

This exclusive technology works between the 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.

•Simulation Showing the CAC (Chromatic Aberration Compensation) Effect

Full screen CAC OFF CAC ON

High-Sensitivity Digital Super Gain

The digital super gain (frame cumulative mode) lets the AJ-HPX3100
record with a high S/N ratio*1 and less of the noise that commonly
comes with higher gain. The gain and digital super gain can be

flexibly combined to achieve highly sensitive recording of up to a +76

dB*2 gain increase and 0.005 lx minimum illumination, to suit various
shooting conditions.

*1: Due to the use of image accumulation, the number of recorded frames per second
decreases. This results in a frame-by-frame playback effect.
*2: With super gain set at +42 dB and digital super gain (cumulative mode) at +34 dB.

Luminance

Image level

SD

HD

FILMLIKE1

FILMLIKE2

FILMLIKE3

FILM-REC

VIDEO-REC

4

DRS (Dynamic Range Stretch) Function

DRS recognizes the average brightness of highlight and shadow
areas and then automatically adjusts the aperture and uses knee
control to suppress blocking in the shadow areas. In scenes with
mixed dark and light areas, DRS automatically provides a wider
dynamic range with minimal blown highlights and blocked shadows.
Two new color saving modes (Mode 1: Natural color, Mode 2: Vivid
color) for high-brightness effects and a depth (3 steps for
compression level) setting function have been added to improve
adjustment.

Simulation Showing the DRS Function

DRS OFF DRS ON

Blown highlights and Blocked shadows are suppressed simultaneously.

Maximum 4x Digital Zoom

Digital zoom electronically increases the magnification rate of the lens
by 2x, 3x or 4x. HD images retain their superior resolution even with
zooming, and — unlike when a lens extender is used — brightness is
not reduced.

* The digital processing effect is perceptible in the image when x3 or x4 zoom is used.

Seven Gamma Modes Including VariCam Film-Rec

The DSP circuit in the
AJ-HPX3100 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.

• AJ-HPX3100 Gamma Modes

HD: For HDTV
SD: For SDTV (higher gain in dark areas)
FILMLIKE 1: For film-like TV production. This reproduces gradation

FILMLIKE 2: Smoother characteristics than FILMLIKE 1
FILMLIKE 3: Smoother characteristics than even FILMLIKE 2
FILM-REC: For film-style image captures, provides low contrast

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

in highlight areas more clearly.

and a wide dynamic range

Scan Reverse Function for Film Lens Use

The AJ-HPX3100 scan reverse function cancels the image inversion
that occurs when Angenieux or Canon HD lens adaptors are used.

Scene Files and Lens Files

• Scene Files: Store specific camera settings. Four files with settings

can be stored in the camera unit, and eight files can be stored on an
SD/SDHC memory card. The files can be copied between the
camera’s memory and the SD/SDHC memory card.

• Lens Files: Store settings for interchangeable lenses. Eight files can
be stored in the camera unit, and 64 (8 x 8) files can be saved on an

SD/SDHC Memory Card.

Focus Assist Function

This function simplifies focusing
by displaying, in graph form, the
frequency distribution of the
incoming signal in the viewfinder
and LCD monitor.

Focus Assist ON

5 User Buttons

The User buttons let you turn frequently used functions on or off with
a single touch. In addition to USER MAIN, USER 1 and USER 2, you
can change SHOT MARK and TEXT MEMO to other functions if
desired.

Shot

Menu Function User

INH No assigned function √ √ √
S.GAIN Super gain √ — —
DS.GAIN Digital super gain √ — —
S.IRIS Backlight compensation √ — —
I.OVR Half-step/1-step aperture during auto iris √ — —
S.BLK Lower black level below the pedestal √ — —
B.GAMMA Emphasize black gamma, black gradation √ — —
D.ZOOM Digital zoom ×2/x3/x4 √ — —
ATW Auto tracking white balance √ — —
ATW LOCK ATW lock √ — —
Y GET Display the center brightness value √ √ √
DRS Dynamic range stretch √ — —
ASSIST Focus assist (graph display) √ √ √
C.TEMP Change to a specified color temperature √ — —
AUDIO CH1/3 Switch audio channel 1/3 input √ — —
AUDIO CH2/4 Switch audio channel 2/4 input √ — —
REC SW Rec start/stop √ √ √
RET SW RET √ √ √
PRE REC Pre-rec on/off √ √ √
SLOT SEL Switch recording slot √ √ √
PC MODE Switch device/host for USB mode √ √ √
LCD B.L. Switch monitor backlight brightness √ √ √
SHOT MARK Add/Delete a shot mark — √ —
TEXT MEMO Add text memo — — √

Mark

Text

Memo

AWB with Wide Adjustment Range and
Advanced Functions

The auto white balance (AWB) function offers a wide color
temperature adjustment range of up to 15000 K. The two-value
memory/1-value preset enables quick switching. The color
temperature can be adjusted with the jog dial after the white balance
is set. A subject-following ATW (auto tracking white) function is also
provided.

Optional Color and Black-and-White Viewfinders

The optional AJ-CVF100G HD Color Viewfinder employs a 25.4 mm

(1 inch) 1,500,000-dot-equivalent (960 x 540 x 3 [RGB]) transmission-

type LCOS (Liquid Crystal On Silicon) to achieve high resolution, high
brightness and high response. It helps to reduce the possibility of
white balance adjustment errors and other errors in recording.
The optional AJ-HVF21KG 50.8 mm (2 inches) Black-and-White HD
Viewfinder can also be used.

Versatile Shooting Assist Functions

• Electronic Shutter with Half-Speed: The AJ-HPX3100 features
six shutter fixed speeds of up to 1/2000 sec., plus “half-speed”
(180 degree) and synchro-scan capability.

• Two optical filters, ND and CC, have four positions each. The
3200K, 4300K, 5600K and 6300K positions of the CC filter help to

express deeper colors.

• Mode Check: Displays a list of the camera settings on the

viewfinder and LCD monitor.

• Zebra: Select any two levels from among 0% to 109%, in 1% step.

• Y-GET: Measures brightness at the screen center and displays

precise numerical data.

• A 3 point locking viewfinder mount allows precise adjustment.

• The large Audio volumes (4ch) feature a push lock function.

• The Audio Input level adjustment (front) can be switched ON/OFF

and allocated to desired channels.