Panasonic Varicam AJ-HDC27H User Manual

AJ-HDC27H

Variable Frame-Rate HD Camera-Recorder

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Panasonic continues to expand the boundaries of video
production with breakthrough digital image technologies that
put more expressive power in the hands of movie, TV
commercial, and episodic TV program cinematographers.

Introducing the AJ-HDC27H, the second-generation VariCam
HD camera-recorder that's suitable for producing all types of
image content.

The AJ-HDC27H combines variable frame rates that emulate
the speed effects of a film camera with cine gamma image
quality that offers the sufficient latitude to take full advantage
of the full dynamic range of film theater projection. No wonder
more and more production companies have turned to VariCam
as their HD camera with film sensitivity and a system capable
of dramatically reducing movie production costs.

The AJ-HDC27H inherits the basic design and features of its
predecessors while adding enhancements geared to today's
latest production needs. Everything from image quality to
functions and operating ease has been fine-tuned. Capturing
smooth, beautiful images, the new Varicam debuts as a
low-cost, high-quality solution to production of content from
movies and TV programs to commercials and music clips.

New AJ-HDC27H Functions and Specifications

•Newly developed 3CCD system

•12-bit A/D converter

•New high-resolution emulation mode

•Lens files can be written to an SD Memory Card

•Two individual HD-SDI outputs

•Frame rate switching can be assigned to a user button

VariCam Keeps Evolving
Digital Video with the Sensitivity of Film

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Variable Frame Rate

The Panasonic VariCam is the world's first video camera
capable of emulating the "undercranking" and "overcranking"
technique of film cameras to slow down or speed up images.
By varying the frame rate from 4 to 60 fps and adjusting the
shutter speed from 0.8% to 97.2% (3deg to 350deg) of the
frame rate, you can create a wide range of cinematic effects.
And since the VTR section records at a constant 60 fps, you
can edit offline with a conventional DVCPRO HD VTR. This
lets you build a powerful 24p production system without a
huge investment in equipment.

4-fps 12-fps 24-fps 36-fps 48-fps 60-fps

6X 2X 1X 0.67X 0.5X 0.4X

NormalUndercranking Overcranking

Normal Speed

Recording

Playback

Quick Motion Slow Motion

VARIABLE FRAME RATE

Offers Advanced Speed Effects and
Produces All Types of Content – Only the VariCam

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Normal shooting at 24 fps

Normal cinematic shooting is done at

24 fps, the same rate as in film

cameras. Discrete 720p images

and a specially developed film

gamma curve create images

with the same tonal

characteristics as film.

Lower-speed shooting at 4 to 23* fps

For example, shooting at 12 fps lets you attain a 2x fast­motion effect with playback at the cinema speed of 24 fps.
This technique can be combined with zooming to create a
warp-speed effect, such as for giving special emphasis to
flowing water, fast-moving clouds, or a person standing still
amid a bustling crowd. Decrease the shutter speed for a
strobe effect, or increase it for a ghost effect. The expressive
possibilities are endless.

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

Higher-speed shooting at 25* to 60 fps

For example, shoot at 48 fps to attain a 1/2x slow-motion
effect with playback at the cinema speed of 24 fps. This is
especially effective for high-action scenes such as car chases
or spectacular crashes, or for scenes with great dramatic
impact. Unlike the slow motion captured at playback speed by
ordinary video cameras, the Varicam captures highly dense
frames to provide a smooth, naturally flowing slow-motion
effect with vivid picture quality.

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

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Film Gamma Selectable

The extremely wide reproductive range of film is the key to its
lush expression. Panasonic's new gamma curves —
developed specifically to allow a CCD camera to produce the
tonal qualities of film — now bring film's natural shading and
rich coloration to the video camera.The Varicam also lets you
switch between video and film gamma modes. Film modes
include "Cine Gamma" for film using ARRI laser recorder and
"Tele Gamma" for monitor viewing and CRT base film
recorders. Select the mode that suits your production. The
ISO640-equivalent sensitivity combines with the Varicam's
brightness and superior picture quality to produce an
essentially "grainless, high-sensitivity film" effect.

CINE GAMMA

V

Video with the Same Latitude as Film – Only VariCam