The Panasonic AG-HPX500 is an affordable 2/3" CCD high definition camcorder designed for use with the P2 memory-based recording system. The camera truly shines in a wide variety of applications previously only possible on the highest-end Varicam. The unit is lightweight enough to take almost anywhere while still conforming to a shoulder-mounted form factor professionals require. Four P2 slots allow for up to 256 minutes of continuous recording.

Unlike similar priced camcorders, the AG-HPX500 can shoot a variety of standard definition and high definition resolutions, including 720p, 1080i and 1080p. All footage is recorded to the industry-standard DVCPRO, DVCPRO50, DVCPRO HD formats, which can be used in almost every professional editing suite. Features such as variable frame rates, 60p, chromatic aberration compensation (CAC), cine-like gamma, and many others provide limitless possibilities for dramatic, news and sports productions. No matter what the task the AG-HPX500 has it covered. This package includes 4 16 GB P2 cards.

Note! This model does not come with a lens.

• P2 Flash Memory Recording Storage: The AG-HPX500 is the first high definition ENG camcorder featuring the P2 (professional plug-in) card. It was developed as a recording memory for professional systems. Because the core P2 products use no drive mechanisms they provide superior resistance to impact, vibration and temperature change. There is a choice among 8GB and 16GB P2 cards. A 16GB card will record 16 minutes of the highest quality HDTV video, 40 minutes of 720/24pN video or up to 64 minutes of standard definition DVCPRO25 or consumer DV video.

• High-Quality 2/3" CCDs: Borrowing technology from the highly acclaimed AG-SDX900, the AG-HPX500's advanced 2/3" progressive CCDs provide the kind of high sensitivity not available in comparably priced cameras. This advanced CCD combined with a newly developed digital signal processor (DSP) in combination with a very sophisticated offset spatial technology, achieves unparalleled images while maintaining a high S/N ratio.

• Advanced Digital Signal Processor: The AG-HPX500's advanced digital signal processor uses 14-bit A/D conversion and 19-bit inner processing to attain unprecedented accuracy. While the camera does not record 1080/60p, it is from this capture that all other signals are made, which includes both 1080/24p and 1080/30p. The DSP performs a variety of adjustments, including eight types of gamma settings, for each of the R, G and B channels. It also converts the signals to HD or SD format. With performance equivalent to processors used in many higher-end HD cameras, the AG-HPX500 delivers beautiful images in all video formats regardless of resolution

• DVCPRO HD Codec: Thanks to a low compression ratio at a bit rate of 100 Mbps (1080/59.94i, 720/59.94p) along with the easy-to-edit intraframe compression system, DVCPRO HD is suitable for recording fast-moving subjects with no motion artifacts whatsoever, making it ideal for slow-motion capture. The 4:2:2 sampling rate minimizes jaggies at chroma edges and is advantageous in image and compositing. Sound quality is excellent too, thanks to uncompressed 16-bit, 4-channel digital audio recording capability.

• Professional Camera Features: The camera features almost every conceivable input, including HD-SDI. Serial Digital Interface (SDI) allows users to output and view digital video without any digital to analog conversion. This can be used for both recording and display purposes, providing the highest quality signal possible. The standard 2/3" bayonet mount allows cinematographers to change lenses depending on budget and application.

• Chromatic Aberration Compensation: Chromatic aberration (CA) usually appears as a hard pink glow at and around high contrast areas and lines. The phenomenon often results from imperfections in the camera lens' optics. While using compatible lenses, the AG-HPX500 can internally correct for chromatic aberration distortion through its sophisticated CAC technology.

• Super Reliable Work Flow Process: The P2 card is a new solid state recording media that Panasonic developed to bridge the gap between information technology and professional video. About the same size as a PC card, the P2 card stores large amounts of video and audio data in MXF-format files. This solid state memory is free of tape related problems such as drop-outs. It provides superior resistance to impact, vibration, and temperature changes. And it is impossible to over-write important data. Unlike tape there is no need to fast-forward or rewind to reach selected points of video. The user selects a thumbnail image and the video clip can be viewed right away. Similarly once the record button is pressed recording starts immediately.

Specifications

Signal System: 1080/60i, 30p, 24p
1080/50i, 25p
720/60p, 30p, 24p
720/50p, 25p

720pN Variable Frame Rates
60 Hz mode: 12, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, 32, 36, 48, 60 fps
50 Hz mode: 12, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 30, 32, 37, 48, 50 fps

NTSC: 480/60i, 30p, 24p
PAL: 576/50i, 25p

Image Device: 2/3" 3CCD

Lens: None

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Not Specified By Manufacturer

Horizontal Resolution: 1080 Lines

Sensitivity: F10 at 2000 lux

Minimum Illumination: Not Specified By Manufacturer

Vertical Smear: Not Specified By Manufacturer

Built-in Filters: ND: Clear, 1/4, 1/16, 1/64

LCD Monitor: 3.5"

Viewfinder: 1.5" CRT B/W, NTSC/PAL Switchable

Scan Matching: Yes
Different Ranges for Different Record Modes

Memory Card Slot: SD Memory Cards for Scene-File Sharing
4 P2 Card Slots for Video

Shutter Speed Range: 1/12 to 1/2000 sec (Range depends on Record Mode)

Gain Selection: 0-18 dB Range

VTR

Tape Format: Not Applicable

Tape Speed: Not Applicable

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Not Specified By Manufacturer

Maximum Recording Time: Not Applicable

Audio

Audio Dynamic Range: Not Specified By Manufacturer

Audio Signal Format: 16 bit/48kHz Four Channels

Audio Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz

Signal to Noise Ratio: Not Specified By Manufacturer

General

Input and Output Connectors: Composite: BNC (x1 Output)
Component: D4 Terminal (x1 Output)
SDI/HD-SDI: BNC (x1 Output)
Timecode: BNC (x1 Input, x1 Output)
FireWire: 6-Pin
DC Power: XLR (x1 Input, x1 Output)
Remote: 10-Pin
Lens: 12-Pin
EVF: 20-Pin
USB 2.0: 4-Pin (Type-B)
Microphone: XLRx2 (x1 Input)
Analog Audio: XLRx2 (x1 Input)
Line Out: Pin Jack
Headphone: 3.5mm Stereo Mini Jack

Power Requirements: 12 VDC (11-17V)

Power Consumption: 23W

Operating Temperature: 32-104°F (0-40°C)

Dimensions (WxHxD): 5.6 x 10.4 x 12.6" (14 x 26.1 x 31.8 cm)

Weight: 8.4 lb (3.8 kg)

What's in the Box

Panasonic AG-HPX500 2/3" Shoulder Mounted P2 Camcorder, 1080p/1080i/720p, NTSC/PAL
Included
1.5" B/W Viewfinder
Component Video Cable
Shoulder Strap
P2 Card Software Driver (CD-ROM)
SHAN-TM700 Quick-Release Tripod Adapter
4 x AJ-P2C016RG 16GB P2 High Performance Card
Fujinon - XA17x7.6BERM 17x 2/3" Panasonic P2HD Lens
Carry-on Camera Bag
5 Year Panasonic warranty (1-year regular warranty + 4-year extended warranty upon registration).