Panasonic has announced the AJ-PX5000G, its first P2 HD camcorder with native AVC-
ULTRA recording and built-in microP2 card slots. The 2/3-inch, 2.2M 3-MOS camera
combines superb image production, light weight and innovative expandability. It
features 720p and 1080p/i recording, and is the first P2 camcorder that will record in
full-resolution, 10-bit 1080/60p (in AVC-Intra100). AVC-LongG is standard.
The PX5000G will offer optional AVC-Intra200 recording, which at twice the bit rate
per frame of AVC-Intra100 is virtually lossless, delivering a master quality codec in an
affordable, file-based shoulder-mount camera. High-resolution AVC-Proxy recording is
likewise an option.
With its breadth of recording options, ultimate image quality, variety of professional
I/Os and powerful expandability, the PX5000G will address niches in network news,
documentary, high-end corporate and sports production, as well as the rental market.
The PX5000G’s three 2.2M pixel MOS sensors deliver a horizontal resolution of 1 000
TV lines, and sensitivity of F12 over 60i. The camcorder’s 2/3-inch shoulder-type
design accommodates a variety of interchangeable lenses. The PX5000G can record in
AVC-LongG and AVC-Intra100/50, with optional recording in DVCPRO HD, DVCPRO50,
DVCPRO and DV; the unit is 50 Hz and 59.94 Hz switchable for worldwide use.
Panasonic’s AVC-ULTRA offers master-quality and/or low-bit-rate 10-bit, 4:2:2
recording in full HD to meet a variety of user needs from mastering to transmission.
AVC-LongG, designed for applications where file size is critical, offers up to 10-bit,
4:2:2 sampled recording in a much smaller file size, saving storage cost and transfer
times over MPEG-2 while maintaining equal or better video quality. The PX5000G
incorporates a selection of AVC-LongG quality levels, including AVC-LongG50 (10-bit,
4:2:2) and AVC-LongG25 (4:2:2, 10-bit).
Addressing the need for high-speed file exchange, AVC-Proxy encodes, optional in the
PX5000G, are made in parallel with higher bandwidth production formats. AVC-Proxy
enables fast, efficient offline editing, at bit-rates from 3.5 megabits down to 800
kilobits per second.
Weighing just over eight pounds, the PX5000G is the first P2 HD camcorder with built-
in slots for the company’s new microP2 cards, which have an SD card form factor. The
PX5000G has two microP2 slots and two standard P2 card slots, as well as an SD card
slot for proxy/metadata recording.
The camcorder will be equipped with Chromatic Aberration Compensation (CAC) to
maximise lens performance; Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS) function to help
compensate for wide variations in lighting; and a highly accurate flash band detection
and compensation algorithm that minimises this effect. The PX5000G delivers seven-
mode gamma selection and extensive digital image settings.
Screen Africa magazine – April 2013
