The Panasonic
AG-HPX175 is a P2HD Solid-State Camcorder which builds on the tradition and
success of the AG-HVX200. The camera’s enhanced sensor provides lower noise
levels while increasing sensitivity in low-light situations. Unlike the
AG-HVX200AE, the AG-HPX171E does not include a tape drive, opting for a lighter
and more durable frame. In this case "less" certainly means more;
removal of the deck translates into a variety of extra features, including a
lens with improved wide-angle capability, vector scope, waveform monitor,
HD-SDI output, a 6-Pin locking FireWire port, and 3 focus-assist modes.
Good Things Come In Small Packages
The AG-HPX175
feels much like the acclaimed AG-DVX100, as opposed to its more similar and
larger cousin, the AG-HVX200AE. Reducing weight makes the camera easy to hold;
at 4.2 lbs the camera is very comfortable on long shoots.
Professional Camera Functions
The AG-HPX170E
comes equipped with a variety of professional features usually unheard of for a
camera in its class. Features include an HD-SDI output for shooting uncompressed
footage directly to a deck or computer. The camera also comes with a 6-pin
locking FireWire port making it more robust and less prone to accidental yanks.
Other functions include a waveform monitor, histogram, vector scope and
delete-last-clip button.
P2 Flash Memory Recording Storage
P2 is a
recording medium for professional systems. Since P2 cards use no drive
mechanisms, they provide superior resistance to impact, vibration and
temperature changes. There is currently a choice between 16GB, 32GB and 64GB P2
cards. A 64GB card will record 64 minutes of the highest quality HDTV video,
176 minutes of 720p/25 frame video or over 4 hours of standard definition
DVCPRO25/MiniDV video.
Superior Quality Lens
The 13x zoom
lens system features 13 lens elements in 10 groups, including three aspherical
lenses. Panasonic has reduced the front lens element from 67mm on the
AG-HVX200AE to 53.2mm on the AG-HPX170E. The use of low-dispersion glass
reduces color aberration while a multi-coating process minimizes flare and
ghosting.
Super Sensitive CCDs
Each pixel has a
large light-receiving area, giving this advanced 1/3" progressive CCD the
kind of high sensitivity not available in previous compact HD cameras. This
advanced CCD combines with a newly developed 14-bit digital signal processor
(DSP) to achieve a balance of high resolution and high S/N ratio that rivals
even the most sophisticated HD broadcasting cameras.
Advanced Digital Signal Processor
The AG-HPX171E
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
1080/50p, it is from this capture that all other signals are made. 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 a performance equivalent to the processors used in many higher-end
HD cameras, this DSP helps the camera deliver beautiful images in all video
formats.
DVCPRO HD Codec
Using the DVCPRO
HD codec recording system, the AG-HPX170E records HD video with outstanding
image and audio quality onto a P2 card in file format. This codec, thanks to a
low compression ratio at a video bit rate of 100 Mbps (1080/50i, 720/50p) and
the easy-to-edit intraframe compression system, is suitable for recording
fast-moving subjects with no motion artifacts other than motion blur. 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 DVCPRO HD’s
uncompressed 16-bit, 4-channel digital audio recording capability.
VariCam Functions
The AG-HPX170E
inherits many of the functions of the popular VariCam which enhanced the
production of movies and television programs. It has variable frame rate
features that respond to fast and slow action. Its true 25p progressive video,
cine-like gamma curves, and cine-like color matrix capture images and scenes
with much the same look and feel as footage from a film camera. All controls
and system interfaces are designed to meet professional needs.
Optical Image Stabilizer
The optical
image stabilization system ensures glass smooth images even with moderate
shaking while shooting hand-held.