The Panasonic AG-HMC80 Pro AVCCAM HD Shoulder Mount PAL Camcorder is a professional-grade camcorder featuring AVCHD recording for full HD 1080/50i and 720/50p video. The camera features 1/4.1" type 3.05 megapixel progressive 3MOS sensors for high image resolution and quality. This attention to quality is further extended to the HD lens, featuring low-dispersion glass and aspherical elements to reduce aberrations in color and distortion. This lens is backed by 12x optical zoom and 10x digital zoom for a wide range of magnifications. An optical image stabilizer can also be employed, correcting camera shake that commonly occurs when shooting at long focal lengths or in low lighting situations. A dynamic range stretch (DRS) feature is also integrated into the system, providing a wider dynamic range when shooting in scenes with a great deal of contrast. By analyzing the contrast of individual pixels, the DRS helps to reduce blown highlights and blocked shadows resulting in images that appear wider ranged and full of depth.
Playback and monitoring is possible with this camera via the combination LCD monitor and EVF. This 2.7" screen converts from one to the other by flipping the viewfinder. The entire mechanism also tilts and slides for comfort and rotates 180° for use of the monitor from in front of the lens. Once clips have been recorded, you can simplify your playback process by using the LCD monitor thumbnail view, helping you to navigate through clips in any order you choose.
Other features inherent to this camera include advanced pro tuning functions for refining your exposure, the ability to take 10.6MP still images, HD focus assist with face detection, and a waveform monitor display that produces a histogram for analyzing exposure values. All of the data and files are conveniently recorded to SD memory cards, which is compatible with the HDMI output terminal for digital transferring of HD video and audio.
AVCHD Recording for Full HD
1080/50i, 1080/25p, 720/50p, and 720/50p recording formats are supported in AVCHD modes. DV mode is also supported, recording in 576/50i and 576/25p formats. When recording in PH mode, a maximum AVCHD bit rate of 24MB/s (21MB/s) is possible.
1/4.1" Type 3.05MP Progressive 3MOS Sensors
The 3MOS sensors capture full HD imagery with a total 3.05 megapixel resolution for fully rastered images with high resolution and image quality. Each of the 3 sensors captures one of the primary colors of light, RGB, and individually renders it for more precise color depiction and detail.
HD Lens and 12x Optical Zoom
The HD lens features 13 glass elements in 10 groups, including low-dispersion glass and aspherical lenses. This configuration helps to reduce color aberration and distortion across the image plane as well as increasing contrast and color portrayal. A multi-coating process also improves image quality and aids in lessening lens flare and ghosting.
Working in conjunction with the HD lens is a 12x optical zoom, allowing a 35mm equivalent focal length of 490mm. Little to no image degradation is visible when used at full power, and when used in combination with the 10x digital zoom, up to 120x magnification is possible.
Working in conjunction with the HD lens is a 12x optical zoom, allowing a 35mm equivalent focal length of 490mm. Little to no image degradation is visible when used at full power, and when used in combination with the 10x digital zoom, up to 120x magnification is possible.
Optical Image Stabilizer
Helping to correct camera shake, the optical image stabilizer provides sharper, well-defined images in situations where camera shake is an issue; low lighting conditions and when zooming. Because the image stabilization is done optically, instead of digitally, there is no image degradation associated with the feature.
Dynamic Range Stretch
Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS) provides a wider dynamic range when shooting in scenes with a great deal of contrast. By analyzing the contrast of individual pixels, the DRS helps to reduce blown highlights and blocked shadows resulting in images that appear wider ranged and full of depth.
10.6MP Digital Still Images
In addition to high definition video, this camera is able to produce high quality still images with a resolution of 10.6MP. By using Quad-Density Pixel Distribution technology, a 4x equivalent resolution is possible from the 3MOS sensors.
Cine-Like Gamma Curves
Drawing from technologies from the Varicam HD camera recorder, 7 different gamma modes have been developed for a variety of shooting scenarios, including a cine-like gamma for a warmer picture more akin to film recording. These modes are:
HD Norm - For general purpose HD recording
Low - For flattening out levels in a high contrast scene
SD Norm - For normal rending of scenes
High - For opening the shadows and brightening the overall image, with softer contrast
B. Press - For sharper contrast when compared to the Low setting
Cine-Like D - For an emphasis on a wider dynamic range when in Cine-like mode
Cine-Like V - For an emphasis on more contrast within the scene when in Cine-like mode
Extended Bit Rate in PH Mode
An image-enhancing PH mode is available that allows for a maximum AVCHD bit rate of 24MB/s, with an average of 21MB/s. This mode allows you to record in 1080/25p and 720/25p in addition to the 1080/50i format.
DV Compression Supported
In addition to AVCHD recording, a DV mode is also available due to P2 HD technologies. This allows the continued use of certain editing workflows and programs while being able to utilize the convenience of recording to SD media.
Solid State Recording Functions
By using SD memory cards; there is no need for cueing tapes or worrying about recording over pre-existing footage. 5 different functions make use of this technology:
Shot mark - Allows you to mark and sort clips that you deem important
Pre-REC - Allows you to record images and sounds for 3 seconds before the record button is pressed when in standby mode
REC check - Allows you to quickly check the end of the most recently recorded clip with one-touch convenience
Last clip delete - Allows you to delete the most recent clip with one-touch functionality; this mode can also be designated as a user button
Metadata recording - Allows you to encode metadata to the video files, including the date, camera operator, location, title, and other info
2.7" LCD/EVF Combo with Thumbnail View
Playback and monitoring is possible with this camera via the combination LCD monitor and EVF. This 2.7" screen converts from one to the other by flipping the viewfinder. The entire mechanism also tilts and slides for comfort and rotates 180° for use of the monitor from in front of the lens. Once clips have been recorded, you can simplify your playback process by using the LCD monitor thumbnail view, helping you to navigate through clips in any order you choose.
Manual Focus Ring
A multi-function ring that can switch between focus, zoom, and iris control modes. When using autofocus, the ring can be designated to control the zoom or iris. You are able to decide which of the 3 functions you would like to manually control while the other variables are handled automatically.
Waveform Monitor Display
This feature produces a histogram on the LCD/EVF screen for analyzing exposure values. With this information, you can more accurately adjust the black and white levels for producing the appropriate exposure.
HD Focus Assist
On-Site Recording Functions
User Buttons and Key Functions
You are able to assign 3 of the following functions to the User buttons for instant, one-touch accessibility.
INH
BLACKFADE
HIGH GAIN
LAST CLIP
(PUSH) AF
WHITEFADE
D.ZOOM
WFM
BACKLIGHT
ATW
EVF DTL
SPOTLIGHT
ATW LOCK
SHOT MARK
Other Professional Features
XLR Line/Microphone Input
In addition to the built-in stereo microphone 2 XLR-type audio input terminals (mic/line switchable, 48V compatible) are integrated on the rear panel. You can switch audio channels 1 and 2 separately to either line or front microphone input, which is especially useful when recording interviews or narration.
Down-Conversion to Standard Definition
Utilizing the HDMI, component video, and composite outputs HD images can be down-converted to standard definition while being recorded or during playback. A 16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratio can also be applied for proper sizing during conversion. Audio output, through the RCA terminal, also enables viewing on an external monitor for standard definition dubbing.