Panasonic AJ-HDX400P operating instructions Features of the camera unit

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Chapter 1 General

The AJ-HDX400 is a video camera recorder that integrates a 3-CCD camera unit featuring a 2/3-inch on-chip lens that supports

progressive drive with a VTR unit that in turn supports the DVCPRO HD EX format.1 One special feature of the camera unit is its ability to consistently express images with a high quality and high sensitivity since it employs progressive drive.

The unit is both compact and lightweight, and it has a minimal power consumption. It features a high picture quality and sensitivity, it has excellent mobility, and it effectively withstands dust, humidity and moisture. With all these features incorporated, it can be used even for electronic news gathering activities.

Both the camera and VTR units employ digital signal processing technology to achieve even higher levels of picture quality and stability and also to produce a system that enables the data to be controlled on the setup card.

1-1 Features of the camera unit

E-cinema camera unit featured

This video camera recorder features the Varicam (AJ- HDC27F) camera unit that was developed for E-cinema uses. This camera maximally exploits the excellence of progressive scanning and, in delivering signals to the VTR unit, it cross-converts the signals into the 1080i system using a newly developed LSI chip.

Storage type high-sensitivity function

The unit comes with a storage type gain increase function. This is a function that makes it possible to achieve a higher sensitivity of up to 20 dB above the regular gain increase.

Digital zoom function

The unit is equipped with a digital zoom employing function. This function is particularly useful when zooming further in on a subject.

12-bit A/D conversion digital signal processing circuitry

The analog images are processed into digital data by a 12- bit A/D converter with sampling frequencies of 74 MHz, and by operating the signal processor using the 74 MHz frequency, it is possible to reproduce images which are more finely detailed and achieve improvements in stability and reliability.

12-axis independent color correction function

Serving as a paint function, this facility enables the colors for 12 axes to be compensated for independently and is very useful for creating finely detailed images.

Data control function

When the unit is used on its own, one set of user data and four sets of scene file data can be registered. Further, by using an SD card or a Multimedia Card (optional accessory) as the setup card, up to eight sets of setup data can be stored.

<Note>

SD card and MultiMedia card used in this unit do not comply with the SD standard. Do not use cards formatted using this unit with other camera-recorders. Further, NTFS and FAT32 formatted cards cannot be used with this unit.

The recommended size for SD cards is 8 MB or more and 4 MB or more for MultiMedia cards.

MARKER SELECT button

At the front of the unit is a button for checking the information concerning the markers on the viewfinder screen. This is useful for checking the picture angle, for instance, during shooting.

ECU supported

The unit supports the AJ-EC3P extension control unit.

Single-action shoulder pad slide function

It is now possible to adjust the position where the unit is optimally balanced for operation using a single-touch action. This means that the operator can easily optimize the unit’s balance when the lens, battery and other peripheral camera devices have been installed on the unit.

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Contents Model No. AJ Operating Instructions Camera/VTRNi-Cd FCC NoteDo not Remove Cover or Back Contents Menu description tables Chapter Maintenance InspectionsSpecifications Features of the camera unit Features of the VTR unit AJ-HDX400P System configurationPower supply and accessory mounting section Rear Audio function section input systemFront Audio function section output system Shooting and recording camera unit CAM. Auto Knee on Shooting and recording VTR unitCAM. Auto Knee OFF BarsSqueeze LT BOXScrop Busy operation mode display lamp Setup card insertion slotMenu operation section Menu buttonCTL Time code related sectionDisplays relating to the VTR unit’s operations and modes Mode displays Time code-related switch settings and display itemsTCG switch position Display switch Display item Position Displays relating to the time codeViewfinder section Cassette tapes Up to performing the switch settings Basic proceduresFrom providing the power supply to loading the cassette Adjust the white balance Procedure for shooting3When adjusting the white balance on the spot Tape function buttonsEnsuring scene-to-scene continuity at other times Scene-to-scene continuityScene-to-scene continuity during rec-pause PRE-RECORDING function Procedure for shooting in the on modesInterval REC function ONE ShotWhen the recording is to be When recording is to be suspended at any timeWhen the ONE Shot mode of Interval REC is to be exited When the Interval REC mode is to be exitedRetake function When the Retake function is to be exitedRec-review function Normal playback and playback at different speedsAdjusting the white balance Adjusting the white balance and black balanceWhite balance detection area Output CAMWhen the white balance cannot be adjusted automatically When there is no time to adjust the white balanceAuto tracking white balance setting White balance memoriesAuto W/B BAL switch Adjusting the black balanceBlack balance memory Use this to execute ABBSetting the shutter mode and speed Setting the electronic shutterShutter modes Viewfinder screen displays relating to the shutterSelecting the audio input signals Selecting the recording signals and recording systemSetting the synchro scan mode 3 CH3 and CH4 recording levels Adjusting the audio signal recording levelsAuto Level MICSetting the user bits Setting the time dataTape continuity with the user bits User bit memory functionRegion Setting the internal clock’s date and timeTime code when the battery is replaced Setting the time codeOperating procedure for external locking Externally locking the time codeConcerning the user bit setting during external lock Setting the Umid informationTo release the external lock ExamplesBasic menu operations Menu configurationMenu displays on the viewfinder screen To increment the value Selecting the user menusTo decrement the value To set an item to on or OFFViewfinder screen status displays Viewfinder screen status display configurationViewfinder lamp displays Selecting the viewfinder screen display itemsMode Check Display item What is displayed Status when display appearsCheck Filter Line MIX Gain Remaining battery Battery type= Iris override Iris, f-valueViewfinder screen display selection Color temperatureShutter Speed/modeSetting change/adjustment result messages and display modes Setting the marker displaysSetting the camera ID Marker check screen displays Marker Select button function Mode check screen displays Mode Check button functionSetting the User SW Gain switching Menu-driven function setupSelecting the video output signals Setting items and detailsFunctions which can be selected Setting items and what is setSelecting the F.AUDIO Level control function Data handling Setting the color temperature manuallyHandling the setup card Formatting the setup card Setup card operationsSaving the data settings on the card Selecting the file NoGiving a title to the selected file Saving the data settings to the selected fileLoading the data of the selected file Loading the data saved on the cardLoading the user data How to use the user dataWriting the setting data in the user area Reading the setting data used for the scene files How to use the scene file dataWriting the setting data used for the scene files Scene Read User Data Scene SEL # Read Write Reset Scene Read User Data Scene SEL Write Reset Operation method without performing File menu operations How to use the lens file dataWhite BAL switch Attaching the battery and setting the battery type Supplying the powerUsing the Anton Bauer battery pack ReferenceNP-1 type Battery case Using the NP-1 type battery packUsing the V-mount type battery pack When the AJ-B75 AC adapter made by Panasonic is used Using an AC power supplyPin no Signal Attaching the lensApprox meters Adjusting the lens flangeLens socket OFF Adjusting the white shading of the lensGiving a title to the selected file no Storing the lens file dataReading the lens file data When using an external microphone Audio input signal preparationsWhen using the front microphone When using an audio component When using a wireless receiverWhen using a UniSlot wireless receiver Mounting the unit on a tripodConnecting the extension control unit AJ-EC3P Adjusting the position of the shoulder padAttaching the shoulder belt Example showing use of the SHAN-RC700 rain coverFront Audio Attaching the Front Audio Level control knobInspecting the camera unit Inspections prior to shootingPreparation for inspections Manual audio level adjustment function Inspection Automatic audio level adjustment function inspectionInspecting the VTR unit Tape travel inspectionInspections relating to the time code and user bits Inspection using external microphonesSelf-diagnosis function Maintenance Push Connectors and signalsNC5FBH HA16PRM-3SGSlack Battery ENDTape END REC WarningBattery Near END Wireless RFServo Tape Near ENDCode No Description of error Error codesEmergency eject Emergency eject screw Push in and turn at the same timeHow to interpret the menu lists Menu configurationHow to open the menus Output SEL REC FunctionVariable Remarks Data storage Range ONE Shot1 ROP Option ModeGenlock Color Correction MatrixMID Setting LOW SettingAdditional DTL High Setting=SKIN Tone Area Skin Tone DTLDirection All items in Camera Setting are setting targets of the item 12 $ Camera SettingsGamma FlareVF Marker VF DisplaysZebra pattern display HoldUser BOX VF INDICATOR1VF INDICATOR2 Camera ID Mode Check IND7 !LED Shutter SpeedUser SW Shutter SelectSmpte SW ModeSplit AribUser SW Gain White Balance ModeIris FileCard READ/WRITE Card R/W SelectLens File DiagnosticSystem Check InitializeBlack Shading BATTERY/TAPEWhite Shading VTR FunctionManual Battery SETTING1Data storage Range HYTRON100ENDURA-D*2 ENDURA50*1ENDURA80*1 END Battery SETTING2DIGITAL14 6 MIC/AUDIO2 5 MIC/AUDIO1Umid SET/INFO 7 TC/UBOption Downcon SettingVTR Diag Audio System Video SystemConnector Section Audio Input Connectors Memo Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems Company

AJ-HDX400P specifications

The Panasonic AJ-HDX400P is a versatile HD camcorder renowned for its exceptional image quality and professional-grade features. This camera is optimized for broadcast and production environments, delivering exceptional performance in a compact design.

One of the standout features of the AJ-HDX400P is its ability to record in multiple formats, including DVCPro HD, DVCPRO50, and DVCPRO. This flexibility allows users to choose the best format for their specific needs, making it suitable for various applications, from documentaries to commercial productions. The camcorder supports high-definition resolutions of up to 1080i, ensuring that the final output meets industry standards.

The camera is equipped with a three-CCD sensor system, which provides outstanding color reproduction and detail. Each CCD chip specializes in capturing specific color information, resulting in rich, vibrant images free from color artifacts. With a resolution of 1280 x 720p and the ability to capture 720p and 1080i formats, the AJ-HDX400P excels in delivering superior image clarity and fluid motion.

In addition to its recording capabilities, the AJ-HDX400P features advanced image processing capabilities. The camera utilizes a high-quality digital signal processor, which ensures that noise reduction is effectively handled, particularly in low-light conditions. This feature is crucial for producing clean and polished footage without compromising quality.

The Panasonic camcorder also boasts an extensive range of connectivity options. Users can benefit from HD-SDI and analog outputs, allowing for versatile connections to monitors and other recording devices. The presence of IEEE 1394 for digital output further enhances its compatibility with various editing systems, streamlining the post-production workflow.

Another notable characteristic of the AJ-HDX400P is its ergonomic design. It is built for extensive usage, featuring a lightweight yet durable chassis. The camcorder has an adjustable viewfinder and an intuitive user interface that make it easy to operate, even in high-pressure shooting environments.

Furthermore, the AJ-HDX400P supports a range of professional accessories, including lenses, microphones, and battery packs, enhancing its functionality for different shooting conditions. This adaptability makes it a reliable choice for videographers and production houses looking for a high-quality recording solution.

In summary, the Panasonic AJ-HDX400P stands out as a feature-rich, professional HD camcorder that combines advanced imaging technology, versatile recording formats, and user-friendly design, making it ideal for a wide array of filming scenarios. Its robustness and exceptional performance solidify its position as a reliable tool in the hands of creative professionals.