Panasonic AJ-HPX3000 New 2.2-megapixel Progressive/Interlace CCD, Scene Files and Lens Files

DSP (Digital Signal Processor)

The DSP performs 14-bit A/D conversion for the RGB signal input from the CCD, and completes all image processes, such as CAC, DRS, gamma, 12-axis independent color compensation and detail, simultaneously and digitally to achieve high image quality without degradation.

Gamma curve

		FILMLIKE1
level
	SD		FILM-REC
Image		FILMLIKE3
		FILMLIKE2
	HD
		Luminance
	HD:	Normal setting for HDTV
	SD:	Normal setting for SDTV
	FILMLIKE 1 — 3: Film-like video production (3 modes of gradation)
	FILM REC:	Movie production

New 2.2-megapixel Progressive/Interlace CCD

For the AJ-HPX3000, Panasonic developed a high-density 2.2-megapixel 2/3-inch CCD that provides high-resolution full-pixel (1920 x 1080) HD images. The AJ-HPX3000 provides a choice of progressive / interlace HD video formats; supporting native 1080 23.98p / 25p/29.97p, as well as 1080 50i and 1080 59.94i. The camera offers a high F10 sensitivity at 2000 lux when operating in 1080i.

Chromatic Aberration Compensation (CAC)

This exclusive technology works between lens and camera, allowing for a highly sophisticated algorithm to be deployed that automatically compensates the registration error that is caused mainly by lens chromatic aberration, and minimizes the neighboring blur. By using a CAC-compatible zoom lens, the AJ-HPX3000 can obtain images similar to those captured with a prime lens.

DRS (Dynamic Range Stretcher) Function

DRS recognizes the average brightness of highlight and shadow areas and then automatically adjusts the aperture and uses knee control to suppress blocking in the shadow areas. In scenes with mixed dark and light areas, such as when moving from indoors to outdoors, DRS automatically provides a wider dynamic range with minimal blown highlights and blocked shadows.

High-Sensitivity Digital Super Gain

The high-sensitivity F10 aperture and digital super gain (frame cumulative mode) let the AJ-HPX3000 record with a high S/N ratio*1 and less of the noise that commonly comes with higher gain. The gain and digital super gain can be flexibly combined to achieve highly sensitive recording of up to a +56 dB*2 gain increase and 0.064 lx minimum illumination, to suit different shooting conditions.

*1: Due to the use of image accumulation, the number of recorded frames per second decreases. This results in a frame-by-frame playback effect.

*2: With super gain set at +36 dB and digital super gain (6P cumulative mode) at +20 dB.

Scan Reverse Function for Film Lens Use

The AJ-HPX3000 can use an ultra prime lens and even an anamorphic lens adapter that creates a 2.35:1 aspect image for wide-screen cinematic shooting without cropping the image. Its scan reverse function cancels the image inversion that occurs when Angenieux's HD lens adaptor is used.

Simulation Showing the CAC (Chromatic Aberration Compensation) Effect

Full screen image (simulated*) CAC OFF (simulated*) CAC ON (simulated*)

When a zoom lens is used, chromatic aberration occurs near the perimeter of the R, G and B channels (with CAC turned off). When the advanced CAC function is utilized, after the CCD captures the image, the CAC function uses the DSP circuit to perform digital compensation using a table prepared for selected lens**.

The beneficial effect is more prominent for higher-resolution images”.

Six Gamma Modes Including VariCam Film-Rec

A new digital signal processing (DSP) circuit in the AJ-HPX3000 has six selectable gamma modes. These include F-Rec gamma for movie production, which is the same high-end function incorporated in the Varicam. Select the mode (see the diagram above) to match the application.

14-Bit Digital Processing with 12-Axis Color Correction

In the AJ-HPX3000, we offer a 14-bit A/D conversion system along with the new high-performance DSP circuit. The 12-axis color correction matrix lets you make fine adjustments in specific color regions. Functions such as skin detail let you further fine-tune the image.

Scene Files and Lens Files

•Scene Files: Store specific camera settings in built-in memory. Four files with settings can be stored in the camera's memory. Files can also be copied onto an SD/SDHC Memory Card, allowing storage of up to eight files.

•Lens Files: Store settings for interchangeable lenses. Eight files can be stored in the camera unit, and 64 (8 x 8) files can be saved on an SD/SDHC Memory Card.

Shooting Assist Functions

•Three User Buttons: Assign a function to each, and then you can select functions with pushbutton ease.

•Focus Assist: Facilitates focusing by displaying the frequency.

•Variable Color Temperature: Color temperature can be adjusted with the jog dial after the white balance is set.

•Electronic Shutter with Half-Speed: The AJ-HPX3000 has a full collection of shutter angle options like the VariCam. It also includes Six fixed speeds of up to 1/2000sec, plus "half-speed"(180-degree) slow and synchro-scan capability.

•Two optical filters, ND and CC, have four positions each. The 3200K, 4300K, 5600K and 6300K positions of the CC filter help to express deeper colors.

•A 3-point locking viewfinder mount allows precise adjustment.

•The Audio Rec level adjustment features a push lock function.

•The Audio Input level adjustment (front) can be switched ON/OFF and allocated to desired channels.

Simulation Showing the DRS (Dynamic Range Stretcher) Effect

DRS OFF* DRS ON*

As seen in the image at the left, the ordinary auto knee function results in blown highlights outside the window or blocked shadows inside the room. The DRS detects the average brightness of both light and dark areas, and prevents blown highlights and blocked shadows to provide a broader dynamic range. This is especially effective for film-like HD production.

** FUJINON 2/3" LENS compatible with CAC HA22x7.8BERM-M58/HA22x7.8BERD-S58/	* These simulated images ware prepared for the purpose of explaining the function. It
HA16x6.3BERM-M58/HA16x6.3BERD-S58	is not actual captured image. The effect is emphasized, and the actual image differs	4
CANON 2/3" LENS compatible with CAC HJ22ex7.6B IASE/HJ17ex7.6B IASE	from the simulated images shown here.