Panasonic AJ-HDC27HE User manual

AJ-HDC27H
Variable Frame-Rate HD Camera-Recorder

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Panasonic continues to expand the boundaries of video
production with breakthrough digital image technologies that
put more expressive power in the hands of movie, TV
commercial, and episodic TV programme cinematographers.
Introducing the AJ-HDC27H, the second-generation variable
frame rate HD camera-recorder that's suitable for producing
all types of image content.
The AJ-HDC27H combines variable frame rates that emulate
the speed effects of a film camera with cine gamma image
quality that offers the sufficient latitude to take full advantage
of the full dynamic range of film theater projection.
No wonder more and more production companies have turned
to variable frame rate as their HD camera with film sensitivity
and a system capable of dramatically reducing movie
production costs.
The AJ-HDC27H inherits the basic design and features of its
predecessors while adding enhancements geared to today's
latest production needs. Everything from image quality to
functions and operating ease has been fine-tuned. Capturing
smooth, beautiful images, the new variable frame rate debuts
as a low-cost, high-quality solution to production of content
from movies and TV programmes to commercials and
music clips.
New AJ-HDC27H Functions and Specifications
•Newly developed 3CCD system
•12-bit A/D converter
•New high-resolution emulation mode
•Lens files can be written to an SD Memory Card
•Two individual HD-SDI outputs
•Frame rate switching can be assigned to a user button
Panasonic Keeps Evolving
Digital Video with the Sensitivity of Film

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Variable Frame Rate
The Panasonic AJ-HDC27H is the video camera able to
emulate the "undercranking" and "overcranking" technique
of film cameras to slow down or speed up images. By
varying the frame rate from 4 to 60 fps and adjusting the
shutter speed from 3.0º to 350.0º (0.8% to 97.2%) of the
frame rate, you can create a wide range of cinematic
effects. And since the VTR section records at a constant
60 fps, you can edit offline with a conventional DVCPRO
HD VTR.
VARIABLE FRAME RATE
Offers Advanced Speed Effects and
Produces All Types of Content – Only the Panasonic
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4-fps 12-fps 24-fps 36-fps 48-fps 60-fps
6X 2X 1X 0.67X 0.5X 0.4X
NormalUndercranking Overcranking
Normal Speed
Recording
Playback
Quick Motion Slow Motion

Normal Shooting at 24 fps (for Film) or 25 fps
(for TV programme)
Normal cinematic shooting is done at true 24 fps, the same
rate as in film cameras, or at the 25 fps used for TV
programmes and commercials. Discrete
720p images and a specially
developed film gamma curve create
images with the same tonal
characteristics as film.
Lower-speed Shooting at 4 to 23* fps
For example, shooting at 12 fps lets you attain a 2x fast-
motion effect with playback at the cinema speed of 24 fps.
This technique can be combined with zooming to create a
warp-speed effect, such as for giving special emphasis to
flowing water, fast-moving clouds, or a person standing still
amid a bustling crowd. Decrease the shutter speed for a strobe
effect, or increase it for a ghost effect. The expressive
possibilities are endless.
*When the standard speed is 24 fps. For a standard speed of 25 fps, anything under 24 fps
will be undercranked.
Higher-speed Shooting at 25* to 60 fps
For example, shoot at 48 fps to attain a 1/2x slow-motion
effect with playback at the cinema speed of 24 fps. This is
especially effective for high-action scenes such as car chases
or spectacular crashes, or for scenes with great dramatic
impact. Unlike the slow motion captured at playback speed by
ordinary video cameras, the AJ-HDC27H captures highly dense
frames to provide a smooth, naturally flowing slow-motion
effect with vivid picture quality.
*When the standard speed is 24 fps. For a standard speed of 25 fps, anything over 26 fps
will be overcranked.
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Film Gamma Selection
The extremely wide reproductive range of film is the key to
its lush expression. Panasonic's new gamma curves —
developed specifically to allow a CCD camera to produce
the tonal qualities of film — now bring film's natural
shading and rich coloration to the video camera.
The AJ-HDC27H also lets you switch between video and
film gamma modes. Film modes include "Cine Gamma" for
film using ARRI laser recorder, High End TV Production, for
monitoring and CRT base film recorders. Select the mode
that suits your production. The ISO640-equivalent
sensitivity — which surpasses even film cameras —
combines with the brightness and superior picture quality
to produce an essentially "grainless, high-sensitivity film"
effect.
CINE GAMMA
Video with the Same Latitude as Film – Only Panasonic

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Video Ganmma Image Film Ganmma Image
Film User Menu Screen
Three Gamma Curves
•Video gamma: The conventional gamma curve
used for broadcast video cameras. Includes a
low setting for clipping.
•Cine gamma (V.REC): Designed for creating
film-like TV programmes or videos, with
virtually the same recording style that you
currently use.
•Cine gamma (F.REC): Designed for movie-
making or creating film-like commercial or
episodic TV programmes. Takes full advantage
of cine gamma capabilities to let you shoot in
the same way as when using a film camera.
Film User Menu
The AJ-HDC27H is like a film camera not only in
functions and performance, but in operation as
well. The settings you need are conveniently
grouped in a single-page menu. Use this menu
to select or adjust gamma, scan reverse
ON/OFF, hardness/softness, shadow gradation,
Y-Get , and latitude. Just as with a film camera,
you can also select tungsten or daylight type
lighting.
0%
0% 100% 200% 300% 400% 500% 600%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Input
Output
Video
Cine (V. Rec)
Cine (F. Rec)
Ganmma Curve

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The optional HD gamma corrector and frame rate converter
give you total operating ease with the AJ-HDC27H two key
features – the cine gamma curves and variable frame rate.
Add a DVCPRO HD VTR with the HD/SD multi-format
function and IEEE 1394 and HD-SDI digital interfaces, and a
nonlinear editing system that supports DVCPRO HD, and
you're fully equipped to use AJ-HDC27H-recorded content in
a wide variety of productions – movies, HD theater, HD/SD
TV broadcasts and more.
HD PRODUCTION TOTAL SYSTEM
A Total HD Production System – For Producing All Types of Image Content
AJ-FRC27
Frame Rate Converter

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Speed Effects Achieved with Frame Rate Conversion
You can create a variety of speed effects by running sources recorded with the variable
frame rate function through the frame rate converter. The AJ-FRC27 Frame Rate Converter
extracts the effective frames from the input source, then outputs the data at the desired
frame rate. It also includes a built-in line conversion function for converting to 1080/24p
images.
Gamma Corrector for Easier Recording and Editing
Images recorded in cine gamma (F.REC) mode are flat and low in contrast, similar to a
direct negative-to-positive reversal. This produces an excellent film-like quality, but it's
difficult to check the images on a TV monitor. The AJ-GBX27 HD Gamma Corrector
greatly improves acquisition and editing ease by giving F.REC images a telecine look for
monitor use. The AJ-GBX27 also makes it easier to produce TV broadcast clips from
movie content.
Variable Frame Rate Content for a Host of Uses
By freely combining the variable frame rates 24/25-fps frame rate, gamma curves, and
variable frame rate functions, you can create virtually any type of image content.
•Movie film use: Post-edited images can be printed onto film for cinema viewing. The
resulting images have almost the same tonal quality and undercranking or overcranking
speed effects as footage from a film camera, but with higher sensitivity and lower cost.
•HD theater use: variable frame rate sources are ideal for use in HD theaters that use a
high-brightness, high-resolution HD projector. Because it does not use film, variable
frame rates footage offers greater flexibility in programme changes and inserts. It also
offers low-cost production and use.
•Commercial and music clip use: The combination of variable frame rate and a nonlinear
editing system offers many advantages, including film-like images, easy content
changes, and low overall costs.
•TV programme use: The 25-fps frame rate and conventional video gamma curve also let
you create video-based TV programmes.
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HD Gamma
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HD Production System
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AJ-HD1200A
DVCPRO HD VTR

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Camera section: Captures a wide range of
images for use in cinematic or broadcast
productions.
•Newly developed 3CCD system provide F12 (2,000-lux)
sensitivity, minimum illumination of 0.7 lux
•12-bit A/D converter improves gradation
•Selectable frame frequency (60.0 Hz for PAL area/59.94 Hz
for NTSC area)
•Same tungsten/daylight selection as in film cameras. Also
comes standard with two ND and CC optical filter wheels
•Picture-enhancing circuits: Auto knee, detailing, shading
compensation, 12-pole colour correction, matrix
•New high-resolution emulation mode (switchable with
normal mode)
•Up to 10 gain values ranging from –3 dB (–6 dB in video
menu) to +30 dB; 3 values can be saved as presets. Super
Gain instantly increases gain to +36 dB.
•7 shutter speeds (1/60, 1/100, 1/120, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000,
1/2000 sec), plus 3˚-350˚ (0.8%-97.2%) variable
•Auto Black Balance (ABB) and Auto White Balance (AWB).
AWB stores two values for each set of four CC filter
positions.
•“Y Get” makes spot meter function realized on EVF
•Digital setup for numeric image control. Easy jog dial and
menu-driven operation.
•Simple cinematic settings via the Film User Menu
AJ-HDC27H CAMERA-RECORDER
Side view
Side view Front view
Rear view
DVCPRO HD Cassette tape Extension control unit
Combining Advanced Digital Recording
and Cinema Know-How — Only Panasonic