Panasonic AJ-HDX400 User manual

AJ-
DVCPRO HD Camera-Recorder
(1080i)

The AJ-HDX400 was developed as a mainstream camera-recorder for HD acquisition and recording. Equipped with a
host of new functions, including digital super gain (frame cumulative mode) and digital zoom, the camera section
features high sensitivity and superb image quality. The compact, lightweight VTR section records in the DVCPRO HD-LP
format. This new HD camera-recorder combines excellent balance, easy operation, and solid reliability. This adds up to
a highly mobile system that brings new form to the time-proven concept that great results start with good camera work.
A New Era of HD Acquisition
Digital Super Gain and Easy Mobility Expand HD Acquisition Possibilities

•Optimal balance and operating ease for comfortable shooting
•F10 sensitivity and digital super gain
•Enhanced image quality with 12-bit A/D, 12-axis color correction, and cine-like gamma
•A new approach to HD acquisition with digital zooming and a pre-recording function
•A DVCPRO HD-LP VTR section that uses the compact M cassette
•Stereo recording with 4-channel audio input and a 5-pin XLR mic
•Complete with SD down-converter out, and ready for a GPS unit and slot-in wireless receiver
9.4 lbs, prefect balance
F10, +74dB high sensitivity

Camera Section
F10 Sensitivity, Digital Super Gain, and Line Mix
Extremely bright for an HD camera, the AJ-HDX400's lens produces
crisp images even in normal mode. It also features both conventional
electronic gain and digital super gain (frame cumulative mode), enabling
ultra-sensitive recording up to +74 dB*1. In contrast to the increased
noise of electronic gain functions, this system maintains a high S/N*2.
The line mix mode also accommodates moving images. Combine the
digital super gain, conventional electronic gain, and line mix mode to
respond flexibly to virtually all shooting situations.
*1 Combining electronic gain with +48 dB, 6P cumulative mode with +20 dB, and line
mix with +6 dB.
*2 The use of cumulative frames reduces the number of frames per second, giving
moving images a frame-by-frame effect.
Newly Developed Progressive HD Shooting System
In this new system, a progressive CCD lets you shoot 60p images and
use Progressive/Interline conversion to attain 1080/59.94i images. This
makes it possible to get the similar level of image quality and low smear
as you get with a 2-million pixel FIT CCD, by using a high-sensitivity,
lower-cost IT CCD.
12-Bit A/D Signal Processing Circuit
The AJ-HDX400 features a new DSP circuit that uses 12-bit rather than
conventional 10-bit processing for A/D conversion. This achieves better
overall picture quality, with finer gradation and improved color
expression.
400% Digital Zoom
You can digitally enlarge the CCD image to 200%, 300% or 400% of the
normal lens magnification. HD images retain their superior resolution
even with zooming, and — unlike when a lens extender is used —
brightness is not reduced. Ideal as both a shooting technique and
focusing support.
*Jagged edges typical of digital zooming appear in 3x and 4x zoom images.
User Scene Files
Store specific camera settings in
built-in memory, then retrieve them
when needed for quick, easy setup.
Four files with settings can be stored
in the camera's memory. Files can
also be copied onto an SD Memory
Card or MultiMediaCard, allowing
storage of up to eight files.
Customized User Buttons
Three user buttons are provided. Assign a function to each for easy
pushbutton selection: Super Iris, Super Gain, Digital Super Gain, Super
Black, Black Stretch, Front/Rear Input Select of Audio CH1/CH2, etc. You
can also customize the on-screen menu with the items you use most
often, then display them by simply pressing a button.
Built-in Image-Enhancing Circuits
• A cine-like gamma curve lets you create video productions that closely
replicate the high-quality look and "feel" that distinguishes cinema film,
suitable for a host of applications, from production of documentaries
and commercials to music video clips.
• Built-in auto knee circuit produces a wide dynamic range.
• Versatile DTL functions, including skin DTL and continuously variable
DTL peak frequency.
• Precise color management with Linear Matrix Color and 12 Axis Color
Correction.
• Shading correction function that adjusts for use of a lens extender.
Enhanced Camera Functions and Specifications
• The electronic shutter has speeds of
1/100, 1/120, 1/250, 1/500,
1/1000, and 1/2000 sec, plus
synchro-scan capability
(1/60.3 to 1/249.8 sec).
• ND filter (CLEAR, 1/4ND,
1/16ND, 1/64ND) and CC
filter (Cross, 3200K, 4300K, 6300K).
• Select from a variety of finder markers, or make
your own.
• Display a zebra pattern
for contrast
adjustment, Auto
White Balance setting,
and color bar output.
• One touch of the
mode check button
displays the camera
settings for easy
confirmation.
Four Gain Settings
Gain selector: Select three values from
(electronic) –3/0/+3/+6/+9/+12/+15/+18/+21/+24/+27/+30 dB.
Super gain: Select one value from
(electronic) +30/+36/+42/+48 dB for one-touch gain increase.
Digital super gain : Select one value from +6 dB(30P)/+10 dB(20P)/
(frame cumulative mode) +12 dB (15P)/+15 dB(10P)/+20 dB(6P)
for one-touch registration.
Line mix gain: Switch ON and OFF
(electronic) from the menu for a +6 dB effect.
Nomal Gain UP Image Digital Super Gain UP Image
HD Shooting with High Sensitivity, Superb Picture Quality

Lightweight, Well Balanced Body
The AJ-HDX400 offers a lightness in
operation that is not entirely reflected
in its 9.4 lbs (4.3 kg) weight.
Designed specifically to provide
excellent balance while shooting, it
doesn't become front-heavy when
equipped with lens, battery, and
wireless receiver. Camera work is
comfortable because the AJ-HDX400 maintains a natural, horizontal
position when held on the shoulder or lifted by the handle. The body
height is also minimized to give the operator a clear view front and rear.
Designed for Ease of Operation
The position, function, and shape of all switches, dials and terminals
have been designed in response to feedback from ENG professionals to
allow quick operation and prevent errors for greater reliability.
• The Audio Rec level adjustment (rear, CH1/CH2) features a push lock
function.
• An LCD panel with a wide viewing angle provides greater visibility for
high- and low-angle shots.
• The Audio Input level adjustment (front) can be switched ON/OFF and
allocated to the desired channels by menu operation. A dial can also be
mounted for this purpose.
• One of the three user buttons
can be isolated as a USER
MAIN button for easy
blind-touch operation.
New Mechanisms with
Rugged Mobility
• The Easy-Slide Shoulder Pad slides
up to 1.18" (30mm) in 10 steps.
Requiring no tools, the pad can be
slid with one hand, and securely
locked in position.
• A new 3-point locking viewfinder
mount allows precise adjustment
in only forward/backward or only
right/left directions.
Body Design
Engineered for Optimal Balance and Operating Ease

TR Section
Compact, Lightweight DVCPRO HD-LP Recorder
The DVCPRO HD-LP format lets you
record up to 33 minutes onto a
compact M-size cassette (using the
AJ-HP33EMG). A 100-Mbps bit rate
and highly efficient compression
ratio combine to record 1080i HD
images in high-quality digital
component signals. A unique
recording head structure achieves the same 9,000 rpm head cylinder
rotation as in the DVCPRO50 format. This results in extremely quiet
operation while recording.
*DVCPRO HD-LP tapes recorded with the AJ-HDX400 cannot be played on a
conventional DVCPRO HD VTR (AJ-HD150/AJ-HD130DC).
Four Channel Digital Audio
The AJ-HDX400 can record full 48-kHz/16-bit digital audio on all four
channels. You can freely select the audio source for each channel,
choosing from mic, line, wireless receiver, and others. A 5-pin XLR jack
with 2-channel compatibility is used for the front mic input. Using a
stereo microphone (AJ-MC900G, sold separately) lets you record stereo
with a single mic.
Pre-Recording and Other Versatile Recording Functions
• PRE REC: While in standby mode, you can continuously store, and
subsequently record, up to 10 seconds of images and sounds. In
effect, this lets you record footage of events that occur even before
you press the rec start button, giving you a way to "go back" and
capture moments you otherwise would have missed.
• RETAKE: Simply press the MODE CHECK and RET buttons at the same
time to retake and overwrite the cut that was recorded immediately
before.
• INTERVAL REC: The interval REC function is ideal for time lapse
recording, such as in environmental, scientific or industrial
applications calling for observation or surveillance.
HD SDI Output and SD Down-Convert Output Provided
A standard HD SDI output is provided for use in monitoring and line
recording. A down-converter is also built into the AJ-HDX400 for SD
(NTSC) output. The aspect mode can be selected at the camera-
recorder. Naturally, the monitor can also be used for live transmission.
UniSlot®Wireless Receiver
For even greater mobility in news gathering applications, the AJ-HDX400
can be integrated with an optional slot-in type wireless receiver.
*UniSlot®is a trademark of Ikegami Tsusinki Co., Ltd.
GPS Unit
By mounting the optional AJ-GPS900G GPS unit, the AJ-HDX400 can
record real-time position data (latitude, longitude, and altitude) onto the
tape, conforming to UMID standards.
Power-Save Management (SAVE REC) Function
This function reduces power consumption during recording to a low
35.5 watts by interrupting playback-related circuits. Output to the HD
SDI OUT terminal can also be stopped to allow operation with less
power consumption.
Other Functions
• Color bar (switchable between SMPTE, ARIB, and full color) and
standard audio signal (1-kHz test tone) output
• Built-in SMPTE time code generator/reader, with time code In/Out
terminal
• Simple camera remote, which connects to the optional AJ-EC3P
Extension Control Unit (ECU)
• Rec Review function for easy checking of recorded results
• Multiple battery support, including Anton Bauer batteries
Side Operation and LCD Panel Rear ConnectorsFront Operation
Rear Side Connectors
image
■Pre-Recording Circuit
■Pre-Recording Action
Memory
camera
Pre-Recording Board
Max 10sec.
REC START REC PAUSE
memory VTR
Recording
Digital HD VTR and System Functions

Microphone
(Phantom +48)
AJ-MC900G
Microphone Kit
AJ-HVF20BP 2.0" EVF
Anton/Bauer
Ultra Light
AJ-MH800G
Microphone
Holder
DC Cable (XLR)
6-Pin Remote Cable
SHAN-TM700
Tripod Adapter
Shoulder Strap
SHAN-RC700
Rain Cover
AJ-SC900
Soft Carrying Case
(not available in some area)
Tripod
AJ-B75
AC Adapter
2/3" Lens AJ-HDX400
Standard Accessories
Anton/Bauer
Gold Mount Plate Anton/Bauer Batteries Anton/Bauer Battery Charger
BNC Cable
BNC
BNC AJ-EC3P
ExtensionControlUnit Picture Monitor
*Down Converter
Image (SD) form
AJ-HDX400
UniSlot®Wireless
Mic Receiver
AJ-GPS900G
GPS Unit

AJ-HT901
Hard Carrying Case SD Memory Card
Accesories
AJ-HVF20BP
2" HD EVF 16:9/4:3 switchable
AJ-MC900G
Stereo Microphone (5-pin)
AJ-MH800G
Microphone Holder
SHAN-TM700
Tripod Adapter
AJ-GPS900G
GPS Unit
SD Memory Card
AJ-EC3P
Extension Control Unit
AJ-B75
AC Adapter
Anton/Bauer Battery Charger
Package HTP-T230
Anton/Bauer Dionic
Anton/Bauer Battery Charger
Anton/Bauer Ultra Light
AJ-SC900
Soft Carrying Case
(Not available in some area)
SHAN-RC700
Rain Cover
(Not available in some area)
AJ-HT901G
Hard Carrying Case
(Not available in some area)

SPECIFICATIONS
General
Power Supply: DC 12 V (11 V to 17 V)
Power Consumption: 37 W
Operating Humidity: 10 % to 85 %
Operating Temperature: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to +40°C)
Dimensions : 5-1/16" x 8-1/16" x 12-3/8"
(W x H x D) (129 x 204 x 313 mm)
Weight: About 9.4lbs (4.3 k )
About 16.7lbs (7.6 k ) operation
Continuous Rec Time: About 120 min. with Anton/Bauer Dionic 80/80W
Camera Section
CCD Elements: 2/3”HD Progressive CCD
Picture Elements: Total: 1370 (H) x 744 (V)
Effective: 1280 (H) x 720(V)
Optical System: F 1.4 prism system
Optical Filters: CC: Cross, 3200K, 4300K, 6300K
ND: CLEAR, 1/4ND, 1/16ND, 1/64ND
Quantization: 12 bits
Sampling Frequency: 74 MHz
Programmable Gain: –3/0/+3/+6/+9/+12/+15/+18/+21/+24/+27/+30 dB
Super Gain: +30/+36/+42/+48 dB
Digital Super Gain: +6/+10/+12/+15/+20 dB
Line Mix Gain: +6 dB (On/Off)
Shutter Speed: 1/100, 1/120, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000 and 1/2000 sec.
Syncro Scan Shutter: 1/60.3 to 1/249.8 sec.
Sensitivity: F10.0 at 2000 Lux, 89.9% reflect
Minimum Illumination: 0.008 Lux at +48 dB +20 dB +6 dB Gain
Video S/N: 54 dB (typical)
Horizontal Resolution: 700 TV lines at centre
Registration Error: Less than 0.03 % (whole zone, without lens distortion)
Lens Mount: 2/3" Bayonet type
VTR Section
Recording Fromat: DVCPRO HD-LP (1080, 59.94i)
Tape: 6.35 mm wide metal tape (DVCPRO HD M cassette)
Tape Speed: 67.640 mm/s
Max Rec Time: Approx. 33 min (using AJ-HP33EMG)
FF/REW Time: About 1.5 min. (using AJ-HP33EMG)
Pre-Recording Time: Max. 10 sec
Video
Sampling Frequency: Y: 74 MHz, PB/PR: 37 MHz
Quantization: 8 bits
Compression Method: DCT and Variable-length Coding
Compression Ratio: 6.7:1
Error Correction: Reed Solomon Product Code
Bit Rate: 100 Mbps
Audio
Sampling Frequency: 48 kHz (sync. with video)
Quantization: 16 bits
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±1.0 dB (reference level)
Dynamic Range: More than 85 dB (1kHz, AWTD)
Distortion: Within 0.1% (1 kHz, reference level)
Wow & Flutter: Below measurable limit
Head Room: 20 dB
Input
Audio IN: XLR-3pin x 2 (CH1/CH2),
LINE/MIC/MIC +48 V switchable
LINE: 0/+4 dBu, MIC: –60/–50 dBu,
MIC+48V:Phantom +48 V, –50/–60 dBu,
MIC IN: XLR-5pin x 1, Stereo, –40/–50 dBu, Phantom +48 V
Wireless IN: 25pin D-sub, –40 dBu
Genlock IN: BNC x 1, HD/SD (V lock)
TC IN: BNC x 1, 0.5 to 8.0 Vp-p, high impedance
Output
HD SDI OUT: BNC x 1, 0.8Vp-p
Video OUT: BNC x 1, SD Composite (Down Convert Out)
Audio OUT: XLR-5pin x 1/+4 dBm
TC OUT: BNC x 1, 2.0 Vp-p, low impedance
Phones: Stereo mini jack x 2 (Front/Rear)
Others
DC IN: XLR-4pin, DC12 V (DC11V to 17 V)
DC OUT: 4pin x 1, DC12V (DC11V to 17 V), 1 A
Lens: 12pin x 1
ECU: 6pin x 1
EVF: 20pin x 1
Receiver : UniSlot®Wireless Receiver
*DVCPRO HD-LP tapes recorded with the AJ-HDX400 cannot be played on a conventional
DVCPRO HD VTR (AJ-HD150/AJ-HD130DC).
*UniSlot®is a trademark of Ikegami Tsusinki Co., Ltd.
4K507ZM-2 Printed in Japan
SP-HDX400P2
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
Systems Business Group
2-15 Matsuba-cho, Kadoma, Osaka, 571-8503 Japan
Tel. [phone] Fax. [phone]
https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/
Panasonic Systems Sales Taiwan Co.,Ltd.
5F, 2 Sec. 5 Hsin I Road Taipei, Taiwan
Tel. [phone] Fax. [phone]
Panasonic Korea Ltd.
Seohyun B/D, 1718-9, Seocho-Dong, Seocho-Gu,
Seoul, Korea
Tel. [phone] FAX. [phone]
Broadcast and Communication Company of Asia,
Inc.
R-1902A Tektite Tower II Exchange Road Ortigas Center
Posig City, Philippines
Tel. [phone] Fax. [phone]
Panasonic de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
Tel. [phone] Fax. [phone]
Panasonic Latin America S.A.
(
Caribe,Centro America, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia,
Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile )
Tel. [phone] Fax. [phone]
Panasonic del Peru S.A.
Tel. [phone] Fax. [phone]
Panasonic do Brasil Ltda
Tel. [phone] Fax. [phone]
PANASONIC BROADCAST & TELEVISION SYSTEMS COMPANY
UNIT OF PANASONIC CORPORATION OF NORTH AMERICA
www.panasonic.com/broadcast
Executive Office: One Panasonic Way, 4E-7, Secaucus, NJ 07094
[phone]
EASTERN ZONE: One Panasonic Way 4E-7, Secaucus, NJ 07094
(including Southeast) [phone]
WESTERN ZONE: 3330 Cahuenga Blvd W., Los Angeles, CA 90068
(including Southwest) [phone]
Government Sales: [phone] (Eastern U.S.),
[phone] (Western U.S.)
Panasonic Canada Inc.
5770 Ambler Drive, Mississauga, Ontario L4W 2T3 [phone]
www.panasonic.ca e-mail: [email protected]
Panasonic Puerto Rico, Inc.
San Gabriel Industrial Park, 65th Infantry Ave., Km. 9.5, Carolina,
Puerto Rico 00630 [phone]