Panasonic Varicam AJ-HDC27H User manual

AJ-HDC27H
Variable Frame-Rate HD Camera-Recorder

2
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 program cinematographers.
Introducing the AJ-HDC27H, the second-generation VariCam
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 VariCam
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 Varicam debuts as a
low-cost, high-quality solution to production of content from
movies and TV programs 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
VariCam Keeps Evolving
Digital Video with the Sensitivity of Film

3

Variable Frame Rate
The Panasonic VariCam is the world's first video camera
capable of emulating 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 0.8% to 97.2% (3deg to 350deg) 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. This
lets you build a powerful 24p production system without a
huge investment in equipment.
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
VARIABLE FRAME RATE
Offers Advanced Speed Effects and
Produces All Types of Content –Only the VariCam
4

Normal shooting at 24 fps
Normal cinematic shooting is done at
24 fps, the same rate as in film
cameras. 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 30 fps, anything under 29 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 Varicam 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 30 fps, anything over 31 fps
will be overcranked.
5

6
Film Gamma Selectable
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 Varicam also lets you
switch between video and film gamma modes. Film modes
include "Cine Gamma" for film using ARRI laser recorder and
"Tele Gamma" for monitor viewing and CRT base film
recorders. Select the mode that suits your production. The
ISO640-equivalent sensitivity combines with the Varicam's
brightness and superior picture quality to produce an
essentially "grainless, high-sensitivity film" effect.
CINE GAMMA
V
Video with the Same Latitude as Film –Only VariCam

7
0%
0% 100% 200% 300% 400% 500% 600%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Input
Output
Video
Tele (V. Rec)
Cine (F. Rec)
Ganmma Curve
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 programs 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 programs. 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 Varicam 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 the menu below to select or adjust gamma,
scan reverse ON/OFF, hardness/softness,
shadow gradation, and latitude. Just as with a
film camera, you can also select tungsten or
daylight type lighting.

The optional HD gamma corrector and frame rate converter
give you total operating ease with the Varicam's 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 Varicam-recorded content in a wide variety of
productions – movies, HD theater, HD/SD TV broadcasts
and more.
VARICAM TOTAL SYSTEM
AJ-FRC27
HD Gamma Corrector
A Total VariCam System –For Producing All Types of Image Content
8

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.
Varicam Content for a Host of Uses
By freely combining the Varicam's 24/30-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: Varicam sources are ideal for use in HD theaters that use a high-brightness,
high-resolution HD projector. Because it does not use film, Varicam footage offers greater
flexibility in program changes and inserts. It also offers low-cost production and use.
•Commercial and music clip use: The combination of Varicam and a nonlinear editing system
offers many advantages, including film-like images, easy content changes, and low overall
costs.
•TV program use: The 30-fps frame rate and conventional video gamma curve also let you
create video-based TV programs.
AJ-GBX27
HD Gamma Corrector BT-LH1700W BT-LH900P
HD/SD LCD Video Monitor
PT-D7700
PT-DW7000
Large-Venue DLP Projector
NLE HD Theater
Film Theater
HD TV
DVCPRO HD
Studio VTR
Frame Rate
Converter
Gamma
corrector
”Varicam“ System
Varicam
AJ-HD3700B
HD-D5 VTR
AJ-HD1700
AJ-HD1200A
DVCPRO HD VTR
9

10
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 (59.94/60.0 Hz)
•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 color 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.
•6 shutter speeds (1/100, 1/120, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000
sec), plus 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
Combining Advanced Digital Recording
and Cinema Know-How —Only VariCam
Side view
Side view Front view
Rear view
DVCPRO HD Casstte tape Extension control unit