[Press Release]
Panasonic today initiated deliveries of the groundbreaking AG-3DP1, a 3D integrated twin-lens P2 HD shoulder-mount camcorder with 10 bit, 4:2:2 independent-frame, full 1920 x 1080 resolution AVC-Intra recording.
A high-powered twin-lens zoom lens system, high-sensitivity sensors and the high-quality AVC-Intra codec in the 3DP1 enable broadcast-level 3D image acquisition. The camcorder also features new 3D Assist functions and multi-camera synchronization for versatile broadcast use and image production. Its newly-developed 17x twin-lens zoom lens system features an expanded range for both wide-angle and telephoto to fit diverse shooting situations including live events, sports, documentaries and independent films. Supporting multi-camera set-up, a studio camera system, a file-based P2 workflow and offering variable frame rates (VFR), the 3DP1 meets highly sophisticated production needs.
“The 3DP1 will make 3D production easier,” said Steve Cooperman, Product Manager, Panasonic System Communications Company of North America (PSCNA). “With professional features such as genlock input and TC input/output and more, the 3DP1 can now be part of multi-camera 3D systems; and with full-resolution, 10-bit AVC-Intra, the quality is much higher for new programming opportunities, including 3D green screen work.”
“There are many situations where the cost and/or technical complexity of a rig have limited 3D production. Now the 3DP1 has the exceptional record quality to overcome this,” Cooperman added. “In addition, there are situations where multiple rigs are required for a project, but are impractical due to cost, complexity or logistics. Now the 3DP1 can be used for professional multi-cam 3D productions and for ultra high-end productions, and can also be combined nicely with a 3D rig.
“Moreover, with the 3DP1, Panasonic is offering an expanded 3D production system, including the full 3D native BT-3DL2550 LCD production monitor, the 2D/3D compatible BT-LH910 LCD production monitor, the AV- HS450 switcher (when 3D enabled) and our AG-HPD24 P2 Portable recorders (two can be used for true L/R 3D, or one for a side-by-side output from the camera or switcher).”
The HD twin-lens system with 17x zooming was developed exclusively for the 3DP1, and because of its high-precision assembly, requires no pre-shooting adjustment of the optical axis or angle of view. Focus, zoom and iris adjustments are synchronized accurately for the left and right lenses. The camcorder’s 58mm inter-axial distance allows a broad shooting rage of approx. 3.5 to 100 feet. The 3DP1 supports remote control (focus, zoom, iris, convergence, and recording start/stop). It boasts low chroma aberration and high resolution, and delivers superb color reproduction, detailed nuances and crisp 3D images even in dark scenes, with minimal flare and ghosting.
In addition to a zoom ring, focus ring and iris ring that approach the manual control levels of interchangeable lenses, the 3DP1 has an isolated convergence dial. By changing the convergence angle of the twin lenses, the convergence point can be adjusted forward or backward to control leaping effects and depth. Three modes (near/normal/extra) maximize the twin-lens zooming capability for effective 3D shooting over diverse angles of view.
The 3DP1 offers all the benefits of a familiar, fast, file-based P2 HD workflow, including compatibility with a wide variety of NLE systems. Since all leading NLE systems support AVC-Intra, they will be able to accept 3DP1 footage immediately. The process is further streamlined if the system can read the right eye/left-eye metadata tags to make batch ingest automatic. And NLEs such as Avid Media Composer 6 offer full 3D editing and stereoscopic ingest, finishing and play-out. Stereo AVC-Intra is already supported on most production servers so server play-out is available now. For customers who use Cineform, that product will soon automatically ingest and convert 3DP1 footage to Cineform 3D files as easily as they now bring in 3DA1 content. The 3DP1 will enhance 3D production opportunities, while allowing users to maintain their P2 workflow, or a Cineform 3D workflow.
Improvements in the 3DP1’s suite of 3D controls include new assist functions: overlay warning displays, with the convergence point shown in green, negative parallax shown in red, and positive parallax shown in yellow; a waveform display that shows the forward/backward relationship between the subject and the convergence plane as a waveform; and left/right/mix monitor selection.
Two pairs of 2.2-megapixel 1/3-type 3MOS sensors are mounted left and right, each employing full-pixel HD resolution to produce precisely synchronized full HD 3D images. Ultra Luminance Technology (U.L.T.) enables these image sensors to attain high-sensitivity, high-quality images, and a high-performance 20 bit Digital Signal Processor handles image rendering processes with exceptional precision. Drawing on technologies developed for the VariCam, Panasonic has equipped the 3DP1 with advanced gamma functions that address six different shooting scenarios, including two Cine-Like Gammas, for richer gradation.
The 3DP1 boasts an array of assist functions including Focus Assist, 3-Position Gain Selector, assignable User buttons, simplified Waveform and Vectorscope display and six preset/assignable Scene Files. Other camera functions include a 4-position (off, 1/4 ND, 1/16 ND, 1/64 ND) optical neutral density filter wheel; variable shutter speed from 1/12 to 1/250 sec plus Synchro Scan function; Matrix setting including a Cine-Like mode; adjustable V detail level, detail coring, chroma level, chroma phase, color temp and master pedestal; Knee point settings; three values (A/B/Preset) of white balance selector; Mode check; Zebra: Select any two levels from among 50% to 109%, in 1% step; and Y-GET to measure brightness at the screen center and display precise numerical data.
The 3DP1 records in AVC-Intra 100/50 and is 50Hz/60Hz switchable. Even better, it’s 1080 and 720 compatible, including 1080 24/25p as well as 720p variable frame recording (20 steps between 12 and 60 frames per second). The camcorder records 16-bit, four-channel digital audio.
The 3DP1 can record for up to 80 minutes on dual 64GB P2 cards in AVC-Intra 100 1080/24pN. The two P2 card slots allow 3D/2D image acquisition. In the 3D recording mode, left and right channel images with full-pixel HD, full-sampling quality are each synchronized and recorded onto two P2 cards; in the 2D recording mode, 2D LL left-eye images are recorded simultaneously onto both left and right P2 cards, which expands the double-slot application possibilities for recording images without left-eye/right-eye visual disparity, and for backup use.
The camcorder offers professional interfaces including dual HD SDI outs with sync-rec, HDMI 1.4 3D output and two XLR connectors. It offers genlock in and timecode in/out terminals to support multi-camera operation. It is also equipped with a 3D-compatible remote terminal for focus iris, zoom, REC start/stop and convergence point. The camcorder comes with an SD Memory Card slot to facilitate metadata upload, a 3.2″, 16:9 high-resolution LCD monitor and front/rear audio levels controls.
The existing AG-CA300G/BS300/EC4G Studio Camera System for P2 HD camcorders is supported, making it quick and easy to build a system for a 3D live relay and 3D image acquisition system using multiple cameras. Panasonic’s AG-EC4G and AJ-RC10G Remote Control Units offer both studio use and direct connection to the 3DP1. The camcorder weighs just over 13 pounds, has low power consumption and operates on a 12V (Anton Bauer) battery.
The 3DP1 has a suggested list price of $34,950, and is supported by Panasonic’s industry leading five-year warranty program (1 year + 4 additional years with registration).
See the original press release here: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/panasonic-announces-delivery-of-ag-3dp1-3d-p2-hd-shoulder-mount-camcorder-with-master-quality-10-bit-422-avc-intra-recording-2012-02-08
