LEMAC - Panasonic AG-HSC1U

PANASONIC AG-HSC1U - AVCHD to SD Memory Cards Recording

Panasonic has released the world's smallest and lightest 'professional' 3-CCD high definition 1080i camcorder, utilizing the new efficient Advanced Video Codec - HD (AVC-HD-H.264) rather than the old MPEG-2 HDV Codec. The little AG-HSC1U weighs only half a kilo - making it suitable for and extensive range of applications from mounting on vehicles, POV helmets, covert applications and extreme sports work.

The images created for its size are impressive, and generated via a compact Leica Dicomar 12:1 F1.8 zoom lens, onto three 1/4" CCDs boasting sensitivity down to a minimum illumination of 6 lux for low-light shooting. Amazingly this Leica lens not only has auto focus and macro focus to its' front element, but also impressive Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.). Added to that is manual control and additional digital zoom range that dramatically increases focal range - (from 30X to 700X). 2.1 Megapixel still images can also be taken, even during video recording, straight onto the SDHC memory card.

The little AG-HSC1U camcorder is noiseless and shock resistant - because it's totally solid state - so no need for moving parts like videotape or disc-based systems. Another advantage of being solid state is start up time - an impressive record breaking 1.7 seconds from off to record! It records to high-speed 4GB SDHC memory cards - up to 41 minutes in the highest quality mode (88 minutes with more compression - selectable) As higher capacity cards are introduced the record times will rise. A portable 40GB hard drive is available for field use, capable of receiving and storing the contents of 10 x 4GB SDHC cards.

Operationally the camera is a little different to what we are used to because it is so small - and one accepted norm that has disappeared (because of its size) is a viewfinder!!! However it does feature a 16:9 3-inch 251,000-pixel LCD side screen that rotates up to 270 degrees to provide multiple viewing angles for playback or monitoring. Optional Century viewfinder shades for this will assist its use in bright sunlight.

Monitoring out in HD is via HDMI or analogue component, or in Standard Def via composite video in 16:9 thanks to the internal down-converter. Other I/Os include USB 2.0, stereo audio out plus stereo microphone in. The camera kit is expected to sell for around A$3,000 and will come with a 40GB portable hard drive, 'HD Writer v1.0' software to perform simple edits as well as the ability to record onto a DVD-R for HD playback on a Blu-ray disc player from Panasonic or Sony (including PlayStation 3). More sophisticated editing software from third-party NLE companies is expected later in the year.

Finally - just when you think you've recovered from technology gob-smack - the AG-HSC1U offers as standard the world's first 5.1-channel surround sound record system with five inbuilt microphones. It also includes a Zoom Mic function linking the microphones action to the cameras action. Sorry sound department - it looks like you're now obsolete - along with the camera department!!

FEATURES:

Records up to 41 minutes in High Quality mode (HF), 59 minutes in Normal mode (HN), 88 minutes in the long recording mode (HE)
12X Leica Dicomar Lens with smooth, slow zoom & built in Lens Cap
F1.8 - 2.8 f=4mm - 48mm, (35mm equivalent 38.5 - 462mm), Filter diameter size: 43 mm
No tape mechanism, heads, guides, pinch rollers or dropouts for trouble-free performance
Faster record startup. (only 1.7 seconds from the time the monitor is opened)
Fast, accurate Auto Focus with no hunting! (Manual Focus as well)
No noise from a tape or disc transport to get into the on-board microphone
Super directivity Zoom Mic function. 2 channel external Mic input (3.5mm phone jack)
Uses the latest compression scheme (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
Five program AE modes in manual mode, Fades to Black or White with Audio Fade
Three modes of Audio: Auto / Manual / Manual + AGC audio levels
Directional keys make it easy to navigate the On-Screen Menu (center button is enter key)
Color reproduction optimized for professional use with natural and accurate colors
Graphite gray body color suppresses reflections