The Panasonic AG-HPX171E is a PAL handheld P2HD camera which builds on the tradition and success of the AG-HVX200. The cameras enhanced sensor provides lower noise levels while increasing sensitivity in low-light situations. Unlike the AG-HVX200AE, the AG-HPX171E does not include a tape drive, opting for a lighter and more durable frame. In this case "less" certainly means more; removal of the deck translates into a variety of extra features, including a 75mm lens with improved wide-angle capabi

Good Things Come In Small Packages

The AG-HPX170 feels much like the acclaimed AG-DVX100, as opposed to its more similar and larger cousin, the AG-HVX200AE. Reducing weight makes the camera easy to hold; at 4.2 lbs the camera is very comfortable on long shoots.

Professional Camera Functions

The AG-HPX171E comes equipped with a variety of professional features usually unheard of for a camera in its class. Features include an HD-SDI output for shooting uncompressed footage directly to a deck or computer. The camera also comes with a 6-pin locking FireWire port making it more robust and less prone to accidental yanks. Other functions include a waveform monitor, histogram, vector scope and delete-last-clip button.

P2 Flash Memory Recording Storage

P2 is a recording medium for professional systems. Since P2 cards use no drive mechanisms, they provide superior resistance to impact, vibration and temperature changes. There is currently a choice between 16GB, 32GB and 64GB P2 cards. A 64GB card will record 64 minutes of the highest quality HDTV video, 176 minutes of 720p/25 frame video or over 4 hours of standard definition DVCPRO25/MiniDV video.

Superior Quality Lens

The 13x zoom lens system features 13 lens elements in 10 groups, including three aspherical lenses. Panasonic has reduced the front lens element from 67mm on the AG-HVX200AE to 53.2mm on the AG-HPX171E. The use of low-dispersion glass reduces color aberration while a multi-coating process minimizes flare and ghosting.

Super Sensitive CCDs

Each pixel has a large light-receiving area, giving this advanced 1/3" progressive CCD the kind of high sensitivity not available in previous compact HD cameras. This advanced CCD combines with a newly developed 14-bit digital signal processor (DSP) to achieve a balance of high resolution and high S/N ratio that rivals even the most sophisticated HD broadcasting cameras.

Advanced Digital Signal Processor

The AG-HPX171E advanced digital signal processor uses 14-bit A/D conversion and 19-bit inner processing to attain unprecedented accuracy. While the camera does not record 1080/50p, it is from this capture that all other signals are made. The DSP performs a variety of adjustments, including eight types of gamma settings, for each of the R, G and B channels. It also converts the signals to HD or SD format. With a performance equivalent to the processors used in many higher-end HD cameras, this DSP helps the camera deliver beautiful images in all video formats.

DVCPRO HD Codec

Using the DVCPRO HD codec recording system, the AG-HPX170AE records HD video with outstanding image and audio quality onto a P2 card in file format. This codec, thanks to a low compression ratio at a video bit rate of 100 Mbps (1080/50i, 720/50p) and the easy-to-edit intraframe compression system, is suitable for recording fast-moving subjects with no motion artifacts other than motion blur. The 4:2:2 sampling rate minimizes jaggies at chroma edges and is advantageous in image and compositing. Sound quality is excellent too, thanks to DVCPRO HD's uncompressed 16-bit, 4-channel digital audio recording capability.

VariCam Functions

The AG-HPX171E inherits many of the functions of the popular VariCam which enhanced the production of movies and television programs. It has variable frame rate features that respond to fast and slow action. Its true 25p progressive video, cine-like gamma curves, and cine-like color matrix capture images and scenes with much the same look and feel as footage from a film camera. All controls and system interfaces are designed to meet professional needs.

Optical Image Stabilizer

The optical image stabilization system ensures glass smooth images even with moderate shaking while shooting hand-held.

Signal System:

PAL, NTSC

1080/60i, 1080/50i, 25p

720/60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p,

576/50i, 24p

480/60i, 30p, 24p

Image Device

3-CCD, 1/3"

16:9 Native Aspect Chips

Lens

Leica Dicomar 13x Zoom

3.9-51mm f/1.6-3.0

(35mm Equivalence 28-368mm)

72mm Filter Diameter

Horizontal Resolution: 1080 Lines

Minimum Illumination 3 lux

Built-in Filters 1/8 ND, 1/64 ND

LCD Monitor 3.5", 210,000 Pixels

Viewfinder 0.44" Color, 235,000 Pixels

Scan Matching Yes, Different Ranges for Different Record Modes

Memory Card Slot

SD Memory Cards for Scene-File Sharing

Two P2 Card Slots for Video

Shutter Speed Range

50i/50p mode

1/50(OFF), 1/60, 1/120, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000 sec.

25p mode

1/25, 1/50 (OFF), 1/60, 1/120, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000 sec1

60i/60p mode

(Preset) 1/60 (off), 1/100, 1/120, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000,1/2000s

30p/30pN mode

1/30, 1/50 (off), 1/60, 1/120, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000s

24p/24pA/24pN mode

1/24, 1/50 (off), 1/60, 1/120, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000

Gain Selection: 0-18dB Range

Audio

Audio Signal Format 16 bit/48kHz Four Channels

Audio Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz

General

Input and Output Connectors

Component Video: Video Terminal (x1 Output)

Composite Video: RCA (x1 Output)

HD/SD-SDI: BNC (x1 Output)

Analog Audio L/R: 3-Pin XLR (x2 Input)

Line: Pin-Jack (x1 Output)

FireWire: 6-Pin Locking

USB 2.0: MiniB

Camera Remote: 2.5mm Super Mini (Zoom), 3.5mm Mini (Focus/Iris)

Power Requirements

7.2VDC (with Battery)

7.9VDC (with AC Adapter)

Power Consumption

10.9W (without LCD Monitor)

11.7W (with LCD monitor)

13.8W (Max) Operating Temperature 32-104°F (0-40°C)

Dimensions (WxHxD): 6.1 x 7.1 x 15.7" (15.4 x 18 x 39.7cm)

Weight

Without P2 and Battery: 4.2 lb (1.9kg)

With P2 and Battery: 5 lb (2.3kg)

This is a "PAL" product and CANNOT be used in the USA. It is designed for use with video products built to PAL TV standards.