Panasonic commits to UHD with a new studio camera with 35mm sensor and a PTZ

The Panasonic camera portfolio is renewed with the AK-PLV100GSJ 4K studio solution, which features a 5.7K Super 35mm sensor and PL mount; and the AW-UE160W/K PTZ, with UHD capabilities.

Panasonic Connect has designed the new AK-PLV100GSJ 4K camera so that broadcasters can continue to deliver their audiovisual content, but with top-tier video quality with a cinematic touch. To achieve this, the Japanese firm has implemented a 5.7K super 35mm large format sensor and a PL lens mount, which is able to accommodate cinema lenses for a shallow depth of field look.

The AK-PLV100GSJ is compatible with the AK-HCU250 and AK-UCU600 camera control units, allowing it to complement existing B4 mount camera systems. The camera also takes advantage of the Panasonic expertise in IP-based live production, as it can output 12G-SDI signals from the camera head and can interface with return, control and other communications directly, or via ST 2110 when used without a CCU.

Similarly, Panasonic has confirmed that this camera will be SMPTE 2110 compliant, allowing for a “more agile” connection to the Kairos IT/IP platform.

PTZ AW-UE160W/K

In addition to the AK-PLV100GSJ studio camera, Panasonic has introduced the AW-UE160W/K PTZ, a UHD-capable solution aimed at the broadcast industry.

The new flagship model in the Panasonic PTZ range boasts “the highest level of filming performance in the industry” thanks to its 4K HDR capabilities, and the incorporation of “unique” video effects that allow viewers to be introduced to “new experiences”.

In addition to the high sensitivity of F14 / 2,000 lx, equivalent to that of a studio camera, and the state-of-the-art image processing of the Lumix camera range, the AW-UE160 features a newly developed phase detection autofocus (PDAF), which enables high-speed focusing and can also be used to shoot fast-moving subjects. The new PTZ is equipped with a variety of features that enable high-precision video production, including a new PTZ mechanism and hybrid image stabilisation. Moreover, the AW-UE160 is introduced as the “first PTZ camera” that supports SMPTE ST2110 standard and wireless transmission with a 5G mobile router (via USB tethering).

The Panasonic AW-UE160W/K PTZ is also notable for offering return input; a cropping zoom function that can output multi-angle video with a single camera and 2x high-speed (HD) SDI/HDMI output; support for protocols such as SMPTE ST2110, high-bandwidth NDI, NDI|HX, SRT, FreeD, RTMP/RTMPS; support for scene files, colour matrix control and Panasonic’s free software and Remote Operation Panel (ROP) for batch management of multiple cameras; and a waveform display and horizontal level indicator function that reduce the burden of video setup and adjustment.