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P2 HD camcorder Panasonic, $27,575-$32,915
The AC-HPX500, introduced by Panasonic at NAB this past April, is the new big brother to the popular AC-HVX200 P2 camera. The full shoulder-mount HPX500 is a 2/3'' 3 interline (progressive capable) CCD high-definition camera with a 1 4- bit A/D converter with 19-bit internal processing. Like its smaller sibling, the tapeless camera utilizes solid-state P2 cards, in this case four of them up to 1 6 CB each. The HPX500 can record 1080, 720 or 480 line resolutions in DVCPRO HD(100 M bps), DVCPRO 50, DVCPRO or DV. This is also a true "world" camera that can switch between 59.94 and 50 Hz systems with a mere menu change. In 720 line resolution, it features VariCam-like variable frame rates from 12 to 60 fps. Four discreet 1 6-bit 48 kHz audio channels are available via XLR inputs (two rear, two front), each featuring line or mie settings and +48V phantom power.
Testing
My first impression of the camera, pulling it out of the case, was that it was heavy for a unit without a tape drive mechanism-about 1 5 Ib. with a Fujinon 1 7x (XA1 7x7. 6BERM-M58B) lens and Anton Bauer Dio nie battery. It's an odd distribution of weight - not unbalanced, but not entirely comfortable either. Moving around with the 500 for a while, it seemed to settle in, but it never rested on my shoulder as comfortably as a Betacam or HDCAM.
Settings-wise, the HPX500 delivers everything I want in a relatively inexpensive HD camera. It can shoot everything from DVCPRO HD 1080 (4:2:2) down to standard-def 480. It can shoot off-speed, like the VariCam, in 1280 x 720 mode, with several gamma selections and a focus assist system that blew me away.
I put all cameras through the same set of tests whenever I do a review. Working first with my favorite color chart, Gamma & Density's Gamma=2U, I check for color fidelity and camera sensitivity (ISO/EI).
As a former cinematographer, I'm generally looking at scripted applications for cameras - not ENG or video applications-so I'll nearly always set my defaults at 24p. In the case of the HPX500, I started with 1920x1080 24p, normal HD gamma, "mid" knee, normal matrix and 180...