Features:

 

 

 

 

Panasonic’s AG-HPX370 series P2 HD camera recorder moves you up to a whole new level of production quality. A new, state-of-the-art 2.2 megapixel 3-chip U.L.T. (Ultra Luminance Technology) imager produces stunning HD content in a wide range of shooting conditions, with the F10* sensitivity and image quality of larger imagers. With a superior 10-bit, 4:2:2, full 1920 x 1080 resolution AVC-Intra codec, the HPX370 series can record more image detail more accurately. Ready for global production, the HPX370 series offers international HD and SD standards, including 1080i and 720p as well as industry-standard DVCPRO HD. Data is recorded onto reliable P2 memory cards. With its superb image rendering, long recording time, easy operation and flexible adaptability to IT, the AG-HPX370 series is a powerful answer to today's advanced video production demands. It also offers low operating costs and high environmental performance.
*F10 sensitivity in 1080/59.94i and F11 sensitivity in 1080/50i at 2,000 lx.

The AG-HPX370 series features a newly developed camera section with a 2.2-megapixel image sensor  and 20 bit digital signal processor. Image quality is outstanding.

Newly Developed U.L.T.*¹ Image Sensor with F10*² Sensitivity and Superb Image Quality

High levels of sensitivity and image quality have been achieved with a new high-sensitivity photodiode and low-noise pixel transistor, both based on low-noise analog process technology that was accumulated in Panasonic CCD camera development. Plus, the same levels of sensitivity and image quality that are found in Interlace mode are now possible in Progressive mode thanks to P.A.P. (Progressive Advanced Processing), a 3D adaptive processing technology.
*1: Ultra Luminance Technology
*2:F10 sensitivity in 1080/59.94i and F11 sensitivity in 1080/50i at 2,000 lx.

 

Fujinon High-Performance 17x Zoom Lens
The AG-HPX370 series comes equipped with a Fujinon 1/3-inch 17x zoom lens. Optimized for use with the AG-HPX370 series, this high-performance HD lens incorporates advanced broadcast lens technologies to achieve a compact size, light weight, F1.6 at 4.5 mm f-value at the wide end, and excellent zoom response. The zoom is comfortable to grip and use. Also, quick zoom and auto cruising zoom functions can be allocated to the VTR and RET switches.

Chromatic Aberration Compensation (CAC)
This exclusive technology sets up a conversation between lens and camera which allows for a highly sophisticated algorithm to be deployed that will automatically compensate the registration error that is caused mainly by lens chromatic aberration, and minimize the circumjacent blur.

Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS)
In scenes with mixed contrast, such as when panning from indoors to outdoors, the DRS function automatically suppresses blocked shadows and blown highlights. A gamma curve and knee slope are estimated to match the contrast of each pixel, and applied in real time. When dark, bright, and intermediate shades are all contained in the same scene, this produces excellent gradation for each shade and minimizes blocked shadows and blown highlights. The images that result are enhanced by a visually wide dynamic range.
*The DRS function does not operate in 1080/25p, 1080/24p or 1080/30p mode.

Flash Band Compensation
In contrast with the CCD image sensor, which accumulates still images of single frames that are exposed with identical timing, the MOS image sensor uses a rolling shutter system that sequentially scans each line of pixels. This lowers power consumption and enables high-speed drive, but because the exposure timing differs for each line, when an external flash is used, it tends to produce images where the brightness is divided between the top and bottom of the image. This is called the flash band effect. The AG-HPX370 series is equipped with highly accurate flash band detection and compensation software on the camera’s signal processing LSI. By generating pairs of frames containing flash bands, and frames in which a flash extends from the previous frame to the entire screen, and then using the compensation process to adjust the level, the flash band effect of MOS-based imagers is eliminated.

3-Position Gain Selector / 24dB Gain-Up Function
There is a 3-position gain selector, with L, M and H settings. To each setting you can assign a gain value from -3 dB to 12 dB, in 3 dB steps. There is also a USER button - just give it a quick touch to instantly boost the gain by 24 dB.

Newly Developed 20 bit Digital Signal Processor
The AG-HPX370 series incorporates a high-performance 20 bit DSP that handles image rendering processes such as gamma and various detail enhancement functions with exceptional precision. Consuming less power than conventional processors, the new DSP contributes to the AG-HPX370 series outstanding environmental performance.

Scene File Dial
Set this dial for an instant set of shooting conditions. Six preset files are provided, and you can change any of the six file names and their settings as desired. You can also store and load the settings to and from an SD card.

• File Description

F1: -	Standard settings
F2: FLUO.	Indoor shooting under fluorescent lights
F3: SPARK	Highlighting subjects at receptions, events etc.
F4: B-STR	Enhanced gradations of luminance in low light scenes
F5: CINE V	Cine-Like setting shifted to prioritize contrast*
F6: CINE D	Cine-Like setting shifted to prioritize dynamic range*

*Selecting this file does not change the video recording format. If you want to switch to 25p, 24p and 30p, you must do so as a separate procedure.

Slow, Synchro and High-Speed Shutter
The shutter speed can be set between 1/6.25 second on the slow end in 50Hz mode (1/6 second in 59.94Hz mode) and 1/2000 second on the fast end. Used with the variable frame rate function, this allows you to create a blurring effect or crystal-clear stop-motion of sports action. The AG-HPX370 series also features a synchro scan function for capturing screen shots from a computer monitor.

Advanced Image Adjustments Built-In

• Matrix setting including a Cine-Like mode
• Adjustable H detail level, V detail level, detail coring and skin tone detail
• Adjustable chroma level, chroma phase, color temp and master pedestal
• Knee point settings: Auto, Low, Mid and High
• User files can be saved to an SD card and shared with other cameras. User files are separate from Scene Files.
• 4-position (off, 1/4 ND, 1/16 ND, 1/64 ND) optical neutral density filter wheel

7-Mode Gamma for Richer Gradation
Drawing on technologies developed for the VariCam, Panasonic has equipped the AG-HPX370 series with advanced gamma functions that address seven different shooting scenarios and enhance your creative abilities. This includes the Cine-Like Gamma, which produces the characteristic tone of film recordings.

AG-HPX370 series Gamma Modes

HD NORM:	Suitable for standard HD recording
LOW:	Works to flatten out a high contrast scene
SD NORM:	Normal setting for SD
HIGH:	Provides more contrast and color gradation
B.PRESS:	Provides more contrast and blacks in low contrast scenes
CINE-LIKE D:	The Cine-Like mode shifted to prioritize dynamic range
CINE-LIKE V:	The Cine-Like mode shifted to prioritize contrast

20-Step Variable Frame Rate
Like the VariCam, the AG-HPX370 series allows undercranking and overcranking common in film cameras, to create fast-motion and slow-motion effects. In 720p mode,* the frame rate can be set to any of 20 steps.
*In 1080 and 480 modes, the frame rate can be set only to 25p, 24p or 30p.

VFR in 50 Hz Mode Fram erate Effect of 25p standard 12p 208%(Quick) 15p 167%(Quick) 18p 139%(Quick) 20p 125%(Quick) 21p 119%(Quick) 22p 114%(Quick) 23p 109%(Quick) 24p 104%(Quick) 25p 100%(Standard) 26p 96%(Slow) 27p 93%(Slow) 28p 89%(Slow) 30p 83%(Slow) 32p 78%(Slow) 34p 74%(Slow) 37p 68%(Slow) 42p 60%(Slow) 45p 56%(Slow) 48p 52%(Slow) 50p 50%(Slow)

VFR in 59.94 Hz Mode Frame rate Effect of 24p standard Effect of 30p standard 12p 200%(Quick) 250%(Quick) 15p 160%(Quick) 200%(Quick) 18p 133%(Quick) 167%(Quick) 20p 120%(Quick) 150%(Quick) 21p 114%(Quick) 143%(Quick) 22p 109%(Quick) 136%(Quick) 24p 100%(Standard) 125%(Quick) 25p 96%(Slow) 120%(Quick) 26p 92%(Slow) 115%(Quick) 27p 89%(Slow) 111%(Quick) 28p 86%(Slow) 107%(Quick) 30p 80%(Slow) 100%(Standard) 32p 75%(Slow) 94%(Slow) 34p 71%(Slow) 88%(Slow) 36p 67%(Slow) 83%(Slow) 40p 60%(Slow) 75%(Slow) 44p 55%(Slow) 68%(Slow) 48p 50%(Slow) 63%(Slow) 54p 44%(Slow) 56%(Slow) 60p 40%(Slow) 50%(Slow)

• Normal cinematic shooting (at 24 fps, 25 fps or 30 fps) refers to the same rate as used in film cameras. The AG-HPX370 series can record in 1080/24p (over 60i) or 480/24p (over 60i) mode, as well as 720/24p mode. 25 fps or 30 fps is the standard frame rates used in the production of TV commercials, music clips and video software. The AG-HPX370 series can also record in 1080/25p (over 50i), 1080/30p (over 60i), 576/25p (over 50i) or 480/30p (over 60i) mode, as well as 720/25p and 720/30p mode.
• Higher-speed shooting (at over 25 fps*) produces slow-motion effects. This is especially effective for high-action scenes like car chases or crashes, or to create a dramatic impact in a scene.
  *When the standard speed is 24 fps in 59.94 Hz mode. For a standard speed of 25 fps in 50Hz mode, anything over 26 fps will be overcranked.
• Lower-speed shooting (at under 22 fps*) lets you attain a fast-motion effect. This technique can be combined with a warp-speed effect to give special emphasis to flowing water, fast-moving clouds, etc.
  *When the standard speed is 24 fps in 59.94 Hz mode. For a standard speed of 25 fps in 50 Hz mode, anything under 24 fps will be undercranked.

 

Native and Over-50p/60p Modes
• 720p Native Mode
In Native mode, the AG-HPX370 series records images at the frame rate set in the camera. For example in 24 pN mode, it only records 24 frames instead of the normal 60 frames*. Using the AG-HPX370 series to play back the recording at the normal rate, you can preview the speed effect right on the spot, without using a frame rate converter. Native mode also extends the recording time of a P2 card.
*In 25 pN mode in 50 Hz system mode, AG-HPX370 series records only 25 frames instead of the normal 50 frames
• 720p over 50p/60p Mode
This is a mode for recording 50p-converted or 60p-converted video. For example, in 24p mode, it records 60 frames by applying a 2:3 pulldown. The recording time is the same as in 1080i or 720p mode, but the unit can output a DVCPRO HD stream from the IEEE 1394 connector as it records.* This lets you produce a backup copy using a connected external P2 recorder such as AJ-HPM200 or AG-HPG20, DVCPRO HD recorder.
*Only when the recording format is DVCPRO HD. There is no output when the AVC-Intra codec is used.
*24p = 23.98p, 30p = 29.97p, 60p = 59.94p and 60i = 59.94i

1080/480 24p Advance Mode (in 59.94Hz mode)
The 1080 and 480 progressive recording systems convert recordings to 60i in 24p, 30p, or 24pA (Advance) mode. The 24p Advance mode uses 2:3:3:2 pulldown, which allows for an easy extraction to a 24p timeline and no quality loss in the process with compatible NLEs.*
*AVC-Intra recording is not possible.* For information on compatible nonlinear editing systems, visit"Nonlinear Compatibility Information." *24p = 23.98p, 30p = 29.97p, 60p = 59.94p and 60i = 59.94i

Scan Reverse Function for Use with Film Lenses
The AG-HPX370 series comes with scan reverse. This function cancels the image inversion that occurs when a Cinema lens adaptor is used.