It's virtually
impossible to be a no-budget filmmaker and to have not
heard of the new Panasonic HVX200. With as popular as
it's little brother was for us in the true Indie film
movement, if the HVX200 can do even half of the things
it claims to be able to, it will be the definitive camera
to own.
If
you want a sure sign of that, look at the new Digital
Cinema requirements that the seven studios which make
up the core of Hollywood are scrambling to require. Basically,
the new Digital cinema requirements are specifically crafted
to prevent filmmakers like us from creating full resolution
cinema as is seen in the current theater system.
How
could we possibly make this happen? Well, ignoring the
political and Hollywood redtape, from a pure tech perspective,
the HVX200 is the first sub-$50K camera that can shoot
at the maximum resolutions can currently show. Most theaters
can only show an images that is a little over 1000 progressive
lines, which this new camcorder actually shoots at. As
such, the new Digital Cinema requirements are aimed to
quintuple that resolution at the local theaters at a staggering
production cost (not to mention the cost to the theaters!)
so that we can't compete with old Hollywood's quality.
With
that in mind, here is a preview of potentially one of
the most revolutionary cameras to come down the pike.
The following information is info we got from Panasonic,
so ignore the fact that it sounds like a press release
and soak up the useful info.
-Jeremy
Hanke
True
High Definition DVCPRO HD The
best high-definition format for professional use.
There are a number of 1080i and 720p HD recording formats
in use today. But if producing professional content is
your aim, there's one that offers advantages over all
of the others.
The
DVCPRO HD format, developed by Panasonic. Already in use
at broadcasting stations and movie production companies
around the world, DVCPRO HD is a full-fledged HD format
that meets today's high-level professional needs.
And
soon, for the first time in the industry, DVCPRO HD will
be available in a handheld camera-recorder - the Panasonic
AG-HVX200. The AG-HVX200 records 4:2:2 digital component
video signals, today's mainstream format for post-production,
at a low compression ratio of 100 Mbps. Images are superb,
with an extreme low noise level that provides smooth image
edges. The AG-HVX200 allows high-end video production
techniques, such as blue or green screen compositing.
And because DVCPRO HD uses intraframe compression, the
AG-HVX200 has an outstanding error correction function
that helps provide precise editing with high image quality.
Sound
quality is excellent too, thanks to DVCPRO HD's uncompressed
16-bit, 4-channel digital audio recording capability.
The AG-HVX200 features a progressive HD 3CCD imaging system
and an HD-quality wide-angle Leica Dicomar zoom lens.
It can record DVCPRO HD video in either 1080i/p or 720p.
And it supports 480i recording, so you can use DVCPRO50,
DVCPRO or DV codecs as well. Providing outstanding images
and sound in both HD and SD, the AG-HVX200 is perfectly
suited to news gathering and content production.
Inheriting
the VariCam's Proud Legacy Outstanding film-like expressivity in
a camera-recorder with advanced digital functions.
For
producing movies, TV programs and commercials, more and
more companies have chosen Panasonic's VariCam HD camera-recorder.
The VariCam's film-like rendering capability has inspired
many movie industry professionals to make the switch from
film to digital. The VariCam is an ideal solution for
24p HD video acquisition, but that's not all. With its
Cine-like Gamma, the VariCam closely replicates the rich
latitude of film. And with its variable frame rate function,
it allows the same kind of overcranking and undercranking
that a film camera offers.
The
AG-HVX200 inherits the VariCam's advanced functions and
warm, rich expressivity. It allows 24P/30P progressive
shooting in both 720p and 1080i recording, and it provides
a Cine-like Gamma that captures images that are strikingly
similar in tone to film. The AG-HVX200 is the industry's
first handheld camera-recorder with a variable frame rate
function. It goes a step beyond the VariCam by adding
the convenience of P2 card recording. You can use the
AG-HVX200 camera to record a series of frames, and then
preview the speed effect on the camera itself. The AG-HVX200
puts the film-like rendering capabilities that distinguish
the VariCam into the hands of a wider range of users.
For those already using VariCam, the AG HVX200 can serve
as an extremely mobile sub-camera that lets you explore
entirely new shooting possibilities.
Normal
cinematic shooting is done at 24 fps, the same rate as
in film cameras. Lower-speed shooting at 4 to 23* fps
lets you attain fast-motion effect. This technique can
be combined with warp-speed effect, special emphasis to
flowing water, fast-moving clouds. Higher-speed shooting
at 25* to 60 fps lets you attain slow-motion effect. This
is especially effective for high action scenes such as
car chases or crashes, or for scenes with great dramatic
impact.
