Panasonic AG-HMC150 3CCD AVCHD Pro Camcorder

The Panasonic AG-HMC150 is a camcorder designed to record in high definition on standard SecureDigital (SD) and SHDC memory cards. While SD-based camcorders have been gaining ground in the consumer market, the AG-HMC150 has the ability to record AVCHD images at significantly higher bitrates. This enhancement makes the camera more efficient than comparable HD interframe codecs, such as HDV and XDCAM EX. Using H.264 as its compression algorithm, the camera can record incredibly detailed images at a fraction of the file size. AVCHD at Your FingertipsAVCHD is a variation on interfame codecs such as HDV and XDCAM. The advantage is that it uses a standard H.264 compression algorithm, making it highly efficient without sacrificing large portions of memory. Less bandwidth allows the camera to record directly to SD and SDHC media.Good Things Come In Small PackagesThe AG-HMC150 will feel much like the acclaimed AG-DVX100, as opposed to its more similar and larger cousin, the AG-HVX200. Reducing weight makes the camera easy to hold; at 4.2 lbs the camera is very comfortable on long shoots.SD and SDHC Flash Memory Recording StorageThe AG-HMC150 provides AVC HD video in a class of its own. The ability to record up to 24Mb/s onto a single SDHC makes the camera not only incredibly versatile, but allows users to record onto inexpensive media.Superior Quality LensThe 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-HVX200 to 53.2mm on the AG-HMC150. The use of low-dispersion glass reduces color aberration while a multi-coating process minimizes flare and ghosting.Super Sensitive CCDsEach 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 ProcessorThe camcorder's 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 1080/60p, 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.Optical Image StabilizerThe optical image stabilization system ensures glass-smooth images even with moderate shaking while shooting hand-held.SMPTE Time-Code Generator/ReaderThe built-in SMPTE time-code generator/reader lets you select the Drop Frame/Non-Drop Frame and Free Run/Rec Run modes, preset and regenerate. User bits are also provided.Versatile Solid-State RecordingShot Mark: The shot mark allows convenient OK and NG marking, and can be added to each clip during or after recording. Pre-Rec: While in standby mode, you can continuously store, and subsequently record, up to 3 seconds. This helps to ensure that you always get the shot you want. Index: Scenes can be marked with up to 100 index flags per clip. Rec Check: You can check the end of the most recently recorded clip with one-touch ease.Last Clip Delete: Only the most recently recorded clip is deleted with this one-touch function, adding practical convenience to everyday operation. It can be assigned as a User button function if desired. Time Stamp: The date and time can be stamped onto recorded images. Commonly used for recording evidentiary depositions and procedures