05.03.2009

Panasonic has created some buzz with their announcement of the HPX300, a P2 HD camera in a shouldmount configuration that offers 1920×1080 10-bit, 4:2:2 AVC-Intra recording from three 1/3″ CMOS imagers. It also offers interchangeable lenses, coming standard with 17x HD Fujinon glass, as well as variable framerates and the ability to record in DVCPROHD as well as both 50/100 flavors of AVC-Intra. Videomaker has details.

HD video formats: 1080/59.94i, 1080/29.97P and 1080/23.98P (native 24p/30p), and 720P with variable frames in 23.98pN, 29.97pN and 59.94P. In DVCPRO HD, the camcorder records 1080/59.94i, 1080/29.97P, 1080/23.98P, 1080/23.98pA, 720/59.94P, 720/29.97P, 720/29.97pN and 720/23.98pN. In DVCPRO50/25 and DV, it records 480/59.94i, 480/29.97p, 480/23.98p and 480/23.98pA. The 1080P and 480P signals are recorded with 2:3 pull down (23.98p) or 2:3:3:2 advanced mode (23.98pA). The camera also supports 1080/23.98PsF output (via HD-SDI) for use in high-end movie production. The output of the camera can be set for down conversion or cross-conversion with letterbox, 4:3 crop or squeeze.

B&H is now taking pre-orders on the HPX300 camera, priced at just under $8500 USD.

Zacuto is also taking preorders on the HPX300, and has created a video demonstrating the new camera. If you are looking for a pre-release peek at this professional solution, look no further than this video.