The AG-HMC71 series camcorder uses the AVCHD format and memory card media to offer high reliability, superb mobility, and advanced IT functions at low cost to meet diverse needs in video production.

Equipped with a 12x zoom lens and progressive 3CCD, this camcorder uses the AVCHD format (H.264 compatible) to record up to 360 minutes* of high-quality High Definition (HD) video onto a low-cost SD/SDHC card. Because the AG-HMC71 series solid-state recording system uses no tape or moving parts, it starts operating immediately, provides silent operation and offers excellent reliability against vibration, impacts and temperature changes. The powerful features ensure easy, powerful HD recording. With Shoulder stability, a full size Zoom Rocker control and a Headphone output with Volume control, the AG-HMC71 has professional features that help you shoot like a Pro. A recessed trigger and zoom control on the oversized handle enable accurate framing even at low angles or when using a tripod. Two XLR locking audio input terminals (phantom mic supported) and four BNC's for component/composite video output equip the AG-HMC71 series for video recording and production use.

AVCHD
The AG-HMC71 utilises the industry-standard H.264-based AVCHD video format to deliver crisp HD images. AVCHD delivers twice the recording efficiency of older MPEG-2 codec technologies like HDV, and it is supported by a growing number of nonlinear editing packages including Apple’s Final Cut Pro® Version 6.0.1 and iMovie®, Grass Valley™ EDIUS® Version 4.5 & EDIUS® NEO Software, Pinnacle Studio™ Plus 11, Nero® 7 Premium Reloaded, Ulead VideoStudio® 11 Plus, and Ulead DVD MovieFactory™ 6 Plus and others.

The AG-HMC71 features three native 16:9 progressive ¼-inch CCDs to record or provide a live feed of widescreen 1440 x 1080 HD resolution images of education, weddings, sports, concerts, or other events. It can be used by law enforcement agencies for training or surveillance; by schools for video production, live staging, and documentation; or by broadcasters and newspapers for Web journalism.

The camcorder is equipped with a 12X 38.5mm to 462mm (35mm film camera equivalent) Leica® wide-angle zoom lens, one-push auto focus, and integrated Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) that ensures stable images, which are most critical when displaying HD video. The camera also provides excellent colour reproduction and inherits the exceptional colour rendition of Panasonic’s other professional HD cameras.

The camcorder brings the benefits of solid-state recording to budget-conscious professionals. Like digital still photography, recording onto an SD/SDHC card offers a fast and simple IT-compatible workflow and ensures ultra-reliable performance because the AG-HMC71 uses no moving parts (unlike tape or disc-based camcorders) in the recording process. The AG-HMC71 is resistant to shock, vibration, temperature change, and extreme weather conditions, and because it is solid-state, users have instant access to the recorded footage without the need to ingest or digitise.

In addition, SD and SDHC memory cards are inexpensive, widely available, and can be reused repeatedly. Because AVCHD records video as digital data files, content can be transferred and stored on affordable, high-capacity hard-disk drives (HDD) and optical storage media and transferred to new ones as advanced technology is introduced in the future.

The AG-HMC71 provides professionals with continuous record time for long-form HD video production. With just the touch of a button, users can choose to shoot in one of the camera’s three recording modes: 6 Mbps, 9 Mbps, or 13 Mbps. Using the new 16-GB SDHC memory card, the AG-HMC71 can record for up to 360 minutes at 6-Mbps quality and up to 160 minutes at 13 Mbps, the camera’s highest quality mode.

*When recording in HE mode using a 16GB SDHC card.

Shoulder Mount Design
The AG-HMC71 series is compact and lightweight, yet features a large shoulder pad, hand grip and viewfinder for the same kind of shoulder-mounted operation as a broadcast camera. The 3-point system keeps shooting stable even when zooming and panning.

Large Viewfinder
The AG-HMC71 series viewfinder is as large as those offered on many broadcast cameras.
A slide mechanism lets you shift the viewfinder to the left or right for maximum comfort. You can also use the viewfinder and LCD monitor at the same time.

Professional-Level Audio with XLR Line/Mic In
The AG-HMC71 series comes equipped with a built-in stereo
microphone and with XLR-type audio input terminals (2 channels,
mic/line switchable, +48V compatible) on the rear panel. You
can switch audio channels 1 and 2 separately to either line or front mic input, which is especially useful when recording interviews or narration.

Pro-Type Analogue A/V Outputs
A host of outputs, including component HD/SD video output (BNC x 3), composite SD video output (BNC), and audio output (RCA x 2 channels), let you connect to an external monitor for viewing, video equipment for dubbing, and various other devices.

Other Professional Specifications

• · Tally lamps on the front and rear
• · Large-capacity (5800 mAh) battery pack optional
• · Colour bar signal output

Uploading to a PC and Writing to DVDs (Using Provided PC Software: HD Writer 2.5E for HDC)
The HD Writer 2.5E software for Windows PCs that comes standard with the AG-HMC70 lets you play video files; upload them to a PC; divide, delete and merge scenes; and write files to an SD/SDHC card or DVD. This software also has an AVCHD-to-MPEG-2 conversion function for producing standard-definition DVD-Video.

[PC Minimum System Requirement]
›?CPU: Intel(R) Pentium III 1.0 GHz or better (for use of motion image playback and MPEG-2 output function, Intel(R) Core^TM Duo 2.16 GHz or Pentium(R) D 3.2 GHz, or better is recommended)
›?OS: Microsoft(R) Windows Vista(R) (Home Basic/Home Premium/Ultimate/ Business), Windows(R) XP (Home Edition/Professional SP2), Windows(R) 2000 Professional SP4 (Japanese version) (* Macintosh not supported)
›?RAM: 1024 MB or more for Windows Vista, 512 MB or more for Windows XP/2000 (1024 MB or more recommended)
*Do not insert a disc [DVD (AVCHD)] produced with the provided HD Writer 2.5E software into a device that does not support the AVCHD standard. If it is inserted into such a device, the disc may not eject. Also, do not play the disc with a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.

AVCHD Nonlinear Editing
The AG-HMC70 series can be connected to an AVCHD nonlinear editing system by means of the USB interface or an SDHC card reader.
This reduces production time by allowing high-speed data transfers without the need for digitizing.

Panasonic AG-HMC151
Professional 3-CCD Handheld AVCCAM camcorder

The AG-HMC151 handheld is Panasonic's exciting new introduction to the AVCCAM series. Representing a major step forward in affordable HD video capture, the HMC151 utilizes highly efficient AVCHD recording, the industry's new long GOP standard based on MPEG-4, to provide stunning image quality and longer record time.

The new handheld incorporates three 1/3-inch progressive CCD imagers to produce stunning 1920 x 1080 resolution picture quality far exceeding older Long GOP formats like HDV. It's equipped with a high-performance wide-angle* Leica Dicomar™ 13x zoom lens and 24- and 30-frame progressive capture in a full range of HD formats, making it well suited for all types of projects. With an exciting range of professional video and audio features and a compact, well-balanced design, the HMC151 is a "must have" for video professionals and enthusiasts looking for the best in affordable HD.

Extra-Long Solid-State Recording
Forget minutes! With AVCHD technology and high-capacity SD memory cards, the HMC151 provides hours of beautiful high definition recordings at professional bitrates up to 21Mbps. And it's as easy to use as a digital still camera, with simple playback on many consumer devices and players, from computers and video game consoles to Blu-ray players and flat panel displays with SD card slots.

AVCHD is currently supported by variety of editing solutions including: Grass Valley Edius PRO v4.5, Apple iMovie, Apple Final Cut Pro 6.0.1, Pinnacle Studio Plus 11, Nero7 Premium Reloaded, Ulead Video Studio 11 plus and DVD Movie Factory 6 Plus.

Stunning, full pixel HD resolution with these professional bitrate recording modes:

Stunning, full pixel HD resolution with these professional bitrate recording modes:

• · PH - 21 Mpbs (1920x1080) -- Highest Quality Setting
• · HA - 17 Mpbs (1920x1080)
• · HG - 13 Mpbs (1920x1080)
• · HE - 6 Mpbs (1440x1280) - Perfect for Long-form Recording

Features:

• · Extra-long record times - one 32GB SDHC card can hold up to 3 hours in the PH mode mode, 4 hours HA, 5.3 hours at HG mode and 12 hours in the HE mode
• · Records in a full range of HD formats including 1080/60i, 1080/30p, 1080/24p; 720/60p, 720/30p, 720/24p
• · 1/3" 3-CCD progressive image system with excellent sensitivity, superb colour reproduction and resolution
• · Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) that ensures stable images, critical to high definition video display
• · 13X 28mm to 368mm (35mm equivalent) Leica Dicomar™ wide-angle zoom lens
• · Superb Manual & Auto focus
• · In camera Waveform Monitor, Vectorscope and two Focus assist displays
• · A host of advanced video functions like Cinelike Gamma and Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS)
• · Professional level connections including HDMI out, Component Out (D Terminal), Composite Out and RCA Audio out jacks, XLR audio inputs, USB 2.0 for file transfer, remote control for Zoom, Iris, Focus, Start/Stop
• · Features three neutral density filters and three user sets
• · Two locking XLR inputs with switches for mic/line, +48V Phantom Power, Auto/Manual level, and internal/external assignment
• · Useful time/date stamp feature for applications like legal depositions or surveillance
• · Includes professional level assist functions like waveform monitor, vectorscope and two focus displays
• · Variety of editing solutions (Render files to almost any format or media)
• · Free downloadable AVCHD Transcoder for conversion to DVCPRO HD available at www.panasonic.com/avccam
• · Built with a durable, die-cast magnesium chassis frame for reliable performance in tough environments
• · Lightweight (under 6lbs.), handheld design similar to the popular AG-DVX100
• · Three-year warranty program (One year + two year extension upon registration)*