Panasonic AK-HC5000 HD Studio Handy Camera

Panasonic AK-HC5000 Overview

The Panasonic AK-HC5000 HD Studio Handy Camera with LEMO CCU Connector is a professional, multi-format camera that captures HD and SD video using three 2/3″ MOS sensors. It features a B4 mount, which allows you to use virtually any 2/3″ format ENG lens. The camera can capture at NTSC or PAL broadcast compatible frame rates. The camera is designed for studio work and does not incorporate a recorder, instead outputting via 3G-SDI outputs or the fiber optic connection. It can also be used in a hand held configuration while retaining the same output capabilities. It captures images at up to 59.94 fps, and features a hi-speed mode that allows you to capture at 239.76 or 200 fps depending on what signal format you are shooting.

A variety of image controls allow you to adjust the image quality, with such high-performance functions as dynamic range stretch, cine gamma curve, skin tone detail correction. Independent servo controlled ND and CC filter wheels provide creative opportunities to handle a wide variety of shooting conditions. A LEMO connector enables an optical fiber cable connection to an optional CCU that increases the camera’s flexibility

Dynamic Range Stretch

The DRS function automatically lessens the appearance of blocked shadows and blown highlights when dark and bright areas are mixed in the same scene. This provides a more natural looking image.

Rolling Shutter Reduction and Flash Band Compensation

The rolling shutter artifacts common to MOS sensors has been reduced by reading out the MOS sensor signal at high speed. In addition, using a camera-signal-processing LSI high-precision flash band detection and compensation function, Panasonic was able to eliminate the flash band phenomenon (light and dark areas appearing in the same frame) that occurs when a flash goes off during shooting.

4x High-Speed Shooting in 1080p

The AK-HC5000 camera system is able to record 1080p at up to 239.76 fps when recording in NTSC compatible (60 Hz) mode, or 200 fps when recording in PAL compatible (50 Hz) mode. Depending on your playback frame rate (59.94/50/29.97/25/23.98) this translates into between 4 and 10x slow motion. Please note that additional equipment (not included) is required to record the high-speed video.

Chromatic Aberration Compensation

This feature engages an algorithm to compensate for the chromatic aberration of select lenses, allowing the camera to capture sharper images with reduced chromatic aberration.

Gamma Curves

You can choose from Film Rec (V-Rec or F-Rec), and film-like 1/2/3 to fine tune the image you are capturing.

12-Axis Color Correction

Access to a built-in 12-axis color correction matrix enables fine tuning of the hue and saturation of individual colors, allowing you to tweak the standard EBU or NTSC color correction presets.

Skin Tone Correction

This function allows you to adjust the detail level of skin tones, using two discrete types of correction, so you can soften the appearance of wrinkles and skin textures. Adjustments can be made to the entire hue phase, so you can apply it to skin tones of all kinds. You can also apply the detail correction to specific colors even if it is not a skin tone.

Focus Assist Functions

Focus-in-Red – focus peaking
Expand (magnifies the center of the image)
Square – displays boxes around the parts of the image that are sharpest in frame

Video and Data Transmission Functions (Trunk)

Video and data can be transmitted between camera and a CCU (camera control unit) using an optical fiber cable. This allows you to match system expansion to match operation conditions.

• HD-SDI (CCU camera) two lines, VBS (CCU camera) two lines: Can be used for monitoring with prompter or camera (studio floor monitor), etc.
• HD-SDI (camera CCU) one line: This line can be used to transmit an additional video signal of a handheld or remote camera to the studio. Since the camera video input is equipped with a frame synchronizer, asynchronous video signals can also be used.
• LAN (1000BaseT) one line: To be used to control external devices and remote cameras by IP protocol. Transmission of streaming video is also supported.
• DATA (RS422A or RS232C) two lines: Can be used to transfer lens and pedestal position data in a virtual system.

Camera Functions

• Color temperature display and adjustment from 2000 to 15,000K
• Camera settings including VF markers can be saved to and loaded from an SD card
• Lens files for flare and shading values are supported
• The camera supports IP control and at a future time IP streaming
• 12 VDC output with 2.5 and 1 A output ports
• The body incorporates four user definable buttons

Servo Controlled ND and CC Filters

Incorporating two independent motorized filter wheels allows you to make in camera adjustments of ND (exposure) as well as color temp/effects/diffusion. The ND filter wheel features a Cap (no light pass through), clear, 1/4, 1/16. and 1/64, while the color correction wheel features cross, diffusion, 3200, 4300, and 6300K.

Intercom

The camera features two independent intercom channels, Intercom 1 and Intercom 2, in addition a mix mode allows you to listen to both intercom channels simultaneously.

Low-Profile Body Design with Adjustable Shoulder Pad

The camera’s low-profile design makes it easier to see to the right of the camera, and the shoulder pad features approximately an inch of adjustment for fine tuning the camera’s balance.