ThePanasonic AG-HPX250 P2 HD Handheld Camcorderis the first handheld professional camcorder model to record the extremely high-quality AVC-Intra 100 Mb/s (10-bit 4:2:2) codec. Featuring an integrated 22x zoom lens and a 2.2 Mp 1/3"-type 3MOS imager, the versatile HPX250 records not only AVC-Intra but also several flavors of DVCPRO (including DVCPRO HD) as well as DV. A variety of frame rates are possible in DVCPRO modes, for native slow- and fast-motion effects.
For video that will later endure heavy processing in the form of effects and other processes, the intra-frame compression options of the HPX250 are crucial. The AVC-Intra 100 codec is a perfect choice for any projects that involve tasks such as greenscreen shooting. The HPX250 could thrive as the second camcorder on an independent feature production, or as the go-to model for a freelance videographer who does a variety of jobs, from SD to HD and with support for PAL/NTSC signal systems, it will cross oceans without missing a beat. Its compact size makes it hard to leave at home.
Panasonic Optical Technology
The HPX250's high-performance 22x zoom lens was designed specifically for professional HD video production. Sharing the wide-angle capability found in the DVX and HVX series, the lens offers some additional telephoto capability for a 28-616mm (35mm equivalent) zoom range. The lens combines 18 elements in 12 groups and adds an ultra-high refractive (UHR) glass element, a low-dispersion element, and aspheric elements. Unique to Panasonic, Chromatic Aberration Compensation (CAC) technology minimizes color bleeding in the surrounding image and achieves rich expression by way of finely rendered nuances and excellent shading
Manual Control Rings
Three manual rings mechanical (cam-driven) zoom, focus, and iris allow you to operate as if you've got an interchangeable-lens camcorder, for fine, tactile control over the parameters of the captured image
Optical Image Stabilization
To compensate for any shaking of the operator's hand, the HPX250 features an optical image stabilizer (OIS)
High-Sensitivity, Low-Noise 3MOS Image Sensor
Thanks to Progressive Advanced Processing (PAP) technology, high sensitivity up to F10 (F11 in 50 Hz mode) is possible, for low-noise performance in dimly lit environments. The 1/3-type 2.2 Mp 3MOS sensor features the same Ultra Luminance Technology (ULT) that's incorporated in Panasonic's shoulder-mount P2 HD broadcast camcorders. This sensor maximizes the performance of the lens and the signal processing circuit in standard conditions
Flash Band Compensation
The CMOS sensor system uses a rolling shutter system that sequentially scans each line of pixels, thereby lowering power consumption vs. CCD cameras and enabling high-speed drive. But because the exposure timing differs for each line, when an external flash is used, it tends to produce images with a "divided" level of brightness from top to bottom. The HPX250 ameliorates this "flash-band effect": it detects by comparing frame pairs and compensates to adjust the level
20-Bit Digital Signal Processor
The AG-HP250's high-performance 20-bit DSP handles rendering processes such as gamma and detail-enhancement functions with uncommon precision
Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS)
The DRS function automatically suppresses blocked shadows and blown highlights in scenes that involve wildly varying contrast levels (such as indoor vs. outdoor elements in the same frame). DRS estimates a gamma curve and knee slope to match the contrast of each pixel and applies them in real time, producing excellent gradation for each shade and minimizing blocked shadows and blown highlights
Seven-Mode Gamma for Rich Gradation
Drawing upon the technology of the high-end VariCam line, the HPX250 features gamma functions for seven shooting scenarios, including two cinema modes: HD NORM (for standard HD recording), LOW (flattens out a high-contrast scene); SD NORM (for standard SD recording); HIGH (softens contrast and expands the tone of dark parts, making an image brighter); B.PRESS (sharpens the contrast compared to LOW); CINE-LIKE D (prioritizes dynamic range); and CINE-LIKE V (prioritizes contrast)
Other Camera Image Settings
The camera's shutter speed is variable from 1/6 to 1/2000 second, plus there's a Synchro Scan function. As with gamma, matrix setting includes a Cine-Like mode. H & V detail levels are adjustable, as are detail coring and skin-tone detail. That's not all: chroma level, chroma phase, color temperature, and master pedestal are all adjustable as well. The camera offers four settings for knee point: Auto, Low, Mid, and High
Focus Assist Function
A convenient Focus Assist button expands the center of the LCD screen, allowing you to check for correct focus quickly & easily. A Focus Bar that indicates the focus level can be displayed on the LCD
Scene File / User File
The HPX250 features a dial for "Set Scene," which allows you to choose an appropriate matrix of settings instantaneously. You can modified the six preset files if you'd like, one set of which can be stored internally in the camcorder, and four more can be stored on an SD memory card
Three-Position Gain Selector + Super Gain
The three-position Gain Selector contains Low, Medium, and High settings. To each setting you can assign gain value of 0, +3, +6, +9, +12, +15, and +18 dB. Also, there are Super Gain settings of +24 and +30 dB
Simplified Waveform & Vectorscope
The AJ-HPX250 has waveform and vectorscope display functions for analyzing a captured video signal on the LCD
Five User Buttons
A total of five user buttons can be set to trigger any selection of 18 different camera functions
Full-Pixel, Full-Sample AVC-Intra Recording (10-Bit, 4:2:2)
The HPX250 is the first handheld camcorder to offer 10-bit AVC-Intra recording (at both 100 and 50 Mb/s). Based on highly advanced MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 compression, this codec employs intra-frame compression, which results high image quality especially in the edit suite, whereinter-frame codecs can start to break down. Both AVC-Intra 100 and 50 modes are offered as is DVCPRO HD, for compatibility with that very popular format. For 1080i/p, AVC-Intra 100 uses full-pixel 1920 x 1080 frames, with 10-bit quantization (4:2:2). The very bit-efficient AVC-Intra 50 codec records 1440 x 1080 video at 10-bit, 4:2:0
Native Recording & Pulldown Modes with PAL/NTSC Support
For cinematic 24-frame-per-second projects, the HPX250 supports 1080p recording at 23.98 fps (29.97 fps is also possible). For PAL regions, the camcorder is capable of recording at 1080/25pN and 720/25pN. The camcorder also records natively (without pulldown) in 720p modes, which results in recording efficiency that allows you to record for 2 to 2.5 times the duration allowed by pulldown recording. In pulldown mode with the DVCPRO HD codec, the camera applies a 2:3 pulldown to 23.98p, and a 2:2 pulldown to 29.97p, to record 1080/59.94i or 720/59.94p and 1080/25p over 50i or 720/25p over 50p. With 2:3:3:2 advanced pulldown, the 23.98pA mode is supported, allowing editing on many NLE systems with little image degradation. The camcorder also features a 59.94/50 Hz selector for worldwide compatibility and SD image acquisition with either 480 or 576 lines and aspect ratio conversion (select Side Crop, Letter Box, or Squeeze). This is an internationally compatible camcorder that can fit seamlessly into almost any production workflow
High-Quality 4-Channel Audio
The AG-APX250 records high-quality 16-bit audio on all four channels. Freely select the audio source for each channel, choosing from built-in mic, external mic, and line in. Adjust the volume level for each channel
Dual P2 Memory Card Slots
P2 cards offer capacities of up to 64GB, and the HPX250's dual P2 memory card slots enable extended continuously recording times and Hot-Swap recording.
MXF File-Based Recording
File-based recording enables data transfers that are much faster than real time. Filed recorded to the HPX250's P2 cards have MXF wrappers, which are compatible with all major nonlinear editing systems. File-based recording to memory cards allows for high-speed starts, recording starts with no need for cueing, and protection against accidental data overwriting
Variable Frame Rates, Even in 1080p
Like the popular VariCam line of professional camcorders, the HPX250 features variable frame rate (VFR) "overcranked" and "undercranked" recording to at wide variety of frame rates (see Specifications for details). The result is cinematic slow-motion and quick-motion effects of the type used widely in TV commercials and cinematic productions
Clip Thumbnail Display & Clip Editing
Recorded clips are automatically allocated a thumbnail image and metadata. This lets you display a visual representation of the clip on the LCD, delete clips, and confirm or edit metadata (using the built-in Software Keyboard function). You can delete the last clip with a single touch, also with a single button press, and check the beginning and ending of the most recently recorded clip
Shot Market & Text Memo
Clips can be marked during or after recording. When mounted to a PC using the downloadable P2 Viewer Windows application, the user can view only marked clips if desires. Text memos can be posted to any scene of a clip (up to 100 in all) for a digital version of "sticky" notes
One-Clip Rec Mode
Record up to 99 cuts as a single file in One-Clip Rec mode. A text memo is automatically attached at each start-record point, making it easy to find desired cuts within the clip once you're in the edit suite working with a single, unified file
Other Recording Modes
Loop Rec repeatedly re-records a particular recurring time slot, always maintaining a recording of the most recent period. Pre-Rec continuously stores in standby mode up to 3 seconds of HD video (or 7 seconds of SD), and this pre-record cache is only recorded to the P2 card once you press Record. This helps you get the shot every time, even if you "miss" the crucial moment by a couple seconds. Interval Rec gives you automatic intermittent recording based on a set interval and recording time. One-Shot Rec captures a single frame useful for animations. Time Stamp appends the date and time onto recorded images, which is a crucial feature for evidential images
Multi-Camera Synchronization
The AG-HPX250 features every capability you'd want for synchronizing more than one camera for multi-camera shoots: SMPTE time code generator/reader, time code input and output, and genlock input
Video Outputs: SDI, HDMI & More
SDI output in HD and SD allows camera-through output during HD/SD recording, or outputs high-quality 10-bit, 4:2:2 images for playback of AVC-Intra footage. As you'd expect, SDI output includes embedded audio and supports Record Stop/Start linked backup recording with a Panasonic recorder equipped with HD-SDI input. When outputting SD-SDI down-converted from an HD source, Aspect Ratio Conversion mode can also be selected. In addition, the HPX250 gives you HDMI output for live monitoring and for playback on compatible HDTV screens, as well as SD composite output that downconverts recorded HD files
Other Interfaces
Both "host" and "device" USB 2.0 connections are included on the HPX250, so you can offload data to a laptop or P2 deck or directly to and from a hard drive. On the LCD monitor, you can even view thumbnails of P2 files saved to the external hard drive. In addition, the FireWire (IEEE 1394) port enables you to input or output a DVCPRO (including DVCPRO HD) or DV stream. There's a camera remote input for controlling focus, iris, zoom, and REC stop/start, and two-channel XLR audio mic/line inputs supporting 48V phantom power
Stylishly Designed for Mobility
The compact, stylish HPX250 has a similar form factor to the popular HVX200, but the handle grip and LCD position are shifted forward to effect and overall better weight balance for the camcorder, improving the visibility of the screen and enabling you to shoot comfortably for longer periods of time. The HPX250 chassis is composed of die-cast magnesium alloy for rugged durability
High-Resolution, High-Brightness Color Viewfinder & LCD
The AG-HPX250's color electronic viewfinder uses a 0.45", 1,226,000-dot equivalent (852 x 480 x 3 [RGB]) LCoS (liquid crystal on silicon) display panel. It delivers bright, detailed, high-res images and a high response speed. The camcorder's 3.45" LCD monitor has is an approximately 921,000-dot (1920 x 480) high-resolution panel
Low-Angle Shots
On the upper part of the handle grip you'll find both the Rec Start/Stop button and a lens zoom speed control (three speed levels). This assures easy, comfortable shooting at low angles
LCD Monitor Mirror Mode
The LCD monitor's mirror mode is extremely convenient for shooting interviews
Workflow Versatility
The Panasonic P2 family includes many decks and mobile storage units, providing a wealth of options for offloading, field editing, and cutting back in the edit room. In addition, the file-based nature of the HPX250's acquisition enables recorded video to be integrated into IT-based infrastructure, for unlimited options for sharing and distributing P2 content
White Balance Functions
The camera features two values (A/B) for white balance memory and one preset value. There's also an ATW (auto tracing white balance) function
Zebra
Select any two zebra levels from 50% to 100% (in 1% steps)
Y-GET Brightness Check
The camera's Y-GET function measures the brightness at the screen center and displays precise numerical data
Tally Lamps
Tally lamps are provided on the front and rear of the HPX250