Panasonic AJ-SDX900 DVCPRO Camcorder

The Panasonic AJ-SDX900 is a DVCPRO SD camera that allows the shooter to shoot in variable frame rates at either 25 or 50mb/sec. 16:9/4:3 selectable. Shoots on M-size DVCPRO cassettes.  The SDX900 is an outstanding solution in a wide range of applications, from production of TV programs, commercials,news gathering to music video clips.

The SDX900 combines advanced DVCPRO and DVCPRO50 imaging technology with a compact, lightweight body designed for easy mobility. The result is a fully mobile unit that is ideally balanced, easy to maneuver, and rugged enough for the field.

Image quality is excellent thanks to a 2/3" 520,000-pixel 3CCD imaging system with progressive scanning capability and a new 12-bit DSP circuit. A full-fledged DVCPRO50 recorder, the AJ-SDX900 offers high sensitivity, superb 4:2:2 video recording, and four audio channels. Operation is intuitive. A new digital super gain function (in cumulative mode) raises sensitivity even higher. A 24p, or 30p progressive shooting mode combines with a cine-like gamma curve to create video that closely replicates the appearance and quality of film.
The AJ-SDX900 features a 2/3" 520,000-pixel 3CCD imaging system, plus progressive scanning capability and an F13 lens with high sensitivity. You can shoot in light as low as 0.01 lux with minimal smear. With 750 lines of resolution and a 65-dB S/N, the AJ-SDX900 meets virtually any recording need. And it's versatile, with menu-selectable 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios.

The SDX900 provides an easy-to-use, pushbutton super gain function with a maximum gain of +48 dB. In addition, it introduces a new digital super gain (in cumulative mode) with utilizing a variable frame rate technology of Varicam, allowing an extra gain of +20 dB (at 6 fps). Unlike conventional gain adjustment, digital super gain is virtually noise-free*, so picture quality is preserved intact. With super gain and digital super gain, the AJ-SDX900 allows ultra-high-sensitive shooting at up to +68 dB.12-Bit A/D Signal Processing CircuitThe AJ-SDX900 features a new DSP circuit that uses 12-bit rather than conventional 10-bit processing for A/D conversion. This achieves better overall picture quality, with finer gradation and improved color expression.

This advanced function within the DSP circuit allows correction in specific color regions without changing the overall color tone. Combined with chroma detail and skin detail controls, this gives you finer control in creating images.

The frame rate can be switched between the normal 60i (60 fields/sec) and 24p (24 frames/sec) and 30p (30 frames/sec). In both 24p and 30p mode, a complete progressive scan image is produced for each frame. This, in tandem with the cinelike gamma curve, lets you create video productions that closely replicate the high-quality look and "feel" that distinguishes 24p cinema film.* You'll find the AJ-SDX900 suitable for a host of applications, from production of documentaries, commercials, and music video clips.

A 50-Mbps IEEE1394 digital interface allows non-linear editing with full 4:2:2 image quality. Use of a non-linear editing system that's compatible with 24p Advance Mode* allows 24p production with minimal image degradation. The SDX900's high-quality progressive images also make excellent HD source material. The DVDPRO HD VTRs provide DVCPRO/DVCPRO50 playback and an HD up-convert function, allowing easy conversion to 720p or 1080i HD images for use in HD broadcasting or HD cinema.

DVCPRO format helps make the SDX900 body small in size and light in weight. In standard operating configuration the entire unit weighs just 15 lbs.

Store specific camera settings in built-in memory, then retrieve them when needed for quick, easy setup. Four files with settings can be stored in the camera's memory. Files can also be copied onto an SD Memory Card or MultiMediaCard, allowing storage of up to eight files.
Three user buttons are provided. Assign a function to each, and then you can select those functions with pushbutton ease. A user can also customize the on-screen menu with the items he uses most often, then display them by simply pressing a button.

The white balance is automatically adjusted, in real time, as the lighting changes. It is easy to get natural color even when shooting scenes with difficult lighting conditions, such as when following a subject walking from indoors to outdoors.

The viewfinder image can be digitally enlarge to twice the normal lens magnification, producing images four times the normal size. Progressive images retain their superior resolution even with zooming, and -- unlike when a lens extender is used -- brightness is not reduced. Ideal as both a shooting technique and focusing support. You can adjust the contrast of the viewfinder's zebra pattern and display the pattern while setting the Auto Tracking White Balance or viewing the color bar output image. This makes it easier to make the proper camera settings.
The electronic shutter has speeds of 1/100, 1/120, 1/250, 1/500 1/1000 and 1/2000 sec, plus synchro-scan capability (1/60.3 to 1/250 sec).

The SDX900 is equipped with ND (CLEAR, 1/4 ND, 1/16 ND, 1/64 ND) and CC (Cross, 3200K, 4300K, 6300K) optical filters.