Panasonic AG-HMC150 AVCHD Camcorder

The Panasonic AG-HMC150 Camcorder records high-definition images on standard SecureDigital (SD) and SDHC memory cards. Compared to comsumer camcorders the HMC150 has the ability to record AVCHD images at significantly higher bitrates. This enhancement makes the camera more efficient than comparable HD interframe codecs, such as HDV and XDCAM EX. Using the H.264 compression algorithm; the camera records incredibly detailed images at a fraction of the file size.

AVCHD is a variant of interfame codecs such as HDV and XDCAM. The advantage is that AVCHD uses a standard H.264 compression algorithm, making it highly efficient without requiring massive amounts of memory. Less bandwidth also allows the camera to record directly to SD and SDHC media.  For example, a standard 8GB SDHC card can hold 80 minutes of footage at the highest resolution, or 180 minutes in economy mode.  An optional 32GB card has the capacity to record anywhere from 320 to 720 minutes. 

The smaller, lighter AG-HMC150 feels much like the acclaimed AG-DVX100, as opposed to its similar and larger cousin, the AG-HVX200. Weighing in at a mere 4.2 pounds the HMC150 is easy to hold and very comfortable on long shoots.

The Leica 13x zoom lens is comprised of 13 crystal-clear elements, including 3 aspherical lenses, in 10 groups. Panasonic has also reduced the front lens element from 67mm on the AG-HVX200 to 53.2mm on the AG-HMC150. The use of low-dispersion glass reduces color aberration while a multi-coating process minimizes flare and ghosting. Combined with the HMC150's optical image stabilization system glass-smooth images can be recorded even with moderate shaking when shooting hand-held.

Each pixel has a large light-receiving area, giving this advanced 1/3" progressive CCD super sensitivity not available in previous compact HD cameras. These advanced CCD chips combined with a newly developed 14-bit digital signal processor (DSP) achieve a balance of high resolution and S/N ratio that rivals even the most sophisticated HD broadcast cameras.

The HMC150's advanced digital signal processor uses 14-bit A/D conversion and 19-bit inner processing to attain unprecedented accuracy. While the camera does not record 1080/60p, it is from this capture that all other signals are made. The DSP performs a variety of adjustments, including eight types of gamma settings, for each of the RGB channels. It also converts the signals to HD, or SD format. With a performance equivalent to processors found in many higher-end HD cameras, Panasonic's DSP makes it possible for the camera to deliver beautiful images in all video formats.

The built-in SMPTE time-code generator/reader lets is selectable for Drop and Non-Drop Frame, as well as Free and Rec Run modes, preset and regenerate. User bits are also provided.