Panasonic AG-HPX250 P2 Camcorder

Panasonic's AG-HPX250 P2 Camcorder is the first handheld professional camcorder to record extremely high-quality images using the AVC-Intra 100 Mb/s (10-bit 4:2:2) codec. The camera also features an integrated 22x zoom lens, and a 2.2 Mp 1/3"-type 3MOS imager.  

 

For video that will undergo heavy post-production processing, such as green screen shooting, the HPX250's AVC-Intra 100 codec is a perfect choice. The versatile HPX250 records not only AVC-Intra, but also several DVCPRO (including DVCPRO HD) and DV modes. A variety of frame rates are possible in DVCPRO modes, for native slow and fast-motion effects.  For rock-solid reliability, two professional P2 cards slots record simultaneously (i.e. to create an instant back-up) or sequentially, with hot-swap support.

 

The HPX250's high-performance 22x zoom lens was designed specifically for professional HD video production. Sharing wide-angle capabilities found in DVX and HVX series cameras, the lens has the telephoto capability of a 28-616mm (35mm equivalent) zoom. Three manual rings (zoom, focus, & iris) enable the lens to be operated as if it was interchangeable-lens camcorder. To compensate for  camera movement during handheld operation the HPX250 features an optical image stabilizer (OIS).  A convenient Focus Assist button expands the center of the LCD screen for quick, easy focus checks. A Focus Bar indicating the focus level can also be displayed on the LCD.

 

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) incorporated in Panasonic's shoulder-mount P2 HD broadcast camcorders. This sensor maximizes the performance of the lens and the signal processing circuit.  

 

Drawing on high-end VariCam technology, the HPX250 features gamma functions for uo to 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).

 

Camera shutter speed is variable from 1/6 to 1/2000 second, plus there's a Synchro Scan function. As with gamma, this matrix setting includes a Cine-Like mode. H & V detail levels are adjustable, as are detail coring and skin-tone detail. Like the popular VariCam line, the HPX250 features variable frame rate (VFR) "overcranked" and "undercranked" recording to at wide variety of frame rates. The result is cinematic slow-motion and quick-motion effects of the type used widely in TV commercials and cinematic productions

 

The HPX250 records high-quality, 16-bit audio on all four channels. The audio source for each channel can be independently selected, choosing from built-in mic, external mic, and line in with separate volume adjustments for each channel.

 

The 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.

 

The HPX250 can also hold its own as a second unit for independent feature production, or as the go-to model for wide variety of a corporate or broadcast projects.  From SD to HD, with support for both NTSC and PAL signal systems is a superb cross-platform camcorder.