Panasonic AJ-PX230PJ

The Panasonic AJ-PX230PJ AVC ULTRA handheld camcorder, providing the quality, image control and much of the functionality of its predecessor, the popular AJ-PX270.

Offering 10-bit, 1080p AVC-Intra and AVC-LongG codecs, extensive video control, a 22x zoom and lens and OLED Viewfinder, the PX230 is ideal for a wide range of applications, including broadcasting, documentary, education, house of worship and live event work. The camcorder provides the same video recording quality and body design as the PX270, minus network functionality (wired/wireless and FTP/Streaming), dual codec recording (proxy) and Genlock/TC interface, delivering a significantly lower-cost version for shooters who need a higher quality image, but who don't require these features.

The five-pound PX230 features high-sensitivity, low-noise 1/3" 3-MOS imagers produce stunning pictures, even in low light conditions. With its AVC-ULTRA codec, the camcorder features a wide range of recording modes: for high-quality recording, the camera records in 100Mbps AVC-Intra100, as well as 200 Mbps AVC-Intra200. For applications where file size is critical, it incorporates a choice of AVC-LongG quality levels, including AVC-LongG50, AVC-LongG25 and AVC-LongG12. These 10-bit, 4:2:2 sampled codecs (LongG50/25*) record in much smaller file sizes, saving storage cost and transfer time while maintaining equal or better video quality to existing legacy codecs. The camcorder also offers legacy recording in DVCPRO HD, DVCPRO50, DVCPRO and DV.

The camcorder's compact, 22X zoom lens offers a wide 28 mm to tele 616 mm (35mm equiva-lent) zoom range. The PX230's three manual operation lens rings - zoom, focus and iris -- provide a comfortable manual control similar to interchangeable lenses, but without the need for actual lens changes. The zoom ring's solid feel and smooth action allows delicate ultra-slow zooming. In addition, the camera's multi-step zoom control provides fast response and smooth zoom action, providing the creative freedom every camera operator wants. The zoom control on the handle enables variable speed zoom, allowing fine zoom control even for low angle shots.

Two microP2 card slots enable cost-effective operation. In addition to 1080/60i, the PX230 supports 1080/24p, 30p, 60p (AVC-Intra100, LongG25, LongG12 only), 720p multi HD format and SD recording. Also, 50i, 50p, and 25p are supported by 59.94 Hz/50 Hz switching. Variable frame rates in 1080-59.94p in 25 steps from 1fps to 60 fps, including 24 fps, 25 fps and 30 fps, are standard.

Features:

• 59.94 Hz / 50 Hz mode switchable
• Focus Assist Functions: One-Push AF, Focus-in-Red Display, Expand, Focus Bar
• Built-in ND filters (Clear, 1/4, 1/16, 1/64)
• Eight User Buttons
• Simplified waveform and vectorscope display
• +36 dB Super Gain: +24 dB/+30 dB/+36 dB Super Gain function enables extra-high sensitivity with subject luminance of as low as 0.02 lx (When set to F1.6, 18 dB gain, 1-second accumulation, HIGH SENS. mode)
• Electronic Shutter with Slow Shutter Capability: The shutter speed can be set in seven steps between 1/60 and 1/2000 second (60i/60p mode). It is also equipped with Slow and Synchro Scan (variable) modes. The shutter opening angle (deg value) can be set with Synchro Scan mode
• Advanced flash band compensation
• Built-in electronic level gauge
• Six preset scene files stored internal, up to eight stored on memory card
• One user file containing camera settings can be stored internally, up to eight stored on memory card
• Aspect Conversion: The aspect ratio can be selected from among Side Crop, Letter Box, or Squeeze mode when down-converting and outputting from the SDI OUT terminal.