Providing exceptional, independent-frame compression in 20 HD and SD formats, the HPX170 records in a variety of 1080i/1080p and 720p formats in DVCPRO HD, 480i in DVCPRO50 and DVCPRO, and 480i in DV. It is switchable between 16:9/4:3 aspect ratios.

The HPX170’s 1/3″ progressive 16:9 3-CCD imager offers an excellent signal-to-noise ratio, lower noise and smear and better low-light performance. Its digital signal processor with 14-bit A/D conversion and 19-bit processing assures high-quality recordings necessary for broadcast and top-level production. Because the HPX170 scans the initial image at a native 1080p/60, images maintain the highest quality possible across conversions.

For shooting versatility, the compact P2 HD handheld comes with a wide 3.9mm ‘ 51mm (equivalent to 28mm on a 35mm lens) 13X Leica Dicomar zoom lens (the widest in its class). Precise zoom and focus operation is assured with features like a cam-driven manual zoom ring, 10X digital zoom, manual focus ring and aperture control, as well as valuable HD focus assist functions including histogram, 2X center blow-up and a Focus Bar. It also has built-in waveform and vectorscope display features. The camera’s Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS), as a 60p/60i feature, automatically suppresses blown highlights and dark shadows. In addition, an Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) function automatically corrects blurring so images remain crisp and sharp.

For the ultimate creative flexibility, the HPX170 offers an expanded 20-step frame rate selection in 720p mode for variable-speed shooting in the 12fps to 60fps range to acquire fast- or slow-motion in-camera effects. Professionals can select from six advanced gamma modes including CineGammaTM, which produces the warm tones characteristic of film recordings.

The HPX170 has two P2 card slots, so users can record up to 64 continuous minutes of the highest quality DVCPRO HD recording using currently available 32GB P2 cards. Record times will double with the release of Panasonic’s 64GB P2 card in the fall. Other user-friendly recording modes offered are hot swapping for non-stop recording, loop record, pre-record, interval and one-shot recording. New functions have been added to the User buttons including last-clip delete, Pre-Record, and the variable frame rates can be toggled through. A time/date stamp function makes the camcorder ideal for use in law enforcement and legal environments. An enhanced metadata input features a software keyboard to add key data about the shooting environment.

The HPX170 records four channels of uncompressed, 16-bit digital audio for superb audio performance.
It is equipped with an HD/SD-SDI output standard for live feed productions as well as for editing and monitoring. It also has a 6-pin locking IEEE 1394 interface and an USB 2.0 interface for fast P2 content transfer into NLE systems, and offers a composite output, component output (mini D-terminal.) The camera also features a built-in stereo microphone and two-channel XLR audio input terminals supporting 48V phantom power supply and is switchable between mic and line. Manual audio level volume is offered on two of the channels.

Other convenient operational features include SMPTE time generator/reader, clip preview on the camera’s 3.5″ color LCD monitor, instant recording startup, shot marker, text memo, six pre-set scene files, the ability to load new settings into the camera via an SD card slot, three assignable user buttons, and remote control of zoom, rec, focus and iris.

The AG-HPX170 is backed by Panasonic’s five-year limited P2 HD warranty.* This warranty is unprecedented in cameras at this level.

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