New 64GB Card Boosts P2 Storage Capacity, Offers Higher Transfer Rate

Panasonic announced the immediate availability of its new 64GB P2 solid-state memory card (model AJ-P2C064), providing expanded recording capacity for its line of P2 and P2 HD camcorders and workflow products.

Ideal for long-form production, the high-capacity 64GB P2 card allows professionals to record for hours, offering double the record times of the 32GB P2 card and increased storage capacity for larger high-definition data files. The new P2 card also features an improved transfer rate of up to 800 Mb/s for faster transfer and offload of P2 content.

Exceeding the typical storage capacity of tape and disc-based systems, the reusable 64GB P2 card can hold more than five hours of DVCPRO footage (356 minutes), more than two hours of DVCPRO50 or AVC-Intra 50 recordings (128 minutes), or more than an hour of full raster AVC-Intra 100 or DVCPRO HD content (64 minutes). With five 64GB P2 cards installed, a VariCam 3700 or AJ-HPX3000 P2 HD camcorder can record for 10 hours and 40 minutes in AVC-Intra 50, or 5.3 hours in AVC-Intra 100 or DVCPRO HD (6 hours and 40 minutes in 1080/24pN mode). Up to 13 hours and 20 minutes can be recorded in AVC-Intra 100 or DVCPRO HD using the 720/24pN mode available in the VariCam 2700 or AJ-HPX2000 P2 HD camcorders.

With P2 solid-state memory cards, users can immediately access recorded content, eliminating the need to digitize or process footage. Packaged in a rugged, die-cast frame, the P2 card is highly reliable and, unlike tape and optical discs, it is resistant to impact, vibration, shock, dust and environmental extremes including temperature changes. P2 cards can store the complete range of P2 frame rates and formats, from high definition to standard definition and from DVCPRO to AVC-Intra 100. The P2 card can be connected instantly with laptop PCs and major non-linear editing systems, eliminating the time-intensive digitizing process. For connection to laptop or desktop computers with ExpressCard slots, professionals can utilize a PC card-to-ExpressCard adapter.

Like the 16GB and 32GB P2 cards, the 64GB P2 card is compatible with Panasonic’s full line of P2 camcorders, recorders and workflow tools. The 64GB P2 card will work immediately with all P2 HD camcorders purchased from May 2007 forward. P2 and P2 HD products purchased prior to that date will need a free, downloadable software upgrade available on the Panasonic website.

The 64GB P2 card is available at a suggested list price of $2,600.

P2 HD solid-state products offer high definition recording without the mechanical wear and environmental limitations of tape, hard disk, and optical disc based systems. P2 HD ensures the highest reliability, especially in challenging conditions of extreme temperature range, shock, and vibration. P2 HD products provide a significant reduction in maintenance costs, longer useful product life, and immediate access to recorded video (no need to digitize, ingest or create proxy video files) and metadata. P2 HD provides the reliability of solid-state production; the immediate connectivity to existing IT infrastructures; the speed, ease of use and portability of P2 cards; and interoperability with leading NLE systems.