Panasonic has introduced the AW-HE870N, a cost-effective, versatile 2/3″ HD/SD convertible camera that supports 1080i/720p/480i image acquisition. Delivering affordable image capture for a wide range of applications and lighting conditions, the HE870 is compatible with most 2/3-inch motor drive zoom lenses, all current Panasonic Broadcast pan/tilts and controllers, and a many third-party systems.

The versatility, high video quality, and cost effectiveness of the HE870 makes it ideal for use in education, government, houses of worship and other application areas. The HE870 is the latest addition to Panasonic’s best-selling lineup of HD convertible cameras which includes the native 1080i resolution AK-HC1800N and the high-performance AK-HC1500G.

The HE870’s new high-performance 38-bit digital signal processor (DSP) and 14-bit A/D converter deliver super-sharp images even in difficult lighting. Panasonic’s advanced spatial-offset and image processing technologies provide high quality, high definition imaging, and 12-axis color correction allows for precise control and matching of HD video.

The multi-format HE870 provides switchable HD/SD component output at 1080/59.94i, 720/59.94p, or 480/59.94i, along with full-time SD composite output. An optional AW-HHD870 output card adds two distributed SDI outputs (HD/SD switchable), and a Zoom/Focus control port.

The HE870’s other features include: flesh tone noise suppression, shutter speeds ranging from 1/100 to 1/10000 second, a Syncro-Scan (61.19 Hz to 1466 Hz) feature that eliminates flicker when shooting a television or computer monitor, gunlock, DC 12V operation, and a low power consumption of 18 watts.

The compact, 2.6-pound AW-HE870 is the same size as Panasonic’s best-selling AW-E860 SD camera and employs the same connectors and an updated version of the remote control software. Because of this, the HE870 offers a simple upgrade path to HD for thousands of Panasonic SD camera customers.

The HE870 is also compatible with Panasonic’s comprehensive line of high performance indoor/outdoor pan-tilt systems, including the AW-RP655, AW-RP555, AW-RP400, AW-CB400 controllers, and the AW-H360, AW-PH400, AW-PH405 and AW-PH650 pan/tilt heads. Previously installed control systems may require a firmware upgrade to access all of the new camera’s features.

The AW-HE870 will have a suggested list price of $11,500. The optional AW-HHD870 HD/SD-SDI output card will have a suggested list price of $1,995.