Review on Panasonic Pro AG-HPX170 3CCD P2 High-Definition Camcorder
July 20, 2010 by eCamera Talk
Filed under Camcorder, Panasonic
Panasonic Pro AG-HPX170 is a 3CCD P2 High-Definition Camcorder with 13x Optical Zoom, it has become a bestselling camcorder on Amazon, many people are choosing it, so I think it’s right time to share it with you guys today. Well, let’s find out what’s really cool about it.
Starting with the front end of the camera, the HPX170 uses a newly-developed 1/3-inch progressive 3- CCD imager system which substantially improves signal-to noise (S/N) ratio, enhances low-light performance and prevents smear. Using exactly the same imager system as the HVX200A, this camera will produce similar images and is an ideal shooting partner.
What’s more, the Panasonic HPX170 camcorder utilizes the highlyreputed Leica Dicomar 13x lens roughly the equivalent of 28 mm in 35mm still photography terms. It ranges from 3.9mm to 51mm with a filter diameter of 72mm. So I think you guys will love it too.
The Panasonic AG-HPX170 comes with some very cool features, let’s take a look.
Features:
Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS)
The DRS function reduces the blocked shadows and blown highlights in scenes where bright and dark objects coexist, such as the view of a room from outdoors.
Enhanced focus-assist functions
The Center 2X Blow-up focus-assist function from the HVX200 is included. The histogram function featured on the HPX500 is now a part of this camera and you can choose Center Zoom, Histogram, or both.
SDI (HD/SD switchable) output
The AG-HPX170 comes equipped with an SDI (HD/SD) output terminal for serial digital transfer of uncompressed audio/visual data.
Camera Processing and Technology
There are three critical components working hand-in-hand to make the images from this camera. The CCDs benefit from the additional picture information offered by the spatial offset on the pixels.
New Progressive CCD Raises Sensitivity and Lowers Noise and Smear
The new 1/3-inch 16:9 progressive CCD on the AG-HPX170 further raises image quality. It combines a significantly improved S/N ratio and better low-light performance than previous models.
High-Resolution Native
Progressive 1080/60p Scan Progressive to interlace conversion, cross conversion and down conversion all start with the 1080p/60 scan.
DSP with 14-Bit A/D Conversion and 19-Bit Processing
The digital signal processor developed for the AG-HPX170’s 1080/60p video signals uses 14-bit A/D conversion and 19-bit inner processing to attain unprecedented accuracy in color and detail.
MetaData input and management
A significant part of file-based workflow is the metadata portion of the footage. IT is what makes it easy to find thing later.
Of course, these are just the main features this Panasonic camcorder delivers, you’ll find out more when you get the camcorder.
Specs:
- All solid state -P2 cards – 2 Slots
- HD/SDI — (including SD)
- 6 pin Firewire with locking connection.
- Color Bars with 1kHz Tone
- Metadata input – like the P2 Gear
- Camera Playback format can be changed without going into menus
- Additional Neutral Density filters, 1/4, 1/16, 1/64
- Additional Functionality of the User Buttons, Delete Last Clip, Pre- Record and Variable Frame rate
- WaveForm Monitor and Vectorscope
- Dedicated Slot Select Button
- Three Focus Assist functions, 2X blow-up,
- Histogram, and Focus Bar
- 20 Variable Frame Rates, 12, 15, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 40, 44, 48, 54, 60
- DVX-Style Navigational Tool
- Security Cable Attachment Hole
- Dynamic Range Stretching in 60I/60P HD, replaces News Gamma
- Iris/focus ring assignment switch so that focus ring can be the iris
- Time & date stamp burn-in, perfect for Legal Video work
- Most cables facing rear to reduce conflicts, Audio connections in the same place
- Manual Focus Assist, camera will hit the last critical focus point
- LCD Screen can be flipped for use with 35mm adapters
- 10X, 5X, 2x Digital Zoom
Price as Reviewed: $4,090.00 (on Amazon)
Well, what’s your opinion on the Panasonic Pro AG-HPX170 3CCD P2 High-Definition Camcorder?
Purchase or learn more about the Panasonic Pro AG-HPX170 Camcorder on Amazon.
