Panasonic AG-HMC41

The HMC41E is an AVCHD format based camcorder that uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 high profile encoding, which provides a near doubling of bandwidth efficiency and improved video performance over the older MPEG-2 compression formats (e.g. HDV, DVD, etc.). AVCHD high definition recordings look clean and crisp, even during fast motion, reducing the image degradation or dropout associated with older HDV recordings.

The HMC41E features a full resolution 3-mega-pixel, 1/4.1-inch 3MOS imagery that produces stunning 1920×1080 HD images with high sensitivity. The camera captures still images with 10.6-mega-pixel resolution directly onto the SD card as a JPEG image. The hand-held offers a 12X optical zoom (includes 2X, 5X, 10X) and professional image functions like Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS) that helps compensate for wide variations in lighting, and a Cine-Like Gamma mode which gives recordings a more film-like aesthetic.

The HMC41E comes standard with HDMI output, USB 2.0 (mini B-type devices), composite output (AV multi/ch1, ch2), analog component (mini-D), detachable XLR audio input and audio REC level adjustment dials. Users also have the choice of expanding the camera’s audio capability with 2-channel input, mic/line switchable and +48V options that are available for purchase separately. The camera’s 2.7-inch LCD monitor offers simple touch-panel operation and access to various solid-state recording functions such as pre-record, interval recording, shot marker and meta-data capture.

AVCHD is supported by a wide range of editing options including Apple Final Cut Pro 6.0.5, , Adobe Premier Pro CS4 , EDIUS Pro 5, EDIUS Neo 2, . In addition, a free trans-coder, available for download at www.panasonic-broadcast.com , will convert AVCHD files to DVC PRO HD P2 and down-converted DV files for use with most existing professional editing packages.