SECAUCUS, NJ (February 7, 2008) – Panasonic announced the immediate availability of its full native resolution, 1080i AK-HC3500 2/3″ 2.2M 3-CCD high definition studio camera. The HC3500 is equipped with exclusive image processing and color reproduction functions for the highest quality in 1080/59.94i and 1080/50i image acquisition.

Designed for direct-to-air broadcasting applications, the high performance HC3500 camera delivers the purest native image in its class. The HC3500 features three 2/3″ 2.2-megapixal IT-CCDs with an advanced single-channel transfer system, 14-bit A.D converter, an advanced 38-bit digital signal processor LSI and spatial offset processing for exceptional sensitivity, resolution (1100 horizontal lines), as well as reduced aliasing. Its digital signal processor also features a dynamic range function that assures detailed, high quality images even when shooting scenes in a high contrast environment. The HC3500 maintains an impressive signal to noise ratio of 60dB at F10.0 sensitivity and has a vertical smear level of less than -130dB.

The HC3500 produces unsurpassed quality HD images with the ability to control skin tone and smoothness in real time. The camera features a skin-tone detail function that allows users to easily adjust sharpness when focusing on on-screen talent and subjects in various lighting environments. Two different types of skin tone can be defocused independently. It offers versatile gamma settings including real-time Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS), which varies the gamma correction to match the contrast within the image, and a cine gamma curve to capture warm, film-like quality images.

Additional features include dynamic detail, programmable gamma, a 12-vector variable masking circuit that allows for the precise adjustment of hue and saturation separately, and an EBU color matrix preset that ensures similar color response between high definition and standard definition applications for seamless inter-mixing of footage.

The HC3500 is designed for comfortable day-to-day operation. When configured for studio use, the 10.4-pound camera easily slides into the optional build-up unit with a one touch, cable-free setup. Studio-style lenses can be mounted on the build-up unit. Additional convenient features include a backlight on the rear operation panel for improved operation in dark settings, an adjustable, slip-resistant shoulder pad for stable EFP shooting, and an SD memory card slot for storage and retrieval of various camera settings.

The HC3500 also features a wide range of auto-setup functions, a teleprompter and program video as well as data trunk function with two RS422 links for control of pan-tilt systems, lens, or robotic studios. The camera requires no external frame synchronizer to provide return video from an asynchronous source. The HC3500 has two HD SDI connections as well as HD monitor, teleprompter, and AUX outputs. Input connections include microphone, intercom and Gen-lock (BB/Tri-level Sync). The camera also features dual optical filters and has a low power consumption of 30W (without viewfinder).

The HC3500 is available now at the suggested list price of $56,000.

Available options for the HC3500 include : the AK-HBU3500 build-up kit, SLP of $21,000; the AK-HRP931 remote operating panel, SLP $5,050; the AK-HCU931 camera control unit, SLP $27,000; the
AK-HVF931A color LCD viewfinder, SLP $14,500; the AK-HHD931 HD-SDI output card, SLP of $4,400; and the AK-MSU935 master set up unit, SLP of $19,700.