Panasonic AVCCAM AG-HMC40 User Manual page 4

A dvance d H D R e co rd ing Tech no lo g y
AVCHD Format Recording: Superior Quality, Efficiency and Reliability
And Exclusive PH Mode for the Highest Bit Rate
High-end AVCHD Image Quality
High Bit Rate of the Pro-use PH Mode
The AG-HMC40 features the image-enhancing PH mode that Panasonic
developed exclusively for AVCCAM camcorders. It delivers a maximum
AVCHD bit rate of 24 Mbps (average: 21 Mbps). Designed for professional
image production, this mode lets you record 1080/30p, 1080/24p and 720
progressive images in addition to 1080/60i from the AG-HMC40's 1920 x
1080 full-raster HD images.
Image with HDV Image with AVCHD (PH mode)
Ease, Efficiency, Reliability
Large-capacity SDHC Memory Card
Unlike with videotape, there's no need for cueing with the SDHC memory card
because recording automatically begins in a blank section of memory. Nor do
you have to worry about accidentally recording over important footage. You can
delete unwanted clips instantly right on the spot to preserve memory capacity.
Editing after shooting is smooth and easy, with no need for digitizing. The tiny
SDHC Memory Card is durable, too. Its operating range is from -13ºF to +185ºF
(-25ºC to +85ºC), so you can stop worrying about harsh temperatures or
condensation and just concentrate on your shooting. And of course, you never
have to worry about problems with dropouts or clogged heads.
•Using the high compression efficiency of the AVCHD format, up to 720
minutes* 1 of HD data can be recorded onto a single SDHC Memory Card.
•Combined with a maximum data transfer speed of 22 MB/s,* 2 this makes
data transfers to computers easy and effortless.
•SDHC Memory Cards are inexpensive and can be easily purchased on
location when needed.
*1 In HE (extended time) mode using a 32GB SDHC Memory Card. A Class 4 or higher SDHC or
SD Memory Card is required for PH and HA recording. Use a Class 2 or higher SDHC or SD
Memory Card for other modes. (Panasonic SDHC or SD Memory Cards are recommended.)
*2 Data transfer speed varies depending on the usage of SD devices. The speed given here is the
maximum speed according to Panasonic specifications.
AVCHD Format for High-quality,
Efficient HD Recording
This format complies with the latest H.264 motion image compression
standard, and employs the High Profile standard to improve compression
efficiency. Featuring twice the compression efficiency of HDV (MPEG-2), the
AG-HMC40 achieves extended HD recording.
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 Technologies
•Intra-frame Prediction
•Variable Block Size Motion Compensation
•Loop Filter Prevents the Propagation of Compression Distortion
•New Entropy Encoding 'CABAC'
Comparison of HD Recording Formats
HDV AVCHD
Pixel (H x V) 1440 x 1080 1920 x 1080
Compression Method MPEG-2 MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
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HD multi-format recording
Recording Format
1080 1080/59.94i
1080/29.97p, 1080/23.98p (Native)
1080 (only PH mode)
720/59.94p, 720/29.97p
720 (only PH mode)
720/23.98p (Native)
*In the Native mode, AG-HMC40 record only active frames.
Records for 180 minutes (approx.) in the highest-quality (PH) mode
Image Size Max. Recording Time with
Recording
Bit Rate
(H x V) a 32GB SDHC Memory Card
Mode
1920 x 1080 Approx. 21 Mbps (Average),
PH Mode Approx. 180 minutes
1280 x 720 Max. 24 Mbps
Approx. 240 minutes
HA Mode 1920 x 1080 Approx. 17 Mbps (Average)
Approx. 320 minutes
HG Mode 1920 x 1080 Approx. 13 Mbps (Average)
HE Mode 1440 x 1080 Approx. 6 Mbps (Average) Approx. 720 minutes
More Efficient than Tape
Versatile Solid-state Recording Functions
•
Shot mark
To simplify shot selection, you can add a mark to the thumbnail images of
each clip. You can then display and play only the clips that have shot marks.
•
Pre-REC
This helps to ensure you always get the shot you want, by letting you
continuously store, and subsequently record, images and sounds for
three seconds before the REC button is pressed in standby mode.
•
REC check
You can check the end of the most
recently recorded clip with one-touch ease.
•
Last clip delete
Only the most recently recorded clip is deleted
with this one-touch function, adding practical
convenience to everyday operation. It can be
assigned as a User button function if desired.
•
Meta-data recording
The date, camera operator, location, title and other information can be
added to the video data.
Fast Scene Searches
LCD Monitor Thumbnail View
Image data is recorded as a file
for each scene. Thumbnail
images and file information are
automatically attached to each
file to enable smooth, easy
confirmation and deletion of files
displayed on the LCD monitor.
Profe ss i o na l Fu nc ti o n
A Wide Range of Assist Functions
for Easy HD Shooting in a Compact Body n a Comp
Intuitive, Easy Operation
2.7-inch Wide LCD Monitor with Touch Panel with Touch Panel
The 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot (approx.) LCD monitor is tor is
especially convenient when shooting wide-screen een
images. Just use a finger on the touch panel screen to screen to
start playback, make menu settings, and even focus n focus
the camera. You can rotate the LCD monitor 270 270
degrees for easier viewing when shooting low-angle or w-angle or
other difficult shots. This lets you check the framing and framing and
parameter display on the LCD monitor as you shoot. you shoot.
Quick, Easy Focusing
HD Focus Assist
•
Center zoom/Focus bar function ction
The center zoom function enlarges the center of the frame for better visibility, he center of the frame for better visibility,
and HD focus assist displays a bar that grows and shrinks to indicate the hat grows and shrinks to indicate the
degree of focusing.
Image with Image with Image with
Focus Bar Focus Bar
before center zoom after center zoom after center zoom
•
Push auto function
Pressing the Push auto button in manual mode temporarily activates the ton in manual mode temporarily activates the
Auto Focus (AF) system for quick focusing. quick focusing.
•
Face detection function ion
The AG-HMC40 is the first
professional model to include the ude the
Face detection function. It t
"recognizes" faces near the center of he center of
1 1
the screen and focuses on them.* on them.*
• Image with Face detection function Image with Face detection function
Touch Auto Focus (AF) function AF) function
This function lets you focus by ocus by
simply touching the subject on the LCD monitor. A green frame appears the LCD monitor. A green frame appears
around the subject for quick, easy focusing.* 2
*1 The AG-HMC40 does not offer AF tracking.
*2 In manual focus mode, the focus frame disappears once the camera has locked onto the subject.
Iris Adjustment and Zoom Operation
Manual Focus Ring
The manual focus ring can be used to control the iris too, by switching the
Focus Ring (Focus/Iris) selector. Use it whichever way best fits the shooting
situation. For example, you can set the camera to Auto Focus and use the
manual focus ring to control the zooming. You can also add backlight
correction or spotlight correction to the auto aperture function.
*Use the menu to select whether the ring controls the iris or the zoom.
Adjust the Image Quality While Adjust the Image Quality While
Watching the Signal Level Watching the Signal Level
Waveform Monitor Display Waveform Monitor Display
A horizontal analysis of the input signal's brightne A horizontal analysis of the input signal's brightness level can be displayed
on the monitor. This lets you adjust the standard on the monitor. This lets you adjust the standard black and white levels
while checking the Waveform Monitor (WFM), m while checking the Waveform Monitor (WFM), making it easy to get highly
accurate adjustments. accurate adjustments.
Easy-to-see LCD Easy-to-see LCD
TC TC (time-code) (time-code) Waveform Monitor Waveform Monitor Remaining Battery
Remaining Remaining
Memory Memory
Zoom Number
Displayed from Z00 to Z99. Handy for
remembering the angle of view.
Convenient for Low-angle Shooting
Tilt-up Viewfinder
The viewfinder can be tilted upward
about 70 degrees, and the large
eyecup is excellent for blocking out
light from the sun and other sources. s.
about 70
degrees
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