Panasonic HVX200A - Camcorder - 1080p Manual Book page 29

Shooting techniques called overcranking and undercranking are often used when
producing movies with a film camera. They achieve unique visual effects by running
the camera faster (overcranking) or slower (undercranking) than the standard
playback speed of 24 fps. Playing an overcranked film at normal speed yields a
slow-motion image, while an undercranked film shows the image in fast motion.
Conventional video cameras with a constant-speed interlaced recording system
at 60 fps do not allow the use of these shooting techniques. Special editing is
required to achieve a slow- or fast-motion effect with video recording. However, this
still does not provide a natural effect with all of the image information intact, as a
film camera is able to do. This is one of the reasons why many image creators
prefer film cameras.
Panasonic's revolutionary VariCam (AJ-HDC27F/H) HD camera changed all that.
Using the 720p HD recording format, the VariCam achieved a rate of 60 fps. This
allowed overcranking and undercranking based on the standard rate of 24 fps. This
variable frame rate function resulted in the rapid and widespread use of HD video
recording systems in the production of both movies and TV commercials and
programs.
The AG-HVX200 is the first compact camera-recorder to be equipped with the
variable frame rate function. Like VariCam, the shutter opening angle can be set in
degree(from 10 to 350 degree) in AG-HVX200.
Together with its high mobility, the AG-HVX200 offers the VariCam's popular
special effect functions at a low cost.
Film Camera
Full
Picture Frame
(Film)
Recording Speed Variable
Playback Speed Fixed
Gradation Film Tone
Conventional VariCam or
Video Cameras AG-HVX200 (720p mode)
Full
2 fields Interlace
(Progressive)
Fixed Variable
Variable Variable
Cine-like Gamma
Video Gamma
(selectable)
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