Panasonic Entertainment & Communications announced the development of the Panasonic AK-UCX100 4K studio camera. Additionally, Panasonic announced the and camera fiber adapter, “AK-CFA100,” which allow users to flexibly select the operating system according to the shooting environment and scale. Both are scheduled to be released in the third quarter of fiscal year 2024.
The camera will be exhibited at IBC2024 (International Broadcasting Convention 2024), Europe’s largest professional broadcasting equipment exhibition, which will be held in Amsterdam, Netherlands from September 13th to 16th, 2024.
What brings about the development of the Panasonic AK-UCX100?
Currently, live event stage production is becoming more sophisticated with each passing year due to the evolution of LED walls, projectors, and lighting technology, and high image quality and functionality are required for filming equipment. However, production sites are currently facing various challenges, including cost reduction and a shortage of personnel.
That’s why Panasonic has developed the AK-UCX100 studio camera, which provides beautiful, high-quality images while allowing users to choose an operation style to suit the on-site environment and budget, such as using the camera head alone, in combination with a camera fiber adapter (CFA), or in combination with a camera control unit (CCU).
Panasonic AK-UCX100 Features
Can be operated with the camera head alone or with the CFA or CCU
The 4K studio camera AK-UCX100 can be operated with just the camera head, without the need for a camera control unit (CCU), which was previously required. It supports 12G-SDI (2 systems) without a CCU, as well as NDI High Bandwidth, SRT, SMPTE ST 2110, and offers flexible operation from baseband to IP.
In addition, when used in combination with the simultaneously developed camera fiber adapter AK-CFA100, it is possible to supply power over a distance of approximately 2 km (up to a maximum of 10 km when using only optical fiber cable). In addition, since it can be connected to the company’s current CCU, the AK-UCU700 series, it is possible to select a wide range of options to suit the on-site environment, such as no CCU required at special live venues, using the compact AK-CFA100 in places far from a power source, and using an existing CCU in studios.
Expandability for future IP live production
To achieve stable IP operation in live production as well as studio shooting, it supports SMPTE ST 2110, which can transmit uncompressed 4K video. In addition, JPEG XS, which can transmit visually lossless video quality with low latency, enables smooth transmission of camera video even in network environments with limited bandwidth.
In addition, the system is planned to be equipped with a “tag VLAN function” that will tag and group cameras connected to the network, which is said to greatly facilitate management when operating large-scale networks.
Furthermore, redundancy is achieved without a CCU using SMPTE ST 2110, ensuring high stability in IP live video production. It also supports the TRUNK function for 3G-SDI video, allowing simultaneous transmission of various video data from remote cameras, etc. It is said to have solved various issues in the transition to IP, from improving video quality to operability.
High-quality video that conveys the power of the stage
The AK-UCX100 shoots a horizontal and vertical resolution of 2000 TV lines, reproducing the details of the subject in high definition.In addition, the wide dynamic range and color gamut of HDR (HLG)/BT.2020 conveys stage performances with rich gradations and colors in a realistic image.
Furthermore, it is equipped with a variety of shooting support functions, such as an HD low-pass filter that can reduce the moiré that occurs when shooting with an LED wall, and a high-precision focus indicator that supports the focus point with a guide display, making it even easier to use in live production to beautifully express a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
