Pro video blog…Produced by Philip Johnston DoP/Editor

With a new, advanced 1/3″ 2.2-megapixel 3-chip imager featuring Ultra Luminance Technology (U.L.T.), the HPX370 delivers exceptional video performance for master-quality HD production. The shoulder-mount camcorder offers 10-bit, 4:2:2, full 1920 x 1080-resolution AVC-Intra recording with impressive levels of sensitivity and an interchangeable lens. The AVC-Intra codec is unrivaled for its full-raster, 10-bit, 4:2:2 sampling with none of the inherent compromises of 8-bit, long GOP and 4:2:0 recording. The HPX370 provides the ultra reliability of a solid-state design and the faster speed of a file-based workflow.

The HPX370 utilizes a 20-bit digital signal processor and high-resolution 3-MOS imagers, enhanced with U.L.T., which boosts the sensors’ performance to rival the image quality and sensitive of ½” imagers. The new U.L.T. sensor results in marked improvements in sensitivity, measured at F10. These high levels of sensitivity and image quality have been achieved with a new high-sensitivity photodiode and low-noise pixel transistor, both based on low-noise analog process technology. The same levels of sensitivity and image production that characterize the interlace mode are now possible in the progressive mode courtesy of Progressive Advanced Processing (P.A.P.), a 3D adaptive processing technology.

With the flexibility of an interchangeable lens, the HPX370 can be used with 1/3″ to 2/3″ lens adapters for use with existing 2/3″ zoom and prime lenses. The camera offers a broad range of creative features including variable frame rates, advanced gamma functions including a new Cine film-like gamma, Chromatic Aberration Compensation (CAC), built-in scan reverse, Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS) function, waveform and vector scope display and focus assist tools. The HPX370 also comes equipped with flash band detection and compensation software built-in for improved CMOS performance.

HDW : Funny isn’t it only a year ago we were drooling over the HPX-300 till we discovered the bombshell…the dancing black dots, it seems Panasonic never learn and are intent on bringing out wonderful camcorders that stop short of being fantastic. Once again they are using the 1/3″ chipset in this camcorder now as far as I am concerned it doesn’t matter how much dressing you add to the outside of a camcorder it’s the size of the chips that matter and to bring out a further 1/3″ pro camcorder is to say the least dega vu.

Hand held camcorders get away with 1/3″ chips but they are directed at a different marketplace, shoulder mount camcorders are on the whole taken up by professionals who are used to 2/3″ chipsets, they also have spare 2/3″ glass like WA lenses etc. Sony have just brought out the PMW-350 2/3″ shoulder mount camcorder to attract the very marketplace I am banging on about.

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Having been working in the video business since 1988 I have amassed a great amount of knowledge of both the kit and production values over the last 30 years.

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