Panasonic has unveiled a new live production 4K studio camera, the AK-UCX100 alongside the AK-CFA100 Camera Fibre Adaptor as well as two new 4K multi-purpose cameras, the AW-UB50 and the AW-UB10.
The UCX100 can operate with a single camera head or in combination with the Camera Fibre Adaptor (CFA), or a Camera Control Unit (CCU) – “delivering the highest quality footage in any shooting environment.” The UCX100 and CFA100 will be available from December 2024.
The UCX100 supports 3G and 12G SDI outputs from the camera head and direct connection of the Remote Operation Panel, with sync and tally, so it can be operated as a standalone. The camera head can also operate in non-CCU mode by direct connection to a 25 Gbps network utilising a ST 2110 media transport network. By adding bidirectional SFP+ modules, this provides full redundancy of ST 2022-7.
Panasonic’s new Camera Fiber Adaptor (CFA100) can insert camera power into a standard ST 311 hybrid fibre cable for standalone camera operation. Alternatively, the camera can be powered by a CCU or a local 12 V XLR power supply. Users can take advantage of either power supply mode and connection method like dark fiber or ST 2110 connection. When used in combination with the CFA100, it can supply power for approximately 2km (extending to a maximum of 10km with a fibre optic cable).
When producing content in a traditional studio with a CCU, the camera pairs with Panasonic’s recently released AK-UCU700/UCU710 Series Camera Control Unit, which provides all traditional points of connectivity, alongside optional Dante, ST 2110 and ST 2022-7 redundancy. In addition, it optionally supports a wide range of protocols, such as NDI High Bandwidth, SRT, as well as the parallel operation of baseband and IP.
The UCX100 can easily pair with any Panasonic camera, including the AW-UE160 PTZ camera, to ensure consistent, cohesive production quality. Both cameras also share the same sensor enabling smooth colour matching. When used with AK-UCU700/710 Series, the UCX100 supports 4x high speed 1080p and 2x high speed UHD.
The UCX100 studio camera is compatible with the SMPTE ST 2110 IP-based video transmission standard – delivering uncompressed 4K video for both studio-based and live production shoots. ST 2110 can either be connected via the AK-UCU700/ or directly to the camera for CCU-less operation. For those on-location events where bandwidth is limited, the UCX100 can transmit visual loss-less video quality with low latency using the JPEG XS standard. It will also feature a “tagged VLAN” function3, which can group connected cameras together, simplifying management during large-scale network operation.
The UCX100 is designed to bring live stage productions to life through the camera. The resolution of 2.000 TV lines reproduces details in high definition. The wide dynamic range and colour gamut of HDR (HLG)/BT.2020 conveys rich gradations and colours with a sense of realism. In addition, the camera has a variety of shooting support functions, such as moiré suppression filter that can reduce moiré generated when shooting on LED walls. It also features a high-precision focus indicator that supports focus points with a guide display.
Stefan Hofmann, Sales Engineering Manager for MEBD Pro-AV, at Panasonic Connect Europe GmbH, comments: “The requirements of live event production are evolving rapidly, with the increased adoption of LED walls and lighting technology driving the need for cameras that deliver high-quality content. The UCX100 studio camera and CFA100 addresses this challenge, providing production teams with the flexibility of choice and the assurance of high quality output regardless of the environment.”
The two new 4K multi-purpose cameras, the AW-UB50 and the AW-UB10, are both box-style cameras are based on LUMIX digital interchangeable lens camera technology and equipped with a host of new functions designed to streamline video production workflows. They are aimed at corporate and education video production, as well as broadcasting and live entertainment. They will be available in Q1 of 2025.
The UB50 features a full-frame MOS sensor and the UB10 features a MFT (Micro 4/3) sensor, and both support all common IP protocols, such as the Panasonic AW control protocol and RTP, RTSP, RTMPS, SRT and NDI HX2 transmission protocols.
The UB50 has been optimised for cinematic video production, featuring a shallower depth of field than the UB10. Both the UB50 and UB10 use real-time recognition autofocus technology, enabling the cameras to automatically identify the subject and keep them in focus.
Both cameras also feature Dual Native ISO, with the UB50 supporting V-Log, and the UB10 supporting V-LogL capabilities, in order to provide video production teams with the required flexibility to model and build a camera ecosystem that’s optimised to the requirements of individual productions.
The UB50 and UB10 cameras simplify operations in professional broadcasting systems and are ideal for filming, recording and distributing video production at large-scale, live events. The box-style 4K multi-purpose cameras can support rich, versatile image capture and are easy to operate in the field, enabling more creative video production.
Both models feature a compact chassis, with a sub-10cm height, width and depth, enabling installation in the tightest of spaces. They can also be used for hand-held shooting with a Gimbal.
Both the UB50 and UB10 cameras offer 3G-SDI OUT, HDMI Type A, LAN terminal, TC IN/OUT, GENLOCK IN, and USB Type-C input/output interfaces. The LAN terminal is Power of Ethernet (PoE+) compatible, with video transmission, control, and power delivered via a single cable – further reducing complexity and clutter.
When linked with remote camera systems on the same network, the UB50 and UB10 are fully compatible with Panasonic’s AK-HRP1010 remote operation panel, with future support planned with the AW-RP150GJ remote camera controller and Panasonic live switchers. The cameras can also be used for tally control. By installing a colour profile compatible with the Panasonic AW-UE160 4K integrated camera, it is easy to match colours in mixed operation with remote cameras.
The future-proof design of the UB50 and UB10 cameras allows Panasonic to implement future support for IP-based transmission standards such as NDI HX2. This supports increasingly flexible video production methods, such as video distribution using streaming services and the construction of IP-based systems.
Staff Reporter
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