Panasonic AG-HMC80 Pro AVCCAM HD Shoulder Mount PAL Camcorder

1080/50i, 1080/25p, 720/50p, and 720/50p recording formats are supported in AVCHD modes. DV mode is also supported, recording in 576/50i and 576/25p formats. When recording in PH mode, a maximum AVCHD bit rate of 24MB/s (21MB/s) is possible.

The 3MOS sensors capture full HD imagery with a total 3.05 megapixel resolution for fully rastered images with high resolution and image quality. Each of the 3 sensors captures one of the primary colors of light, RGB, and individually renders it for more precise color depiction and detail.

The HD lens features 13 glass elements in 10 groups, including low-dispersion glass and aspherical lenses. This configuration helps to reduce color aberration and distortion across the image plane as well as increasing contrast and color portrayal. A multi-coating process also improves image quality and aids in lessening lens flare and ghosting.

Working in conjunction with the HD lens is a 12x optical zoom, allowing a 35mm equivalent focal length of 490mm. Little to no image degradation is visible when used at full power, and when used in combination with the 10x digital zoom, up to 120x magnification is possible.

Helping to correct camera shake, the optical image stabilizer provides sharper, well-defined images in situations where camera shake is an issue; low lighting conditions and when zooming. Because the image stabilization is done optically, instead of digitally, there is no image degradation associated with the feature.

Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS) provides a wider dynamic range when shooting in scenes with a great deal of contrast. By analyzing the contrast of individual pixels, the DRS helps to reduce blown highlights and blocked shadows resulting in images that appear wider ranged and full of depth.

In addition to high definition video, this camera is able to produce high quality still images with a resolution of 10.6MP. By using Quad-Density Pixel Distribution technology, a 4x equivalent resolution is possible from the 3MOS sensors.

Drawing from technologies from the Varicam HD camera recorder, 7 different gamma modes have been developed for a variety of shooting scenarios, including a cine-like gamma for a warmer picture more akin to film recording. These modes are:

• HD Norm – For general purpose HD recording
• Low – For flattening out levels in a high contrast scene
• SD Norm – For normal rending of scenes
• High – For opening the shadows and brightening the overall image, with softer contrast
• B. Press – For sharper contrast when compared to the Low setting
• Cine-Like D – For an emphasis on a wider dynamic range when in Cine-like mode
• Cine-Like V – For an emphasis on more contrast within the scene when in Cine-like mode

An image-enhancing PH mode is available that allows for a maximum AVCHD bit rate of 24MB/s, with an average of 21MB/s. This mode allows you to record in 1080/25p and 720/25p in addition to the 1080/50i format.

In addition to AVCHD recording, a DV mode is also available due to P2 HD technologies. This allows the continued use of certain editing workflows and programs while being able to utilize the convenience of recording to SD media.

By using SD memory cards; there is no need for cueing tapes or worrying about recording over pre-existing footage. 5 different functions make use of this technology:

• Shot mark – Allows you to mark and sort clips that you deem important
• Pre-REC – Allows you to record images and sounds for 3 seconds before the record button is pressed when in standby mode
• REC check – Allows you to quickly check the end of the most recently recorded clip with one-touch convenience
• Last clip delete – Allows you to delete the most recent clip with one-touch functionality; this mode can also be designated as a user button
• Metadata recording – Allows you to encode metadata to the video files, including the date, camera operator, location, title, and other info

Playback and monitoring is possible with this camera via the combination LCD monitor and EVF. This 2.7″ screen converts from one to the other by flipping the viewfinder. The entire mechanism also tilts and slides for comfort and rotates 180° for use of the monitor from in front of the lens. Once clips have been recorded, you can simplify your playback process by using the LCD monitor thumbnail view, helping you to navigate through clips in any order you choose.

A multi-function ring that can switch between focus, zoom, and iris control modes. When using autofocus, the ring can be designated to control the zoom or iris. You are able to decide which of the 3 functions you would like to manually control while the other variables are handled automatically.

This feature produces a histogram on the LCD/EVF screen for analyzing exposure values. With this information, you can more accurately adjust the black and white levels for producing the appropriate exposure.

• Center zoom/Focus bar function – This function allows you to enlarge the center portion of the frame for more precise inspection of the scene. A bar is also displayed that provides a visual indication of the degree of focusing.
• Push Auto function – By pressing the Push Auto button in manual mode, auto focus is temporarily enabled for quick, broad focusing. Fine tuning is then achieved in manual mode.
• Face Detection function – This function automatically recognizes faces within the center of the frame and automatically changes focus to best portray them.

• Interval recording – You can make intermittent recordings from 1 frame per second to 1 frame every 2 minutes. This mode is ideal for recording time-lapses of moving sites, sunsets, or other slow-paced movement situations.
• Time stamp – You can place a time stamp over the video signal for objective time readings. This mode is ideal for surveillance, legal uses, or for comparing growth or change over time.

You are able to assign 3 of the following functions to the User buttons for instant, one-touch accessibility.

• INH
• BLACKFADE
• HIGH GAIN
• LAST CLIP
• (PUSH) AF
• WHITEFADE
• D.ZOOM
• WFM
• BACKLIGHT
• ATW
• EVF DTL
• SPOTLIGHT
• ATW LOCK
• SHOT MARK

• White balance – 2-value memory (channel A, channel B), 2-value preset (3200K, 5600K), and Auto Tracking White (ATW).
• Mode check – Displays a list of the camera settings on the viewfinder and monitor.
• Zebra – Select any level from among 50% to 105%, in 5% steps.
• Center marker – Provides an accurate numeric display of the brightness at screen center.
• Color bar – Provides a useful test pattern for setting up your monitor and 1 kHz audio test tone.
• TC/UB recording – Provides a built-in SMPTE time-code generator.
• Camera remote – Controls zoom, REC, focus, and iris.
• Smooth zoom stop – Use the menu to select standard or smooth zoom stopping.

In addition to the built-in stereo microphone 2 XLR-type audio input terminals (mic/line switchable, 48V compatible) are integrated on the rear panel. You can switch audio channels 1 and 2 separately to either line or front microphone input, which is especially useful when recording interviews or narration.

Utilizing the HDMI, component video, and composite outputs HD images can be down-converted to standard definition while being recorded or during playback. A 16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratio can also be applied for proper sizing during conversion. Audio output, through the RCA terminal, also enables viewing on an external monitor for standard definition dubbing.