Panasonic has now released the AVCCAM Importer software that was announced at NAB 2011. This Final Cut Pro 7 plug-in allows you to edit AVCCAM (Panasonic’s variant of AVCHD) footage directly, without having to run it through Log and Transfer first. Previously, you would have to transcode AVCCAM footage to ProRes before working with it in FCP 7, but now you can work directly off the .mts files from the camera. This software also allows you to use QuickTime to view the AVCCAM footage, so even if you’re using Final Cut Pro X (which has native support for AVCHD), this will add AVCHD playback to QuickTime.

…continue reading Panasonic AVCCAM Importer for FCP 7 Now Available

Panasonic has made several announcements at IBC this year including two new monitors, pricing on their new 3D camera, and more on the future of AVC Ultra.

Originally announced at NAB, the new shoulder-mounted AG-3DP1 takes the idea of Panasonic’s 3DA1 camera and puts it in a shoulder-mounted form factor with larger chips. It features two 1/3″ 3MOS chips (the same as those found in the HPX370 and HPX250) and a twin-lens system, while stereoscopic adjustment controls make it easier to use and operate. Recently Panasonic brought the camera in for us to check out, and we were impressed by its ease of operation. The convergence point can be adjusted on the lens and information can be displayed on the LCD and viewfinder to let the operator know if the image is creating ‘safe’ 3D. The camera will display different color blocks over areas of the image that are either too close to the camera, or too far based on the convergence point. The 3DP1 represents another step into bringing 3D production to a larger market. It will be available in December at a list price of $34,950.

…continue reading IBC 2011 Updates: Panasonic

Over the years I’ve held a lot of one-on-one camera training sessions with owner-operators of varying skill sets – some who had been working with a particular camera for years and were finally buying their own, all the way to people who had never worked in the industry and were just getting started. I can tell you that the vast majority of them did not know how to load or copy scene files. You can all breathe a sigh of relief, knowing you’re not alone in this world. However, I do have a visual that should help those of you too afraid to ask for help: a simple ladle, some soup and a bowl. Hopefully, this analogy will help you the next time you try to load or copy a scene file from one camera to another, and it applies to both Panasonic & Sony cameras.

…continue reading Loading & Copying Scene Files

As with most of today’s cameras, it is important to check that your Panasonic AG-AF100 is up-to-date with the latest firmware, lens files and scene files. We do our best to keep everyone informed on the latest firmware release here, but the process of applying the new firmware can often be a bit confusing. In this blog, I will explain how to locate and load these different files for the AF100.

Firmware updates are available from Panasonic’s website. As of this posting, the current firmware version is V1.15.

…continue reading AF100: Scene Files, Lens Files & Firmware

Compact Cine (aka Large Single Sensor) cameras like the AF100, PMW-F3, and the upcoming NXCAM FS100 all share one thing in common – they are small. This is great for tight situations, but many times we find the need to add an external recorder or on-board monitor to the camera. Not only does the camera grow in size when these accessories are added, but also the whole system requires more power. Many of our clients have been adding external battery solutions that power the camera, accessories, and also serve as counterbalance for their rig. Here are a few power solutions and mounting brackets that we’ve found for these cameras. Keep reading to learn more.

…continue reading Powering Your Compact Cine Camera

This year at NAB, AbelCine is exhibiting the latest technology in Phantom high-speed cinematography, digital cinema, broadcast, compact cine and high-end optics in our booth. In addition to this, we have launched two new departments, Digital Media Services and Training to better serve our clients. Watch our booth preview to see a sneak peek of some of the equipment we are showcasing.  Stay tuned for more reports from the floor of NAB 2011.

Panasonic has just announced the AG-HPX250, a camera that can be positioned as the successor to the HPX170 and a compact version of the HPX370. Built using the 1/3″ 3-MOS sensors of the HPX370, the HPX250 records to P2 media in AVC-Intra 100/50, as well as DVCPRO HD, DVCPRO50, DVCPRO and DV. This is the first time that AVC-Intra 100 has been made available in a small form factor, so the ability to record a full 10-bit 4:2:2 I-frame image in a compact, 5.5 pound package makes the HPX250 truly unique.

The AG-HPX250 is expected to ship in Fall 2011 with a list price of less than $6500. You can read more about the HPX250 in this press release.