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VCHD Format Recording: Superior Quality, Efficiency and Reliability

And Exclusive PH Mode for the Highest Bit Rate

Image with HDV

Image with AVCHD (PH mode)

More Efficient than Tape

Versatile Solid-state Recording Functions

1080

1080/59.94i

1080 (only PH mode)

720 (only PH mode)

720/59.94p, 720/29.97p
720/23.98p (Native)

1080/29.97p, 1080/23.98p (Native)

Recording Format

Image data is recorded as a file 
for each scene. Thumbnail 
images and file information are 
automatically attached to each 
file to enable smooth, easy 
confirmation and deletion of files 
displayed on the LCD monitor.

Fast Scene Searches

LCD Monitor Thumbnail View

Displayed from Z00 to Z99. Handy for 

remembering the angle of view.

A horizontal analysis of the input signal's brightness level can be displayed 
on the monitor. This lets you adjust the standard black and white levels 
while checking the Waveform Monitor (WFM), making it easy to get highly 
accurate adjustments.

Adjust the Image Quality While
Watching the Signal Level

Waveform Monitor Display

Zoom Number

Waveform Monitor

Remaining Battery

TC

 (time-code)

Remaining
Memory

*1  In HE (extended time) mode using a 32GB SDHC Memory Card. A Class 4 or higher SDHC or 

SD Memory Card is required for PH and HA recording. Use a Class 2 or higher SDHC or SD 
Memory Card for other modes. (Panasonic SDHC or SD Memory Cards are recommended.)

*2 Data transfer speed varies depending on the usage of SD devices. The speed given here is the 

maximum speed according to Panasonic specifications.

*1  The AG-HMC40 does not offer AF tracking.

*2 In manual focus mode, the focus frame disappears once the camera has locked onto the subject.

Focus Bar

PH Mode

Approx. 180 minutes

Approx. 240 minutes

Approx. 320 minutes

Approx. 720 minutes

HA Mode

1920 x 1080

Approx. 17 Mbps (Average)

HG Mode

1920 x 1080

Approx. 13 Mbps (Average)

HE Mode

1440 x 1080

Approx. 6 Mbps (Average)

1920 x 1080
1280 x 720

Approx. 21 Mbps (Average),
Max. 24 Mbps

Recording 
Mode

Image Size

(H x V)

Bit Rate

Max. Recording Time with
a 32GB SDHC Memory Card

AVCHD Format for High-quality,
Efficient HD Recording

Compression Method

Pixel (H x V)

1440 x 1080

MPEG-2

HDV

1920 x 1080

MPEG-4 AVC/H.264

AVCHD

*In the Native mode, AG-HMC40 record only active frames.

The AG-HMC40 features the image-enhancing PH mode that Panasonic 
developed exclusively for AVCCAM camcorders. It delivers a maximum 
AVCHD bit rate of 24 Mbps (average: 21 Mbps). Designed for professional 
image production, this mode lets you record 1080/30p, 1080/24p and 720 
progressive images in addition to 1080/60i from the AG-HMC40's 1920 x 
1080 full-raster HD images.

High-end AVCHD Image Quality

High Bit Rate of the Pro-use PH Mode

The 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot (approx.) LCD monitor is 
especially convenient when shooting wide-screen 
images. Just use a finger on the touch panel screen to 
start playback, make menu settings, and even focus 
the camera. You can rotate the LCD monitor 270 
degrees for easier viewing when shooting low-angle or 
other difficult shots. This lets you check the framing and 
parameter display on the LCD monitor as you shoot.

Intuitive, Easy Operation

2.7-inch Wide LCD Monitor with Touch Panel

Quick, Easy Focusing

HD Focus Assist

*Use the menu to select whether the ring controls the iris or the zoom.

The manual focus ring can be used to control the iris too, by switching the 
Focus Ring (Focus/Iris) selector. Use it whichever way best fits the shooting 
situation. For example, you can set the camera to Auto Focus and use the 
manual focus ring to control the zooming. You can also add backlight 
correction or spotlight correction to the auto aperture function.

Iris Adjustment and Zoom Operation

Manual Focus Ring

The viewfinder can be tilted upward 
about 70 degrees, and the large 
eyecup is excellent for blocking out 
light from the sun and other sources.

Convenient for Low-angle Shooting

Tilt-up Viewfinder

Unlike with videotape, there's no need for cueing with the SDHC memory card
because recording automatically begins in a blank section of memory. Nor do 
you have to worry about accidentally recording over important footage. You can 
delete unwanted clips instantly right on the spot to preserve memory capacity. 
Editing after shooting is smooth and easy, with no need for digitizing. The tiny 
SDHC Memory Card is durable, too. Its operating range is from -13ºF to +185ºF 
(-25ºC to +85ºC), so you can stop worrying about harsh temperatures or 
condensation and just concentrate on your shooting. And of course, you never 
have to worry about problems with dropouts or clogged heads.

This format complies with the latest H.264 motion image compression 
standard, and employs the High Profile standard to improve compression 
efficiency. Featuring twice the compression efficiency of HDV (MPEG-2), the 
AG-HMC40 achieves extended HD recording.

•Intra-frame Prediction
•Variable Block Size Motion Compensation
•Loop Filter Prevents the Propagation of Compression Distortion
•New Entropy Encoding ‘CABAC’

•Using the high compression efficiency of the AVCHD format, up to 720 

minutes*

1

 of HD data can be recorded onto a single SDHC Memory Card.

•Combined with a maximum data transfer speed of 22 MB/s,*

2

 this makes 

data transfers to computers easy and effortless.

•SDHC Memory Cards are inexpensive and can be easily purchased on 

location when needed.

Ease, Efficiency, Reliability

Large-capacity SDHC Memory Card

MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 Technologies

Comparison of HD Recording Formats

HD multi-format recording

Records for 180 minutes (approx.) in the highest-quality (PH) mode

To simplify shot selection, you can add a mark to the thumbnail images of 
each clip. You can then display and play only the clips that have shot marks.

Shot mark

This helps to ensure you always get the shot you want, by letting you 
continuously store, and subsequently record, images and sounds for 
three seconds before the REC button is pressed in standby mode.

Pre-REC

The date, camera operator, location, title and other information can be 
added to the video data.

Meta-data recording

You can check the end of the most 
recently recorded clip with one-touch ease.

REC check

Only the most recently recorded clip is deleted 
with this one-touch function, adding practical 
convenience to everyday operation. It can be 
assigned as a User button function if desired.

Last clip delete

The center zoom function enlarges the center of the frame for better visibility, 
and HD focus assist displays a bar that grows and shrinks to indicate the 
degree of focusing. 

Center zoom/Focus bar function

Pressing the Push auto button in manual mode temporarily activates the 
Auto Focus (AF) system for quick focusing.

Push auto function

The AG-HMC40 is the first 
professional model to include the 
Face detection function. It 

"recognizes" faces near the center of 

the screen and focuses on them.*

1

Face detection function

This function lets you focus by 
simply touching the subject on the LCD monitor. A green frame appears 
around the subject for quick, easy focusing.*

2

Touch Auto Focus (AF) function

A

 Wide Range of Assist Functions 

for Easy HD Shooting in a Compact Body

Easy-to-see LCD

Image with Face detection function

Image with

after center zoom

Image with 
before center zoom

A horizontal analysis of the input signal's brightne
on the monitor. This lets you adjust the standard 
while checking the Waveform Monitor (WFM), m
accurate adjustments.

Adjust the Image Quality While
Watching the Signal Level

Waveform Monitor Display

Waveform Monitor

TC

 (time-code)

Remaining
Memory

Focus Bar

tor is 

een 

screen to 

n focus 
270 

w-angle or
framing and 

you shoot.

with Touch Panel

he center of the frame for better visibility, 

hat grows and shrinks to indicate the 

ction

ton in manual mode temporarily activates the

quick focusing.

ude the

t

he center of 
on them.*

1

ion

ocus by 

the LCD monitor. A green frame appears 

AF) function

n a Comp

Easy-to-see LCD

Image with Face detection function

Image with

after center zoom

07

s.

about 70 
degrees

A d va n ce d   H D   R e co rd i n g   Te c h n o lo g y

P ro fe ss i o n a l   Fu n c t i o n

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