06
High-quality Recording Technology
Extended Video Recording on an SD Memory Card
Supporting Both DV Mode and AVCHD Mode
Professional Function
Quick Response to Change in Shooting Conditions
Assist Functions Support Professional Video Production
The AG-HMC80 features the image-enhancing PH mode that Panasonic
developed exclusively for AVCCAM camera recorders. It delivers a
maximum AVCHD bit rate of 24 Mbps (average: 21 Mbps). Designed for
professional image production, this mode lets you record 1080/24p and
720 progressive images in addition to 1080/60i from the AG-HMC80’s
1920 x 1080 full-raster HD images.
High-end AVCHD Image Quality
High Bit Rate of the Pro-use PH Mode
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 iris function.
Iris Adjustment and Zoom Operation
Manual Focus Ring
A horizontal analysis of the input signal's brightness level can be
displayed on the monitor. This lets you highly accurately adjust the
standard black and white levels while checking the Waveform Monitor
(WFM).
Adjust the Image Quality
While Watching the Signal Level
Waveform Monitor Display
Standard Definition Image Quality Recording
DV Compression Recording Supported
High-resolution Screen for Recorded Image Confirmation
2.7 inches Wide-screen EVF/LCD Monitor
In addition to AVCHD recording, the AG-HMC80 provides DV recording
thanks to the application of a number of P2 HD based technologies to
this shoulder type AVCCAM. This means that you can continue using
your present editing system just as it is. Images are recorded onto an SD
Memory Card, for greater efficiency than conventional tape-based
recording.
The 230,000-pixels (approx.) electronic viewfinder (EVF) lets you check
even fine details in the image. Raising the viewfinder instantly switches it
to a 2.7 inches wide LCD monitor, so you can easily check the result
after shooting. Plus, the viewfinder tilts up or down, and slides to the
right or left, to provide the optimal position for use.
DV Shooting and Recording Images
Selected From Three Sizes
The AG-HMC80 has three modes for shooting and recording in DV
mode. It can be selected from Side crop, Letter box or Squeeze.
Quick, Easy Focusing
HD Focus Assist
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.
Ease, Efficiency, Reliability
Large-capacity SDHC Memory Card
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
More Efficient than Tape
Versatile Solid-state Recording Functions
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Image in HDV
Image in AVCHD (PH mode)
* Data transfer speed varies depending on the usage of SD devices. The speed given here is
the maximum speed according to Panasonic specifications.
* In AVCHD mode only.
* A Class 6 or higher SDHC or SD Memory Card is required for DV recording. 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.)
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
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-HMC80 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 of HD data can be recorded onto a single SDHC Memory Card.
•Combined with a maximum data transfer speed of 22 MB/s,* this
makes data transfers to computers easy and effortless.
•SDHC Memory Cards are inexpensive and can be easily purchased on
location when needed.
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 Technologies
Comparison of HD Recording Formats
1080
1080/59.94i
1080 (only PH mode)
720 (only PH mode)
720/59.94p, 720/29.97p, 720/23.98p (Native)
480/59.94p, 480/29.97p, 480/23.98p
1080/29.97p, 23.98p (Native)
HD Recording Format
480 (only DV mode)
SD Recording Format
PH Mode
Approx. 180 minutes
Approx. 240 minutes
Approx. 320 minutes
Approx. 720 minutes
HA Mode
AVCHD
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)
Approx. 128 minutes
DV Mode
720 x 480
Approx. 25 Mbps (Average)
1920 x 1080
1280 x 720
Approx. 21 Mbps (Average),
Max. 24 Mbps
Recording
Mode
Image Size
(H x V)
Bit Rate
AG-HMC80 recording format
Easy-to-see LCD
AG-HMC80 recording mode and recording time
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
Self-portrait shooting is possible if the viewfinder is rotated 180° towards
the lens. You can make them appear better by reversing left and right.
•
Self-portrait shooting
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 AG-HMC80 does not offer AF
tracking.
* WFM not displayed in “DV in” mode.
Image with Face Detection function
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-HMC80 features the Face
Detection function.
It "recognizes" faces near the
center of the screen and focuses
on them.*
•
Face Detection function
Image with a center zoom
Image without a center zoom
Lower the viewfinder for use as an EVF.
Raise the viewfinder for use as an
LCD monitor.
Focus Bar
* Use the menu to select whether the ring controls the iris or the zoom.
* Only the image display is reversed. The recorded image remains in its original orientation.
Displayed from Z00 to Z99.
Handy for remembering the angle of view.
Zoom Number
Waveform Monitor
Remaining Battery
TC
(time-code)
Remaining
Memory
Max. Recording Time
with a 32GB
SDHC Memory Card
Image with Side crop
Image in AVCHD mode
Image in DV mode
Image with Letter box
Image with Squeeze
