Panasonic AK-HC3800 Review

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specifications

3CCD with High Sensitivity, Low Noise and Low SmearThe 2/3 type 2.2 megapixel 3CCD enables the standard sensitivityof F11 (2,000 lx/59.94 Hz) which is one of the highest sensitivity inthis range of cameras. A high S/N ratio of 60 dB (at 59.94 Hz)produces high quality images with low noise and low smear.Panasonic's single-channel transfer system and spatial-offsetprocessing technologies also improve signal modulation depth andreduce moire.High-PerformanceDSP Provides 16 bit A/D,38 bit ProcessingHD images are digitized with74 MHz sampling and 16 bit A/Dconversion. Full 38 bitprocessing within the DSPproduces highly detailed,high quality images.Multi Video FormatFor HD, supporting 1080/59.94i, 1080/50i, 1080/23.98p, 25p and1080/29.97p video format are supported as standard. In addition,720/59.94p, 720/50p and 1080/23.98PsF video format can also besupported when selected on CCU.Chromatic Aberration Compensation (CAC)This exclusive technology sets up a conversation between lens andcamera which allows for a highly sophisticated algorithm to bedeployed that will automatically compensate the registration errorthat is caused mainly by lens chromatic aberration, and minimizethe circumjacent blur. * When a CAC-compatible lens is used.Film Rec Gamma and Scan Reverse FunctionsSelectable gamma curves are included in the DSP circuit. The FilmRec mode produces the kind of film tone that you get withPanasonic VARICAM models. The Scan Reverse function ismounted by standard functions that cancels the image inversionthat happens when using a HD lens adaptor or shooting withspecial effects such as 3D rig.Digital Extender (2x)This function expands the image by 2x in the digital signalprocessing circuit, allowing powerful shooting even with alow-magnification lens. HD images retain their superior resolutioneven with zooming, and — unlike when a lens extender is used —brightness is not reduced.Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS)The DRS function automatically suppresses blocked shadows andblown highlights. A gamma curve and knee slope are estimated tomatch the contrast of each pixel, and applied in real time. Whendark, bright, and intermediate shades are all contained in the samescene, this produces excellent gradation for each shade. Theimages that result are enhanced by a visually wide dynamic range.Other Advanced Digital Functions• 12-axis color correction, linear matrix, and other colorcorrection functions.• Selectable EBU or NTSC preset matrix.• A skin tone detail function with twoskin tone settings.• A lens file function (for up to32 files) to save flare and shadingvalues.• Camera settings, such as VFsettings, can be saved onan SD memory card. SDmemory cards can alsobe used for firmwareupgrades.• Various information,including the colortemperature setting,is displayed in theviewfinder.High Quality Images Achieved by aHighly Developed DSP.Advanced Digital Technology AllowsCompact, Lightweight Lenses to meetStudio Production Needs.AK-HC3800Studio Handy CameraAK-HC3800G (Tajimi connector model)AK-HC3800GS (LEMO connector model)Full screen CAC OFF CAC ONSimulation Showing the CAC (Chromatic Aberration Compensation) EffectDRS OFF DRS ONAn image showing the DRS (Dynamic Range Stretch) effect.While suppressing washed out colors such as those when shooting garden greenery,it also reduces blocked shadows in dark areas when recording people indoors.Rearpanel and ConnectorHigh-Performance DSPG CCDR CCDB CCDOutput signal gainwithout spatial-offsetprocessingOutput signal gainwith spatial-offsetprocessing[Signal frequency band]With spatial-offset processingWithout spatial-offsetprocessingResponse [%]1000Frequency 27.5 MHzWith spatial-offset processing, greensamples are offset, allowing change in theobject to be more faithfully reproduced.With spatial-offset processing, the depth ofmodulation of high-frequency signals isgreatly improved.2