The AK-HC3800 is an HD studio camera equipped with three high-sensitivity, high-quality 2/3-type 2.2-megapixel CCDs, a high-precision 16 bit A/D image processing circuit, and the latest generation 38-bit Digital Signal Processor (DSP). Compact and lightweight at only 8 lbs, it offers chromatic aberration compensation (CAC), scene file settings and a sophisticated implementation of Panasonic's exclusive dynamic range stretch (DRS).

The HC3800 achieves a high sensitivity of F11 at 59.94Hz (2;000 lx) and an S/N ratio of 60dB. High definition formats can be switched to allow worldwide use at 1080/59.94i and 1080/50i. The output of 720/59.94p video will also be supported via a no-charge firmware upgrade. The newly-developed 16-bit A/D and 38-bit DSP utilize Spatial Offset Technology and an advanced single transfer system to provide a high-resolution picture (1100 lines) with less moire and a vertical smear level less than -130dB.

The HC3800's DRS function simultaneously reduces blocked detail in shadow areas and blown highlights in scenes where extremely bright and dark objects coexist, and its CAC function can compensate for chromatic aberration at the lens periphery. The low-profile head and low main body design are ergonomically designed for comfortable operation and provide an unobstructed view to the camera operator's right-hand side. The HC3800 is also equipped with a Film Rec Gamma function adapted from Panasonic's renowned VariCam models, and a Scan Reverse function for cinema lens adaptors.

Adding the AK-HCU200 camera control unit (CCU), and the AK-HRP200G remote operation panel (ROP) to the HC3800 creates a low cost, high-quality studio camera system that delivers world-class uncompressed video and system control via optical fiber transmission. The new AK-HVF70G compact and lightweight 7 inch LCD viewfinder completes the basic studio camera system.

The AK-HCU200 CCU, rack-mountable, lightweight and measuring 2U in height, has two HD/SD-SDI output channels and two additional HD/SD-SDI output channels that can be used in conjunction with the picture monitor outs. For return video inputs, the CCU is equipped with two HD/SDSDI channels and one VBS (analog composite video) channel. A down converter is also incorporated and an aspect ratio of an HD/SD-SDI out can be selected from Letterbox, Crop or Squeeze. Embedded audio is supported for HD/SD-SDI output and prompter input is provided.

The HCU200 and the AK-HC3800 can be connected with SMPTE 311 hybrid fiber cables over a distance of approximately 1,000 meters for transmission of uncompressed video, power, control, and other functions. The compact, 2.9-pound AK-HRP200 remote operation panel provides precise, rapid, and comprehensive control of the HC3800's powerful capabilities. Currently, the HRP200 and HCU200 connect via optional serial cables (e.g. ROP-50M) at a distance of up to 50 meters. The free system firmware upgrade adds IP control communication between ROP and HCU, and will also permit the ROP to set-up and control Panasonic PTZ cameras such as the AW-HE130 via IP. Scene files, user files and lens files can be stored on and retrieved from SD-HC memory cards at both the HCU and HRP control panel.

The AK-HVF70 seven-inch color LCD serves as an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and provides superb picture quality with SWVGA (1,024 x 600 pixels) resolution. It includes contrast, brightness, and peaking adjustments, and is equipped with three user assignable function switches. The compact EVF features a Focus in Red function; which highlights the edges of an object in red, and a "Pixel-to-Pixel" function, which allows the inputted video to be displayed without resizing. An additional EVF option for the HC3800 includes the two-inch HD monochrome viewfinder, model AJ-HVF21KG.