The AK-UC4000 camera system offers high video quality that is only possible with a large sensor, along with a wide range of 4K acquisition with the latest functions such as HDR (HLG), BT.2020 and high-speed shooting^*1. The camera keeps up with diversifying systems with features such as 12G-SDI, TICO^*2 over SDI (4K over 3G-SDI) output and MoIP^*3, making it suitable for a wide range of operations such as sports broadcasting, concert IMAG, studio production, live events and so much more. With high video quality and a system that can be adapted to various situations, this camera provides the level of high-end production that is expected in the 4K age.

With a newly developed large format 4.4K MOS sensor, the AK-UC4000 realizes ultra-high-definition resolution, high sensitivity, low noise and a wide dynamic range. Two shooting modes can be selected. In High Sense Mode, it is possible to obtain an S/N ratio of 62 dB or higher while also achieving F10 high sensitivity (in HD mode). The result is low-noise and high-image-quality video. This camera’s normal and low skew reading speeds are around 1/2 and 1/3 of those on a standard camera (1/60 of a second) respectively. The skewing characteristic of MOS sensors has been reduced by reading out the MOS sensor signal at high speed.

The 2/3 lens can be used without an external adapter, and the internal lens is specially designed for large sensors, ensuring high video quality. This new acquisition method maximizes the effectiveness of incident light. With the exclusive Chromatic Aberration Compensation (CAC) technology, communication between the lens and camera allows for the deployment of a sophisticated algorithm that automatically compensates for the registration error caused by lens chromatic aberration and minimizes the circumjacent blur.

Beyond 4K sampling achieves a resolution of 2000 TV lines in the horizontal and vertical directions for a richly detailed picture of a wide range of subjects in a variety of settings.

High-speed^*1 capture at 1080p, 1080i and 720p is available for sports and other active settings. This feature achieves a richly detailed picture even for fast-moving subjects. 2x, 3x or 4x output can be selected for compatibility with various slow-motion servers, and simultaneously output with standard (1x) output. 

This camera supports the uncompressed 12G-SDI output that is needed in the 4K age and enables 4K video to be transferred with one cable. Light compression technology called TICO is also used, enabling 4K video to be sent by 3G-SDI without losing video quality, so that the current HD infrastructure can be used in 4K systems. It is also expected to support the next generation of MoIP (Media Over IP)^*3.

UHD 12G-SDI output (x2) and TICO over SDI output (x1) included as a standard feature, with quad-link 3G-SDI output also available.

With the AK-UCU600 Camera Control Unit (CCU), uncompressed long-distance transmission of 4K/HD video signals via optical fiber is supported. The AK-HRP1000/AK-HRP1005 Remote Operation Panels (ROP) are equipped with a color LCD display that provides excellent visibility and functions for a quick response. This system achieves high-quality video and excellent operability. In cases where power is supplied by the CCU, it is possible to transmit at a long distance of up to approx. 2,000 m between the camera and the CCU. The distance can be extended up to 10,000 m^*4by providing a local power supply at the camera head and using general-purpose single mode optical fiber. In addition to a dedicated serial line Between the CCU and the ROP, IP connection via LAN cable is also supported.

This mode provides rich gradation to render contrast, color, and shadow in dark image areas that could not previously be reproduced due to blackout, thus resulting in more realistic image quality. It supports a variable HDR by adjusting the high dynamic range. In addition, it is possible to configure a system supporting simultaneous HDR/SDR in order to handle production environments with both. SDR image can be adjusted overexposed by offset gain and knee function adjusts bright image as well as HDR.

This camera is compatible with BT.2020, a color space that can recreate almost every color in the natural world, enabling a wider range of color expression.

In addition to the EBU and NTSC preset color matrix, camera users can save two custom specified linear matrix tables, and additionally tune the saturation and hue of individual colors with a 12-pole color correction system. Specific skin tones can also be adjusted in addition to the primary, secondary, and tertiary colors in the 12-pole system.

Tone down wrinkles and blemishes in on-air personalities to beautifully shoot natural skin tones. While designed to soften skin tones, the skin tone detail feature can be applied to any hue phase so it could likewise be used to soften areas of other colors (such as green grass). The skin tone detail feature can define three independent skin tone ranges to manage different light levels or different people on camera. A specialized Skintone-get feature finds a specific color in the frame to simplify the setup process and help save you time.

The cameras are equipped with filters for a variety of shooting environments.

• [ND filters] CAP, Through, 1/4, 1/16, 1/64
• [CC filters] Cross, 3200 K, 4300 K, 6300 K, Diffusion

Quick and accurate focusing is supported with focus assist functions such as Focus Bar (indicates focus level), Focus-in-Red (uses color to indicate areas in focus), MAG (magnifies central portion), and Focus Squares (shows focus status of a screen as a whole). Lenses with autofocus and focus assist capabilities are also supported^*5. The Remote Operation Panel (ROP) can also be used to focus and zoom while using the digital lens.

Since video and data can be transmitted between the camera and a Camera Control Unit (CCU) using optical fiber cable alone, system expansion to match operation conditions is possible.

• HD-SDI (CCU --> camera) two lines, VBS (CCU --> camera) two lines: Can be used for monitoring with a prompter, fixed return or camera (studio floor monitor), etc.
• HD-SDI (camera --> CCU) one line: This line can be used to transmit an additional video signal of a handheld or remote camera to the studio. Since the camera video input is equipped with a frame synchronizer, asynchronous video signals can also be used.
• LAN (1000BaseT) one line^*6: To be used to control external devices and remote cameras by IP protocol. Transmission of streaming video is also supported.
• DATA (RS422A or RS232C) two lines: Can be used to transfer lens and pedestal position data in a virtual system.

• Color temperature display and adjustment function (2000 K to 15000 K variable).
• Transmission of up to 10,000 m possible using single fiber.^*4
• It is possible to save camera settings, such as video adjustments, on an SD memory card. Firmware version upgrades are also supported.
• A lens file function to save flare and shading values.
• Support for IP streaming and IP control.
• The NewTek Software “NewTek AutoLink for Panasonic PTZ”^*7, which is available on the Internet, allows Panasonic professional cameras equipped with IP streaming to be automatically detected from NewTek TriCaster® and IP series Video Mix Engine on the network, enabling direct use of IP streaming from the cameras with these NewTek products.
• DC12 V 2.5 A and 1.0 A output as a standard feature. This can be used as a power source for large lenses, prompters, and sub-monitors.
• There are four user buttons (enabling function selection) on the camera head and four on the viewfinder. They support rapid shooting by the camera operator.
• For camera head output (HD-SDI 1/HD-SDI 2), it is possible to select 1080p, 1080i, and 720p.

With two independent intercom lines, in addition to Intercom 1 and Intercom 2 switching, an Intercom 1 and 2 mix mode has been added and can be selected to observe the situation. With the Intercom front/rear switch and front volume, it is possible to adjust the intercom audio level even when the camera is being used from the shoulder.

• *1: When in HD High-Speed mode. Requires a firmware upgrade scheduled for release in the fall of 2018.
• *2: A codec developed by intoPIX. Stands for “Tiny Codec”.
• *3: Optional feature, scheduled for release in the spring of 2019.
• *4: Adverse conditions, additional patches, and longer runs will require repeater devices.
• *5: For the compatible lenses, please contact the manufacturer.
• *6: Requires a firmware upgrade scheduled for release in the fall of 2018.
• *7: For more details, please visit the following website:
  • https://pro-av.panasonic.net/en/products/newtek_autolink/