SECAUCUS, N.J., Aug. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic today
announces the HDC-Z10000, its first* integrated twin-lens 2D/3D
camcorder that is fully compatible with the AVCHD 3D/Progressive
standard, which was also recently announced. The HDC-Z10000 builds
on Panasonic's 3D innovations, having the closest 3D video macro
setting with a twin-lens 3D camcorder at approximately 17.8 inches.
With this industry-best macro setting, the Panasonic
HDC-Z10000, helps capture 3D video that is typically difficult to
do, such as flowers, animals and jewelry.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110831/NY60244 )
New to Panasonic's 3D-capable camcorders, the HDC-Z10000
features a 1,152,000-dot, 3.5-inch LCD that appears 3D to the naked
eye – no 3D eyewear needed. By using a parallax barrier to
control the direction of the light from the LCD, images with
slightly different perceptions are viewed by the right and left
eyes, thus creating a 3D effect. The user can check 3D images
while shooting, without having to connect a monitor. Naturally, the
display can also be switched between 2D and 3D.
Furthering its technical excellence, the HDC-Z10000 features
Panasonic's unique Double 3MOS System, which produces superb color
and detail reproduction. Featuring two high-sensitivity 3MOS
sensors (with an effective pixel count of 6.57 megapixels each)
that are independently mounted left and right, the Double 3MOS
system creates outstanding full HD 3D video content. Using
Full-HD image quality backed by the accurate colors, meticulous
detail, and high dynamic range that distinguish the 3MOS sensor,
separate images are recorded simultaneously for the left and right
eyes. The advanced image sensor separates the light received
through the lens into the three primary colors – red, green and
blue – and processes each color independently. As a result, the
Full HD 3D image quality is outstanding. Naturally, the 3MOS System
provides the same effects for 2D, achieving precise and sharp Full
HD 2D image quality in combination with progressive recording.
The HDC-Z10000, with a newly-developed and ultra-high speed
Crystal Engine Pro II engine powers the high-speed processing
needed to create superb image quality both in 2D and 3D images.
"Adding to Panasonic's top-of-the-line 3MOS full-HD camcorders,
the HDC-Z10000 naturally excels in the recording of high-quality 2D
images. It also meets the constantly increasing need for full
HD 3D videos, as both professionals and consumers desire more
flexibility and power when shooting 3D," said Chris Rice, Senior Product Manager, Imaging,
Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "The HDC-Z10000 is a unique
camcorder in that it has high-end features to suit advanced users,
but is easy enough to use for those looking for excellent 2D video
and who may want to explore 3D video shooting as well."
The HDC-Z10000 features new F1.5 lenses that excel when shooting
in low light conditions, and allow the user to record bright images
with reduced noise. For the first time on a Panasonic camcorder,
the lenses feature Nano Surface Coating, which is microstructure
film with an ultra-low refractive index on the lens surface,
greatly reducing the light reflection and thus reducing ghosting in
order to produce crisp, clear image rendering. With a 32mm
wide-angle lens, the HDC-Z10000 is extremely versatile and also has
a 10x optical zoom while shooting in 3D or 12x optical zoom while
shooting in 2D. When shooting in 2D, HYBRID O.I.S. helps to
correct handshake that occurs when shooting while zooming or
walking, in addition to horizontal, vertical, yawing, and pitching
four-axis correction. When shooting in 3D, the system activates
POWER O.I.S., which helps to suppress handshake, especially helpful
while zooming.
The HDC-Z10000 excels both in performance and ease-of-use –
thanks to extremely flexible operating options. For more advanced
users seeking professional-level control, there are enhanced
functions, such as three independent rings for adjusting the zoom,
focus, and iris control. There are built-in microphones for
recording Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound/2-channel
stereo, the HDC-Z10000 features two XLR audio inputs with a 48-V
phantom power supply for external microphone use. Clear audio is
recorded with minimal noise. Uncompressed Linear PCM (2-channel
only) is also supported for recording original sounds with
extremely high fidelity. Plus, a dedicated dial lets the user
finely adjust 3D convergence (parallax). Frequently-needed
features, such as O.I.S. ON/OFF,
Color Bar ON/OFF, Zebra Pattern Display, 3D Guide Display,
Auto/Manual Iris, Auto/Manual Auto Focus, and Auto/Manual White
Balance are available on the side of the body as separate buttons
for quick, intuitive access.
Based on the AVCHD format, which offers high compression and
excellent compatibility, this new standard has been upgraded to
AVCHD 3D, which uses MVC (Multiview Video Coding) to record and
playback 3D images via the Frame Sequential Method, and AVCHD
Progressive for progressive formats. The HDC-Z10000 also employs
the 1080/60 progressive method to record twice as much image data
as the 1080/60 interlace method. Fast-moving subjects, such as in
sports scenes, are smoothly recorded. The progressive recording of
the HDC-Z10000 fully complies with the new AVCHD Progressive
standard. For those looking for control over which recording modes
are available, the user can select the preferred recording mode
from AVCHD 3D (1080/60i, 1080/24p, and 1080/30p**, AVCHD
Progressive (1080/60p), and AVCHD (1080/24p, 1080/30p** and
1080/60i PH/HA/HE mode). Other features of the Panasonic
HDC-Z10000 twin-lens 2D/3D camcorder include:
- A bright 0.45-inch Live View Finder (LVF) with high-speed
responses and a 1,227,000-dot high-resolution. The superb LVF makes
it easier to optimize the focus, or for use in a situation that
requires no excess light from an LCD screen.
- A dual SD Memory Card slot with the option of extended
recording or back-up. When two SD Memory Cards are inserted and the
first card reaches full capacity, the system automatically and
seamlessly switches*** to the second card. This allows extended
recording without having to worry about interruptions due to a lack
of card capacity. Or, during backup recording, the same data is
recorded onto both cards for immediate duplicating or archiving
purposes in the case of a faulty SD card
- The bundled HD Writer XE 1.0 Software lets users cut out full
HD 3D and progressive images and save to a computer.
- 2D/3D Still Image Recording Any Time. The user simply
presses the shutter button to record a 2D or 3D (MPO compliant)
still image**** at any time. It is also possible to cut out images
in all modes while shooting or playing videos. 3D and 2D still
images are recorded simultaneously with 2.1-megapixel
resolution.
The Panasonic HDC-Z10000 will be available in black and the
pricing and availability will be announced approximately 30 days
prior to shipping. For more information about Panasonic camcorders,
please visit www.panasonic.com.
* As of August 31, 2011
** Images shot in the 1080/30p mode are recorded as 1080/60i
*** The SD card is switched only once for continuous
recording
**** 3-megapixel resolution for 2D, 2.1-megapixel resolution for
3D
About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J.,
Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company, is a Division of Panasonic
Corporation of North America, the
principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE:
PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and
R&D operations. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent,
sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our
environment through the company's Eco Ideas programs. Company
information for journalists is available at
www.panasonic.com/pressroom.
SOURCE Panasonic