Panasonic Connect Adds PTZ and Studio Cameras for Dynamic Productions

New PTZ and studio camera models offer linked workflows and higher image quality as multicamera broadcasts become more prevalent.

FREMONT, CA: “As more organizations look to increase their production quality to engage and immerse audiences in their content, it will be more important than ever for them to have high-quality, flexible camera technology at a reasonable price point. We're proud to expand our lineup with these solutions and help production crews across industries elevate their productions, enhance their content and ultimately reach new audiences," says Carter Hoskins of Panasonic Connect. Panasonic Connect North America, a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America (Panasonic Connect), has expanded its professional PTZ and studio camera lineup to support more dynamic multi-camera productions and enable studios seeking to expand connected workflows via SMPTE2110 support and IP/networked capabilities.

Audiences have been accustomed to high-quality video content on various streaming platforms, and their expectations for sports broadcasts, local news segments, and online religious services will continue to rise. Amid this growth of streaming, the AW-UE160 PTZ camera and AK-PLV100 studio camera will penetrate the market to assist production teams across industries in creating more dynamic and engaging content.

As production crews engage in an increasing number of multi-camera broadcasts, they will require adaptable camera equipment to capture various perspectives and shots for more dynamic content. Both cameras support this feature and guarantee great image quality in all lighting conditions:

AW-UE160 PTZ Camera: The AW-UE160 PTZ Camera will join the Platinum family of high-end PTZs with broadcast-quality specifications. It incorporates a newly developed 4K 1 MOS sensor with the highest sensitivity of Panasonic Connect's whole PTZ series, allowing production teams to easily capture quality images even in the most demanding lighting conditions. In the meantime, the UE160's new optical low pass filter lowers moiré for a cleaner image when shooting against an LED wall, which is particularly significant in rental and staging or worship contexts. Its high frame rate will enable sports broadcasters to shoot slow-motion pictures in HD for replays, while the PTZ's seamless integration with the robotic camera system enables live broadcast-style motions, resulting in a dynamic and highly entertaining production.

AK-PLV100 35mm Cine Live Studio Camera: Panasonic Connect, a forerunner in cine live technology, will add the AK-PLV100 studio camera to its AK studio camera lineup. It has a big format, super 35mm Imager, and PL Lens mount to suit cinema lenses with a short depth of field. Compatible with the AK-HCU250 and AK-UCU600 camera control units, the AK-PLV100 is a companion to existing B4-mount camera systems. Replace the current camera head with the AK-PLV100 to capture cinematic video. The camera also takes advantage of Panasonic Connects' IP-based live production skills. It outputs 12G-SDI signals from the camera head and can interface directly with the return, control, and other communications or ST 2110 when a CCU is not present. For multicamera productions, the AK-PLV100 can be utilized concurrently with the AW-UE160—which has the tools to produce a more unified aesthetic - to capture a variety of perspectives & images for a more engaging & intriguing production. With this mix of features, the AK-PLV100 provides flexibility and control without sacrificing production quality for media and entertainment professionals.

Both cameras will be SMPTE2110-compatible to assist production studios in transitioning to IP-based workflows (AW-UE160 users can activate this through the AW-SFU60 software key, sold separately). This will allow for a more simplified connection to the KAIROS IT/IP platform (scheduled for introduction in May 2020), which offers professionals unrestricted control over the delivery of rich information to various screens and streams.

The AW-UE160 PTZ camera and AK-PLV100 studio camera will be on display at NAB Show New York (booth #725) from October 19-20, 2022, as Panasonic Connect showcases its video & broadcast solutions portfolio. Panasonic Connect will also showcase AV solutions for enterprise-level professional applications, such as the AW-SF300 Visual Preset's new voice-tracking function. The new SW preset integration is compatible with Panasonic Connect's PTZ cameras and digital wireless microphones and encompasses the upcoming November 2022 release of the wireless Boundary and wireless Gooseneck Microphones.