Panasonic’s announced the AW-HE42. It’s an HD pan, tilt and zoom camera offering “significant improvements in lensing, stabilization and interfacing.”
The AW-HE42 is a 1080p integrated HD camera that sports output connectors for 3G-SDI, HDMI, SDI, USB and LAN. Additionally, Panasonic says its output interfaces and genlock function support “smooth large-scale shooting with multiple cameras.” That should make these cameras great for numerous environments — from recording and broadcasting of lectures to live streaming.
AW-HE42 overview
The AW-HE42 is equipped with a 1/2.3-type MOS sensor and Digital Signal Processor. Additionally, the camera offers an optical 20x and 30x zoom, along with a 12x digital zoom, or a 1.4, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 or 8.0 digital extender zoom.
Also, the camera has a range of Pan ±175° and Tilt -30° to 90°, with a maximum speed of 90°/s.
AW-HE42 uses a Four Drive Lens System
This camera uses a Four Drive Lens System. What does that mean? The system has three zoom lenses and one focus lens. They’re driven independently, but also simultaneously. The benefit of driving each of the four lenses individually enables a reduction in lens size and drive range. So Panasonic can make the overall size small and still deliver an optical 20x zoom and a 30x zoom.
Keeping the shot stable
To keep things stable, the AW-HE42 is equipped with a High Dynamic Range mode, along with Dynamic Range Stretch and Digital Noise Reduction. Also, any potential image shake should be reduced by the camera’s optical and digital four-axis automatic stabilization.
Other notable features
IP transmission is supported, allowing for IP video output of up to 60 frames per second. Also, multi-streaming output of up to four channels per camera and video transmission to up to 14 terminals are supported.
With an IP browser, the camera can be controlled from a remote location. The IP video monitoring and remote camera control can be performed from a PC, Mac or a mobile device.
Additionally, the AW-HE42 supports audio input, embedding, encoding, and audio output to IP.
Pricing and availability
The AW-HE42 will be out this month for $4,250.
