A new HD camcorder releases is not a surprise. It feels like everyday a new camera is announced by a major manufacturer or by a startup launching an innovative trend through crowd-funding websites. The trend seems to lean towards smaller cameras packed with new features, touch screens, wireless transfer, and shockproof bodies. DSLR cameras are upgraded at an unprecedented rate.
The Event Videographer
All these new camera options are fun and come in handy, but sometimes what a videographer needs, and what their client needs to see, is a traditional shoulder-mounted camcorder. DSLR cameras have their place in videography and produce a quality image with their large sensors and interchangeable lenses. Their weakness shows up when an event videographer is in a "run and gun" situations, it is by no means a simple "grab and go" solution. A shoulder-mounted camcorder allows the videographer to pick up the camera and move to where the action is. One click of the record button and they're off to the races. This past week, Panasonic announced the price for its forthcoming AG-AC8PJ shoulder-mounted AVCCAM HD camcorder.
Panasonic AG-AC8PJ
The AG-AC8PJ shoulder-mounted AVCCAM HD Camcorder builds on the decades of tradition that Panasonic has built a reputation on. The camera is capable of shooting Full HD 1080p as well as 720p at 8Mbps, an ideal format for integration into sports coaching analysis systems. The AG-AC8PJ is fitted with a wide angle 28mm/f1.8 lens with a variable zoom. It records video utilizing to dual SD card slots that allow for back-up recording or the slots can be switched to an overflow to extend recording times. Both options are great for an event videographer depending on the situation, a back up for the can’t-miss events or extended for those long games on the ballfield. There is a stereo-mini input for external microphone use, as well as HDMI and USB 2.0 outputs. The AG-AC8PJ shoulder-mounted AVCCAM HD Camcorder carries a suggested retail price of $1450.
