Panasonic launches the new AK-UB300 UHD multi-purpose studio camera

Panasonic announced availability and pricing for its new AK-UB300 4K multi-purpose camera, designed for applications where a compact form-factor yet high-quality image is required. Ideal for broadcast and remote studios, weather and traffic reporting, remote live production, image magnification and sports, the UB300 is equipped with a one-inch MOS sensor that outputs a UHD signal up to 3840x2160/59.94p with the ability to simultaneously output HD up to 1080/59.94p. An HD Cropping feature allows an HD image to be cropped from the 4K picture, and the HD Cropping area can be controlled by a Panasonic AW-RP50 or AW-RP120 remote controller. The HD Cropping feature is especially useful as remote “Pan” or “Tilt” functionality can be accomplished electronically with a fixed POV type of camera without sacrificing image quality.

Streaming video outputs will be available from the UB300 in several forms and formats, and at a wide range of transmission speeds. For remote production and IP distribution, four simultaneous streams will be available in either H.264 or three streams in motion JPEG. Video resolutions of up to 1080/60p are available at rates of up to 24Mbps. For IP-Live remote monitoring and control, up to 16 cameras can be viewed simultaneously in a single browser window, with extensive on-screen camera controls available when a single camera is selected for monitoring. IP control enables system integration with Panasonic RP50/RP120 joysticks and AK series ROP panels (available later via firmware update).

An Intelligent Automatic Adjust function will automatically correct the image level and color temperature as the outdoor lighting conditions change. Intelligent Automatic Adjust Functions include Auto tracing white balance, which automatically adjusts the white balance or color temperature, and automatic control of lens aperture or iris, gain and ND filter.

The UB300 boasts newly-developed haze-reduction technology--valuable for outdoor environments such as weather reporting--for ensuring optimal image reproduction. In certain situations, picture contrast may be low as result of environmental fog or haze conditions, and this Haze Reduction function will optimize camera image settings appropriately to assure that the subject of shooting is as clear as possible.

The UB300 is available at a suggested list price of $24,995 US. Additional video format and controller support will be available Q1 2017.