Chapter 1 Introduction; Camera Unit Features - Panasonic AJ-SPX900e Operating Instructions Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

The AJ-SPX900E memory card camera-recorder integrates a camera unit equipped with three CCDs, incorporating a 2/3-inch on-
chip lens featuring progressive drive technology, and a video recorder/player (VTR) that supports DVCPRO50, DVCPRO and DV
formats.
The camera offers a choice of interlaced scanning and progressive scanning modes. The AJ-SPX900E provides for a wide range of
uses, with such features as film-like gamma correction capability for authoring, and storage-type gain-up capability for news picture
shooting.
Utilising P2 cards, which require no mechanism, as media, your AJ-SPX900E offers greater responsibility, operability, and portability.
It is highly resistant to shock and vibration during recording, and therefore ensures stable operation for capturing quality video images
under the most adverse conditions.

1-1 Camera Unit Features

Three CCDs with a 2/3-inch on-chip lens that
supports progressive scanning
The camera supports aspect ratios of 16:9 and 4:3.
Operators can choose between interlaced scanning and
progressive scanning modes, to handle a wide range of
applications.
In progressive scan mode, signals from and to the recorder/
player are converted to interlaced signals.
Innovative 14-bit A/D Converted Digital Signal
Processing Circuit
This model utilises new 14-bit linear A/D conversion
technology to digitise video. The signal processor, operating
at 36 MHz, provides finer reproduction of video, together
with enhanced stability and reliability.
Storage-type Sensitivity Enhancement
The camera unit is equipped with a storage-type gain-up
capability featuring progressive drive technology. This
capability adds up to 20 dB to the standard gain increase.
Digital Zoom
The camera unit features progressive digital zoom. This is
particularly effective when you want to zoom-in closer on the
subject.
12-axis Independent color Correction
Operating as a paint function, this capability independently
corrects colors for each of the 12 axes. This feature helps to
produce fine images.
Film-like Gamma Correction
This capability provides a choice of four gamma types. In
addition to the standard mode, two types of film-like
gammas are available to help enhance video expression in
productions. The newly developed News Gamma accurately
records changes in shadow areas and reduces whiteout in
highlighted areas. This is particularly useful for on-site news
shooting.
<Note>
While your AJ-SPX900E supports progressive scanning,
constantly increasing the storage-type gain causes a slight
degree of brightening at the upper left corner of the screen
due to CCD characteristics. Note also that the dynamic
range of video signals in progressive scanning mode is
about half that in interlaced driving mode.
8
Auto White Balance with Automatic Tracking
capability
The white balance is automatically adjusted in real time,
according to the subject. This is effective for urgent
recording, where you can't spare the time to make an
adjustment through the auto white balance feature.
Data Management Capability
Your AJ-SPX900E has inbuilt data storage capacity for one
user and four scene files. In addition, an SD memory card
can be used as a setup card to store data for up to eight
setups.
Regarding SD memory cards, please also see <Cautions in
using SD memory cards> (page 18).
Customisable USER Buttons and USER MENU
The camera unit has three USER buttons, operable by a
single press, to which frequently used function may be
assigned. The on-screen menu is also customisable. You
can create an original user menu screen by selecting
frequently used menu items. The menu thus created can be
displayed with a single touch of the MENU button.
MARKER SELECT Button
Your video camera-recorder has a button on the front that
allows you to view marker information on the viewfinder
screen. This is useful for checking the view angle during
shooting.
Support for ECU
Your video camera-recorder supports the extension control
unit AJ-EC3E.