Panasonic today announced availability 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.
   

The camera’s new imager and lens design combines a one-inch large MOS sensor with a specially constructed integrated expansions lens, facilitating the use of standard 2/3-inch B4 lenses without the need for an external adapter. The UB300 features high sensitivity (F10/2000lx), low noise (S/N 60dB), wide dynamic range measured at 600% (-6dB～36dB), and horizontal resolution of 1800 TV lines (UHD)/1000 TV lines (HD). With its compact form factor, the UB300 is upwardly compatible with Panasonic's comprehensive line of high-performance indoor/outdoor pan-tilt systems (select models), as well as several third party pan-tilt or robotic systems.

In addition to HD output, the UB300 is equipped with a simultaneous 4x3G-SDI output as standard. Output formats include (in HD) 3G-SDI: 1080/59.94p, 1080/59.94i, 1080/29.97PsF, 1080/23.98PsF, 1080/23.98p (over 59.94i), 1080/50p, 1080/50i, 1080/25PsF, 720/59.94p, 720/50p; and (in 4K) 3G-SDI x4: 3840 x 2160/59.94p, 3840 x 2160/29.97p/PsF*, 3840 x 2160/23.98p/PsF*, 3840 x 2160/50p, 3840 x 2160/25p/PsF*. (Note: Formats marked with “*” will be available at a later date via firmware update).

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).

In outdoor environments, brightness and color temperature change drastically from daytime to nighttime. 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.

Other high-level features include a 2x digital extender zoom and four-position neutral density filter (Clear, ND4, ND16, ND64). The UB300 weighs approximately 3 1/2 pounds and measures 4.3-inches wide by 6.3-inches deep by 5.6-inches high. Additional video format and controller support will be available 1Q 2017.