In an expansion to its AK series studio/field camera line, Panasonic has announced the entry-level AK-HC3900GJ/GSJ 1080p HDR studio camera system, which will be upgradable to native 4K@60Hz or 4K@50Hz.

The AK-HC3900G includes a full simultaneous HDR/SDR feature set, expanded multi-format capability (1080: 59.94p, 50p, 59.94i, 50i, 29.97PsF, 25PsF, 23.98PsF; 720: 59.94p/50p) and future optional upgrade to 4K 60p/50p production. The AK-HC3900GJ/GSJ captures its raw image from an internal 4K imaging system to deliver its stunning HD HDR images with ITU-R BT.2020 wide color space. The Internal 4K capture also means that the future optional 4K system upgrade will yield a full 2000 TV lines horizontal resolution.

The AK-HC3900GJ/GSJ achieves a high sensitivity of F10 at 59.94Hz (2,000 lx) and a S/N ratio of 62 dB. The camera offers a built-in motorized ND filter.

The AK-HCU250PJ/PSJ/EJ/ESJ camera control unit (CCU), in combination with the new AK-HRP250GJ remote operation panel (ROP), will connect the uncompressed video and control to the camera head via optical fiber or utilize SMPTE Hybrid cable to provide camera power as well. The new CCU includes all the system features of the HC3800 along with the simultaneous output of HDR/SDR and the HC3900’s expanded multi-format capability and 4K upgrade path. New features include 3G trunk and 3G prompter functions. The new ROP now includes PoE power (no power supply required).

Both the CCU and the ROP are equipped with SD card slots, which can be used for storing various settings or upgrading firmware. Camera operators will have a choice of two electronic viewfinders, either the AK-HVF100GJ nine-inch or AK-HVF75G seven-inch LCD color models.

The AK-HC3900GJ/GSJ, AK-HCU250PJ/PSJ/EJ/ESJ and AK-HRP250GJ will be available in the fourth quarter 2020. More information is here.