Panasonic Connect’s Outdoor-Ready 4K PTZ Camera

Panasonic Connect Co., Ltd. has announced that it will release an outdoor-ready PTZ camera, the AW-UR100 in the third quarter of calendar 2023. The new model will combine 4K/60FPS capability and a dynamic image stabilising system (DISS) for high-precision videography, even in stadiums and other large venues, as well as cropping to reduce the risk of missing fast-developing highlights. The camera’s rugged design makes it ideal for harsh outdoor environments, such as airports, warehouses and large ocean-going vessels, or for live broadcasting during blizzards, typhoons and other weather event. The AW-UR100 supports many protocols and interfaces for flexible system configuration to expand the possibilities of outdoor video production. It also offers extra functionality to help avoid missed shots and shooting errors for worry-free camerawork in the field, where risks are ever present.

Demands for live streaming and other video production have sharply increased in recent years. The live entertainment industry, which was greatly curtailed by the Covid disaster, has seen a surge in hybrid online/offline events. Also, the proliferation of high-capacity, high-speed 5G and ubiquitous video have created demands for new video experiences, expressions and productions, but typically within limited budgets.

The applications and uses of PTZ cameras have also expanded, requiring rugged housings and added functionality for precision shooting and broadcasting in environments where camerawork can be especially challenging, such as outdoor locations exposed to extreme temperatures or other harsh climatic conditions. Changing work styles are further accelerating the shift to IP-based remote video production, increasing the need to ensure both video quality and production efficiency in the field.

In response, Panasonic Connect has developed the new AW-UR100, which combines rugged reliability and high-precision shooting capabilities along with a host of other key features to overcome the challenges of working outdoors.

KEY FEATURES

High-precision Video Specifications and Functionality
When shooting from various angles while covering large-scale events in stadiums, at music festivals, etc., content creators must be ready to capture highlights as they occur, often at a moment’s notice. The AW-UR100 offers both a 74.1° horizontal wide-angle lens for panoramic pull-backs and 4K/60P compatibility for 24x optical zoom and 10x digital zoom. It also features three types of image stabilisation systems for shake-free video: optical image stabilisation (OIS), electronic roll correction (EIS) and pan-tilt image stabilisation (Dynamic Image Stabilising System-DISS). Precision video production is assured regardless of the shooting environment, allowing highlights to be captured even from a bird’s-eye view in large venues.

Rugged Design for Reliable Performance Virtually Anywhere
The AW-UR100 is built to withstand challenging outdoor environments, such as shooting in high-corrosion salt-air locations, including on large ships or in waterfront warehouses, or in other locations exposed to the elements, such as airports or outdoor events subjected to rain, wind, snow or intense sunlight. The body is hermetically sealed to keep out wind-blown dust and sand, and a defroster warms the lens to prevent the formation of frost, ice or condensation in extreme temperatures down to -15°C (-4°F). There is also a convenient wiper to keep the lens clear in wet conditions. In numerous tests simulating diverse outdoor conditions for waterproofing, dust-proofing, salt spray and more, the AW-UR100 has proven its rugged ability to perform reliably in a wide range of demanding environments.

Flexible System Adaptability and Multiple Interfaces
The AW-UR100 meets a wide range of outdoor shooting needs with its many interfaces for major baseband transmission, such as 3G-SDI, 12G-SDI and fibre, as well as support for various IP protocols including NDI and SRT. FreeD is also supported, making it possible to build AR/VR systems. It adapts readily to existing video production systems as well as shooting conditions, and can be used to record, edit and broadcast in diverse environments for a variety of purposes, further expanding the range of video expression and storytelling outdoors.

Panasonic Connect, which has been proudly exceeding demands for technological development in the broadcast and camera industries for some six decades, is now committed to reinventing video production with an evolving lineup of advanced, market-leading PTZ cameras and other systems.