The HC3800 achieves a high sensitivity of F11 at 59.94Hz (2;000 lx) and an S/N ratio of 60dB. High definition formats can be switched to allow worldwide use at 1080/59.94i and 1080/50i. Output of 720/59.94p video will also be supported via a pre-NAB no-charge firmware upgrade. The newly-developed 16-bit A/D and 38-bit DSP utilize Spatial Offset Technology and an advanced single transfer system to provide a high resolution picture (1;100 lines) with less moir and a vertical smear level less than -130 dB.

The HC3800's DRS function simultaneously reduces blocked detail in shadow areas and blown highlights in scenes where extremely bright and dark objects coexist and its CAC function can compensate for chromatic aberration at the lens periphery. The low-profile head and low main body design are ergonomically designed for comfortable operation and provide an unobstructed view to the camera operator's right-hand side. The HC3800 is also equipped with a Film Rec Gamma function adapted from Panasonic's renowned VariCam models and a Scan Reverse function for cinema lens adaptors.

Adding the AK-HCU200 camera control unit (CCU) and the AK-HRP200G remote operation panel (ROP) to the HC3800 creates a low cost high quality studio camera system that delivers world-class uncompressed video and system control via optical fiber transmission. The new AK-HVF70G compact and lightweight 7" LCD viewfinder completes the basic studio camera system.

The AK-HCU200 CCU, rack-mountable lightweight and measuring 2U in height has two HD/SD-SDI output channels and two additional HD/SD-SDI output channels that can be used in conjunction with the picture monitor outs. For return video inputs, the CCU is equipped with two HD/SDSDI channels and one VBS (analog composite video) channel. A down converter is also incorporated and an aspect ratio of an HD/SD-SDI out can be selected from Letterbox, Crop or Squeeze. Embedded audio is supported for HD/SD-SDI output and prompter input is provided.

The HCU200 and the AK-HC3800 can be connected with SMPTE 311 hybrid fiber cables over a distance of approximately 1,000 meters for transmission of uncompressed video, power, control and other functions. The compact 2.9-pound AK-HRP200 remote operation panel provides precise; rapid; and comprehensive control of the HC3800's powerful capabilities. Currently, the HRP200 and HCU200 connect via optional serial cables (e.g. ROP-50M) at a distance of up to 50 meters. The free system firmware upgrade available before NAB 2013 will add IP control communication between ROP and HCU, and will also permit the ROP to set-up and control Panasonic PTZ cameras such as the AW-HE120 via IP. Scene files user files and lens files can be stored on and retrieved from SD-HC memory cards at both the HCU and HRP control panel.

The AK-HVF70 seven-inch colour LCD serves as an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and provides superb picture quality with SWVGA (1024 x 600 pixels) resolution. It includes as contrast, brightness and peaking adjustments, and is equipped with three user assignable function switches. The compact EVF features a Focus in Red" function, which highlights the edges of an object in red and a "Pixel-to-Pixel" function; which allows the inputted video to be displayed without resizing. Additional EVF options for the HC3800 include the two-inch HD monochrome model AJ-HVF21KG and the one-inch colour LCD model AJ-CVF100G.