Panasonic Launches AK-PLV100 & AW-UE160

Panasonic announced two new exciting products for their Pro AV line-up. The AK-PLV100 is an affordable 4K studio camera with a large super 35 image sensor, a PL-mount and IP capability. The AW-UE160 is their new flagship all-in-one PTZ camera.

AK-PLV100

As demand for high quality video content for streaming platforms continues to grow, Panasonic announced that its new AK-PLV100GJ 4K studio camera, designed to help production teams make their content more exciting and engaging, will be released in the first quarter of 2023.
With a Super 35mm 5.7K MOS sensor and PL mount, inherited from the VariCam camera, Panasonic is bringing its pioneering experience of cine live technology to its studio camera line-up - enabling powerfully expressive video with a shallow depth of field to bring it closer to the director’s intention.

Simple IP-based live production without CCU
To support production studios moving towards more connected, IP-based workflows, the camera features SMPTE ST 2110 compatibility. This enables more streamlined connection to the KAIROS IT/IP platform, which gives professionals unlimited control to deliver rich content to multiple screens and streams.
SMPTE ST 2110 input/output will be possible directly from the AK-PLV100GJ camera head without connecting to a CCU, enabling IP-based live production with just the camera, doing away with the need for complicated systems. It’s also possible to output 12G-SDI signals directly from the camera head, allowing for flexible system construction and wide-ranging operations.

Camera head can be switched anytime
The camera head is fully compatible with the accessories for Panasonic’s 2/3-inch studio-camera line-up. By simply replacing the existing camera head with the AK-PLV100GJ, cinematic video can be created with the existing CCU (AK-UCU600 or AK-HCU250).

AW-UE160

Uncompromising shooting performance and operability
In addition to the high sensitivity of F14 / 2,000 lx, equivalent to that of a studio camera, and the latest generation image processing found in LUMIX, the AW-UE160 is equipped with a newly developed phase detection autofocus (PDAF) that enables high-speed focusing and can also be used to shoot fast-moving subjects. The new PTZ is equipped with a variety of features that enable high-precision video production, including a new PTZ mechanism and hybrid image stabilization.

Realize next-generation video production with various shooting methods and functions
The AW-UE160 is the first PTZ camera to support the SMPTE ST2110, an IP transmission standard for the broadcasting industry, and wireless transmission with a 5G mobile router (via USB tethering). It also supports return input and a rear tally lamp that can also be lit in yellow, which are essential for combined operation with system cameras. In addition, it is equipped with the cropping zoom function that can output multiple angle video with a single camera and 2x high-speed output (HD) from SDI/HDMI.

Ease of use and versatility reduces stress of shooting on-site
Support for a variety of interfaces and protocols (SMPTE ST2110, Highbandwidth NDI®, NDI®|HX, SRT, FreeD, RTMP/RTMPS, etc.) reduces the burden of introducing the camera into existing systems. Even if output is performed from multiple video terminals at the same time, there is no restriction on video output, so simulcast operation in 4K is possible. Support for scene files, color matrix control and Panasonic's free software and Remote Operation Panel (ROP) for batch management of multiple cameras makes mixed operation with system cameras even easier. In addition, the waveform display function and the horizontal level gauge display function reduce the burden of setting up and adjusting the video.

Panasonic PTZ line-up comparison

PRODUCT TIER	AW-UE160	AW-UE150	AW-HE145	AW-UE100
Video Format	4K/60p	4K/60p	FHD/60p	4K/60p
Sensor	1-type(1”)2 4K MOS x 1	1-type(1”)2 4K MOS x 1	1-type(1”) Full-HD MOS x 1	1/2.5-type(1/2.5”) 4K MOS x 1
Auto Focus	Phase Detection AF + Contrast AF	Contrast AF	Contrast AF	Contrast AF
Optical Zoom	20x	20x	20x	24x
Horizontal FOV	75.1°	75.1°	75.1°	74.1°
SDI	12G x 1, 3G x 2	12G x 1, 3G x 2	3G x 1	12G x 1, 3G x 1
HDMI	1 (2160/59.94p)	1 (2160/59.94p)	1 (1080/59.94p)	1 (2160/59.94p)
Optical Fiber	1	1	-	-
High Bandwidth NDI	Yes, 4K/60p	-	-	Yes, 4K/60p
NDI|HX	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Audio	XLR(3pin) x 2	φ3.5mm stereo mini jack	φ3.5mm stereo mini jack	φ3.5mm stereo mini jack
PoE	PoE++	PoE++	PoE++	PoE++
SMPTE ST2110	Yes	-	-	-
High-speed Output	Yes	-	-	-
Quietness	NC35 or less (At rest: NC25 or less)	NC35 or less	NC35 or less	NC25 or less
Image Stabilization	Optical(O.I.S.) + Electronic(E.I.S.)	Optical(O.I.S.)	Optical(O.I.S.)	Optical(O.I.S.)
SRT Protocol	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Free-D Protocol	Yes	Yes	-	Yes

The Panasonic PTZ line-up