Panasonic AG-MDR25EJ POVCAM Memory Card Portable Recorder

Memory Card Portable Recorder for medical recording camera system featuring high-definition 4K image acquisition

The POVCAM medical recording camera system includes the AG-MDR25 portable compact recorder and the AG-MDC20GJ 4K camera head

Key Features

High-Definition 4K Image Acquisition

IP Streaming / IP Control (LAN Terminal)

LCD Touch Panel

Recording on SDXC cards (double SD slots)

The “POVCAM” combines the advantages of the first-generation POVCAM with features that are necessary in today’s environment like a touch panel and simultaneous 3G-SDI/HDMI/IP output. The POVCAM can be used for/at the following applications:

• At indoor events (e.g. weddings, reality TV shows)
• For nature observations, documentaries, sports and webcasts
• As a back-up unit for a camera-recorder
• For recording and networking from an information Camera

Compact Camera Head for Flexible Installation

Compact, lightweight design and remote operation allow the camera to be installed in places and angles where it previously couldn’t be for “free-style” operation. Built-in stereo microphone. The optional cables are identical to the first-generation POVCAM cables for easy system replacement.

• Scan Reverse mode: Image inversion for shooting with a ceiling-mounted Camera Head
• Scene files: Auto and three manual setting files allow scene settings to be switched and saved

Compact, Lightweight, Battery-Drive Recorder

Improved recorder operation with a touch-panel display and large buttons in a lightweight, handy size. Operation buttons can be temporarily disabled to prevent operating mistakes (KEY LOCK function) and threaded sockets are provided in two locations (left/right) for arm or rack mounting. The POVCAM is also newly equipped with an input terminal for DC12V power supply (AC adaptor is included).

• Battery drive: Equipped with a battery socket on the rear panel. Large-capacity battery supported (11,800 mAh/8,850 mAh/5,900 mAh/ 5,800 mAh)
• Power Supply Activation mode on the main unit linked to centralized power supply ON/OFF

Touch-Panel LCD Monitor

Compact size, high resolution 16:9 screen, 3.5-type, approx. 1.15-megadot panel touch panel for multifunctional operating ease:

• 13 User buttons: In addition to one hard key, 12 User buttons are displayed. Functions can be allocated to each. Four Scene File buttons also allow easy switching of the scene setting
• LCD reverse display: The image displayed on the LCD monitor can be reversed vertically and horizontally. The camera head can be reversed vertically to match installation conditions. When the image is reversed, the recorded image will remain in its original orientation
• WFM display: Waveform (WFM) and Vector Scope (VECTOR) display supported
• LCD DTL: The contours of the display image are emphasized to aid in focusing. Even when the contours are emphasized, the recorded image will not be affected

LAN Terminal for IP Streaming and IP Control

The LAN terminal supports video and audio streaming distribution to networks, as well as file transfers and external control. Access from PCs and tablets is achieved by web browser, with no special app required. Control is also possible by a Panasonic remote camera system IP controller for integrated system operation. Open IP commands also make it easy for users to design original systems.

• IP control: Remote control from a PC, tablet or IP controller enables Rec Start/Stop, Clip Delete, and compact Camera Head control (Zoom, Focus, Iris, and Menu Settings)
• IP streaming: Video and Audio IP streaming supported. Signals can be received and monitored by PCs, tablets, and IP decoders
• File transfer: Recorded clips can be downloaded by a network PC

A REMOTE Terminal that also controls Focus and Iris

Two REMOTE terminals provide fingertip control. In addition to the Rec Start/Stop and Zoom operations a terminal for focus and iris is also provided.

Simultaneous Output of 3G-SDI Input/Output and HDMI Output

• SDI input: An SDI input with 3G-SDI support is equipped. This lets you connect to a camera-recorder or other video device and record multi-format images, including FHD (1920×1080) 59.94p/50p/23.98p progressive images. When connected to a standard camera-recorder, Rec Start/Stop control can be used for automatic back-up recording*1
• SDI output: 3G-SDI compatible SDI output is equipped. FHD (1920×1080) 59.94p/50p progressive images can be output
• HDMI output: HDMI output of 4K (UHD)*2/FHD images is supported. Combined with SDI output and IP streaming, this enables simultaneous output*3 to maximum of three systems

*1 Linked automatic recording must be supported by the camera-recorder.  
*2: HDMI output of 4K (UHD) video is available only for playback of 4K (UHD) recorded clips.   
*3: Simultaneous output is not supported for all video formats. Conditions exist for the input/output signals and recording format.

Versatile Interfaces

• Audio input*4: A stereo mini-jack is equipped. LINE IN/MIC IN switchable.
• USB 2.0: PC connection is possible in Mass Storage mode (miniB terminal).
• Built-in speaker and headphone jack.

*4 When connected the compact camera head, the audio input cannot be used.

AVCHD Acquisition with High-Quality PS/PH Modes

In addition to the HD (1280x720) 59.94p/50p recording and extended recording mode (1440x1080) 59.94i/50i of the first-generation POVCAM, a PS mode capable of FHD (1920×1080) 59.94p/50p/25p*5 recording is equipped. PH mode for professional video production is also capable of FHD (1920×1080) 59.94i/50i/23.98p*5 recording. When connected to the Compact Camera Head (optional AG-UCK20GJ), high-resolution 4K (UHD: 3840 x 2160) 29.97p/23.98p/25p*5 (MP4 format) recording are supported.

*5 When using the AG-UCK20GJ, 59.94i/50i video signals are output for HD SDI output and HDMI output.

Recording Format

Double SD Memory Card Slots (SDXC Memory Card)

Large-capacity SDXC/SDHC Memory Cards supported. Double SD Memory Card Slots and a Relay Recording function enable two memory cards to be consecutively used. Hot Swapping also makes it possible to exchange cards while recording. Combined with the high data compression efficiency of the AVCHD format, this enables a maximum of 22 hours*6 of recording in the high-quality PS mode and a maximum of 112 hours* of recording in the extended (HE) mode. SDXC and SDHC Memory Cards can be readily acquired in an emergency situation while shooting on location.

*6 When using two 128-GB SDXC Memory Cards. Extended clips are automatically split every 10 hours, causing the recording to stop for several seconds.

Versatile Recording Functions for Professional Use

Single-frame image files can be converted from recorded video images which can be used for high quality photos.

• Last clip delete: The clip that was recorded immediately before can be deleted with a single touch. This function can also be allocated to a User button
• Time stamp: Date and time information can be superimposed onto images. Usable for extended research activities and nature observations
• TC/UB recording: An SMPTE time code generator is built-in
• Color bar signal output (with 1-kHz audio test tone*7)

*7 When [SYSTEM FREQ] is set to [50 Hz], a 997-Hz test tone is output.

Playback Functions Convenient for Presentations

• Repeat playback: Continuous, automatic Repeat playback possible for one clip or multiple clips from the thumbnail display. Helpful for demonstrations and presentations
• Resume playback: When the Stop key is pressed during playback, the stop position is stored in memory. Simply press the Play key to start playing again from the stop position. Turning off the power resets the memory. This function is disabled in the factory default setting
• Clip operation: Fast forward, rewind, clip forward, clip reverse, and frame by frame playback operation are supported

High-Resolution, Progressive MOS Sensor

4K (UHD: 3840 x 2160) 29.97p/23.98p/25p*8, FHD (1920×1080) 59.94p/50p/23.98p image acquisition are newly supported. HD image quality also dramatically improved.

*8 4K refers to UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution. The maximum resolution in 4K shooting mode via HDMI/SDI output is FHD (1920 x 1080) 59.94i/50i.

29.5 mm Wide-Angle Optical 20x Zoom Lens

• 29.5 mm Wide-Angle: Achieves wide-angle in spite of its compact size.
• Optical 20x zoom: Covers a range from 29.5 mm wide angle to 612 mm close ups (35mm equivalent) for various applications.
• Intelligent Zoom (i.Zoom): Allows shooting up to 30x in HD format (22x in 4K) with high resolution. Zooms in seamlessly from the optical tele-end.
• Digital zoom: This digital zoom (×1.4/×2/×4/×6/×8) allows zooming without any change in brightness. Combining optical zoom + intelligent zoom enables zooming up to a maximum of 240x*9

*9 When using optical 20x zoom + i.Zoom + digital zoom 8x in HD format. The image quality decreases as the digital zoom magnification increases.

Stable Images with the Five-Axis Hybrid Image Stabilizer

• Optical image stabilizer (HD/4K): Equipped with a powerful optical image stabilizer (OIS) system. Images are strongly corrected even in situations where the camera is unstable, such as when mounted onto an arm
• Five-Axis Hybrid Image Stabilizer (HD): In HD mode, electronic image stabilization is added to the optical image stabilizer (OIS) system to detect and correct motions on five axes, including rolling motion. This is effective when shooting while walking

Picture Adjustments like a High-End Cameras

• 16-Axis independent color correction: This function provides an independent effect to each of the 16 phases and saturation levels of video images. This fine color matching and rendering meet the needs of video production applications.
• Optical ND filter: The optical ND filter can be manually switched (CLEAR, 1/4, 1/16, 1/64). Resolution degradation from closing down the iris is prevented even in bright lighting.
• Shutter: The Slow Shutter and Synchro Scan functions are supported.
• Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS): This function suppresses blocked shadows and blown highlights to produce excellent gradation for each shade when dark, bright and intermediate shades are all contained in the same scene.
• Gain/iris: The gain can be increased either with AUTO or 0 dB to 30 dB (in 1 dB units), plus super gain (33 dB/36 dB). Iris adjustment can also be adjusted independently from the gain.
• White balance: AWB A, B (two-value memory) / P3200K / P5600K / ATW / VAR (2000 K to 15000 K). A new Variable mode has also been added for a finer setting capability. This allows color reproduction to better match the shooting situation.
• Image adjustments: Detail, V-detail, Detail coring, Skin tone detail, Color temperature, Chroma level, Chroma phase, Matrix (Norm/Cinelike/Still-like), Master pedestal, Gamma (HD norm/Cine-like/Still-like), Black gamma, Knee, NR control

Versatile Camera Functions

• Auto Focus: High-speed, high-performance auto focus technologies enable speedy focusing, excellent tracking, and superb stability for higher-quality 4K images
• Focus Assist: Focusing is aided by a Peaking Display (emphasizing in-focus areas by the use of coloring)
• Push Auto: Pressing the button during Manual Focus mode temporarily activates Auto Focus
• Infrared (IR) Shooting mode: Helpful for nighttime observation and surveillance
• Pre Rec: Constantly records video and sounds from approximately 3 seconds before ordinary recording starts, to prevent missing decisive moments
• Rec Check: Plays approximately the last 3 seconds that were recorded for confirmation
• Zebra: Select any two levels from among 50% to 105% in 5% steps
• Filters supported: Commercially available lens filters (49 mm diameter) supported

POVCAM Applications Using the Compact Camera Head

For Close-up Face Shots in TV Program Production

By placing Camera Heads on the table during news or information show, close-up shots of the people seated around the table can be taken with highly natural expressions. Several cameras can be mounted even in a small studio, and a single operator can handle them with IP control. This also helps to reduce production costs.

For Indoor Events Such as Weddings and Reality TV Shows

By suspending a Camera Head unobtrusively from the ceiling, on a stage, or on a mic stand, images can be recorded that wouldn't be possible by an ordinary camera operator.

For Nature Observations, Documentaries, Sports and Webcasts

While shooting extended images in highquality 4K (UHD) or Full-HD format, live webcasts can be produced by IP streaming. The compact Camera Head can be flexibly mounted and combined with IP control for remote shooting, providing the high image quality that is required for video production. Infrared (IR) mode also allows nighttime shooting.*10

*10: In the night shooting is required IR light. IR light is recommended the product of the wavelength 800 nm to 950 nm (850 nm is the most suitable). In order to shoot to clear the subject, it also requires a large amount of irradiation of IR light in addition to the performance of the camera.

System Examples with a Standalone Recorder

For Backing Up a Camera-Recorder

The compact, lightweight design and battery drive enable to use in outdoor locations. SDI input allows Full-HD acquisition from a wide variety of sources, including camerarecorders. Back-up recording*11 is also possible with the Rec Start/Stop function of the camera-recorder connected the Portable Recorder with SDI. Since simultaneous IP/SDI/HDMI output is possible, the Portable Recorder can be used as a signal distributor to monitors, PCs, and tablets.

*11: Linked automatic recording must be supported by the camera-recorder.

For Recording and Networking from a Information Camera

For recording an existing HD information camera or weather camera. In addition to the extended recording capability of large-capacity SDXC/SDHC Memory Cards and Double SD Memory Card Slots, the IP streaming function enables use as a network camera.

Specifications