Apple provides editing support for PH recording in Panasonic camcorder

The latest version of Apple’s Final Cut Pro editing software (v. 6.0.5) now incorporates support for the professional PH recording mode offered in Panasonic’s AG-HMC150 handheld AVCCAM camcorder. The PH recording mode is exclusive to the AVCCAM HMC150 and provides 1080 and 720 recording in an AVCHD format at bit rates up to 24Mb/s.

The HMC150 handheld captures HD video onto solid-state SD cards in four recording modes, with the PH mode offering the highest quality. Prior to this announcement, Final Cut Pro only supported the HMC150’s HG, HA and HE modes, which encompassed 1080i recording. The new FCP 6.0.5 update also adds editing support for 720 60/30/24p formats and 1080 30/24p in addition to 1080i.

The AVCHD format provides a near doubling of bandwidth efficiency, according to Panasonic, and significantly improved video performance, so images recorded by AVCCAM camcorders remain crisp and clear even during fast motion. The 1/3in 16:9 progressive 3-CCD camera features a 13X Leica Dicomar zoom lens. The camcorder’s four recording modes include PH mode (average 21Mb/s, maximum 24 Mb/s), HA mode (approximately17Mb/s), HG mode (approximately 13Mb/s) and HE mode (approximately 6Mb/s).

For more information, visit www.panasonic.com/avccam/.