Panasonic HDX900 DVCPRO 100 HD

The HDX900 is a full size, true high definition camera recording onto the Panasonic DVCPRO 100 HD format. It can shoot at various frame rates in both 720p and 1080i modes and is great as a multi standard camera allowing you to deliver to either American or European broadcasters. It has a choice of film look settings and produces stunning pictures using the same image processing as the Varicam. An excellent camera aimed at top end High Definition production.

Although the HDX900 can shoot at 50 frames per second it should not be confused with the Panasonic Varicam and seen as a 'slow motion' or 'off speed' camera. The 50p (progressive) frame rate was designed to shoot fast moving events such as sport and give a smoother picture on playback than if you shot at the European standard of 25 progressive frames per second: 25p.

It is possible to record at 50p and playback at 25p to give a slow motion effect, and some users are doing this although you'll need the latest version of Final Cut Pro with the Frame Rate Converter download to achieve this. The slow motion effect may satisfy some users, but if you are serious about shooting off speed then you really should be using the Panasonic AJ HDC27H Varicam. It's specifically designed for this purpose and the results are very good indeed.