FYI-Another AVCHD variant

AVCHD Lite for Long Recording of HD Motion Images
In addition to Motion JPEG images*2, the TZ7 can record high-definition motion picture*3 in AVCHD Lite. It features almost doubling the recording time in HD quality compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format. The TZ7 also features Dolby Digital Stereo Creator to record high quality audio, so you can match the beautiful motion images with outstanding stereo sound.


*1 The "AVCHD" is a high definition (HD) digital video recording / playback format jointly established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation. The “AVCHD Lite” is a subset of the “AVCHD format” for HD digital video cameras with HD video recording restricted to 720P.The new “AVCHD Lite” Logo and the “AVCHD Lite” License are restricted to devices within the AVCHD Video Camera category. Digital cameras have been added to the AVCHD Video Camera category.
*The “AVCHD Lite” and the “AVCHD Lite” logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.

Thanks Jeff...

The Panasonic TZ7 is the UK / Euro version:

Panasonic - ideas for life - Panasonic?s DMC-TZ7 Hybrid Camera (http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/2035713/index.html)

The U.S. model is the Panasonic DSC-Z3:

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Cameras-Camcorders/Digital-Cameras/Lumix-Digital-Cameras/model.DMC-ZS3S_11002_7000000000000005702

See also:

Panasonic premieres ZS3 / TZ7 with AVCHD lite video: Digital Photography Review (http://www.dpreview.com/news/0901/09012706panasonictz7.asp)

PANASONIC’S NEW LUMIX ZS-SERIES, THE ULTIMATE COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERAS, SUCCEEDS POPULAR TZ-SERIES

New LUMIX ZS3, With Impressive 12x Optical Zoom is Slimmer Than Predecessor and Adds AVCHD Lite High Definition Video Recording Capability

MIAMI, FL (January 27, 2009) – Panasonic today introduced the LUMIX DMC-ZS3 and DMC-ZS1, both members of the new ZS-Series, the successor to the acclaimed LUMIX TZ-Series and Panasonic’s newest ultimate compact and powerful digital cameras. The LUMIX ZS3 features 10.1-megapixels, a 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens and 12x optical zoom, meaning it has added 2x optical zoom to the award-winning TZ-Series camera, yet reduced its size. The ZS3 also features a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens and High Definition (HD) video recording ability, known as AVCHD Lite.

“The LUMIX ZS3 is a powerhouse performer with enormous versatility. Compared with the TZ-Series, it extends the power of the optical zoom from 10x to 12x and expands the wide-angle lens from 28mm to an ultra-wide 25mm, giving it the range for virtually any shooting situations,” said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Despite its superior lens specifications and functionality, the ZS3 is remarkably smaller and lighter than its predecessors, making it easier to carry on travels and everyday shooting opportunities.”

The ZS3 is the world’s first digital camera to feature HD video recording in “AVCHD Lite*2”. Compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format, AVCHD Lite allows longer recordings with breathtaking HD visual and audio quality. This combined with a well-considered control interface, which includes a dedicated movie recording button on the camera’s back panel, makes the ZS3 a hybrid model that performs admirably for both still and motion image capture.

The ZS3 also expands Panasonic’s popular Intelligent Auto (iA) mode with the addition of Face Recognition – a feature that “remembers” faces from previous shots*1. When a registered face appears in the frame, the camera will prioritize focus and exposure to capture it beautifully.

With Face Recognition, when a familiar face is recorded several times, the camera will prompt the users to register the face. Once registered, if the face appears into the frame again, the camera will display the name specified for that person and prioritize focus and exposure so that the registered face is bright and sharply focused.


New this year to the ZS-Series, iA mode is also available in Movie Mode. It automatically selects the most suitable Scene mode and helps to correct handshake, focus and brightness problems - making iA mode your one-stop solution to capture beautiful still and motion images. In Movie Mode, the ZS3, Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) helps prevent handshake when using the high-powered zoom. Face Detection automatically detects a face in the frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion so it turns out perfectly. Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows. And Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the situation to optimize visual quality.

The imaging power of LUMIX has further evolved with the Venus Engine HD, which boasts two CPUs to provide approx. 2.4x processing capability and support for AVCHD Lite and HDMI output. It integrates all the advanced functions and camera operations with high performance and low-power consumption. In image processing, luminance noise and chromatic noise are reduced separately before and after signal processing. This is further refined by separating noise two-dimensionally into high-frequency and low-frequency noise. The circuits then effectively reduce only the low-frequency noise to minimize the unwanted noise and help produce beautiful, sharp still and motion images.

Playback with the ZS-Series is also easy. Simply insert the camera’s SD Memory Card into the VIERA® HDTV’s Image Viewer SD Card slot for a photo slideshow*3. Alternatively, connect the camera via an optional HDMI mini cable, the DMW-HDC2, to a VIERA Link™-equipped Panasonic VIERA HDTV and use the television’s remote control to run mixed slideshows of photos and videos. The ZS3 features a 3-inch, high resolution 460,000-dot Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle, improving visibility during recording and playback.

Other features of the LUMIX ZS3 include:

· Increased Scene modes for both still and motion image shooting – optimized for a variety of situations. There are 26 scene modes for still image and 17 for motion image (Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self portrait, Scenery, Low light, Food, Party, Candle light, Sunset, High sensitivity, Beach, Snow, Aerial, Pin hole, Film grain and Underwater)

· Two new My Scene settings let users assign their two most frequently used Scene modes to the setting, and with a simple switch, allow access to either scene instantly.

The ZS1, like the ZS3, features a 25mm ultra-wide angle, 12x powerful optical zoom. Distinguishing it, the ZS1 features a 10.1 megapixel CCD, a standard iA mode (no Face Recognition) for still image recording and a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD.

The DMC-ZS3 will be available in silver, black, blue and red for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $399.95, while the DMC-ZS1 will be available in black and silver for an SRP of $299.95. Both models will be available in April 2009. For more information, please visit Digital Cameras including lumix cameras from Panasonic (http://www.panasonic.com/lumix).


*1 Depending on background and facial expression, camera may not recognize a registered person. For family members with similar facial features, camera may not correctly identify the intended subject.

*2 The "AVCHD" is a high definition (HD) digital video recording / playback format jointly established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation. The “AVCHD Lite” is a subset of the “AVCHD format” for HD digital video cameras with HD video recording restricted to 720P. The new “AVCHD Lite” Logo and the “AVCHD Lite” License are restricted to devices within the AVCHD Video Camera category. Digital cameras have now been added to the AVCHD Video Camera category. For more details, please refer to the “AVCHD Information Website”. AVCHD INFORMATION WEB SITE (http://www.avchd-info.org/)

*3 AVCHD Lite motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD disc cannot be played from a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.

*4 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) recording. (10fps in Speed Priority mode / 6fps in Picture Priority mode)

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company

Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation. (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic, known for innovative imaging technology that enables high-quality digital photos, introduced the world’s first Micro Four Thirds digital camera. In its commitment to provide consumers with extensive imaging resources, Panasonic LUMIX established the Digital Photo Academy, a series of nationwide workshops designed to instruct consumers how to optimize the features on their digital cameras.

PANASONIC INTRODUCES WORLD’S FIRST*1 WATERPROOF, SHOCKPROOF AND DUSTPROOF DIGITAL CAMERA WITH AVCHD LITE HD VIDEO RECORDING CAPABILITIES*2

New LUMIX DMC-TS1 Digital Camera Features Tough and Rugged Design for Capturing Still and Motion Images In Outdoor Activities

MIAMI, FL (January 27, 2009) – Panasonic today introduced the LUMIX DMC-TS1, the world’s first*1 waterproof, shockproof and dustproof digital camera*2 to also feature AVCHD Lite High Definition (HD) video recording capabilities*3. The TS1’s tough and rugged design makes it the ideal choice for active users needing the ultimate hybrid for capturing both still and motion images during outdoor activities. The LUMIX TS1, with a 12.1 megapixel resolution, features a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens, a 4.6x optical zoom and Panasonic’s proprietary iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, making this an easy-to-use, yet powerful camera that packs advanced imaging features.

“Many consumers are hesitant to take their digital cameras on outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, boating or even a day at the beach, for fear it will be damaged. With the introduction of the LUMIX TS1, we offer a digital camera with a rugged design that consumers can feel confident using in these tough environments,” said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Even more, with the ability to take both beautiful high-quality still images and High Definition video, with AVCHD Lite, the TS1 offers a powerful one-two punch to capture memories that can later be shared with friends and family.”

The TS1 is waterproof to a depth of 10 feet, shockproof from falls up to 5 feet, and dustproof. With its rubber padding, reinforced glass and carbon resins inside the camera, the TS1 features an airtight body protected against water immersion, dust and sand.

Starting at the 28mm wide angle, and zooming up to a useful 128mm in telephoto, the TS1 gives users the flexibility for a variety of shooting environments – especially underwater, where movement is often restricted and the angle of view becomes important for composing shots. The TS1 also features a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle, enhancing visibility during recording and playback by automatic brightness control according to the environment’s lighting conditions. Plus, the TS1’s LCD panel is deliberately thickened for protection against pressure, allowing the display to operate with clear visibility even underwater.

The TS1 records AVCHD Lite HD video, allowing almost double the recording time in HD quality compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format. The TS1 also features Dolby Digital Creator to record high quality audio to match the high-quality motion images.

Also new in 2009, the TS1 features iA mode for both still images and in Movie Mode. For iA in Movie Mode, the TS1 features Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.), which helps prevent handshake when using high-powered zoom. Face Detection automatically detects a face in a frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion on the face. Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows. And Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the situation to optimize visual quality. A Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of the noise from background wind. Optical zoom can be used in motion image recording. Users can start video recording by simply pressing a dedicated button on the camera's back panel.

The TS1’s iA for still image adds Face Recognition*4 – a feature that “remembers” faces from previous shots. When a registered face appears in the frame, the camera will prioritize focus and exposure to capture it beautifully. With Face Recognition, when a familiar face is recorded several times, the camera will prompt you to register the face. Once registered, if the face appears into the frame again, the camera will display the name specified for that person and prioritize focus and exposure so that the registered face is bright and sharply focused.

The imaging power of LUMIX has further evolved with the Venus Engine HD, which boasts two CPUs to provide approx. 2.4x processing capability and support for Face Recognition, AVCHD Lite and HDMI output. It integrates the numerous advanced functions with high performance, and low-power consumption. Thanks to the Venus Engine HD, it’s easy to view photos or movies recorded in AVCHD Lite. Simply insert the SD Memory Card from the camera in the Panasonic VIERA® HDTV’s Image Viewer SD Memory Card slot to start playback, or connect the camera via an optional HDMI mini cable to a VIERA Link™-equipped Panasonic VIERA HDTV and use the TV's remote control to run slideshows*5.

This multi-task image-processing engine also enables a fast response time. The TS1 starts up quickly in 1.3 seconds and shutter release time lag is approximately 0.005 seconds, making it easy to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. The Flash Burst mode makes it possible to take consecutive shots with continuous emissions of the flash*6. The Venus Engine HD also supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the TS1 record up to ISO 6400*7, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash. Despite its outstanding performance, the high performance engine is also more energy efficient, extending the battery life up to 340 shots (CIPA) per a single charge.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS1 will be available in silver, green or orange models in April 2009 for a suggested retail price of $399.95. For more information, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.

*1As of 1/27/2009.

*2 About Waterproof / Dustproof performance of the camera

This camera is waterproof / dustproof equivalent to “IP58”, and is possible to record at a maximum of 3.0 m depth/60 min. This does not guarantee non-destruction, non-malfunction, and water-proofing in all conditions. Please observe specified precautions and avoid product-use beyond the guaranteed underwater duration, or beyond the guaranteed depth of water.

- Attention -

To prevent water leakage, confirm that there is no foreign object near card/battery door then close door by pressing until it clicks. ●Use underwater up to 3.0 m depth and not longer than 60 minutes continuously. ●Do not leave under low temperature in the cold climate, or where the temperature is above 40℃ for a long period of time. ●When the unit is splashed with detergent, soap, hot spring, bath additive, sun oil, sunscreen, chemical, etc., wipe it off immediately. ●After use at the seaside or underwater, soak the unit in fresh water pooled in a shallow container for 10 minutes or less. Do not leave uncared for more than 60 minutes after using underwater. It may cause deterioration of the waterproof performance. ●Foreign materials may be attached if the zoom lever or mode dial does not move smoothly. Soak the unit in fresh water, shake it well and then wash the zoom lever and mode dial with tap water. ●To maintain the waterproof performance, it is recommended that the waterproof seal (with fee) is replaced at least once every 1 year at the user’s expense at the retail store where you have bought the camera.


■About Shockproof performance of the camera

This camera has passed a drop test from 1.5 m in height in accordance with “MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock”, but this does not guarantee non-destruction, non-malfunction, and water-proofing in all conditions. Water-proofing is not guaranteed if the unit is subject to an impact as a result of being hit or dropped etc.

- Drop Test -

Test standard: MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock ●Drop height: 1.5m ●Drop surface: 5cm thick plywood ●Number of units tested: 5 ●Drop orientations: 26 (each face, edge and corner) ●Number of drops: 1 (for each orientation) ●Unit inspected after each drop and found to be operating within product specifications. Change of appearance - paint-loss or deformation not measured.


*3 The "AVCHD" is a high definition (HD) digital video recording / playback format jointly established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation. The “AVCHD Lite” is a subset of the “AVCHD format” for HD digital video cameras with HD video recording restricted to 720P. The new “AVCHD Lite” Logo and the “AVCHD Lite” License are restricted to devices within the AVCHD Video Camera category. Digital cameras have now been added to the AVCHD Video Camera category. For more details, please refer to the “AVCHD Information Website”. AVCHD INFORMATION WEB SITE (http://www.avchd-info.org/)

*4 Depending on background and facial expression, camera may not recognize a registered person.

*5 AVCHD Lite motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD disc cannot be played from a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.

*6 In 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) recording.

*7 Max. 5 images. In 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) recording.

*8 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) recording. (10fps in Speed Priority mode / 6fps in Picture Priority mode)



*Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.

*The LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certified by Leica Camera AG based on the company’s quality standards.

*YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.

*The “AVCHD Lite” and the “AVCHD Lite” logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.

*HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.

*All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.

*This unit is compatible with both SD Memory cards and SDHC Memory cards. You can only use SDHC Memory cards on devices that are compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC Memory cards on devices that are only compatible with SD Memory cards. (When using an SDHC Memory card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)

*When you set the picture quality to HD, WVGA or VGA, we recommend using a high-speed card with “10MB/s” or greater displayed on the package.

*Continuous recording exceeding 2GB is not possible when recording motion JPEG. Remaining time for continuous recording is displayed on the screen.

*The use of recorded or printed materials that are protected by copyright for any purpose other than personal enjoyment is prohibited, as it would infringe upon the rights of the copyright holder.

*Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company

Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation. (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic, known for innovative imaging technology that enables high-quality digital photos, introduced the world’s first Micro Four Thirds digital camera. In its commitment to provide consumers with extensive imaging resources, Panasonic LUMIX established the Digital Photo Academy, a series of nationwide workshops designed to instruct consumers how to optimize the features on their digital cameras.

Since the older model in the US is called TZ5, shouldn’t the TZ7 be the U.S. name? It’s not like the TZ name isn’t popular in the U.S.

Well, I think Panasonic's tagline says it all: "New Lumix ZS-Series... succeeds popular TZ-series."

I read that, I just found it a bit odd that Europe keeps the TZ name and that the U.S. gets a different name.

Theirs nothing light about 1280x720 60p at 17MBPS h.264. That’s a little higher than the HD1010’s 1280x720 60p mode.

I wonder if this is the same video mode we will see on the micro four thirds HD camera?

I sincerely doubt it. Asumming you are referencing the Panasonic u4/3rds G/G1, others have noted Panasonic is aiming that at 1080. It says above AVCHD Lite is aimed at 720p.

Would digesting "lite" be any easier into our nles' ?

Would digesting "lite" be any easier into our nles' ?

Yes, it will be.

When I work on a 1080 AVCHD project vs a 720P AVCHD project off the Panasonic HMC-150, the 720P file is noticeably easier to work with. The 720P renders faster and raw files play better in VLC media player.

The AVCHD Lite may be lower bitrates, that would make it even faster in the NLE.

So wait, the big deal is that it's a low bitrate AVCHD? Hasn't that been the problem with AVCHD all along, that the bitrate was a little too low and it hurt the quality? Seems that not so long ago all the companies were bumping the bitrate up to compensate for this.

Do these cams have a better encoder or something? What am I missing here? Maybe I'm misinterpreting the info...

Hasn't that been the problem with AVCHD all along, that the bitrate was a little too low and it hurt the quality? Bit rate doesn't determine quality as much as the efficiency of the codec. Remember, AVCHD is about twice as efficient as HDV, so 12 to 15 Mbps in AVCHD is equivalent to 25 Mbps in HDV. This version, AVCHD Lite, is a balance between a high-quality 720p HD image and a manageable bit rate that isn't going to tax the average consumer's home computer. It is, after all, a consumer HD video format.

Chris - I understand that bitrate isn't the only determining factor in quality, but if the 12 - 15 Mbps AVCHD was all it was cracked up to be in the first place why did the camera manufactures decide to up the max bitrates on their cameras?

Seems to me that the early AVCHD cams that shot those 12 - 15 Mbps rates were getting some not too stellar reviews and that was why I was initially confused as to why they would try to tout low bitrate AVCHD as a good thing.

Now seeing as how it's targeted at 720, I can understand the lowish bitrate a bit more, but I'm just pointing out that those bitrates in that particular codec weren't cutting it early on.

The camera can record to 17MBPS if you haven’t read my previous post. That’s not low at all especially for a small still camera.

Here's the question for me - I've been avoiding avchd because I have a g5 dual 2ghz running fcp 5 and I always read I needed a intel mac to use avchd - will I be able to play with these cameras ? I know it's really the wrong forum but since this is a new type of avchd . I really want a underwater video and still camera and 10 feet is enough and the price is right also, but I don't really want to spend $2500 on a new computer and $600 more to upgrade fcp again , all for a $400 camera . thanks

I don't really want to spend $2500 on a new computer and $600 more to upgrade fcp again , all for a $400 cameraWell, you don't upgrade computers and software all for a $400 camera. You upgrade computers and software for other reasons. Some folks go through that upgrade process more frequently than others; for me it's usually every three years or so. The point is that when you are eventually ready to upgrade, you'll be able to enjoy much more flexibility with today's cameras, even though they might not be the primary reason for that upgrade in the first place.

Chris , so I assume your saying "no" ? Obviously for example if I wanted a new cheap waterproof camera and I can't do "any" avchd , then the new sanyo would be , for me now, a much better choice . When I do finally buy a new system it will be for a Scarlet , not a avchd consumer camera . This is all too expensive and since I'm a starving artist type and not a commercial event videographer , then I really have to stretch that "3" to a "5" or "6" year cycle . With photography , since I only print at 16"x24" and don't have any desire to go larger I found out that I don't need any more than I already own , a canon 20d and an Epson 4000. In this technological world , it's a warm feeling when you can arrive at a point and not feel a need to keep upgrading every few years . That's what I'm hoping the Scarlet brings me finally for video. So until that point , no new Macs , and I guess , no avchd waterproof consumer cameras . Sorry Steven !

I'm sorry I wasn't clear. AVCHD Lite will indeed most likely require an Intel Mac. FCP5 will not support it, but iLife09 (that is, that latest version of iMovie) probably will, after an update. AVCHD Lite is probably not a consideration for you until after your G5 is replaced. Hope this helps,

Hands-On preview:
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3: Hands-On Preview and Image Gallery (http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=3869&review=panasonic+lumix+dmc-zs3)

"Lite" mean encoding different Level@Profile than AVCHD "standart" without B-frame?

Here’s more:
http://www.infosyncworld.com/news/n/10087.html
http://www.e-gear.com/blog/shooting-panasonics-zs3-ts1-301059.html

Here's the question for me - I've been avoiding avchd because I have a g5 dual 2ghz running fcp 5 and I always read I needed a intel mac to use avchd -

There's a solution. If you import AVCHD using FCP or iMovie, yes, you need an intel mac.

However, back when I had an AVCHD camera I converted my clips on my powerPC using a series of steps that relied on open source software. It was a bit complex and took awhile.

someone commercialized this process under the trade name "voltiac" and this should work for you.

Here's the website:
VoltaicHD | ShedWorx (http://www.shedworx.com/voltaichd)

Here’s a video sample:
what is a .mts-file?: Panasonic Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review (http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1033&message=31104207)

Just remember that it’s never good to judge a camera based on the first example that you see online.

ouch

this panasonic camera only does 30p or 25p and then doubles it!

DMC-ZS3/DMC-TZ7 | PRODUCTS | LUMIX | Digital Camera | Panasonic Global (http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/compact/zs3_tz7/specifications.html)

1,280 x 720 pixels,

AVCHD Lite (SH: 17 Mbps / H: 13 Mbps /
L: 9 Mbps):

[NTSC] 60p *CCD output is 30p (fps).
[PAL] 50p *CCD output is 25p (fps).

Unfortunately my old HD TV doesn’t do 720p so my test may not be 100% accurate but playing the clip on the PS3, one frame at a time, I can see that every 2 frames looks alike which means the frames are being doubled instead of calculating the first and third frame to get the second frame and so on.

The only theory I have is that camera’s CCD may overheat if it’s used to output 1280x720 60p. Would have been different if it was a CMOS or Live Mos chip because the power consumption is less.

It’ll still give a better picture quality than all the other small cameras but it would have been better if it did 30p while still keeping the bit rate at 17MBPS.

The clip originated from here:
LUMIX TZ7????????????? (http://ascii.jp/elem/000/000/213/213772/)

Translation:
Translation result for http://ascii.jp/elem/000/000/213/213772/ (http://babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_url?doit=done&tt=url&intl=1&fr=bf-home&trurl=http%3A%2F%2Fascii.jp%2Felem%2F000%2F000%2F213%2F213772%2F&lp=ja_en&btnTrUrl=Translate)

Chris - I understand that bitrate isn't the only determining factor in quality, but if the 12 - 15 Mbps AVCHD was all it was cracked up to be in the first place why did the camera manufactures decide to up the max bitrates on their cameras?


It's not one thing. The problem in the early camera is that they were simultaneously dealing with a new compression technology, cutting the bitrate in half (versus tape), and upping the resolution (1920x1080 rather than 1440x1080).


Seems to me that the early AVCHD cams that shot those 12 - 15 Mbps rates were getting some not too stellar reviews and that was why I was initially confused as to why they would try to tout low bitrate AVCHD as a good thing.

The quality of these early videos could have been helped by higher bitrates, sure. But they probably still wouldn't have been stellar. The H.264/AVC CODEC is quite a bit more complex than MPEG-2, and they needed (and probably still need) more evolution on this to deliver realtime compression on a portable camera that rivals MPEG-2 in quality, even at higher bitrates.

There's little question that well encoded AVC delivers at least twice the coding efficiency as MPEG-2... most satellite HD these days has gone to AVC, and the quality actually improved over that of MPEG-2. I've been doing HDV -> AVC for Blu-Ray delivery, with little to no observable quality loss. But it's one thing to claim that's possible when rendering for a day on a dedicated Core2 Quad machine, another to get that in a small camera in realtime.


Now seeing as how it's targeted at 720, I can understand the lowish bitrate a bit more, but I'm just pointing out that those bitrates in that particular codec weren't cutting it early on.
They're going up to 17Mb/s, which is actually an improvement over first generation AVCHD camcorders (current ones are going as high as 24Mb/s, the official spec limit, on 1080 line material). This ought to be a huge improvement over the MJPEG... I have a TZ5, and while have occasionally used its 720p MJPEG video as "C-Camera" inserts for DVD, you wouldn't likely confuse this with HDV quality.

There are a few questions to answer... if the CCD only does 30p, what's the point of delivering 60p? And in the TZ5, they have had problems with focusing in video mode. Basically, the focusing algorithm you want for a still camera is dramatically different than what you want for a video camera. The original TZ5 code didn't seem to understand this at all; updates address is a bit, but you still get too many visually distracting autofocus seeks. I would consider the upgrade, if they really addressed this.

I'd also like to hear what makes the AVCHD "Lite"... it can't just be going 720p, because that's going to work under regular AVCHD, far as I can tell. Are they using normal features of the AVC CODEC, or leaving out some of it... which ought to still work fine with regular decoders, and would decrease complexity at encoding time, but might also make big compromises in video quality.

Original Japanese:
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English Translated:
Translated version of http://av.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/series/zooma/20090311_43308.html (http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=hp&hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fav.watch.impress.co.jp%2Fdocs%2Fseries%2Fzooma%2F20090311_43308.html&sl=ja&tl=en)

General

Complete name : AVCHDlite.MTS
Format : BDAV
Format/Info : BluRay Video
Overall bit rate : 15.2 Mbps
Maximum Overall bit rate : 18.0 Mbps

Video
ID : 4113 (0x1011)
Menu ID : 1 (0x1)
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : High@L4.0
Format settings, CABAC : No
Format settings, ReFrames : 1 frame
Bit rate : 14.4 Mbps
Width : 1 280 pixels
Height : 720 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 16/9
Frame rate : 59.940 fps
Standard : NTSC
Resolution : 24 bits
Colorimetry : 4:2:0
Scan type : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.261

Audio
ID : 4352 (0x1100)
Menu ID : 1 (0x1)
Format : AC-3
Format/Info : Audio Coding 3
Duration : 28s 500ms
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 192 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Channel positions : L R
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz

Here’s a link to more samples:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1033&message=31444913

Lots of Photo and video samples here:
TZ7 Test - Folder Shared from Box.net - Free Online File Storage (http://www.box.net/shared/ivuq6np1pg)

I got it from this thread:
TZ 7 samples Please: Panasonic Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review (http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1033&thread=31484193)

Enjoy

Ive got a few clips here. The TZ7 file are tagged as such.
Dave pearce's videos on Vimeo (http://www.vimeo.com/user464364/videos)

I love this cam for its size and ease of use. since i got it nearly two weeks ago i haven't used my HF10. Im not saying its better but im impressed with the quality considering the size and the fact that im more likely to have it with me.

Im struggling a bit getting decent output from Vegas at the moment but im getting there.

Dave.

Ive got a few clips here. The TZ7 file are tagged as such.
Dave pearce's videos on Vimeo (http://www.vimeo.com/user464364/videos)

I love this cam for its size and ease of use. since i got it nearly two weeks ago i haven't used my HF10.

So how do you lock AF/AE when shooting video?

So how do you lock AF/AE when shooting video?

Buggered if i know ;-)

You cant as far as i can see lock AE. You can lock focus as it has two modes, continuous and off so it will only focus once, when you press the button. You do have EC though.

Now i would never suggest this is even close to my HF10, control wise but at least this does have EC. On my HF10 you can lock exposure but then you loose AE.


Dave.

You can lock focus as it has two modes, continuous and off so it will only focus once, when you press the button.

Do you mean half-press? OK -- that will work fine. But, does the half-press also set exposure? And, will that exposure remain constant while shooting video?

Do you mean half-press? OK -- that will work fine. But, does the half-press also set exposure? And, will that exposure remain constant while shooting video?

With video on this camera there is no half press. Its actually a button on the back of the camera that you just press and the video starts recording.
You can set the record mode to just focus the once when the button is pressed or to keep using AF (and this actually works ok most of the time) but the exposure always seems active as far as i can see. In fact once recording the only manual adjustment on the camera is the zoom control.


Dave.

Pana really screws you with this camera.

Yes, it uses AVCHD Lite which must be 720p60.

BUT, in the fine print they note the CCD output is only 30p!

So they simply toss two copies of each CCD read-out into a p60 data stream.

If you want p30 you can shoot Motion-JPEG and get the same fps without the hassle of AVCHD.

Shooting MJPEG has slightly less image quality, is limited to 8mins 20 secs (2GB) file size and audio is not as good (i believe).
Camera aside i dont really have any problems with AVCHD lite. Im in the UK so for me its 50P (CCD output is 25fps) and Vegas handles it fine (now that i know to disable re sample).
In fact i dont come in to contact with any PC's/ that cant handle AVCHD these days. Even Windows 7 supports it.
I find there is a lot of people reading old posts about how much hassle AVCHD is. Its almost become a must that someone posts about how dificult it is to work with. Its been around for a while now and you dont need a top end PC to use it, most modern PC's will at least play back the files these day.
Most of the complaints seems to come from Mac users, of which im not one of them.

Just my opinion though.

Lets keep it in mind this is still a P&S we are talking about and we should look on it as such.

Dave.

If this isn’t fake than I hope the US gets the same promotion.
Current: Electrical, Electronics and Appliance Industry News and Issues - Panasonics giving customers a 1 in 5 chance to win a VIERA LCD TV (http://www.current.com.au/2009/05/04/article/Panasonics-giving-customers-a-1-in-5-chance-to-win-a-VIERA-LCD-TV/BHMKKWRVQW.html)

The is an advantage to Motion-JPEG. Under OS X, AVCHD gets converted to AIC losing a generation.

But, the real issue is that images are only captured at 25fps or 30fps. This ain't 720p50/720p60!

Is each frame simply repeated twice or is some kind of interpolation used. For example:

A B C D
a ab b bc c cd d

A long time ago I realized the long GOP encoding could create a "tween" image. Using two images 1/30th second apart, when motion vectors are generated the values can be halved to generate a frame 1/60th second between the two real images.

If only 25/30fps, the shutter-speed must be 1/25th or 1/30th which is impossibe.

What is you experience if you stand close to a hiway with rapidly moving cars? Do they move smoothly or in tiny jerks?

http://exposureroom.com/members/DVC.aspx/videos/