Modular Panasonic video & still cam
By Ian Burley
6th August - 2001
Panasonic in Japan has announced the NV-EX21, what it calls a dual-use DV-format digital camcorder with a detachable network-ready digital still camera.
As video cameras go, the NV-EX21 has an unusually high resolution image sensor CCD rated at 1.08 megapixels. However, this is an entry-level resolution in digital still camera terms. The still camera relevance is maintained throgh the use of a Leica-branded Dicomar 10X zoom lens. However, we understand the lens is manufactured in Japan to Leica’s design under licence. Panasonic recently announced a digital camera collaboration with Leica, replacing such an arrangement between Leica and Fujifilm.
The Panasonic NV-EX21 consists of two modules a Digital Still Camera unit and a Digital Video Camera unit. Secure Digital (SD) memory cards can be used withet NV-EX21 to record both stills and MPEG-4 digital movie clips, supplementing the video camera module’s DV tape system. There is also a voice recorder and built-in flash gun on the battery adapter.
Optional accessories are available to connect the NV-EX21 to a PC. These include a USB port, IEEE1394 DV in and out ports (i.LINK-compatible) and analogue composite video play and record terminals. An RS-232C port for still image transfers is also available. The NV-EX21 also promises to feature digital wireless Bluetooth connectivity via an optional Bluetooth adapter.
The Panasonic NV-EX21 will be available on the Japanese market from 1st September, priced 205,000 yen (£1,200 approx.)
www.panasonic.co.jp/global/top.html
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