Panasonic AJ-CX4000 4K HDR ENG Shoulder-Mount Camera

The fusion of high-quality 4K HDR video sensor performance, ISO recording ability, IP connectivity, and field-tested reliability make the AJ-CX4000 an ideal camcorder for use in a variety of industries. Whether being used for ENG, out in the field to deliver a live remote news broadcast, in a theater for live streaming a concert to YouTube Live, on a remote island to record footage for a reality TV show, or in a stadium to capture a sporting event for a documentary, the versatile CX4000 ENG camera can handle it all.

Equipped with a large 11.14 megapixel MOS sensor, the AJ-CX4000 achieves 2000 horizontal TV lines with oversampling. In addition, it offers high-quality 4K pictures with low noise, wide dynamic range, dual native ISO technology for superb low light performance, and high sensitivity of F10 (59.94 Hz) / F11 (50 Hz) in High Sensitivity mode.

The proprietary optical magnifying system has enabled the use of broadcast-standard B4 lenses with a large sensor, while retaining the deep depth of field of 2/3" lenses.

The AJ-CX4000, like it's AK-UC4000 studio camera counterpart, utilizes the revolutionary LSSIEL technology. With LSSIEL, 2/3" lenses can be used on the camera without the need for an external adaptor. The internal lens has been specially designed for large sensors, ensuring high-video quality. Like the UC4000, the CX4000 also utilizes a large format sensor. This allows the camera to realize high-definition resolution, high-sensitivity, low-noise and a wide dynamic range.

The AJ-CX4000 features HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)1 for recording HDR (High Dynamic Range) video and is equipped with the following HLG recording assist functions:

• SDR Monitoring Gamma: Gamma curves for monitoring HLG images with the SDR viewfinder or other SDR monitor
• HDR/SDR Parallel Output: Dual SDI can output both HDR and SDR simultaneously
• VF/LCD HDR/SDR Selector: Assignable to the USER button for easy switching between HDR and SDR even during recording
• Eight mode Gamma: Select from HD/SD/FILMLIKE 1/FILMLIKE 2/FILMLIKE 3/FILM-REC/VIDEO-REC/HLG gamma curves

The AJ-CX4000 achieves high sensitivity with DS gain. Combined with master gain, this enables a maximum +76 dB,2 for ultra-high sensitive recording at a minimum subject illumination of 0.005 lx.

The standard 12G-SDI output terminal delivers high-image-quality UHD 60p (50p) 10-bit 4:2:2 output. Also provided are XLR audio input (2CH) terminals compatible with +48-V phantom power supply as well as HDMI OUT, TC IN/TC OUT, GENLOCK IN, USB3.0 (DEVICE) and USB2.0 (HOST, wireless module) terminals.

The AJ-CX4000 is equipped with 1 x expressP2 card slot and 2 x microP2 / SDXC card slots. ExpressP2 cards are recommended for applications that require highly-reliable storage media, 4K large-data recording and high-speed footage offloading. MicroP2 / SDXC cards are an economical choice and provide additional recording options. With the dual microP2 card slots, unlimited relay recording3 and simultaneous recording options are available for enhanced recording reliability. Additionally, pre-REC, interval REC and metadata recording functions are available.

The AJ-CX4000 is capable of recording in various formats at different compression rates, such as HEVC and MOV/P2 MXF4 file formats.

Using the new, high-efficiency codec, HEVC (H.265, LongGOP, 10-bit, 4:2:0, MOV), the CX4000 records high-quality 4K 10-bit images at low, 100-Mbps bit-rates. Free software, such as the VLC Media Player or QuickTime Player, provide smooth video playback on a PC, laptop or MacBook5.

The CX4000 records MOV files that are highly compatible and easy to use. This file format is the same as that used on Panasonic's EVA1 cinema camera / AG-CX350 camcorder and supports long file names with up to 20 characters, allowing simplified video clip management. And it supports the MXF P2 file format for broadcasting, enabling AVC-Intra or AVC-LongG HD recording.

Using the AU-XPD3 Thunderbolt 3 drive in conjunction with B-series expressP2 cards, media offload is faster than ever. Six hours of 4K (HEVC100) content can be offloaded in just five minutes!

The AJ-CX4000 features a built-in LAN terminal with a lock mechanism, enabling reliable network connectivity and IP remote control.

There is an optional NDI|HX6 upgrade available for the AJ-CX4000 shoulder-mount camera, making it available as an NDI video source for use with NDI compatible switchers such as the AV-HLC100 Stream Studio, Tricaster devices and software-based switchers such as VMIX and others. NDI|HX mode allows video transmission and camera control via IP connection without using an external converter. When connected to an NDI video switcher system, along with Panasonic PRO PTZ robotic cameras, the CX4000 becomes an integral part of end-to-end live event video productions and live streaming workflows.

Livestreaming7 HD video directly to YouTube, Facebook Live, and other streaming services is easier than ever with the RTSP, RTMP, and RTMPS protocol support8 of the AJ-CX4000 camera. The CX4000 also supports multicast streaming for streaming to multiple destinations, as well as simultaneous streaming and recording.

The CX4000 provides professional shooting assist functions and capabilities, including:

• Broadcast: Genlock and Timecode in/out
• Two Optical Filters: ND and CC, have four positions each 
• Chromatic Aberration Compensation: The small amount of circumjacent chromatic aberration is compensated
• Dynamic Range Stretcher: Suppresses blocked shadows and blown highlights to achieve a visually wide dynamic range 
• Advanced FBC: High-precision flash band compensation
• Digital Zoom: 2x/3x/4x digital zoom boost
• Focus Assist: “Expand”, “Peaking” and “Focus Square”
• Shockless AWB: A smooth transition occurs when switching white balance. It is also equipped with an auto tracking white function
• WFM/Vectorscope: Simplified display on LCD and VF
• High-Brightness Zebra Display: The zebra pattern can be displayed in white-out areas of the viewfinder image
• Y-GET: Measures brightness at center and displays numerical data
• Lens Files: Stores settings for interchangeable lenses
• Setup Files: It makes color setting easier for multiple cameras
• Mode Check: Displays a list of the camera settings on VF and LCD
• Rec Check: This lets you run a quick playback check of the clip-end
• User Buttons: Functions can be freely allocated to the five User buttons

24-bit/48 kHz four channel digital audio recording is supported by the AJ-CX40009. The audio source for each channel can be selected for each channel, choosing from mic-in, line-in and a wireless receiver.

The AJ-CX4000 features a 3.5" HD color touch panel LCD viewfinder with approximately 2.76 million pixels, allowing for high-definition color monitoring. In addition, the touch panel makes it easy to operate the camera menu.

The CX4000 camera also has a 2.4" black-and-white organic EL display which offers high brightness and clearly shows the status information, such as the timecode and audio input levels, even in outdoor environments.

The AJ-CX4000 camera features an HD LCD monitor for improved outdoor visibility and four times the number of pixels of standard definition monitors. Paired with an ergonomically designed shoulder-mount and engineered for proper weight balance, the CX4000 has been field-tested to ensure comfortable sustained use for long periods of time.

To simplify camera operation, the AJ-CX4000 can be controlled remotely and wirelessly using a smartphone or tablet via the free CX ROP app10. This app displays camera information and allows the user to adjust camera settings. The settings are easy to view and the UI is optimized for touchscreen operation. The app is also equipped with a wealth of remote functions for output signal selection, setting USER buttons, REC start/stop and many others. What's more, the app can be used to select the camera to control from up to eight other cameras (AJ-CX4000 / AG-CX350). The CX ROP app is available for download from the App Store or Google Play

Accessorizing the AJ-CX4000 is made simple with integrated standard mounting points and connections.

The robust camera-body design with magnesium die-cast chassis gives this camera the durability required for longevity in a rental house fleet. With versatile workflows, accessory options and field-proven reliability, the AJ-CX4000 can be counted on to meet and exceed customer needs. With the ability to switch camera frequency, the camera can be used on assignments in the United States or shipped for use on international projects. Ready to add the CX4000 to your rental camera fleet? Reach out to a Panasonic video production expert to put it to the test!