Panasonic has revealed further details of its HX-A500 point of view camera, first trailed at CES.
The new POV camera will be a two-part design, with a lens and recording unit connected by an umbilical cable. The camera is capable of recording 4K video at 25fps, or up to 200 fps for slow motion, at lower-than-HD resolutions. HD video can be recorded at 100fps at 720p or 50fps at 1080p.
The recording unit features a colour LCD screen, as well as a WiFi connection for viewing, or even direct streaming to the internet, via the Ustream service.
Both the recording unit and lens are weather and dust proof, and can be used under water to a depth of three meters. Panasonic also provides a case that lets the two parts of the camera connect together, for one-handed shooting.
The HX-A500 includes image stabilisation, as well as a system that can level images that are recorded if the camera is tilted. Panasonic also says that the BSI sensor in the camera will give improved images in low light.
The new camera takes on point of view cameras from JVC, Sony, and especially GoPro. GoPro is currently the only mainstream action camera to support 4K recording, but on present models this is limited to 15 frames per second.
The HX-A500 joins other recent 4K releases from Panasonic, including the Super35mm Varicam, and the upcoming GH4 mirror-less system camera.
The HX-A500 will sell for £379 in the UK, when it goes on sale in May.
