Panasonic AG-AC8
Highlights
1/4.5" High-Sensitivity MOS Sensor
1080/60p AVCHD Recording
Wide-Angle 28mm (Equivalent) Lens
21x Optical Zoom / 50x Intelligent Zoom
Dual SD Card Slots with Relay Recording
3.0" Touchscreen LCD
5-Axis Hybrid OIS & Level Shot Function
20.4MP Still images
Multi-Purpose Lens Ring
HDMI, Component, and Composite Outputs
Features
The AG-AC8PJ AVCCAM HD Shoulder-Mount Camcorder from Panasonic provides 1080/60p recording capabilities in an ergonomic shoulder-mount design ideal for event videography. It features a wide-angle lens with a 35mm equivalent focal length of 28mm that allows you to fit more people and backgrounds into the frame. Powerful 21x optical and 50x intelligent zooms let you capture scenes that are difficult to access, while a 1/4.5" high-sensitivity MOS sensor provides sharp images even in low light situations.

The camcorder records at resolutions up to 1080/60p with a maximum bit rate of 28Mbps to dual SD card slots. Choose to record to both cards simultaneously for data security, or use the relay mode which will switch to the second card when the first one is full, for extended recording times. The ergonomic design of the camcorder provides 4-points of contact for increased stability and provides a suitable distance between the 3.0" touchscreen LCD for comfortable viewing. Video outputs available are HDMI, component, and composite. A USB 2.0 interface allows footage to be transfer to external storage devices.

Other features include a 5-Axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilizer, a Level Shot Function for correcting tiled shots, and a multi-purpose manual lens ring that controls focus, zoom, iris, white balance or shutter speed. A dynamic range stretch (DRS) feature is integrated into the system, providing a wider dynamic range when shooting in scenes with a great deal of contrast.

The camcorder also offers a photo mode that captures up to 20.4 megapixel 16:9 or 15.1 megapixel 4:3 still images. While recording video, it can take 9.4 megapixel 16:9 or 1.4 megapixel 4:3 images. A stereo microphone comes included with the camcorder.

Wide Range of Recording Formats
The camcorder records AVCHD footage in a wide range of recording formats, including 1920x1080/60p at 28Mbps, 1920x1080/60i at up to 24Mbps, 1440x1080/60i at 5Mbps, 1280x720/60p at 8Mbps, and 720x480/60i at 9Mbps.
1/4.5" High-Sensitivity MOS Sensor
The high sensitivity MOS sensor features larger photodiodes beneath each pixel than on a conventional sensor, allowing it to capture a more light and offer improved low light performance.
Wide-Angle 28mm f/1.8-3.5 Lens
With a 35mm equivalent focal length of 28mm, the wide-angle f/1.8-3.5 lens lets you fit more people into the background when shooting in narrow spaces. It also is great for capturing expansive landscape shots. The large 3.9 x 5.5" lens hood blocks out unwanted light when shooting outdoors or in bright conditions.
21x Optical & 50x Intelligent Zoom
Capture scenes in areas that your camera can't get close to with a powerful 21x optical zoom range. A 50x high-resolution Intelligent zoom features lets you push the range farther, while preserving image resolution.
Dual SD Card Slots with Relay Auto Switch
The AG-AC8PJ features dual SD card slots that accept SD, SDHC, or SDXC memory cards. You can choose to record simultaneously to two memory cards for extra data security, or use the Relay Auto Switch mode to continue recording to a second card when the first one is full. For gapless audio playback, use the Relay Scene combining function, available when transferring the files to an external HDD via USB connection.
Ergonomic and Functional Design
The shoulder-mount designed of the camcorder provides a 4-points of contact for increased stability. The 3.0" touchscreen LCD is 7.9 inches away from your eye, providing a comfortable distance for viewing. For good weight balance, the battery jacks are placed at the rear of the camera.
5-Axis Hybrid O.I.S.+
Suppresses blurring and jitters of shaky footage, allowing you to capture clear images in a variety of shooting conditions.
Multi-Purpose Lens Ring
The manual ring on the lens barrel can be programmed to provide fine and precise adjustment control of focus, zoom, iris, white balance, or shutter speed.
Level Shot Function
When enabled, the camcorder will automatically detect and correct non-level images. This lets you record more horizontal images without a tripod when shooting in unstable positions such as high-angle or low-angle shot.
20.4 Megapixel Still Images
In addition to HD video, the camcorder is able to produce high quality still images with a resolution of 20.4MP in 16:9 mode, and 15.1MP in 4:3 mode. While recording video, 9.4MP 16:9 stills and 1.4 megapixel 4:3 stills can be captured simultaneously.
Additional Features
External Stereo Microphone Included
3.0" touchscreen LCD with viewfinder
Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS) provides a wider dynamic range when shooting in scenes with a great deal of contrast
Red focus peaking for manual focus assistance
Illuminated LED ring for verification that recording is in progress
Eye-Fi card compatible for sharing files via a wireless network
Back up data to portable HDD via USB