Panasonic’s P2 Camcorders Go Head to Head with Sony’s XDCAM Line

by Tony Fonseca
Published on Feb 27, 2004 12:00 AM



Just as Sony announced the future of its tape less recording technology with XDCAM, Panasonic is also developed a system of putting tape technology behind us. In a pre-NAB release, Panasonic has announced what they see as the future of recording formats with their new solid state P2 lineup.

Panasonic is going to be showing one new solid state camcorder and one deck at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) in Las Vegas in April. The P2 system records broadcast quality video onto solid state memory cards. The new AJ-SPX800 camcorder, records DVCPRO format video onto the P2 solid state media. The AJ-SPX800 features 24fps and 30fps progressive recording as well as 60i DVCPRO and DVCPRO50. It also includes three 2/3-inch CCDs.

While there are numerous similarities between the P2 and XDCAM systems, there are some crucial differences. The biggest difference is that Panasonic’s line of P2 products are based on solid state technology which means that there are no moving parts. The P2 media is reminiscent of a flash card similar to those used in MP3 players and digital cameras. Sony has decided to go with Blu-ray DVD based technology for the XDCAM system which means that although recording is fully digital and done in a random access manner, moving parts are still involved in the recording process. The P2 system does away with all moving parts thus eliminating the chance for shock or vibration to disrupt the recording process.

Both Sony and Panasonic also do away with the linear aspect of recording by allowing free space on the media to be instantly allocated to recording. This means no more rewinding to find free space and no more worrying if a critical scene is being taped over. Both systems allow for a more user friendly experience. In addition, both the Sony XDCAM and the Panasonic P2 system save time when capturing because these formats allow the user to download the pre digitized media into computer thus eliminating the traditional capture process.

The construction of the P2 bay is interesting because it accommodates 5 P2 cards simultaneously. Currently the AJ-SPX800 is able to record 40 minutes on 5 4G P2 cards. Panasonic has also announced the multi-slot AJ-PCD10 P2 DRIVE that features five slots and can rapidly ingest information from the P2 cards.

The AJ-SPX800 will cost roughly $19,500, and the AJ-PCd10 will be priced around $2,500 upon release.