Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS) has bought 90 4K video camcorders for its news-gatherers from Panasonic Business.

Panasonic initially provided RTS with its AJ-PX 270 Micro P2 units to test along with models from competing brands, to replace their ageing equipment. The field reporters on the RTS editorial team had been using the same camcorders for six years, so when it came time to replace them three years ago, the network launched its first call for bids.

With the arrival of 4K technology however, RTS wanted to turn to more advanced and future-proof products. With this shift in focus, the procurement process was relaunched and new products were tested, including Panasonic’s AG-UX180 camcorder, which was ultimately selected.

“In addition to its attractive price, we chose the Panasonic Business AG-UX180 model for its encoding performance and optical capabilities. These 4K 60p/50p camcorders (model AG-UX180) feature the widest angle on the market (24 mm), a 20x optical zoom and a 1.0 CMOS sensor,” explains Christophe Dumartin from Visuals Sàrl.

Since September 2017, Panasonic has provided equipment to around 40 RTS stations. The teams, made up of 80 video reporters, have been able to test the new camcorders throughout French-speaking Switzerland, Valais, Geneva and Lausanne.

The camcorders were tested in real-life working conditions over the course of a month. A week of post-production evaluation was organised on site to allow a technician from Visuals Sàrl to present the product in detail to the journalists involved.

Panasonic says the AG-UX180 is the premium model in its UX range. Its specifications and professional features include advanced optical image stabilisation (O.I.S.) and intelligent AF functionality, making it ideal for high end professional applications.

Categories: Articles, Equipment, Production, UHD