Panasonic AW-UE160 4K PTZ Camera Released – 4K 1″ MOS Sensor, Phase Detection AF and More

Camera News

by Jürgen MoorsMarch 16^th, 2023

Panasonic released the AW-UE160 4K PTZ camera with a 4K 1” MOS sensor, phase detection autofocus, auto tracking, image stabilization, high-speed video, V-LOG, HDR support, and 5G wireless transmission. The camera is available in black or white and can be pre-ordered for $14,495. That is quite a lot for a PTZ camera, so let’s look at the features of the new Panasonic.

Panasonic’s new robotic PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera is designed for the multi-camera TV and broadcasting market, and for recording musical stage performances or other live events. To get the full potential of a remote-controlled PTZ camera, it is often used in combination with remote-controlled dolly systems, like ceiling or floor dollies on the stage front, together with camera totems for additional up and downward movements.

AW-UE160 4K PTZ – product overview

The Panasonic AW-UE160 4K PTZ camera features a 4K 1” MOS sensor with high sensitivity of F14/2000 lx for shooting at a concert venue or in churches with challenging lighting conditions. The camera has a motorized 20x optical zoom lens with F2.8 to F4.5, focal length of 8.8mm to 176.0mm (equivalent to a 35mm focal length of 24.5 mm to 490mm).

A high-speed frame rate of up to 2160/59.94 fps and 1080/119.88 fps supports sports broadcasters in capturing slow-motion shots in HD for replays. The remote camera supports the SMPTE ST2110 standard and 5G router (USB tethering compatible), the standard for IP transmission in the broadcasting industry.

Image stabilization

In addition to the conventional 2-axis in-lens optical image stabilization (pitch/yaw), the camera also features roll correction that uses electronic image processing technology to provide additional correction. Stable images with reduced blurring can also be shot even on locations where equipment such as a rail system or camera arms are used.

Connectivity

The Panasonic AW-UE160 supports HDMI, 3G-SDI, and IP output, as well as 12G-SDI output and optical fiber output. It is possible to set up a system outputting 4K from multiple terminals simultaneously with three main lines (12G-SDI), one for confirmation (3G-SDI OUT-1), and one for monitor display (3G-SDI OUT-2). The camera is also equipped with two XLR channels for audio input.

4K video data can be wirelessly transmitted by connecting a 5G mobile router via USB to the terminal on the rear panel. Therefore, it is possible to broadcast events and live streams from locations where you can’t use cables or at larger outdoor event venues.

Phase detection autofocus and tally lamp

The Panasonic AW-UE160 is equipped with a system that combines phase detection autofocus with contrast detection autofocus. This system helps you track subjects and capture in-focus images on a moving subject or switch focus on multiple subjects. This is especially useful for sports events with bigger teams to cover.

The camera has an additional tally lamp on the camera’s rear side, so you can see the status from any angle. The tally lamp can be linked to the front and rear side to set the brightness and to turn the tally indicators completely off. The additional yellow tally lamp can be used when multiple cameras are used on site, or when simultaneous streaming and recording are required.

V-LOG and HDR support

V-LOG provides a wider dynamic range and wide color gamut images suitable for color grading. This is quite handy when used in conjunction with other cameras that have V-LOG like the LUMIX GH6, for video production with consistent image creation. In addition, two settings, V-LOG and V-709 can be selected independently for each output interface, simultaneously outputting 4K V-LOG video for color grading, while outputting Full HD V-709 video for onsite monitoring.

The camera supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) to prevent blown-out highlights and blocked-up shadows. The color balance is shifted to display according to the BT.2020 color gamut compliant with HLG/BT.2020.

Web App

The AW-UE160 PTZ camera features can be set up by a built-in web GUI. Global settings like camera IP image output, settings, and control can be performed using a web browser on a computer connected via an IP network. Besides PCs and Macs – iPads, iPhones, Androids and other mobile devices can be used for operation.

Auto-tracking PTZ software

The Auto Tracking PTZ Software is available as a paid software update, so you can automatically follow a subject by facial recognition without wearing a sensor. Shooting classrooms, events, symposiums, concerts, or in any situation where you want a camera to track your subject’s face and every move. Motion detection takes over when your subject’s face is not visible, allowing the camera to continue tracking your subject.

Panasonic AW-UE160 features

• Newly developed 4K sensor offering better sensitivity
• Motorized 20x optical zoom F2.8 to F4.5
• Better shooting performance and operability
• Optical low-pass filter reduces moiré
• Improved autofocus
• SMPTE 2110 support with purchase of additional software key
• Cropping + zoom function
• Moiré reduction with optical low-pass filter
• HDR/SDR HLG/BT.2020 compatible, SDR/BT.709 compatible
• Hybrid image stabilization with 2-axis O.I.S. and roll direction correction (E.I.S.)
• Updated scene file functions
• Renewed color matrix control
• Horizontal level gauge display function, waveform display function, etc.

What’s in the Box

• AW-UE160 Camera Body
• Ceiling Mount Bracket
• Cable Cover
• Safety Wire with Screw

Remote camera controller

Every PTZ camera needs a remote camera controller for camera functions including pan/tilt, zoom, focus, iris, gain, pedestal, shutter, white/black balance, green/red tally, and remote scene adjustment.

There are several tabletop multiple camera controller units available:

• AW-RP150
• AW-RP60
• AK-HRP1010
• AK-HRP250G
• AW-SF100
• AW-SF200
• AW-SF300

Price and availability

The Panasonic AW-UE160 is available in black or white and can be ordered for $14,595. 
AW-SF100 Auto Tracking PTZ Software update is available for $1,435
Remote Camera Controller AW-RP150 is available for $4,495
Remote Camera Controller AW-RP60 is available for $2,295
Panasonic Remote Camera Controller AK-HRP1010 is available for $4,500

For further information, please visit the Panasonic website.

What do you think about the new Panasonic PTZ camera? Do all the features justify the price range? Have you ever used a remote-controlled camera? Please let us know in the comments section below.