Panasonic has fused together two of its most important technology developments of recent years with the introduction of P2 VariCam camcorders.

The VariCam 3700 and VariCam 2700 are HD camcorders with 2/3 inch sensors that offer master-quality, full-resolution 10-bit 4:2:2 AVC-Intra 100 recording and variable frame rates. Unlike their predecessors, which used digital video tape, these camcorders record to P2 memory cards.

The VariCam 2700 offers 2/3 inch native HD resolution 3-CCDs and produces cinema-quality, independent-frame 1080 and 720 images. It has been designed for sports, documentaries and independent films.

The VariCam 3700 offers full native 1920x1080-pixel acquisition, has a 2.2 megapixel 3-CCD and offers a 4:4:4 RGB dual-link live output ideal for composition of visual effects even while recording. The camcorder is for feature films, television episodic and commercial production.

The VariCam 3700 and 2700 were first announced at NAB and will be available in the autumn.