Technology & IT | Sunday 19 April, 2015 2:19 pm |

Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Africa (PMMAF) has launched a unique wearable camera which is ultra-compact. Weighing just 45 grams, the camera is so lightweight that it is possible to shoot hands-free even over long periods and also record exciting scenes in full HD. The latest addition to Panasonic’s already unique camera line-up, the HX-A1 offers yet another revolution in capturing scenes like never before.

Sporting a sturdy body, the camera is capable of keeping water and dust out and protects against impact and cold temperatures. Whether the user gets drenched while canoeing and rafting or snowboarding, enjoying desert dune bashing, on a jungle safari, trekking in the forest or skiing in the freezing cold, the HX-A1 is the ideal choice thanks to its high durability performance. It proves its strength in even the most rugged environments, such as the Adventure Race.

According to Hitesh Ojha, Deputy General Manager, Digital Imaging, Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Africa, “The camera’s sturdy build keeps water and dust out and protects against impact and cold temperatures. The HX-A1 is the ideal choice due to its high durability performance which proves its strength even in the most rugged environment. Another feature is shooting in darkness. Using an infrared (IR) light (commercially-available) and Glasscover (Night mode), you can shoot in caves with no light from outside or shoot nocturnal wildlife in the dark. Now you can capture what you couldn’t see normally before.”

The main features for the HX-A1 are:

Ultra-Compact, Lightweight, and Tough
Despite its ultra-compact and lightweight body, the HX-A1 is designed for use in harsh environments. Uniquely shaped, the cylindrical camera can be attached in many positions to suit a variety of shooting conditions:

Waterproof down to 1.5 m [5 ft] without a housing case (IPX8 compliant)
Shockproof up to 1.5 m[5 ft] (MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock compliant)
Dustproof 　(IP6X compliant)
Freezeproof down to -10°C [14°F]

“0 Lux Night Mode” Enables You to Capture Beyond the Darkness
Using an IR light (commercially-available) and Glasscover (Night mode), you won't miss anything in the dark, such as night-time wildlife in the depths of a forest.

Networking Functions
Built-in Wi-Fi®- Enabling shoot after checking the angles on a smartphone or tablet using Panasonic Image App. Images can also be uploaded to photo-posting websites.
Wireless Twin Camera- While recording, footage from the HX-A1 can be sent to a sub-window on a Panasonic camcorder via Wi-Fi. It is combined with the main picture shot by the camcorder, allowing the user to merge two simultaneously recorded videos into one. With this feature, the user can combine multiple subjects in one video or combine the same subject viewed from different angles, which gives more possibilities for shooting in various situations.
Webcam- One can also use the HX-A1 as a computer webcam when connected via USB. Using a Head Mount, the user can share point of view shots as well.

Loop Recording
When recording for longer than an hour, this mode retains the most recent hour of scenes by erasing earlier scenes. The camera keeps recording seamlessly, by managing video in two-minute segments, hence no problem in running out of space on memory cards.

Slow Motion Video
The HX-A1 captures every detail, even in fast-moving scenes. At 1280×720 pixel, the camera records at 60 fps (double the normal frame rate), and at 848×480 pixel, it records at 120 fps (quadruple-speed).

The camera comes with an option of a wide variety of accessories.