Panasonic today announced an upgrade to its famous P2 HD AG-HP250 with the AG-HPX255. The AG-HPX255, is being introduced that will offer compatibility with Panasonic’s AG-EC4 Paint Box remote control.

The EC4 extension control unit has the ability to control virtually all menu, set-up and gamma functions that can be accessed directly through the camcorder’s on-board menu, including shutter, iris, gain, filter positions and detail. The EC4 comes with a 10 meter BNC cable (maximum 50 meters with optional AJ-C10050G) that will output the menu onto a monitor. The AG-HPX255 will be available in July at a suggested list price of $6995.

Specification wise the AG-HPX255 keep its predececor basic features including P2 card support as well as 10-bit, 4:2:2 independent-frame, full 1920 x 1080 resolution AVC-Intra recording and variable frame rate capability in 1080p from 1fps to 30fps (17 steps) as well as 720p from fps to 60fps (25 steps) at 60Hz for undercranking/overcranking to create fast or slow-motion effects. In addition to AVC-Intra 100/50 recording, the camcorders record in DVCPRO HD, as well as standard definition recording in DVCPRO50, DVCPRO and DV, and support international HD and SD standards, an added benefit to producers with global clients.