As you may know we (AkihabaraNews, NihonCar, ManualGear.com) use the excellent P2 HD cameras made by Panasonic so this is a piece of news that we had been anticipating for long! More storage! Finally!!

The P2 cards are now available in 32GB versions! 32GB might not sound like a lot to you…but the thing is that we record in 720p60 @ 100Mbps, with those specs and an 8GB card we can only record 8 minutes!
This new 32GB card will allow to jump from 8 to 32 and from 4 to 16 and that is really sweet.

Last but not least, this 32GB version is nothing more that 4 SDHC packed in a PCMCIA case.

Panasonic Introduces 32GB Solid-State P2 Memory Card

* Deliveries Begin in November *

SECAUCUS, NJ (September 7, 2007) – Panasonic introduced today a 32GB P2 solid-state memory card for its popular line of P2 HD and P2 solid-state camcorders and decks. With the availability of the 32GB P2 card in November, Panasonic will have quadrupled the storage capacity of its solid-state memory card in just this year, providing HD recording time greater than most tape-based and disc-based systems.

The 32GB P2 card, model AJ-P2C032RG, will have a suggested list price of $1,650 and is scheduled for initial deliveries in November. The new 32 P2 card will be offered in addition to the 16GB P2 card that has been shipping since May.

Camcorders equipped with the new 32GB P2 card will offer greater recording capacity than tape-based and disc-based systems, and offer the proven benefits of no-moving-parts reliability and fast IT file-based workflow. With five 32GB P2 cards installed, the AJ-HPX3000 and HPX2000 P2 HD camcorders can record for up to 2.5 hours (over 3 hours in 24p) in AVC-Intra 100 or DVCPRO HD and 5 hours (over 6.5 hours in 24p) in AVC-Intra 50 or DVCPRO 50.

Panasonic’s P2 card is based on ultra-reliable, solid-state memory, consisting of four SD cards, like those now used in digital still cameras, packaged in a rugged, die-cast frame that weighs only 0.099 lbs (45 grams). This convenient card has four times the capacity and four times the transfer speed of a single SD card. The P2 card is reusable and connects instantly with laptops and major non-linear editing systems to eliminate the time-consuming task of digitizing.

The P2 card is resistant to impact (up to 1,500G), vibration (up to 15G), shock, dust and environmental extremes including temperature changes. It operates in temperatures from -4° to 176°F (-20 to 60°C), and can be stored in temperatures from -40° to 176°F (-40 to 80°C). Unlike tapes and discs, the P2 card has no rotating or contact parts. The solid-state P2 memory card can transfer data at speeds up to 640Mbps to provide the professional user with fast, easy operation. Compared to tape or disc, P2 acquisition requires no media consumption, resulting in tremendous savings in media costs as well as environmental benefits.

The new 32GB card is fully compatible with the current 16GB P2 card, so users who’ve upgraded their P2 product(s) and computer system for 16GB operation are ready for 32GB operation. For P2 users who haven’t completed this upgrade, it is a requirement to take advantage of 32GB operation.