Panasonic AK-UC4000 4K HDR Camera System Receives Major Investments from Notable Rental/Staging Companies

Several of the country’s rental and staging companies — including Fuse Technical Group, Rentex A/V Rentals, The Freeman Company, and Hartford Technology Rental — have made recent investments in Panasonic’s new AK-UC4000 4K/HD HDR-capable camera systems. These companies have purchased close to 50 UC4000 systems, ensuring that large-scale live events across the country have access to an ample supply of the versatile Panasonic 4K/HD camera.

Raising the bar for 4K HDR performance and future-proof infrastructure, the UC4000 utilizes LSSIEL optics to capture 4.4K native resolution improving the UHD resolution, dynamic range and S/N ratio versus prior models. LSSIEL technology allows the UC4000 to match or surpass the best performing 4K HDR B4-mount cameras on the market in most metrics, and with features such as 12G-SDI, TICO over SDI (4K over 3G-SDI) output and MoIP output to keep current with diversifying systems, making it ideal for live event production.

Fuse Technical Group, a large rental/staging company with offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Secaucus, NJ, supports many premier concerts and Fortune 500 companies. After an initial purchase of 10 cameras, Fuse currently owns a total of 20 UC4000 camera chains (including the new AK-UCU600 camera control unit, providing power up to 6600 feet over hybrid fiber). “The UC4000 neatly fits our model in terms of price, reliability, and image quality, and we are sold on its bigger chip and better low-light performance,” says Fuse CEO Adam Benjamin.

Rentex A/V Rentals invested in 20 UC4000 camera chains late last year. Rentex boasts numerous contracts with large metropolitan convention centers across the nation, as well as with major production companies with Fortune 500 clients. “We have always been a strong supporter of Panasonic cameras,” says President Don Gaskil. “We already have a large inventory of the AK-HC3800 studio camera systems, so it was an easy decision to adopt the UC4000.”

“The UC4000 gives us the ability to add a 4K option into our expanding Pro A/V rental fleet—it offers the versatility of still shooting in HD but futureproofing our inventory for years to come. The quality and reliability of the Panasonic cameras have been second to none,” he adds.

Rentex sub-rents cameras to rental and staging houses nationwide, including to Freeman Event Technology), which owns four UC4000 systems.

With headquarters in Dallas, TX, Freeman Event Technology has long been a leader and innovator in staging events, conferences, and exhibitions. “The UC4000s are becoming a standard in our industry, with a network of companies with whom we can cross- and sub-rent,” says Freeman’s National Director-Video Services A.M “Oz” Osman. “The camera stands out among current studio systems in its dual assets of native 1080p and UHD/4K workflows.”

“The UC4000’s large format 4.4K MOS sensor ensures that we can minimize potential moiré issues in our extensive deployment of LED screens for corporate presentations,” he adds. “The single cable 12G-SDI output is a huge benefit vs. quad 3G-SDI, as are the future-proofing TICO and MoIP outputs. And in terms of immediate efficiencies, we are able to continue to use all our B4-mount lenses.”

Hartford Technology Rental established a Professional A/V Rental Division in 2018. “As newcomers to video rental, it’s essential that our inventory be future-focused and versatile, which defines the UC4000 — especially with its built-in 4K 12G capabilities,” says VP of A/V Rental Dave Mizerka. “The UC4000’s full benefit package can help our customers build their business in 4K production at an affordable price point.” Hartford Technology Rental owns four UC4000 systems.