By CHONG JINN XIUNG
bytz@thestar.com.my
AT LAST: A close up shot of Panasonic's new WC-TW310L wearable camera.
PETALING JAYA: Here's a new wearable camera that is aimed at law enforcement agencies and the military. It is Panasonic Malaysia's WV-TW310 series that was just launched.
The camera has a 1.3-megapixel fisheye lens that covers a 180-degree wide-angle view. It is capable of recording videos at 1,280 x 960-pixels resolution and at 30fps (frames per second).
Panasonic also announced that the camera's wide dynamic range enables users to capture detail in both dark and light areas - an important consideration for law-enforcement personnel and soldiers on a mission.
Using its Wearable Camera Viewer Software, the videos can be played back with image stabilisation and distortion correction.
It also provides a comprehensive system that captures and stores audio tracks and video images securely for use as evidence.
The video image data is scrambled and can only be viewed when uploaded to a PC and verified by the Viewer Software.
Recorded videos are stored on SD cards. According to Panasonic, a 32GB SD card is able to hold up to 32 hours of video recordings.
The camera's battery pack enables up to five hours of continuous video recording, before needing a recharge.
According to Panasonic, the camera can be attached to a vest or helmet, so it won't hinder the personnel from carrying out their tasks.
Its rugged design keeps it safe from knocks and other minor impacts, and it is both dustproof and waterproof. It can withstand light rain but not full submersion in water or a downpour.
The WV-TW310 wearable camera system costs between RM4,000 and RM4,500, depending on the accessories chosen.