AW-UE5KG, 4K Ultra-Wide ePTZ Camera, Black

At the heart of the AW-UE5 is a 1/2.8-type MOS sensor paired with an F2.45 ultra-wide lens. The exceptionally wide perspective makes it possible to cover areas that conventional PTZ cameras may struggle to capture from the same position. This can be particularly useful in smaller rooms, when the camera needs to be installed close to the participants, or as a complementary wide-angle camera in a larger multi-camera system.

The AW-UE5 is available as the AW-UE5W in white and AW-UE5K in black, allowing the camera to blend more naturally into different corporate, educational and production environments.

The AW-UE5 incorporates AI-driven auto-framing functions that reduce the amount of manual camera operation required during meetings, lectures and presentations.

Group Framing automatically adjusts the framing according to the people within the shooting area. When a single person is present, the camera can provide a closer composition, while the field of view is widened when additional participants enter. If people join or leave during a session, the camera automatically optimises the framing to keep the relevant participants visible.

Preset Framing provides another level of automated operation. A predefined area can be registered within the camera's wide field of view, for example around a podium, presentation area or stage position. When a person enters that area, the AW-UE5 automatically switches to the registered framing. This makes it possible to create more dynamic productions without requiring an operator to manually follow every change.

The AI framing and ePTZ functions are available when the camera is operating in ePTZ/AI Priority mode.

One of the defining characteristics of the AW-UE5 is its 121° horizontal field of view. The ultra-wide lens allows the camera to capture almost an entire room from a relatively short distance, making it especially suitable for meeting rooms, lecture spaces and other installations where conventional camera placement can be difficult.

The wide image also provides the source area required for electronic pan, tilt and zoom. Instead of relying on mechanical camera movement, the AW-UE5 can digitally select and reposition the desired framing within the captured image.

Digital zoom of up to 5x is available in ePTZ/AI Priority mode. After zooming in, digital pan and tilt can be used to adjust the composition and create different camera angles from the same fixed installation position.

For applications where image quality and motion reproduction are the priority, the AW-UE5 supports video output at up to 3840 × 2160 60p/59.94p or 50p. The higher frame rate produces smoother reproduction of movement and makes the camera suitable not only for presentations and conferencing but also for event and production environments.

The camera uses two main operating priorities. ePTZ/AI Priority mode provides the intelligent framing and digital PTZ functionality, with 4K output up to 30p/29.97p or 25p. 4K High Frame Rate mode prioritises 4K 60p/59.94p or 50p output; AI framing and digital zoom are not available in this mode.

This makes it possible to configure the AW-UE5 according to the application: intelligent automated framing for meetings and presentations, or higher-frame-rate 4K output when smooth motion is more important.

The AW-UE5 has been designed to fit into a wide variety of AV and production workflows. HDMI, IP and USB interfaces are provided, and simultaneous output via HDMI, IP and USB is supported, allowing the same camera to serve several parts of a production system.

For example, HDMI can feed a local monitor or video switcher while IP video is integrated into a network production environment and USB is connected to a computer running a conferencing or streaming application. This flexibility makes the AW-UE5 suitable for hybrid installations that combine traditional AV equipment, IP production and computer-based communication.

Its USB-C connection also allows the camera to function as a USB web camera. MJPEG output supports resolutions up to 3840 × 2160, making it possible to integrate the AW-UE5 into computer-based video environments without requiring a separate video capture interface.

A built-in stereo microphone provides audio capture for applications where a simple integrated audio solution is sufficient.

Support for both NDI HX2 and NDI HX3 makes the AW-UE5 particularly useful in network-based video systems. High-quality video can be distributed across an existing IP network with efficient bandwidth use, simplifying integration with compatible production equipment and software.

The camera also supports H.264 and H.265 IP streaming as well as MJPEG, RTSP, RTMP and RTMPS workflows. RTMP/RTMPS support enables video to be streamed to compatible online platforms and streaming services without requiring a conventional hardware video output as the first stage of the workflow.

This combination of traditional HDMI, USB connectivity and modern IP protocols allows the AW-UE5 to work in anything from a straightforward meeting-room installation to a more advanced networked production environment.

Installation can be simplified through either PoE or USB power.

When connected to a compatible PoE network, a single LAN cable can carry power, video and camera control. This reduces the amount of cabling required around the camera and is particularly useful for permanent installations or ceiling-mounted systems.

For USB-camera applications, the AW-UE5 can also receive power from a computer through its USB-C connection. Video, camera control and power can therefore be handled through one USB cable without requiring a separate AC power connection.

With a weight of approximately 0.5 kg and compact dimensions of 123 × 131 × 139 mm, the AW-UE5 can be installed discreetly on a desktop or suspended using the supplied mounting hardware.

The combination of an extremely wide field of view, 4K output and multiple connection options gives the AW-UE5 considerable flexibility.

In corporate meeting rooms, its 121° field of view and Group Framing can help keep participants naturally framed during hybrid meetings. In classrooms and lecture spaces, Preset Framing can automatically change the composition when a lecturer moves to a defined presentation area. For events and production, the ultra-wide perspective can provide an establishing view while HDMI and NDI connectivity make integration into existing production workflows straightforward.

The camera can also work alongside other Panasonic remote cameras, making it a useful ultra-wide-angle addition to multi-camera installations where a conventional PTZ camera may be used for tighter shots.