Las Vegas, NV—Panasonic unveiled three of the smallest and lightest 4K 60p professional camcorders. The compact, lightweight Panasonic HC-X1500, HC-X2000 and AG-CX10 offer on-site mobility and portability. Moreover, their wide-angle 25mm lens and 32x i.Zoom (4K recording) achieve high-spec optical performance.
The camcorders utilize Panasonic’s high-precision AF, which also provides high-speed, accurate focusing for both 4K and Full HD recording. In addition, the new models have a variety of professional functions. These include two manual rings; an ND filter; a built-in LED video light (not the HC-X1500); and 24-bit high-resolution linear PCM audio recording. Users can also customize the recording formats according to the shooting environment or their preference.
Moreover, a newly developed fan is at the center of Panasonic’s heat-dispersing design. By borrowing air from the rear panel of the camcorder and dispersing heat from the front panel, extended shooting is achieved.
Key Panasonic HC-X1500, HC-X2000 & AG-CX10 Features
Panasonic’s Venus engine, found in most Lumix cameras, is incorporated in the camcorders. It enables 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording at a maximum of 29.97p in UHD and 59.94p in Full HD. When set for 10-bit recording, the camcorders deliver 4K 60p, 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output, for high-quality capture with an external recorder. They also support the new, high-efficiency HEVC codec (LongGOP/10-bit 4:2:0/MOV) for recording 59.94p at a bit rate of 200 Mbps.
Further, besides MOV, MP4 and AVCHD, the AG-CX10 supports the broadcaster-targeted P2 MXF file format for the editing systems of broadcast stations. Moreover, ethernet HD livestreaming and an NDI|HX-compatible IP connection function are also provided, and connectivity is available for use as a live camera.
When in Full HD mode, the camcorders record in super slow motion at 120 fps (59.94 Hz)/100 fps (50 Hz). 10-bit recording is also supported, and full-frame images with the image area uncropped are obtained even at high frame rates. Additionally, autofocus can be used in this mode.
What’s more, for both UHD and Full HD modes, in addition to OIS (optical image stabilization), electronic image stabilization operates to correct shake in five axes; this includes rotational blurring. The ball OIS system also reduces friction on the drive section, for delicate correction of small-amplitude shake.
Lens Specs
The camcorders utilize a 4-drive lens system, which controls the lens groups independently. The integrated lens offers a 24x optical zoom that ranges from 25mm wide angle to 600mm tele (equivalent). What’s more i.Zoom achieves 32x zoom at 4K resolution and 48x at Full HD.
Their Leica Dicomar lens also suppresses flaring and ghosts. Two manual rings are provided; one for focusing and the other for zoom or iris operation. The manual rings are different sizes, so the appropriate ring is accurately identified by touch. In addition, 1/4, 1/16, 1/64 as well as clear ND filters are selectable. And glass is newly used as a countermeasure against scorching from sunlight condensation.
Moreover, the camcorders offer face detection AF/AE for precise focusing and sufficient exposure for subjects. They also feature enhanced focusing speed, stability and tracking performance for both 4K and Full HD recording. In addition, videographers can activate subject tracking with color recognition on the LCD panel.
Other Pro Features
The trio have a bright video light built into the handle that is adjustable between 30% to 100% using the dimmer dial. They also support IR lights for IR (infrared) shooting in dark conditions.
In addition, a 3.5-inch monitor has 2.76M-dots of resolution, making it 2x brighter with approximately twice the number of dots compared to a conventional monitor. And an electrostatic touch panel improves the operating ease of selecting menu items.
Moreover, since the 1.56M-dot, tiltable viewfinder and the LCD output simultaneously, users can confirm the recorded image in the LCD monitor while viewing it on the EVF. And focus-assist functions include expand, peaking and one-push AF for accurate manual focusing.
The camcorders also utilize two SD memory card slots with unlimited relay recording; they switch automatically from slot 1 to slot 2. Simultaneous recording or background recording is also selectable to match the workflow and card necessity. The maximum file size that is recorded over multiple SD cards is 96GB. However, recording will not stop when the data size exceeds 96GB.
The camcorders also provide 48-kHz/24-bit high-resolution linear PCM audio recording; +48V Phantom power supply/Mic/Line selectable XLR audio input with manual volume is equipped for each of two channels. Also supported are a 24-bit linear PCM system (MOV/P2 MXF, AG-CX10 only); 16-bit AAC (MP4); and Dolby audio system (AVCHD) two-channel audio recording. The optional handle unit (VW-HU1) is required for the HC-X1500.
Network Functionality
A Wi-Fi module is built-in, so there is no need for a separate wireless LAN module; and Wi-Fi is possible without additional equipment. Moreover, using a tablet application HC ROP, users can set wireless remote control, including camera settings and lens control.
RTSP/RTP/RTMP/RTMPS-compatible HD streaming additionally allows direct connection and streaming over Facebook and YouTube of concerts, sports events, and news flashes.
In addition, the AG-CX10 has an NDI|HX mode. Consequently, it does not need an external converter for data transmission and camera control via IP connection.
Other network features include: 3G-SDI for connecting to an external recorder (AG-CX10, HC-X2000); a USB (micro AB) to LAN conversion adapter (AG-CX10); and compatibility with wired remote controls via the remote terminal.
Panasonic also debuted an optional handle unit (VW-HU1). It has a two-channel XLR audio input; audio control; and an LED light. Operation of the zoom lever attached to the handle maintains a constant zoom speed.
All three camcorders will reach retail in late March 2020. The Panasonic HC-X1500 has a suggested retail price of $1,699.99. The HC-X2000 has an SRP of $2,199.99, and the AG-CX10 will retail for $2,599.99.
