Panasonic has announced its new AG-CX370 camcorder. The CX370 features 4K image quality and IP-based live production capabilities, all within a compact and lightweight chassis.
The existing AG-CX350 was getting a little long in the teeth and was due for an update. There is still very much a place for professional camcorders and they make good options for news and event coverage. Gone are the days when they had bad dynamic range and questionable color.
The CX370 can do 4K/60p 10-bit MOV recording using the high-efficiency HEVC/H.265 codec. It also features a high-definition, high-sensitivity 1.0-type 15M MOS sensor, and Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) for HDR recording. For those using the camera in broadcast environments, the CX370 features broadcast-quality image tuning, with 16-axis independent color correction.
UHD allows variable frame rate (VFR) recording from 1 fps to 60 fps, while FHD further enables super-slow motion at up to 120 fps. All of these are high quality 10-bit images, and even at high frame rates, full-frame images can be obtained without cropping of image areas.
In addition to Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) that supports High Dynamic Range (HDR), it also supports V-Log gamma. According to Panasonic, the camera has 13.5 stops of dynamic range. The gamma mode can be selected from 9 modes (HD/SD/FILMLIKE 1/FILMLIKE 2/FILMLIKE 3/FILM-REC/VIDEO-REC/HLG/V-Log) ISO sensitivity can be displayed in V-Log gamma mode.
The CX370 features built-in NDI HX2 IP connectivity for IP-based transmissions and camera control. When connected to NDI-compatible devices, such as switchers and decoders, NDI HX2 can deliver smooth, high-quality IP-based live video production[1]. The CX370 supports 4K direct streaming via the RTMP, RTMPS, and RTSP protocols, and the next-generation, IP-based SRT protocols.
The camera supports 4K (24p/25p/30p/50p/60p) high-quality streaming; HD can be streamed while recording on the camera recorder itself. RTMP/RTMPS/RTSP/SRT streaming methods are supported. H.264/H.265 codec selection, 8/12/25/50/75Mbps bit rate selection, and USB tethering for streaming using a 5G smartphone. Direct streaming to Facebook, YouTube, and many other services without the need for an external encoder unit. Automatic file transfer to a designated server is also supported.
Streaming is not supported with NDI HX2 connection. 4K streaming cannot simultaneously record, display thumbnails, and playback. RTMPS is only available with H.264 codec. 25Mbps or lower bit rate is available when using RTMPS/SRT encryption. SRT streaming does not support 24p video or SD video. Load/Save of SD card is available only in Client mode.
The CX370 now supports a 12G-SDI output, enabling high-quality, low-latency uncompressed 4K video to be streamed to professional broadcast equipment. The CX370 also supports simultaneous 4K output via SDI-HDMI outputs.
The CX370 utilizes a 24.5mm (35mm equivalent) wide-angle zoom lens, with 20x optical zoom. It features auto-focus technology with face detection, auto-tracking, and five-axis hybrid image stabilization.
Unlike the existing CX350, the camera features two balanced XLR inputs and a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack input. This enables support for up to four external microphones or line-level audio for 4-channel 24-bit LPCM audio recording.
In addition to the CX370’s compatibility with the AVC-ULTRA (P2 MXF) format[2], the camera supports the File Transfer Protocol[3], enabling recorded clips to be shared with broadcasters via a wired network, Wi-Fi (AJ-WM50E optional) or USB tethering through a mobile phone.
The newly integrated GENLOCK input terminal delivers broadcast-quality synchronization in multi-camera environments, whilst visuals can be simultaneously displayed across multiple high-definition LCD displays and viewfinders. Focus and zoom settings can also be adjusted through wired remote control, or through IP-based networks over a LAN connection.
[1] Recording, streaming and 4K output are not available in NDI HX2 mode.
[2] Not all AVC-ULTRA formats are supported, and standard P2 cards are not compatible.
[3] Available through future support via planned firmware update.
