Panasonic has announced three new 4K 60p professional camcorders that they claim are the industry’s smallest and lightest. The new camcorders are the HC-X1500, HC-X2000 and AG-CX10.
While camcorders may sound antiquated in today’s S35 and full frame world, there is still very much a place and demand for small, all-in-one cameras like these.
The new cameras all have a 1/2.5-type (inch) MOS Sensor and a fixed F1.8 ― 4.0 24x Leica Dicomar Lens.
The new models feature functions, such as two manual rings, an ND Filter, a built-in LED Video Light, and 24-bit high Resolution linear PCM audio recording. They have 1/4, 1/16, 1/64, OFF settings for ND.
The models also feature a high-precision AF and the ability to record 4:2:2 10-bit Internal recording using the HEVC codec. Various recording formats can also be selected. Built-in Wi-Fi supports HD Live Streaming using just the camcorder.
The AG-CX10 supports the broadcaster-targeted P2 MXF File Format, including AVC-Intra100 and AVC-Intra50 which will come to the camera via a future update in Summer 2020. It is also equipped with Ethernet HD Live Streaming and an NDI|HX compatible IP connection function, with connectivity provided for use as a live camera.
Small & Lightweight
The camera bodies weigh approx. 0.9kg (1.98 lb) (body only, excluding handle, lens hood, battery, and accessories), and 1.5kg (3.31 lb) (including handle, lens hood, battery, and eyecup).
24x Optical Zoom
The integrated lens offers a 24x optical zoom that ranges from a 25mm* wide angle to 600mm* tele. The i.ZOOM achieves 32x at 4K resolution, and 48x at FHD. The 4-Drive Lens System drives the four lens groups independently.
Two Manual Rings are provided, one for focusing and the other for zoom or iris operation. The Manual Rings are designed with different sizes so the appropriate ring can be controlled without error. ND Filters can be selected from 1/4, 1/16, 1/64, and Clear.
* 35mm camera equivalent.
Auto Focus
The lens provides Face Detection AF/AE together with a focus lens drive. Face Detection. In addition, subject tracking with color recognition can be activated by just touching the LCD panel.
5-Axis Hybrid O.I.S.
For both UHD and FHD modes, in addition to O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization), Electronic Image Stabilization operates to detect and correct handshake in 5 axes, including rotational blurring.
Heat-dispersion
A heat-dispersing design including a thin, newly-developed fan has enabled the design of the industry’s smallest and lightest camcorder with integrated lens capable of 4K 60p recording. By pulling in air from the rear panel of the camera and efficiently dispersing heat from the front panel, reliable, extended shooting is achieved. This probably the same technology Panasonic uses in S1H.
4:2:2 10-bit internal recording
The Venus Engine, the same technology used in the LUMIX cameras is incorporated in these camcorders. This enables 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording with a maximum 29.97p in UHD and a maximum 59.94p in FHD.
When set for 10-bit recording, the cameras can output 4K 60p 4:2:2 10-bit over HDMI. The HEVC recording (LongGOP/10-bit 4:2:0/MOV) is also supported for recording 59.97p at a bit rate of 200 Mbps. As for file formats, in addition to MOV, MP4, and AVCHD, the AG-CX10 also supports P2 MXF for Broadcast applications. The AVC-Intra100/50 codec support is planned for the future. Recording by all P2 formats requires a microP2 card.
In FHD mode, slow-motion recording at 120 fps (for 59.94 Hz)/100 fps (for 50 Hz) is possible. 10-bit recording is supported, and full-frame images with the image area uncropped are obtained even at high frame rates. Autofocus can also be used even during Super Slow-motion Recording.
The cameras have both SDI and HDMI outputs.
Integrated LED Light
A built-in video light can be controlled by an adjustable dimmer dial that built into the handle*1, allowing brightness to be adjusted from 30% to 100%. For shooting in even darker conditions, commercially available IR lights*2 are supported for IR (Infrared) Shooting.
*1 The optional handle unit (VW-HU1) is required for HC-X1500.8
*3 HC-X1000
Monitor, Battery, and audio
The 3.5-inch monitor has 2,760K-dots of resolution and Panasonic claim it is bright enough to be used outdoors in direct sunlight.
Both the monitor and viewfinder can be used at the same time.
Focus Assist functions Include Expand, Peaking and One-push AF.
The included battery enables approximately 4.5 hours of continual operation, while a Handle Unit (VW-HU1) has been added as an optional accessory. It can be easily detached and it is equipped with a 2-channel XLR Audio Input, audio control, and LED light. The speed of the zoom control that is attached to the Handle Unit can be set in 7 steps from the menu.
Wi-Fi & Streaming
A Wi-Fi module is built-in, so there is no need for a separate wireless LAN module. Using a tablet application HC ROP, wireless remote control, including camera settings and lens control, can be set. RTSP/RTP/RTMP/RTMPS-Compatible HD Streaming allows direct connection and streaming over Facebook, YouTube, etc., of concerts, sports events, and news.
In addition, the AG-CX10 has an NDI|HX mode thanks to the wired LAN capability so data transmission and camera control by IP connection can be obtained without an external converter.
Other Network Features:
- 3G-SDI for connecting to an external recorder (AG-CX10, HC-X2000)
- USB (micro AB) to LAN Conversion Adaptor* Included (AG-CX10)*
- Compatibility with wired remote controls via the remote terminal.
* USB micro AB-Host Cable (included) is necessary for the connection.
Price & availability
The new models will be available to purchase at the following recommended retail prices: AG-CX10 at $2,595 USD/ £2,299 RRP (available from April 2020), HC-X2000 at $2,197.99 USD/ £1,849 RRP, and HC-X1500 at $1,697.99 USD/ £1,449 RRP (both available from March 2020).
The Panasonic VW-HU1 Detachable Handle Unit for the HC-X1500 is $299.99 USD.
For the full specifications of all the camcorders click below.
