HC-X2 and HC-X20: Panasonic's new 4K 60p camcorders

Panasonic launches two new professional 4K camcorders with 1-inch sensors, a 20x optical zoom, a 24.5 mm wide angle for both UHD and FHD, 4K high-precision AF with new face detection, 5-axis Hybrid O.I.S.+, high-brightness LCD, and excellent weight balance.

For video recording, these new models are compatible with internal 4:2:2 10-bit 30p/25p video recording and the new High efficiency HEVC codec. The super slow motion (120/100 fps) and VFR (2 to 60 fps) allow a wider range of video options.

In addition, they offer numerous functions, such as simultaneous display on the LCD screen and EVF, triple manual control rings, 2-channel XLR audio input terminals, ND filter, dual SD card slots, unlimited recording or built-in Wi-Fi, meeting the needs in the field of professional video production.

The HC-X2 model is equipped with the HLG2 gamma mode and 13-step V-log for use in 4K HDR video production. This camcorder also supports direct connection to Ethernet terminals and simultaneous SDI/HDMI output. Additionally, the HC-X2 camcorder has the ability to stream live in HD and supports a wide variety of transmission protocols.

Panasonic proposes the HC-X2 model as a camcorder for medium-scale news and streaming services, and the HC-X20 model as a camcorder for small-scale interviews and independent events.

Optical performance

The integrated lens offers a powerful 20x optical zoom ranging from the 24.5 mm wide angle to the 490 mm telephoto lens. i.ZOOM Get 24x magnification at 4K and 32x at FHD. Such a large zoom range in such a compact body is achieved thanks to the 4-lens drive system in which each group is controlled independently.

In terms of superior focusing speed, stability and tracking performance for 4K and Full-HD are achieved thanks to the face detection AF/AE along with precise focusing lens unit. In addition, color recognition person tracking can be activated just by touching the LCD screen, allowing precise tracking.

For UHD and FHD modes, in addition to the OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), electronic image stabilization operates to detect and correct hand shake in 5 axes, including rotational movement.

He 1.0 type MOS sensor (1.0 inch) It is capable of recording in UHD (3840 x 2160) without cropping and offers a moderate depth of field. In addition, it offers an excellent balance between image quality and sensitivity. The file format can be selected from MOV (QuickTime), MP4 and AVCHD.

UHD y FHD

The new models are compatible with internal recording of UHD hasta 29,98p/25p y FHD hasta 59,94p/50p in high quality 4:2:2 10-bit. When set to 10-bit recording, the camcorder offers 10-bit 4K 60p/50p 4:2:2 HDMI output, allowing you to capture high-quality images with an external recorder. The new HEVC recording also supports UHD recording at a high bit rate of 200 Mbps, in addition to MOV, MP4 and AVCHD file formats.

In what HDR regards, it offers more realistic images, especially in bright or dark areas. The HC-X2 is equipped with the HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) shooting mode, one of the standards related to HDR. Additionally, it supports V-Log, which is also available on Panasonic's VARICAM cinema camera and Lumix mirrorless cameras, providing 13 steps of latitude.

Super Slow Motion y 4K VFR

Note, on the other hand, that the function Super Slow Motion (super slow motion) records HD images at a 120 fps (59.94 Hz)/100 fps (50 Hz) high speed to show a slow motion effect. Both camcorders are equipped with a 4K (UHD) VFR (variable frame rate) recording function that allows you to change the frame rate from 2 to 60/50 fps. In this way, the creator can use techniques such as filming at more frames per second to achieve slow motion “overcranking”, or achieve fast cameras by filming at fewer frames per second “undercranking”.

Con Built-in Wi-Fi and with the use of an HC ROP app, you can configure the wireless remote control, including camera settings and lens control. The HC-X2 model is equipped with Ethernet for more stable live streaming, and the HC-X20 can also connect to a LAN by cable using an adapter Ethernet USB (sold separately).

FHD streaming compatible with RTSP/RTP/RTMP/RTMPS allows direct connection and live streaming to different platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, etc.

The 3.5 inch LCD screen It has a high resolution of approximately 2,760k dots, more than double that of the previous model, and achieves excellent visibility even in bright sunlight, with double the brightness compared to the previous model.

Since the 2,360K-dot tilting viewfinder and LCD screen simultaneously output the image being recorded, it can also be projected on the LCD screen while viewing on the EVF, improving work efficiency. In addition, to facilitate fast and precise manual focusing, focus assist functions such as Expand mode, Peaking and Area Mode have been incorporated. To work in even darker conditions, commercially available IR lights support infrared shooting.

The lens barrel features 3 manual rings for zoom, focus and iris operations. There are a total of 14 user buttons, 9 on the body and 5 on the LCD touch screen.

He ND filter can be set to Clear, 1/4, 1/16 or 1/64. A gain selector and AWB selector are also provided. The included battery, built into the camera, provides approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes (HC-X2) / 4 hours and 25 minutes (HC-X20) of continuous shooting.

Recording

The cameras provide 2 SD memory card slots. The recording media automatically and seamlessly switches from slot 1 to slot 2. In addition, thanks to unlimited relay recording, data is recorded continuously by automatically switching the recording SD card from slot 1 to slot 2. You can also choose to record identical data on the cards in both slots or background recording (one SD card can be set in slot 2 for continuous recording, and another SD card can be set in slot 1 to record the necessary scenes by turning the power on and off. REC). Likewise, it is possible to record with dual codec (HC-X2 only): Record images simultaneously in 2 different formats, such as the main one (UHD/FHD) and the secondary one (FHD)...

As to audio, they have XLR input Selectable with manual volume is equipped for each of the 2 channels. It also supports 24-bit linear PCM (MOV), 16-bit AAC (MP4) or Dolby Audio (AVCHD) system for high-quality 2-channel audio recording.

Broadcast-grade image adjustment

Panasonic's new proposal also offers a recording function. 16-axis independent color correction: which allows color matching of multiple cameras under the same lighting condition, as well as creative image rendering with soft skin (makes skin colors appear soft and beautiful) and master detail (adjusts the overall degree of contour enhancement).

Also included 6 sets of quality settings Image settings are preset in scene files and a variety of gamma modes. The gamma setting can be selected from 8 modes, including 2 Cine-Like gammas. In addition to 8 modes, the HC-X2 is also equipped with HLG and V-log.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eT8zNCZX1pw