Panasonic HC-X2 & HC-X20 4K camcorders with 1.0-inch sensor – Newsshooter

Panasonic has announced its new HC-X2 and HC-X20 4K 1.0-inch sensor camcorders at IBC 2022.

These two new 4K 1.0-inch sensor models are aimed at users working in fast-paced environments such as news and live events. Both cameras feature 20x optical zoom with 24.5mm wide-angle capability, up to 10-bit 4:2:0 UHD 4K60 and 10-bit 4:2:2 4K30 internal recording, face detection autofocus, auto exposure, HEVC recording , live streaming, built-in Wi-Fi and two XLR audio inputs.

There are multiple recording modes to choose from, including HEVC recording, high bitrate options up to 200Mbps UHD 4K60 in Long GOP 10-bit 4:2:0 MOV, 100Mbps UHD 4K60 in Long GOP, 4:2 :0 10-bit, MP4 and variable frame rates (VFR) from 2 to 120 fps.

The HC-X2 and HC-X20 offer higher resolution than previous Panasonic AG and HC models as they pack a 1.0-inch, 15MP sensor. They also have the ability to record in V-Log and they have professional interfaces like interfaces like SDI and LAN. This allows them to be integrated with other cameras in live productions. The RJ45 GbE (Gigabit Ethernet) port can provide a network connection through a router and the USB port can be connected to your smartphone or tablet for tethering.

An integrated Wi-Fi module on the X2 and X20 provides both camera control and live streaming at resolutions up to 1080p60 via a cellular router, sold separately. Use your tablet with the downloadable HC ROP app to wirelessly control up to eight cameras.

The HC-X2 also features BNC timecode input/output and can output SDI and HDMI simultaneously. It is important to note that only the EVF or LCD screen will work when SDI and HDMI are output simultaneously. Both of them cannot be used.

Both cameras have two card slots and the option to forward or record to two cards at the same time. With the X2 you can do dual codec recording, where footage can be recorded simultaneously in UHD 4K and Full HD (50 Mb/s) or Full HD (100 Mb/s or higher).

The HC-X2 and HC-X20 can both record in HDR and HLG, and Panasonic claims they have 13 stops of dynamic range when using V-Log.

Autofocus (AF) is available in all resolutions and frame rates, and there’s improved face detection AF and tracking. The built-in lens of both models has individual focus, aperture and zoom rings. Focus can also be set to Nonlinear, Linear, and Set modes. Nonlinear adjusts focus movement based on the speed at which you rotate the focus ring. Linear adjusts focus at a constant rate, and you can use Set to choose a focus in linear mode. There’s also face detection AF, color spikes and 1-touch AF in manual mode.

5-axis Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) are also available. The three available modes are: Normal (default), Steady (for fixed frame shots) and Pan/Tilt.

As you’d expect, both cameras have built-in clear and three ND filters (1/4, 1/16, 1/64).

Both cameras feature a 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD monitor and a color OLED viewfinder.

Built-in video tools include a waveform, vectorscope, zebra, horizon level, adjustable luminance levels, and flash band correction.

In terms of audio, there are two XLR audio inputs with selectable 48V phantom power/mic/line options, 24-bit linear PCM recording and independent level controls for each channel, on-screen display levels and a 3.5mm -Stereo headphone jack

There’s also an IR mode you can use, which can be assigned to a user button. This allows you to shoot in very dark conditions where there is almost no light.

Panasonic says you can get around 7.5 hours of recording time with the X2 and 9 hours with the X20 using the 86Wh AG-VBR118 battery.

Price & Availability

The HC-X2 is priced at $3,199.99 and is available for pre-order now. The HC-X20 retails at $2,599.99.