Here are some of the strengths of the new Panasonic HC-X2 and HC-X20 4K camcorders, which are particularly suitable, due to their weight of around 2.5 kg (light for professional equipment!) for filming news, interviews or of events.
The X2 and X20 offer professional optical performance with 20x optical zoom, 24.5mm wide-angle and high-precision 4K autofocus with new face detection. It features HYBRID OIS+ five-axis stabilization and an ultra-bright LCD screen.
These camcorders support 4K 30p/25p 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording and have a new high-efficiency HEVC codec. They are equipped with several recording formats, such as super slow motion (120/100 fps) and VFR (2 to 60/50 fps), which offers many possibilities for video expression. They are equipped with the simultaneous display on the LCD screen and the viewfinder and feature the manual triple ring, two-channel XLR audio input terminals, ND filter, dual SD card slot, unlimited recording and built-in Wi-Fi.
A large stabilized sensor
The 15.03MP 1” type MOS sensor is capable of recording in UHD (3840 x 2160) without cropping and offers a nice depth of field, as well as a good balance between image quality and sensitivity. It is possible to directly convert files in several formats such as MOV (QuickTime), MP4 and AVCHD.
Focus speed, stability and tracking performance for 4K and Full-HD video are achieved thanks to Face Detection AF/AE and precise focus motor. When using UHD and FHD modes, optical image stabilization is complemented by electronic stabilization to easily detect and correct five-axis hand-shake, even at 20x optical zoom.
The lens is powerful, ranging from a 24.5mm wide-angle to a 490mm telephoto. Smart Zoom delivers 24x power in 4K and 32x in FHD. The 4-Drive lens system drives all four lens groups independently, to achieve this performance in a compact optical group.
Lots of recording features
The HC-X2 and HC-X20 offer a variety of bitrates and formats to best meet the needs of professionals. They enable internal UHD recording up to 29.98p/25p and FHD up to 59.94p/50p in 4:2:2 10bit. Both feature 4K 60p/50p 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output, enabling high picture quality with an external recorder. In addition to MOV, MP4 and AVCHD formats, they also feature new HEVC (LongGOP/10-bit 4:2:0/MOV) recording which supports UHD 59.94p/50p recording at a high bit rate of 200 Mbps .
Their Super Slow Motion feature records HD footage at a high frame rate of 120fps (59.94Hz)/100fps (50Hz), and VFR 4K (UHD) recording allows the frame rate setting to be changed by 2 at 60/50 fps.
Special adjustment settings for broadcast
Both camcorders offer several broadcast adjustment functions, including: color correction, smoothing of skin tones, adjustment of the overall degree of contour, a scene file with six sets of image quality parameters presets) and eight gamma modes.
48kHz/24bit Hi-Res Audio Recording
The HC-X2 and HC-X20 feature PCM audio recording which guarantees high resolution 48kHz/24bit. They are equipped with an XLR audio input with manual volume, selectable +48V/MIC/LINE phantom power, on both channels. Several formats can also be supported: 24-bit linear PCM (MOV), 16-bit AAC system (MP4) or Dolby Audio system (AVCHD).
Extended connectivity for more possibilities
The built-in Wi-Fi module enables Wi-Fi connectivity directly to the camcorders. The HC-ROP tablet/smartphone app enables wireless remote control, including for camera settings, and lens control.
RTSP/RTP/RTMP/RTMPS compatible FHD streaming enables direct connection and streaming of concerts, sporting events, or news, on various platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, etc. It is also possible to record while streaming.
Improved ergonomics for ultra-intuitive use
Both camcorders are equipped with a 3.5-inch LCD touch screen with a high resolution of approximately 2760K dots, more than double that of the previous HC-X1 model. They have a tilting viewfinder. In addition, for fast and precise manual focusing, these cameras have a focus assistant equipped with Magnify, Contour and Zone modes, as well as compatibility with infrared lights for recordings in difficult conditions. low light. The lens is also equipped with a triple ring for direct access to zoom, focus and aperture. A total of fourteen function buttons are accessible (nine on the device, five on the LCD touch screen) in order to directly program the desired functions.
There’s also an ND filter that can be set to Clear, 1/4, 1/16, 1/64, and gain and white balance selectors to provide maximum professional control.
The supplied battery is designed to allow approximately 4 hours of continuous recording. In addition, two SD memory card slots are available. As a result, the recording medium automatically and invisibly switches from slot 1 to slot 2 through multiple recording modes.
Additional functions for the HC-X2
The HC-X2 being the most complete model, it is equipped with the HLG gamma mode and V-Log with thirteen stops for production of 4K HDR video content. When paired with a V-Log compatible camera, color grading provides a consistent image in post-production. This model supports direct connection to Ethernet terminals and simultaneous SDI/HDMI output, as well as HD Live Streaming with a variety of protocols.
Main features of HC-X20 and HC-X2
1”15.3MP type MOS sensor
24.5mm wide-angle lens, 20x optical zoom (F2.8-4.5)
Stabilisation 5 axes HYBRID O.I.S.+ Ball
Internal 4K 30p 4:2:2 10bit video recording
Enregistrement Slow Motion FHD 120 ips
Live Streaming FHD
HC-X2 only: 13-stop V-Log profile, Timecode and LAN connection (streaming), Double Codec recording.
Availability and prices
The HC-X20E and HC-X2E will be available from November 2022 for €2,499 and €3,199 respectively.