Panasonic Announces Three of the Industry's Smallest and Lightest 4K 60p Professional Camcorders with Wide-Angle 25mm Lens and 24x Optical Zoom

Panasonic has launched three of the industry's smallest and lightest^*1 4K 60p camcorders: HC-X1500, HC-X2000 and AG-CX10. Packed into a compact body to offer the mobility and portability demanded by professionals, the new models enable high-quality 4K 60p recording and achieve high-spec optical performance with a Wide-Angle 25mm^*2 Lens and 32x i.ZOOM (4K recording).

The new models are packed with professional functions, such as Two Manual Rings, an ND Filter, a Built-in LED Video Light^*3, and 24-bit High Resolution Linear PCM Audio Recording. In addition, Panasonic's exclusive high-precision AF provides high-speed, accurate focusing for both 4K and Full-HD shooting. For video recording, the models support 4:2:2 10bit Internal Recording^*4 and the new, high-efficiency HEVC codec. Various recording formats can also be selected, and 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 are due via a future update in Summer 2020. It is also equipped with Ethernet HD Live Streaming and an NDI|HX^*5 compatible IP connection function, with connectivity provided for use as a live camera.

Panasonic continues to offer camcorders that meet a wide variety of needs, from directors recording on location and news gathering to high-amateurs recording 4K content.

The new models will be available to purchase at the following recommended retail prices Inc. VAT: AG-CX10 at £2,299 RRP (available from April 2020), HC-X2000 at £1,849 RRP, and HC-X1500 at £1,449 RRP (both available from March 2020).

*1 For a camcorder with an integrated lens capable of 4K 60p recording (as of January 6th, 2020. Panasonic research).

*2 35mm camera equivalent.

*3 Except the HC-X1500.

*4 Up to 4K30p.

*5 Requires licence purchase

Optical performance for precise shooting

The integrated lens offers a remarkably powerful, optical 24x zoom that ranges from 25mm^* wide angle to 600mm^* tele. i.ZOOM achieves 32x at 4K resolution, and 48x at FHD. The 4-Drive Lens System drives the four lens groups independently, thus achieving the optical 24x zoom in a compact body size.

With a LEICA Dicomar Lens that has cleared the stringent inspection criteria of Leica Camera AG in terms of lens resolution, contrast, etc., stunningly beautiful images are produced while suppressing flaring and ghosts. 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, while glass is newly used as a countermeasure against scorching from sunlight condensation.

* 35mm camera equivalent.

High-speed, high-precision autofocus

Superior focusing speed, stability and tracking performance for both 4K and Full-HD is achieved thanks to Face Detection AF/AE together with the precise focus lens drive. Face Detection AF/AE provides precise focusing and sufficient exposure for subjects. In addition, subject tracking with colour 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. This provides strong correction under unstable conditions, such as low-angle and high-angle shooting. The Ball O.I.S. System reduces friction on the drive section, achieving delicate correction even for small-amplitude handshake. This produces beautiful images with suppressed handshake even at high, 24x optical zoom.

Compact body with heat-dispersing design

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.

High-quality recording with versatile modes

The Venus Engine, which contains technologies accumulated with LUMIX, is newly incorporated in these camcorders. This enables 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording with maximum 29.97p in UHD, and maximum 59.94p in FHD.

When set for 10-bit recording, the camcorder delivers 4K 60p 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output, enabling high-quality image capture with an external recorder. New, highly-efficient HEVC recording (LongGOP/10-bit 4:2:0/MOV) is also supported for recording 59.97p at a high bit rate of 200 Mbps. As for file formats, in addition to MOV, MP4, and AVCHD, the AG-CX10 also supports the ideal P2 MXF for the editing system for broadcast stations, and recording by the AVC-Intra/AVC-LongG codecs is supported^*.

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. Auto focus can also be used even during Super Slow-motion Recording.

* AVC-Intra100/50 codec support is planned for the future. Recording by all P2 formats requires a microP2 card.

Functional design to support professional work

For shooting in dim lighting, a bright video light controlled by an adjustable dimmer dial is 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.

The 3.5-inch monitor has 2,760K-dots of resolution, twice as much as the conventional monitor^*3 making it approximately 2x brighter and providing higher legibility even under bright sunlight. An electrostatic touch panel has also improved the operating ease when selecting menu items. Since the 1,555K-dot tiltable viewfinder and LCD output simultaneously, the image being recorded can also be confirmed in the LCD monitor while viewing it on the EVF, thus improving work efficiency. Also, to support fast, accurate manual focusing, Focus Assist functions are equipped, including Expand, Peaking and One-push AF.

The included battery does not protrude when attached and enables approximately 4.5 hours of continual operation, while a Handle Unit (VW-HU1) has been added as an optional accessory. It is easily detached and equipped with a 2-channel XLR Audio Input, audio control, and LED light. Operation of the zoom lever attached to the Handle Unit maintains a constant zoom speed, which can be set in 7 steps from the menu.

*1 The optional handle unit (VW-HU1) is required for HC-X1500.

*2 Recommended: 850-nm wavelength light

*3 HC-X1000

Versatile network functions expand workflow

A Wi-Fi module is built-in, so there is no need for a separate wireless LAN module, and Wi-Fi connection is possible with only the camcorder. 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 flashes.

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.