Panasonic HC-X2 4K Camcorder

Panasonic HC-X2 

The Panasonic HC-X2 4K Camcorder. Featuring a large 1" 15.03MP 4K sensor, the HC-X2 is can record high-quality, professional-grade video in up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) 10-bit 4:2:2 resolutions. You can also record 1080p in VFR (variable frame rate) in 10 increments from 2 to 60 fps, as well as record HD video in a super-slow-motion mode at a frame rate up to 120 fps. The X2 features numerous enhancements to its high-speed AF with face detection, HLG 13-stop dynamic range, a brighter monitor, UHD 4K image stabilization, timecode input and output, HDMI and 3G-SDI output, and built-in Ethernet and Wi-Fi.

Whether producing event or ENG-style videos or live streaming, the 20x optical zoom power of the lens starts from a wide 24mm equivalent FOV for shooting in tight spots or grabbing impressive establishing shots, and it extends out to 32x i.Zoom for getting in tight on far-away subjects.

The X2 also features built-in Wi-Fi that allows you to live stream via RTMP/RTSP, and it can also tether to a computer using Wi-Fi or USB so you can stream using popular content providers such as YouTube or Facebook Live.

You can also wirelessly remotely control the X2 using a tablet or smartphone with a free-to-download Panasonic app.

While 4K video formats may seem daunting, the X2 manages to record them onto convenient SD cards (U3 rated or faster cards are required for video bit rates above 100 Mb/s) that are both small and robust.

Two card slots are provided for increased flexibility.

You can record to both cards simultaneously, either for backing up or recording high and low bit rate files or enable relay recording to capture a single file that spans multiple cards for longer recording times.

Ergonomically, the X2 features a compact handheld camcorder body with plenty of customizable control buttons for quickly accessing essential functions.

When handheld, the sharp OLED EVF is within easy reach, and a high-bright 3.5″ touchscreen is offered for monitoring and menu control; and both can be used simultaneously.

Waveforms and scopes can be displayed to aid in exposure control.

Atop the handgrip sits a large zoom rocker for precise zoom control.

Lens functions can also be controlled manually using the three lens rings, one for focus, one for zoom, and one for iris.

A 5900mAh battery for powering the X2 is included, along with a charger and a power supply for fixed-position operating.

High-Definition 4K Imagery with 1″ MOS Sensor

This effective 1″ MOS Sensor (15.03MP) combines ideal depth of field with balanced image quality and sensitivity.

It supports HLG/V-log (13 stops) and HDR shooting and provides images without cropping in all modes.

Live Streaming

Ideal for medium-scale, multi-camera event/live shooting, the X2 features an Ethernet and a Wi-Fi connection for LAN streaming and wireless camera control.

It supports RTMP (Real Time Messaging Protocol), the protocol used when streaming with Adobe Flash, and it is RTSP/RTP/RTMP/RTMPS compatible using H.264/MPEG-4 AVC/AAC-LC compression.

It supports streaming distribution of RTMP-compatible content, such as live video distribution services, and it records (with modes below FHD) onto SD cards in the camera is also possible while streaming.

High Dynamic Range Recording (HLG)

HDR is an image display technology that provides a wider brightness range (dynamic range) than conventional SDR.

HDR renders more natural and true-to-life images without compromising the gradation in bright image areas or dark image areas.

13-Stop V-log / V-Gamut

The X2 realizes a wide dynamic range of up to 13 stops and supports V-Log/V-Gamut, which is also equipped in Panasonic cinema cameras VARICAM and LUMIX.

USB Tethering for Control/Webcam Usage

The X2 can work in USB or wired/wireless LAN tethering mode to use a computer for live streaming to applications such as YouTube or Facebook for live streaming.

Wired and Wireless Remote Control

A 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi module is built-in, so there is no need to purchase a separate wireless LAN module.

Wi-Fi connection is possible using only the main unit.

A tablet/smartphone with the HC ROP (available for free on Apple’s App Store or Google Play) can be used for wireless remote control.

The app can be used to control up to eight cameras. There is also a built-in Ethernet connection so you can add the camera to a wired LAN.

4-Drive Lens System

The 4-Drive Lens System simultaneously and independently drives 4 lens groups (group 2, iris, group 3, group 4).

The lens size and drive range for each of the 4 groups can be efficiently suppressed to optimize image quality and zoom power, maintaining a compact body.

5-Axis Hybrid O.I.S.

In both UHD/FHD modes, in addition to Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.), Electronic Image Stabilization operates to detect and correct handshake in the 5-axis direction, including rotational blurring.

This provides powerful correction in unstable situations, such as low-angle and high-angle shooting.

There are three modes to choose from:

• NORMAL (standard)
• STABLE (effective for fixed-frame shooting)
• PAN/TILT (effective in panning and tilting)

Simultaneous SDI/HDMI Output

HDMI outputs up to 3840 x 2160 UHD 4K 4:2:2 10-bit and 3G-SDI outputs 1920 x 1080 FHD 4:2:2 10-bit, high image quality output, compatible with various applications and recorders.

Timecode Input/Output

The X2 supports timecode in/out so it can easily fit into multi-camera productions.

4K High-Precision AF

By moving the Micro Drive Focus Unit minutely and quickly, highly precise AF performance is also achieved when shooting in 4K or shooting with a shallow depth of field.

Panasonic HC-X2 Specs

Imaging
• Sensor Resolution: Effective 15.03 Megapixel

• Image Sensor: 1"-Type MOS

• Image Stabilization: Optical in Integrated Lens, 5-Axis (Video Only) & Digital

• Built-In ND Filter: Mechanical Filter Wheel with Clear, 2-Stop (1/4), 4-Stop (1/16), 6-Stop (1/64) ND Filters

• Capture Type: Stills & Video

Internal Recording Formats

• AVCHD 4:2:0 8-Bit

 – 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/29.97/50/59.94 fps [17 to 25 Mb/s VBR]

 – 1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps [17 Mb/s VBR]

 – 1280 x 720 at 50/59.94 fps [8 Mb/s VBR]

• MOV 4:2:0 10-Bit

 – UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) from 2 to 59.94 fps [100 to 200 Mb/s VBR]

• MOV 4:2:2 10-Bit

 – UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) from 2 to 59.94 fps [150 Mb/s VBR]

 – 1920 x 1080p from 2 to 59.94/100 fps [50 to 200 Mb/s VBR]

 – 1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps [50 Mb/s VBR]

• MOV 4:2:0 8-Bit

 – UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) from 2 to 59.94 fps [150 Mb/s VBR]

• MP4 4:2:0 10-Bit

 – UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [72 to 100 Mb/s VBR]

• MP4 4:2:0 8-Bit

 – UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps [72 Mb/s VBR]

 – 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/50/59.94 fps [50 Mb/s VBR]

Media/Memory

• Dual Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)

Connectivity

• 1 x HDMI (Unspecified Signal) Output

• 1 x BNC (3G-SDI) Output

Mobile App Compatibility

• No

Battery

• Panasonic AG-VBR Series