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Panasonic HC-X1
  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    image

    Modes

    • 4096x2160 24.00p 100 Mbit/s (VBR)
    • 3840x2160 59.94p/50.00p 150 Mbit/s (VBR)
    • 3840x2160 29.97p/25.00p/23.98p 1 100 Mbit/s (VBR)
    • 1920x1080 59.94p/50.00p/29.97p/25.00p/23.98p 200M ALL-Intra 200 Mbit/s
    • 1920x1080 59.94p/50.00p 100 Mbit/s (VBR)
    • 1920x1080 59.94p/50.00p/29.97p/25.00p/23.98p/59.94i/50.00i 50 Mbit/s
    • 1920x1080 59.94p/50.00p 25 Mbit/s (VBR)
    • 1920x1080 59.94i/50.00i/23.98p : Moyenne 21 Mbit/s (VBR)
    • 1280x720 59.94p/50.00p : Moyenne 8 Mbit/s (VBR)


    Available for preorder: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1277528-REG/panasonic_hc_x1_4k_ultra_hd.html


    Panasonic is proud to introduce the HC-X1 (X1), a light, compact 4K Ultra HD professional camcorder that meets and exceeds professional video production needs. It supports 4K 24p, UHD 60p/50p, FHD 60p/50p multi-format recording and HD super slow-motion. The X1 includes desirable professional features such as 2-channel XLR Audio, Wired/Wireless remote control, triple manual rings, a user switch, timecode, ND Filters and twin SD card slots. Additionally, the X1 offers Live HDMI output along with a wide 24mm angle LEICA DICOMAR 4K Lens and optical 20x zoom. The X1 has amazing 5-Axis O.I.S. for 4K 24p recording, UHD 60p/50p recording, dual codec recording (UHD and FHD) and IR shooting. While offering high image quality and advanced functions allowing the user record images exactly as intended, it boasts high mobility and operational ease only a handheld camcorder can provide and streamlines workflows to support professional video production. In response to the rising demand for 4K video content, the Panasonic HC-X1 4K camcorder helps create attractive and beautiful 4K videos.

    Newly Developed LEICA DICOMAR 4K Lens with the Industry’s Widest Angle 24mm and Optical 20x Zoom

    The newly developed integrated lens system boasts the industry’s widest angle at 24mm. It allows low-distortion, wide-angle shooting without the use of a wide conversion lens, thus supporting professional video production. It is also equipped with a 1.0-type (inch) sensor to realize the world’s first optical 20x zoom. Quick zooming is possible from wide-angle to telephoto. The 4-Drive Lens System individually drives each of the four lens groups to minimize the drive range of each lens group and provide optical 20x zoom with its small body.

    Panasonic HC-X1 Ultra HD Professional Camcorder

    Equivalent to 35mm under 4K 24p (aspect ratio of 17:9). Wide angle 24mm is the widest in the industry for a camcorder with integrated lens. (As of 31st August 2016, according to Panasonic survey.) World’s first for a camcorder with integrated lens having a 1-type (inch) or larger sensor. (As of 31st August 2016, according to Panasonic survey)

    High-image-quality, High-sensitivity 1.0-type (inch) 4K Sensor

    The effective 1.0-type (inch) MOS Sensor (9.46 megapixels at 4K24p/8.79 megapixels at UHD, FHD) offers an appropriate depth of field and excellent balance between image quality and sensitivity. The HC-X1 can record in 4K24p (4096 x 2160), UHD 60p/50p (3840 x 2160) or FHD 60p/50p (1920 x 1080). For the global business of professional users, the system frequency can be flexibly selected from 59.94 Hz, 50.00 Hz and 24.00 Hz. The file format can be selected from versatile and easy-to-use MOV (QuickTime), MP4 and AVCHD. The variety of recording modes with selectable image quality, frame rate and bit rate settings respond to a wide range of applications from cinema production to online distribution.

    Functions and Design to Support Professional Camera Work

    The lens barrel features Triple Manual Rings for zoom, focus and iris operations. There are a total of 13 user buttons, nine on the body and four on the LCD touch panel. These user buttons can be allocated with desired functions. The 3.5-type (inch) monitor built into the handle section can be pulled out and turned 270 degrees in the vertical direction for high-angle, low-angle and selfie shooting. The EVF is a high-resolution (approx. 1,769,000 dots) color OLED display with superb color reproduction. What’s more, the HC-X1 is equipped with a wealth of focus assist functions to support quick and accurate manual focusing, such as MF Assist, One-Push AF, Expand/Peak, Focus Transition and Area Function.

    The ND filter can be set to OFF, 1/4, 1/16 or 1/64. Gain selector and AWB selector are also provided. The controls are designed and engineered to meet the needs of video professionals.

    Advanced Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.)

    The correction area was expanded to approximately 900%* of the conventional area to strongly correct low- and high-angle shots (compared with Panasonic’s AG-AC160). In FHD mode, a 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S. + that adds electronic image stabilization to optical image stabilization detects and corrects 5 axes, including the roll rotation.

    High-speed, High-precision Intelligent AF

    The Micro Drive Focus Unit has achieved stable and high-speed AF with excellent tracking performance to ensure accurate focusing, which is extremely important in 4K shooting. The AF operation settings are customizable. By adjusting the speed, tracking sensitivity and area width, the user can program the AF operation exactly as intended in accordance with the subject type and application.

    Super Slow Motion and VFR (2 to 60 fps)

    The Super Slow Motion function records HD images at a high speed of 120 fps (59.94 Hz)/100 fps (50 Hz) to provide a slow-motion effect. The HC-X1 is also newly equipped with a VFR (variable frame rate) recording function that allows the change of frame rate setting in ten steps from 2 to 60 fps. This lets the user produce creative and expressive videos using techniques such as overcranking for a slow-motion effect and undercranking for a quick-motion effect.

    Professional Interfaces for Smooth System Operation

    The HC-X1 is equipped with two channel XLR audio inputs with switchable +48V phantom power supply/MIC/LINE and manual volume. It records high-quality sound in two channels using either a 16-bit linear PCM system (MOV/MP4) or Dolby Digital system (AVCHD). When mounted with the wireless module (AJ-WM50/AJ-WM30, sold separately),* an iPad installed with the AG ROP can be used for wireless remote control of camera settings, lens control and others.

    The HC-X1 also offers expandability for users in commercial video production, such as the wired remote terminal, OSD level meter, 1-kHz test tone output and headphone output (3.5-mm-diameter stereo mini jack).

    Double SD Card Slot and UHD/FHD Dual Codec Recording

    Two SD memory card slots are provided. The recording media switches automatically and seamlessly from Slot 1 to Slot 2. By changing a full SD card with a new SD card, images can be recorded continuously for many hours.

    Unlimited* Relay Recording: Data is recorded continuously by automatically switching the recording SD card from Slot 1 to Slot 2. By changing the full SD card with a new SD card, images can be recorded continuously for many hours. Simultaneous Recording: Identical data is recorded onto cards in both slots in this highly redundant recording mode. Background Recording: One SD card can be set in Slot 2 to record continuously, and another SD card can be set in Slot 1 to record necessary scenes by turning REC on and off. Dual Codec Recording: Records images simultaneously in two different formats, such as Main (UHD/FHD) and Sub (FHD), etc. This achieves an efficient workflow.

    Broadcast-grade Camera Image Adjustment Functions

    16-Axis Independent Color Correction Function: Allows color matching of multiple cameras under the same lighting condition as well as creative image rendering. Soft Skin: Makes skin colors appear soft and beautiful. Especially effective when recording a person up close. Master Detail: Adjusts the overall degree of contour enhancement. Scene File: Six sets of image quality settings are preset in scene files. Parameters in each set can be changed flexibly. One set can be saved in the main unit, and up to eight sets can be stored on an SD memory card. 8-Mode Gamma: Gamma setting can be selected from seven modes including two types of CINE-LIKE gamma. This allows the user to achieve the most suitable gradation according to the specific video production needed.

    LCD/EVF Displays That Assist Shooting

    • Waveform and Vectorscope Display: WAVE (Waveform) and VECTOR (Vectorscope) can be easily displayed on a sub screen of the LCD monitor.
    • ZEBRA: Two zebra patterns are built in. The level can be changed from 50% to 105% in 5% steps.
    • Marker (Y Level): The brightness level in the center of the image is displayed in percentage.
    • Level Gauge: Horizontal or vertical tilting of the camcorder can be checked on the LCD and viewfinder.
    • A Safety Zone Marker and Center Marker can be displayed.
    • The HC-X1 will be available in December for $3,199.99.
  • 23 Replies sorted by
  • DrDaveDrDave

    Appreciate the wide angle, will be interested to see the IQ. Already waiting for the price to drop. Hey, maybe instead of "preorder" which means to pay too much, there should be a box for "postorder" which means you buy it when the price drops.
    The lens is a sort of turtle-y F2.8 ― F4.5 and the 24mm is only available in 4096, in UHD it is 25ish.
    Whatever happened to fast zooms? My older prosumer cams have F1.8.

  • PauloTeixeiraPauloTeixeira

    Here's the product page: http://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/cameras-camcorders/camcorders/hd-camcorders/hc-x1e.html

  • aldolegaaldolega

    An f1.8 20X zoom for a 1" sensor would be huuuuge, and expensive.

  • davedvdavedv

    Most of the HD prosumer camcorders used 1/3-inch sensors (the Panasonic AG-AC130/160, the Canon XF100/200/300, or the Sony HXR-NX3/NX5 or PXW-X160 are a few examples). And since it's much easier to build a large aperture zoom lens for a smaller cameras, most of those cameras have lenses that start at f/1.6 or f/1.8.

    The problem is that for 4K resolutions, 1/3-inch sensors don't seem to be sensitive enough to deliver good image quality. The 4K prosumer camcorders released so far with these smaller sensors (Sony FDR-AX1, Sony PXW-Z100, Panasonic HC-X1000) have all received mixed reviews, and their performance in lower light situations is quite a bit worse than the 1/3-inch HD cameras they're designed to replace (despite having similar lenses with f/1.6 or 1.8 maximum aperture).

    That's why a lot of the 4k camcorders with integrated lenses seem to be moving to 1-inch sensors instead (Sony PXW-X70, Sony PXW-Z150, Canon XC10/XC15). But since it's hard to build a large aperture 20x or even 10x zoom for a larger sensor, most of those cameras have lenses that start at f/2.8 or so.

    Same thing is true for interchangeable lenses, incidentally. There just aren't lenses with 10x zoom lenses for larger sensors (4/3, APS-C, Super 35), with apertures below f/2.8. The difference there is you can swap out the zoom for a f/1.4 or f/1.8 prime lens if you need to.

  • IronFilmIronFilm

    "The lens is a sort of turtle-y F2.8 ― F4.5 and the 24mm is only available in 4096, in UHD it is 25ish. Whatever happened to fast zooms? My older prosumer cams have F1.8."

    A f1.8 long zoom for 1" would be HUGE! Would be nice to see one manufacturer give it a shot however.

  • DrDaveDrDave

    So what if it is a bit bigger. Everything is smaller than it used to be. Hey, look, JVC let's you put your own lens on.

  • aldolegaaldolega

    Yea, and there isn't a single lens you can put on JVC's cam that would give you what you're asking for.

    A 1" f1.8 20X zoom wouldn't be "a bit bigger". It would be massive, like the size of DSLR super-teles (400mm 500mm, etc).

  • davedvdavedv

    It's not just that the lens would be large, it would also be very expensive. For example, here's a recently released 22x zoom lens (f/1.8 to f/2.6 aperture) designed for 4K/UHD cameras with 2/3" sensors: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1190918-REG/fujinon_ua_series_ua22x8berd_22x.html

    This lens is not constant aperture through the entire zoom range, only covers a 2/3" sensor, weighs 5.6 lbs (2.6 kg) and is 9.5 inches (241.5 mm) in length. Cost: $46,000

    A constant f/1.8 aperture version would be even larger and more expensive. And a lens to cover a 1" sensor would be larger still.

  • DoctorDoctor

    Why only 100 Mbit/s? So this must be 8-bit then?

  • IronFilmIronFilm

    A 1" f1.8 20X zoom wouldn't be "a bit bigger". It would be massive, like the size of DSLR super-teles (400mm 500mm, etc).

    I'd be ok with a 10x zoom 1" with constant f2 (one stop faster than than the RX10mk1/mk2 which is already nearly a 10x zoom).

  • DrDaveDrDave

    Right.

  • aldolegaaldolega

    That'd still be massive, and extremely expensive. Is there any precedent in the decades of S16 (the closest format in size to 1"-class) lenses, for zooms with that range and speed, that aren't thouuusssands of dollars, don't weigh 5lbs+, and could incorporate OIS into their optical design?

    Do you really think the manufacturers are capable of this at a reasonable pricepoint and are just holding back for some unknown reason? I can see no reason for them to do so, the first company to implement this fantasy lens into their camcorders would make a mint in that market.

  • HillTop1HillTop1

    Can anyone educate me as to why these cameras always have smaller sensors?

  • aldolegaaldolega

    They have smaller sensors so that the lens can have a large zoom range and effective stabilization without being huge, heavy, and expensive. A smaller sensor also gives a deeper DOF which is usable/necessary for shooting news, action etc.

  • davedvdavedv

    A 10x constant fast aperture zoom is certainly easier than a 20x one.

    Zeiss made a 11-110mm f2 (T2.2) cine zoom lens for Super 16mm: http://www.hdgear.tv/images/catalog/product/docs/vs_110_e.pdf

    Specs says it weighs 1.5kg (3.3 lb) which isn't so crazy. Obviously it was a fully manual lens, no servo zoom, autofocus, OIS, or anything like that. They still sell for about $3500-4000 used. Not sure what they went for new.

  • aldolegaaldolega

    Exactly- costs more used than the camera itself. It was probably 6-7K new. And it weighs almost as much as the whole camera does now (3.3lbs, camera is 4.4).

  • Ilia_IffingIlia_Iffing

    1st Full Review:

  • MikeLinnMikeLinn

  • Ilia_IffingIlia_Iffing

    Panasonic HC-X1 Daylight Test:

    Panasonic HC-X1 Low Light Test:

  • Ilia_IffingIlia_Iffing

    Short video clip shot on Panasonic HC - X1:

  • MikeLinnMikeLinn

  • MikeLinnMikeLinn

  • MikeLinnMikeLinn

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