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Panasonic HC-X20 4K Mobile Camcorder with Rich Connectivity

BH #PAHCX20 • MFR #HC-X20
Key Features
  • Up to UHD 4K60 Video with Live Streaming
  • 15MP 1" MOS Sensor, 5-Axis Hybrid OIS+
  • 20x Optical Zoom, 4K 24x/HD 32x i.Zoom
  • Built-In Wi-Fi, 120 fps Slow Motion
Bring your mobile sports, event, or documentary video productions into the world of 4K with the Panasonic HC-X20 4K Mobile Camcorder with Rich Connectivity. Featuring a large 1" 15.03MP 4K sensor, the HC-X20 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 X20 also features numerous enhancements to its high-speed AF with face detection, a brighter monitor, UHD 4K image stabilization, and built-in Wi-Fi.
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Panasonic HC-X20 Overview

Bring your mobile sports, event, or documentary video productions into the world of 4K with the Panasonic HC-X20 4K Mobile Camcorder with Rich Connectivity. Featuring a large 1" 15.03MP 4K sensor, the HC-X20 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 X20 also features numerous enhancements to its high-speed AF with face detection, a brighter monitor, UHD 4K image stabilization, and built-in 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 X20 also features built-in Wi-Fi that allows you to live stream via RTMP/RTSP so you can stream using popular content providers such as YouTube or Facebook Live. You can also wirelessly remotely control the X20 using a tablet or smartphone with a free-to-download Panasonic app.

While 4K video formats may seem daunting, the X20 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 X20 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 X20 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.
Live Streaming
Ideal for news, sports, and events, the X20 features a Wi-Fi connection for 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.
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.
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. The lens features an f/2.8 to 4.5 aperture range and a focal length range from 8.8 to 176mm.
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)
HDMI Output
HDMI outputs up to 3840 x 2160 UHD 4K 4:2:2 10-bit, high image quality output, compatible with various applications.
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.
Focus Assist Functions
Provided with Face Detection to precisely capture subjects onsite free from out of focus problems and insufficient exposure. Also, by adding color recognition, tracking subjects is improved, without interruption, when the face moves to either side.
  • Area Mode: Auto Focus is easily possible with just a touch on the LCD panel. You can also change this to Auto Iris and Brightness Display on the screen
  • Y Get: Measures brightness at the center and displays numerical data
  • Focus Assist: When the Focus Assist button is pressed during manual focusing
  • Expand: Visibility can be enhanced by expanding the display of any desired part of the screen
  • Peaking: The contours of subjects in focus are colored for display emphasis
  • Expand and Peaking: Expand and Peaking can be used in combination
  • One Press AF: This function temporarily activates Auto Focus when shooting in Manual mode
Triple Manual Rings
The X20 features triple manual rings on the lens barrel for Zoom, Focus, and Iris control. These manual functions ensure professional operation and enable speedy and intuitive camera work.
ND Filter
ND filters are built into the lens to suppress the amount of incident light. The filters can be selected (1/4, 1/16, 1/64, or Clear) to match the shooting environment. This is convenient, for example, when you want to shoot at a slow shutter speed in bright daylight. Also, when opening the aperture, you can attain high resolution and a shallow depth of field.
Versatile Recording Modes
  • Equipped with new, highly efficient codec HEVC recording
  • High-bit rate recording with LongGOP; 4:2:2 10-bit (UHD 4K30), 4:2:0 8-bit (UHD 4K60)
  • MOV files with compatibility and control are used
  • The same file system with the Professional Handheld Camcorder will automatically create filenames 20 characters in length for easy control of clips. Conventional AVCHD acquisition is also supported
20x Optical Zoom
The optical 20x zoom lens features an optical zoom of 20x, a 24x maximum digital i.Zoom range in UHD 4K, and a maximum 32x digital i.Zoom in 1080p. The lens can quickly cover the entire zoom range, so you won't miss your shots.
VFR (2-60 fps) / Super Slow-Motion Recording
HD mode achieves a super slow-motion effect with a maximum 120 fps or 100 fps. It supports high-quality 10-bit recording in FHD mode. The image area is not cropped even at high frame rates.
48 kHz / 24-Bit High Resolution PCM Audio Recording
Two XLR inputs with switchable 48V phantom power supply/MIC/LINE. In MOV mode, 24-bit linear PCM recording delivers high resolution sound quality. Volume control dial enables 2-channel control, and it also features an OSD level meter and a 3.5mm stereo headphone output.
Camera Image Adjustment Functions
Provided with professional camera image adjustment functions including the 16-axis independent color correction function similar to the one in a broadcast video camera as well as detail, skin detail, chroma level, chroma phase, master pedestal, gamma and knee setting functions.
IR Shooting in Dark Places
The IR Cut Filter can be turned ON/OFF (allocated on the User button). When the filter is turned OFF, commercially available IR lights can be used for shooting in dark places
Simultaneous Displays
The 3.5mm LCD touchscreen monitor can be constantly displayed even when viewing the tiltable EVF.
High-Capacity Battery
The camera is powered using a high-capacity AG-VBR series battery.
Dual SD Card Slots
Double SD card slots are provided to enable unlimited relay recording by simply changing SD cards, and allows the use of various recording systems to ensure high recording reliability.
Professional Assist Functions
The camera features multiple professional assist functions, including:
  • Waveform monitor
  • Vectorscope
  • Zebra
  • Flash Band detection and correction
  • Luminance level adjustment
  • Level gauge
  • And more
UPC: 885170399228

Panasonic HC-X20Specs

Key Specs
Sensor Resolution
Effective: 15.03 Megapixel
Image Sensor
1"-Type MOS
Image Stabilization
Optical in Integrated Lens, 5-Axis (Video Only)
Digital
Internal Recording Modes
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 60.00 fps [150 Mb/s VBR]
1920 x 1080p from 2 to 23.98/59.94 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 to 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]
External Recording Modes
No
Media/Memory Card Slot
Dual Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
Video I/O
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRRS A/V (Composite) Output
1x HDMI (Unspecified Signal) Output
Mobile App Compatible
No
Battery Type
Panasonic AG-VBR Series
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
Exposure Control
Shutter Type
Mechanical Focal Plane Shutter 
Shutter Speed
1/8000 to 1/6 Second
Video Capture
Internal Recording Modes
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 60.00 fps [150 Mb/s VBR]
1920 x 1080p from 2 to 23.98/59.94 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 to 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]
External Recording Modes
No
Fast-/Slow-Motion Support
Yes
Built-In Microphone
Stereo
Audio Recording
AVCHD: 2-Channel 16-Bit 48 kHz
MP4: 2-Channel 16-Bit 48 kHz AAC Audio
MOV: 2-Channel 24-Bit 48 kHz
IP Streaming
H.264, MP4, RTMP, RTMPS, RTP, RTSP
320 x 180 to 1920 x 1080 at 24p, 30p, 50p, 59.94p, 60p (0.5 to 24.00 Mb/s)
Still Image Capture
Image Sizes
16:9 DCF / EXIF / JPEG
15 MP (3840 x 2160)
15 MP (1920 x 1080)
15 MP (1280 x 720)
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Image File Format
JPEG
Interface
Media/Memory Card Slot
Dual Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
Video I/O
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRRS A/V (Composite) Output
1x HDMI (Unspecified Signal) Output
Audio I/O
2x XLR 3-Pin Microphone (+48 V Phantom Power) Input
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output
Power I/O
1x Barrel (12VDC at 3 A) Input
Other I/O
1x 2.5 mm Sub-Mini Input
1x USB-C Input
Wireless
Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Mobile App Compatible
No
Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.)
No
Viewfinder
Type
Built-In Electronic (OLED)
Size
0.39"
Resolution
1,770,000 Dot
Focus
Focus Type
Auto and Manual Focus
Focus Mode
Automatic, Manual Focus
General
Operating Conditions
32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C at 10 to 90% Humidity
Battery Type
Panasonic AG-VBR Series
Shoe Mount
No
Accessory Mounting Thread
No
Dimensions (W x H x D)
6.7 x 7.7 x 13.5" / 17.1 x 19.5 x 34.3 cm (With Protrusions)
Weight
4.4 lb / 2 kg (Body Only)
5.3 lb / 2.4 kg (With Battery, Grip, Viewfinder)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
8.625 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
19.7 x 12.4 x 10.1"

Panasonic HC-X20 Reviews

See any errors on this page? Let us know

Does this camera have the feature to use a wired ...

Does this camera have the feature to use a wired zoom rocker?
Asked by: Ken
Hi, Ken! You can remotely control some of the camera's functions by connecting a remote controller to the <REMOTE> terminal on the camera. -M
Answered by: Panasonic Team
Date published: 2023-01-23

Does the Focus Assist button allow you to magnify ...

Does the Focus Assist button allow you to magnify the subject WHILE RECORDING in manual focus?
Asked by: Aaron
Hello, Aaron! Yes, the focus assist button allows you to magnify the subject while recording in manual focus. -C
Answered by: Panasonic Team
Date published: 2023-02-16

Is the lens parfocal?

Is the lens parfocal?
Asked by: Aaron
Hi, Aaron! The lens is not parfocal. HC-X20 employs zoom tracking method to stay focus in each zoom position, based on the result of electric adjustment. Hope this helps! -C
Answered by: Panasonic Team
Date published: 2023-02-24

Has anyone had trouble connecting the camera as a ...

Has anyone had trouble connecting the camera as a card reader through USB-C on a Mac. I get error -36 and can't figure it out?
Asked by: Nathan
I have connected to both the camera and iMac and tried multiple USB C (3.1 Data etc.) I have tried multiple cards on multiple computers and cannot get the file to transfer without erroring out. I've formatted the card in the camera and have the camera set up to be a card reader. It feels like the Mac is not reading it correctly. Ironically, if I put the SD card directly into the iMac card reader, it reads/transfers fine. What am I missing???? Help Panasonic!
Answered by: Nathan
Date published: 2024-09-04

Does this camcorder have Phase Detect Auto Focus?

Does this camcorder have Phase Detect Auto Focus?
Asked by: Jon
The type of auto focus technology for the Panasonic HC-X20 4K Mobile Camcorder with Rich Connectivity is not listed by the manufacturer. We have not found reports of issues with Panasonic camcorder auto focus.
Answered by: Dennis L
Date published: 2022-09-22

Will the color profiles with the X20 match up ...

Will the color profiles with the X20 match up well with the DVX-200 for a 2 camera shoot?
Asked by: Timothy
Yes, The HCX20 would match well with other Panasonic cameras. However, The Panasonic HCX2 offers V-log recording ( DVX200 also supports V-Log) and the HCX2 would match even better when using this recording mode.
Answered by: Chris H
Date published: 2022-10-07

Does this camera have a date and time stamp ...

Does this camera have a date and time stamp (including seconds) option for deposition videography?
Asked by: Thomas
Yes, The Panasonic HC-X20 supports Time/Date Stamp.
Answered by: Chris H
Date published: 2022-09-16

How to reset to Factory Default Settings?

How to reset to Factory Default Settings?
Asked by: Lamar
Hello! You can restore to factory settings by entering [MENU] > [OTHER] > [MENU INITIALIZE] > confirm with [YES]. -M
Answered by: Panasonic Team
Date published: 2024-03-28
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