The HC-X1 4K Camcorder is a major new release from Panasonic, featuring high-end functions in a compact all-in-one solution. The HC-X1 is built around a 1.0-Type MOS back side-illuminated sensor that’s capable of capturing DCI 4K resolution at 24p and UHD 4K at up to 60p. The camcorder also integrates a newly developed Leica Dicomar lens with an f/2.8- 4.5 aperture and very quick 24-480mm 20x optical zoom for DCI 4K (35mm-equivalent). The 24mm wide-angle setting stands out in cameras with integrated lenses, and will let you capture tight spaces with little distortion. On the long end, you’ll be able to close in on distant subjects in sharp 4K detail.
The Leica Dicomar lens is designed with a 4-Drive Lens System that simultaneously and independently drives four lens groups with a 9-blade diaphragm. With a circular iris, f/2.8 maximum aperture, internal ND filters, and back side illumination on the sensor for greater light sensitivity, the Panasonic HC-X1 4K Camcorder will also allow you to shoot with shallow depth of field and concentrate focus on desired elements.
The HC-X1 is capable of simultaneous DCI/UDH/HD/SD multi-format recording, as well as simultaneous UHD/HD dual codec recording to dual SD cards (in MOV/MP4/AVCHD), providing the ability to increase your project options and post-production efficiency a great deal.
The camcorder features an advanced optical image stabilizer for 4K capture, with a correction area that’s approximately 900% that of conventional models, allowing for exceptional smoothness in handheld 4K shooting. In addition, there’s also 5-Axis Hybrid O.I.S. for 1080p capture.
The HC-X1 incorporates separate focus, zoom, and iris rings, ND filters, an OLED EVF, and sliding 3.5" touch-panel LCD with waveform, vectorscope, zebra, peaking, and more. Connections include 2-channel XLR audio input, live HDMI output, and A/V output.
The HC-X1 offers a store of focus features, including the ability to set and transition between three focus positions, and highly-precise AF speed, thanks to minute and quick movement of the Micro Drive Focus Unit. Other overall features include Subject Tracking in 4K, Infrared Shooting, 16-Axis Independent Color Correction, 8-Mode Gamma, Soft Skin setting, support for wireless remote control via an iPad app, and much more.
The HC-X1 is a premium, stylish 4K camcorder loaded with features that will provide for excellence in almost any type of production.
6 Comments
It was between the Panasonic HC-X1 and the Sony PXW-Z150 4K XDCAM and the Panasonic won. I'm sure I would have been very happy with the Sony PXW-Z150 (I'm a huge Sony fan) but the HC-X1 just had more features. I can't write a review yet because I haven't used it extensively, but I certainly will when the time comes.
Deep silence about color sampling and bit depth.
Obviously there is nothing to be proud of.
It should be the same old story of 8 bit 4:2:0
Right?
Very excited about this one. Go Panasonic!
What accessory will be required for WIFI, presumably with HDMI input? What is the claimed dynamic range?
Hi Ed -
We do not have dynamic range specifications at this time. I'm sure we will be able to comment further once Panasonic has begun shipping and we have some hand-on time.
The Panasonic AJ-WM50P Wireless System uses Wi-Fi to allow wireless metadata input/display and proxy playback on iPads, iPhones, and PCs. Using the AJ-SFU3100 software, the wireless system can be paired with a camera to allow smooth transfer of important camera information between the camera and your Wi-Fi device. Featured text memo input and thumbnail display enables the script supervisor to instantly record notes and tag clips enabling fast editing process. The WM-50 wireless system is compatible with the AJ-HPX3100, AJ-PX270, AJ-PX800, AJ-PX380, AJ-PG50, AG-DVX200.
Not a "1.0-Type", but a 1". :)