Panasonic HC-X2 & HC-X20 4K Camcorders for Professional News and Events

Panasonic presented the two new video camcorder 4K models: HC-X2 and HC-X20. Both Panasonic professional video camera models come with a 1-inch sensor, they hardly differ on the outside, but the X2 is the higher-quality model with more professional features.

Both Panasonic professional video camera models deliver the functions and performance that professional users currently expect. They are characterized by an optimal weight distribution, which makes them ideal for the production of news, interviews, and event videos.

The HC-X2 and HC-X20 were developed specifically for the steadily growing handheld video camcorder market, which cannot be replaced by filming system cameras (DSLR and mirrorless) or by smartphones. The new camcorders should impress with their video performance and good expandability.

The camcorders save videos internally with 4:2:2 10-bit 4K 30p/25p and the new, extremely effective HEVC codec. Alternatively, they also offer a variety of recording formats and resolutions. With super slow motion (120/100 fps) and variable frame rates (VFR/variable frame rate) from 2 to 60 fps, they allow a wide range of design options.

Panasonic camcorder models have an LCD screen with an electronic viewfinder, three manual adjustment rings, 2-channel XLR inputs, integrated ND filters, and double memory card slots that enable recording without time limits, as well as built-in Wi-Fi. The camcorders offer flexibility for very different requirements in professional video production.

The high-end HC-X2 comes with HLG gamma mode and 13-stop V-Log for 4K HDR video production to meet the increasing demand for higher dynamic range productions. It supports direct connection to Ethernet and simultaneous SDI/HDMI output. It also has HD live streaming capabilities and supports a variety of streaming protocols. Panasonic developed the HC-X2 explicitly for the professional workflows of news productions and streaming. The HC-X20 is intended as a camcorder for simpler interview setups and events in the independent sector.

The lens has an extremely powerful optical 20x zoom, which ranges from 24.5mm wide-angle to 490mm tele (information corresponds to 35mm). Thanks to the innovative 4-drive lens system, which drives the four lens groups independently of one another, the large 20x optical zoom factor is possible in such a compact housing.

Both with UHD and Full HD, Electronic Image Stabilization works in addition to the optical image stabilizer Optical Image Stabilization to detect and correct hand tremors in five axes. That ensures optimal stabilization even under the most difficult conditions, such as those encountered in low-angle (frog’s-eye view) and high-angle (bird’s-eye) recordings.

The 1-inch MOS sensor (approx. 15.03 effective megapixels) is capable of recording in UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels) without crop and offers a moderate depth of field and excellent coordination between image quality and sensitivity. The file format can be selected between the versatile and easy-to-use MOV (QuickTime), MP4, and AVCHD.

The super slow motion (super slow motion) delivers HD recording at a high speed of 120 fps (59.94 Hz) / 100 fps (50 Hz), which is a particularly high-quality 4 .8x slow motion enabled during playback. The HC-X2 also offers a new VFR (Variable Frame Rate) recording, which allows frame rates to be set in ten steps from 2 to 60 fps. This allows the user to produce creative and expressive videos using techniques such as overcranking (for a slow-motion effect) and undercranking (for a time-lapse effect).

The supplied battery is designed in such a way that it fits directly into the housing and does not protrude. It provides 3 hours and 50 minutes of continuous recording time for the X2 and 4 hours and 25 minutes for the X20. The camcorders have built-in two SD card slots that ensure maximum flexibility and recording security.

Panasonic HC-X2 price and release date

The Panasonic HC-X2 video camera has been priced at $3,199.99, it can be pre-ordered through Amazon.com and Bhphotovideo.com. It will be released on October 3, 2022.

Panasonic HC-X20 price and release date

The Panasonic HC-X20 video camera has been priced at $2,599.99, it can be pre-ordered through Amazon.com and Bhphotovideo.com. It will be released on October 3, 2022.

Earlier this year, Panasonic introduced the Lumix GH6 professional video camera for video, TV, and film productions. The compact camera can be mounted on drones, in vehicles, etc., and also proves to be advantageous in reportage use. The price for the body-only is $2,197.99.