Panasonic HC-X2 4K Camcorder

Bring your mobile sports, event, or multi-camera video productions into the world of 4K with the Panasonic HC-X2 4K Camcorder. Featuring a large 1" 15.03MP 4K sensor, the HC-X2 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 and 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In both UHD/FHD modes, in addition to Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.), Electronic Image Stabilization operates to detect and correct handshakes in the 5-axis direction, including rotational blurring. This provides powerful correction in unstable situations, such as low-angle and high-angle shooting.

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.

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.

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.

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.

HD mode achieves a super-slow-motion effect with a maximum of 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.

Two XLR inputs with switchable 48V phantom power supply/MIC/LINE. In MOV mode, 24-bit linear PCM recording delivers high-resolution sound quality. The volume control dial enables 2-channel control, and it also features an OSD level meter and a 3.5mm stereo headphone output.

Double SD card slots are provided to enable unlimited relay recording by simply changing SD cards, and allow the use of various recording systems to ensure high recording reliability.