Panasonic HC-X20 4K Mobile Camcorder with Rich Connectivity

Panasonic HC-X20 4K Mobile Camcorder with Rich Connectivity

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 and 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 stabilisation, 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, 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 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.

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.

The X20 can work in USB or 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.

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, high image quality output, compatible with various applications.

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.

Provided with Face Detection to precisely capture subjects onsite free from out-of-focus problems and insufficient exposure. Also, by adding colour recognition, tracking subjects is improved, without interruption, when the face moves to either side.

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.

Provided with professional camera image adjustment functions including the 16-axis independent colour 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.

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.

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.