Best 4K Prosumer Camcorder 2018 | Panasonic AG-UX180

[@StringrPress]

Thank you for showing us how to use it handheld. Many of us DSLR shooters totality forgot

[@carola-lifeinparis]

Watching this is like looking into my future, once my tiny Panasonic is not enough any more. Loved your presentation. I don't know all the details yet but you make it sound very important :)

[@VideoGizmology]

haha. Thanks.

[@rajeevk4323]

😇😁

[@Alexandahls]

Great review man! Just got into camcorder shooting about 6 months ago (coming from DSLR video). My AG-AC30 is Panasonic's cheapest serious camcorder but it had all the important pro features to get me started. I still miss the bigger sensors of DSLRs but for the work that I do, which is mostly event coverage and live feed to a big screen on stage, a faster-to-use camcorder is just the way to go. I'm definitely upgrading soon and I think the UX180 is the perfect choice.

[@VideoGizmology]

Thanks!

[@JoeTheViewer]

I just ordered a AC30 and I will probably want to upgrade to a UX180 one day.

[@digitalmagicAR]

Great review thanks! I agree with everything you said. I have 2 UX180s and 1 HC-X1 for multicamera shoots. They are good low cost UHD cameras but the terrible LCD is annoying. I also wish they had face tracking. Or might possibly get an FX6 FX3 combo when they get older and come down in price

[@rtmpgt]

I use one of these as my go-to camera at my work. I paired it with an Atomos Ninja V and it's such a good little workhorse! I do interviews, ENG and Training videos with it. I may even pick one up for my own personal productions.

[@AridersLifeYT]

i had the hcx1000 as a sports camera for motorbikes and i hated the low light, this seems like a worthy upgrade for a sports camera.

[@beaudaubanks169]

Question... if I am using this as my webcam on zoom... Is there away to get the "TC 00:00:00" stamp off of the display? I am not recording, just using it as a webcam.

[@randytolle6706]

I have used focus transition with the LCD Screen outdoors with ok results.

[@Drrezzin]

Curious...why wouldn't one use this cam for filmmaking? I have a Panny HVX200 HD and I use it all the time for making narrative films.I can outfit that with rails, mattebox and follow focus knob and I'm all set. You can use another person as focus puller on the UX180.

[@VideoGizmology]

You could use the UX180 for filmmaking, as a good story is more important than what camera you shot on, but it's not in vogue right now. People expect to see shallow depth of field with lots of dynamic range. We use Hollywood as a template to what a "real" movie is supposed to look like.

[@rtmpgt]

I'd say it's feasible. You won't get all the shallow depth of field that a camera with a large sensor puts out, but consider that cameras like the Arri Alexa only use a Super 35mm sensor, which isn't much bigger than conventional APS-C seen in entry level cameras. As Anthony Oritz says, "The best camera is the camera you have available to you. Shut up and shoot."

[@AceSpencer]

Thanks for posting this. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the Panasonic UX90 vs the Canon XC15. At the moment, I could buy them both for $2k new on Amazon. I'm currently shooting with a GH4 and G7 but I need a video camera for 1, continuous filming for lectures or interviews for documentaries 2, filming sporting events such as football and basketball games and 3, good low light performance. All of that said, I haven't used a video camera since my GL2 but I think the UX90 or XC15 could be the missing component for this price point. I'm leaning towards the UX90 since I've occasionally had some issues mixing footage from different cameras but considering my needs what do you think? And I'm fine with the ux90 cropping the 4k to save $500+ for the UX180. Thanks in advance!

[@VideoGizmology]

In your situation, I would get the Panasonic UX90 as it will cut better with your current GH4 and G7 if you ever do multicam shooting. The UX90 will not be great in low light though, but neither would the Canon XC15. I consider low light environments to be shooting in a dark night club or out in the woods under moon light. For football and basketball games, where I assume will be decent stadium lights, the UX90 is ideal because of the long zoom range and wider depth of field. I also just don't recommend anyone get the Canon XC15 unless you are just starting out with video and the XC15 is your first camera OR you already own a Canon C100/C300 series of cameras and want an additional B or C camera. The XC15 is too niche.

[@AceSpencer]

Agreed and that is exactly what I just did. I appreciate the quick feedback.

[@texasranger2398]

Hello. Can you go live to internet (youtube) from this camera ? Maybe you can recommend any good camcorder for live streaming ?

[@paulallenMacca]

Have you filmed anything in the sky if so I’d like to know if it feels heavy I mainly film Common Buzzards in the sky and track them for up to 20 or 25 seconds,can it be shoulder mounted.

[@VideoGizmology]

I've filmed airplanes, but not birds. The UX180 is very light weight. It can fit against your shoulder, but not like a broadcast news camera. I've shot handheld with the UX180 on several productions and I never got tired. With practice, I've been able to hold the UX180 at full telephoto handheld and get decent results. It's not as stable as having a tripod, but it's better than most other cameras I've used at full telephoto.

[@Juan1976ification]

Thank you! For the video, Is the Pana 180 good for live streaming or social like wedding or something like that. Thanks

[@VideoGizmology]

With the appropriate FTP or web streaming interface, yes. The UX180 has HDMI, Analog, and HD-SDI out, so any live streaming device that can connect to those outputs should work.

[@Juan1976ification]

@@VideoGizmology thanks can u make a video how to setup for best recording situations please

[@VideoGizmology]

I do not do many live streaming, so I no longer have the equipment to demonstrate this. Maybe someone else can jump in on this comment thread? In the past, I've used a Livestream Broadcaster Pro, but a cheaper solution would be purchasing an HDMI video capture device like a Magewell USB Capture HDMI Plus or Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Mini and go directly into a computer.

[@rtmpgt]

@@VideoGizmology +1 on the Broadcaster. You could also combine one of Teradek's wireless SDI solutions with a BlackMagic UltraStudio and go directly to a PC. Only downside is that it'll turn your streaming operation into a 2-man crew as the Broadcaster only needs a single operator.

[@DuffTV]

Hey do you have a link to the Canon xf400 v Panasonic 180. How is the low light performance in comparison between the two. Also whats the zoom rocker like? Note: I also use a 205. Also just bought a 705 but the Advanced zoom in 1080 is a total let down. Soft images

[@VideoGizmology]

Here is the link to the XF400 vs Panasonic 180: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKu2Y4yEnM-HaKM Canon XF400 is better in low light by 1 stop or more. Grain looks smoother on the XF400 as well. Zoom rocker is average, similar to the XF200.

[@AnaMuriel]

What do you think about VXF1 for vloggers? Is there a better version from Panasonic?

[@glenngulia5409]

Okay, here is my problem with either reviewers or camera manufacturers: $2000 camera. $3000 camera. $4000 camera. Every review ends with some version of, "Who is this for? Run-n-Gun, ENG and Documentary filmmakers." The only conclusion I can arrive at is that no camera under $5000 is good enough for narrative filmmaking. And please, annoying guy that no one likes, please do not come on here with "It's not about the camera, it is about the story." I AGREE, but for some reason we are all trying to produce the best possible footage.

[@rtmpgt]

Not true really. I've made films on an NX70 and they came out just fine. Same for the UX180. The best camera you have for making films is the one you have available to you. You can easily shoot a narrative story on an iPhone, actually. In fact as far as I know, Unsane (a steven soderberg film) was shot on an iPhone X. petapixel.com/2018/01/30/steven-soderbergh-shot-latest-film-iphone-heres-trailer/

[@iMagineAS]

I really loved the DVX200. What makes you like this better than it? About to buy again and not sure which one to buy.

[@VideoGizmology]

I like the size of the body and zoom range of the UX180. For my personal needs, the DVX200 was too big and bulky. Both cameras are 8-bit internal only, but what I miss on the UX180 is the 10-bit out option and the 4:2.2 8-bit internal on the DVX200. Other than that, I can't tell the difference between the 1" sensor UX180 and the Micro 4/3rds sensor on the DVX200. The UX180 is cheaper, but more importantly, Panasonic has discontinued the DVX200, so that should tell you something.

[@MarioAVGuzman]

is AG-ux180 best for shooting if connected to an LED video wall? why or why not?

[@Military872]

Thanks for a great review ,would you recommend this for filming fast moving Aircraft?

[@VideoGizmology]

Yes. This is a great camera for filming aircrafts. Long zoom range. Good image stabilization. Focus is great in daylight.

[@coffeehigh420]

please tell me what the difference is besides the cropping thing with the ux90 and ux180. Thanks!!

[@rohan-ghosh]

FOCAL LENGTH (WIDTH) while shooting - One of the main reasons we got UX-180 over UX-90 was that when you shoot in 4K using the UX-90, the camera automatically "zooms in" a bit and crops out the frame when you toggle from HD to 4K. That does not happen in UX-180.

[@level11audio34]

How is the auto focus? I will be using it for a lot of self shooting. I know the ux90 does not have facial recognition. Is this one any better?

[@VideoGizmology]

Auto focus is okay, but not as good as Canon or Sony. It helps that the sensor is small and the aperture only opens to f/2.8. I don't think the UX180 has better auto focus than the UX90, tho. So if you think the UX90's auto focus was bad, the UX180 is not that much better.

[@gatlinproduction]

Why not used this for a music video? Is image quality not good when you start adding lighting or Green Screen work? Or are you preferring to setup time?

[@VideoGizmology]

I'm generalizing. Obviously, you can use any camera for a music video, even your phone. It all depends on your concept. However, larger camera sensors with interchangeable lenses give you the easier ability to create high production value looks on a lower budget. A camera is just a tool. When possible, filmmakers try to use the best tool for the job.

[@wildlifesnapper1]

Like you, I was surprised at no 3.5mm jack input as I would have liked to use my Zoom H5 along with the SSH6 stereo mic. I'm guessing if I buy a 3.5mm to XLR that I can run the 3.5mm from the line out of the Zoom and have the XLR connected to the camcorder. Not that its a worry because i have a Sennheiser ME66 shotgun mic anyway. I think every review of these camcorders have pretty much slated the LCD screen. Nice review.

[@VideoGizmology]

Thanks! Using the 3.5mm to XLR adapter is what I use, although, depending on the cables and adapters, it can add audible noise or distortion.

[@wildlifesnapper1]

@@VideoGizmology Yes, I had my suspicions regarding audio quality & noise via 3.5mm to XLR

[@rizzlerazzleuno4733]

Very good and concise explanation of this camera. I've used the previous versions of 1080p Panasonic camcorders, but now I need a good still camera and good video camera. Do you have any experience with Sony RX10-IV? Seems like I would be getting a very good 4K camera for less than the cost of the AG-UX90. I mostly do travel and interview videos using either shotgun or wireless lav mics. Thanks.

[@VideoGizmology]

I've never used the RX10 Mark IV, but I've used the RX10 Mark I and II and enjoyed using them, but the Panasonic FZ2500 is better for video than the RX10 series in my opinion. Especially if you are coming from Panasonic systems. I try to stick with the same brand when I'm mixing cameras together in a multicam shoot. Having said that, the video quality in the Sony RX10 IV is probably just as good as the UX90.

[@rizzlerazzleuno4733]

@@VideoGizmology Thank you.

[@paulallenMacca]

i Film mainly Common Buzzards in the sky would you say its a good Camera for that kind of Filming im looking a Camera that is really fast at Focusing as the Buzzards are usually a Distance from me in the Sky and id be using Zooming at the Longest Reach in 4K,i currently use the Sony FDR-AX53.

[@VideoGizmology]

Compared to the Sony AX53, it's much better. You might also want to look at the Panasonic FZ2500. It's a pocket version of the UX180, but with a longer zoom reach.

[@paulallenMacca]

Thanks for your advise im looking to get a more semi Professional Camcorder 2 things i hate about my AX53 are when looking into the sky if the sun is out when looking through the viewfinder im practically blinded and sometimes cant see a damn thing and 2 when using the Ring to use Manual focus ive to turn the ring no less than 12 times to set the focus i was also looking towards the Sony PXW Z190 which would you say has the fastest Lock On Focus.

[@wildlifesnapper1]

I shoot wildlife and really wanted this to be the answer to my prayers, sadly its not, with a very poor LCD and EVF viewfinder I would certainly need the EVF for birds in flight, I also looked at the Panasonic website and the wildlife footage was poor, slow AF and very soft images of what are large animals, Lions, Elephants, etc. If it's unable to get these animals tack sharp then there is no hope for small birds. Oh, by the way, I also watched a video where the chap was shooting small birds and this camera could not even keep the head in focus let alone the eye!!

[@ashkrikorian5753]

Great review. I am starting to break into the video recording world, and 2 noob questions. 1) what is v log, and why is it beneficial? 2) while I understand why 10 bit more than 8 bit... why did you find it to be a "bummer". is it detrimental to your recording that its not 10 bit?

[@VideoGizmology]

Shooting in V Log allows you to get the maximum amount of dynamic range from the camera if exposed correctly. Dynamic range is the range of light from shadow to highlight. In my tests, shooting V Log in 8 Bit is not as good as 10 Bit, as the V Log quality ties in with the color count and 10 Bit gives you more colors than 8 Bit. This is not the same for other cameras, though. The Canon cinema series can shoot Log with 8 Bit and not fall apart like Panasonic's V Log does.

[@ashkrikorian5753]

@@VideoGizmology gotcha, thank you. Would you so this camera would be able to shoot close to cinema quality as opposed to "camcorder" quality?

[@VideoGizmology]

You could achieve cinema quality with good lighting, but it's a challenge. If you want a cinema look, start with a lower end cinema or mirrorless camera like a Canon C100 Mark II or Panasonic GH5 or Sony A7 series.

[@ashkrikorian5753]

@@VideoGizmology interesting, thanks for the tip. Will the ux180 have the traditional "camcorder look" or will it look better, without the specific cinema look?

[@VideoGizmology]

If you don't control your lighting and take the UX180 right out of the box and start shooting without any tweaking of the settings, then the UX180 will look like camcorder footage. You have to use a combination of lighting, production design, and camera settings in order to achieve a cinematic look with the UX180. This applies to all cameras, but the UX180 needs extra care.

[@DuffTV]

Wonderful review. I also love my Canon XF205.

[@VideoGizmology]

Thanks!

[@josedelmirador]

Do you have any lag or sound sincro issues doing multicam? I'm considering changing my ex3s for these ones. I do live streaming with a switcher.

[@VideoGizmology]

It depends on your switcher and if you use the HDMI versus the HD-SDI. I used this camera on a Blackmagic ATEM Studio switcher and there was latency using the HDMI, but I didn't test the HD-SDI. However, the latency is the same on multicam.

[@larsosejohansen]

How would you compare it to the Canon Xa50? I can get the Panasonic used for pretty much the same.

[@VideoGizmology]

The Canon XA50 is very similar to the Canon XF400. The canon has better autofocus, low light, and LCD, but the Panasonic UX180 has a better zoom range, HD-SDI and Timecode, and a more professional body design. If I'm on a multi-cam shoot for a concert, wedding, live event, conference, I'll use the Panasonic. If I'm shooting solo, I'll use the Canon. In this video, I test the video quality of the XF400 vs the Panasonic UX180. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKu2Y4yEnM-HaKM

[@larsosejohansen]

Video Gizmology Thank you very much. Definitely something to think about, as I do both broadcasting and handheld run and gun type shoots. Unfortunately the Xf400/405 as no one is selling it used for the same as the Xa50 new.

[@larsosejohansen]

Video Gizmology Also how is the Ux180 in low light? And for broadcasting, do you use it with an external monitor?

[@VideoGizmology]

The UX180 is not the best low light camera. I recommend using an external monitor whenever you can. The UX180 has the worst LCD I've ever used in a camcorder. The contrast and brightness is dim, the colors are not accurate, and you can't tell what's in focus by looking at the LCD.

[@larsosejohansen]

@@VideoGizmology I bought the Xa50 back in September 2019. Super happy, it has payed itself down long time ago and the small things it's not perfect for is okay after all. Only thing sucking is that 1080 50p over HDMI is only for the XF400. Use it for live, doc, news, simple video production etc.

[@livingfaithsc]

Can I Live stream with clean HDMI output, without menu settings on the screen?

[@VideoGizmology]

Yes. The SDI output also has a clean signal.

[@yormaynbeni7387]

Hi. UX180 - CX350 = BEST CAMERA???

[@yunghart]

What’s the biggest difference in this camera and the Panasonic X1? The X1 is a lot cheaper and from what i’ve heard, it’s almost identical but i want to make sure i don’t regret not spending the extra cash on a better camera

[@VideoGizmology]

They are not identical. The UX180 is almost twice the size. The sensor is 1" -- better in low light, depth of field, image quality. Only get the X1 if you don't have money and it's on sale or used.

[@yunghart]

Video Gizmology ok. the X1000 is on sale and used for $1,000 which is significantly lower and i need it very soon. i think i’ll buy the X1000 for now and eventually sell it and try to make a couple bucks off of it and buy the UX180 or maybe even the DVX 200

[@148bus]

Fleebag the Dog so cute 👍👍👍

[@toto_Maori]

So I want to make short films but don't want to spend a lot of money I saw on Facebook this for 2,250 should I buy this one?

[@VideoGizmology]

No, the UX180 is good for live events, weddings, corporate conferences, or run and gun documentary. It's not ideal for short narrative films. You want to get a mirrorless camera, such as a Sony a6600, A7III, a6400 or a Panasonic GH5, GH5S, G7, GH4

[@ROSE._.3126-m8o]

This Ux 180 or Sony Nx80/Z150... which is good in low light, Af and Video Quality(Results)

[@rtmpgt]

I've used the NX70 (the predecessor to the NX80) and the UX180, i'd say that neiter is a good low-light camera, but as far as all-round workhorses go they're both solid little units. If it's your only camera, i'd take the Panasonic over the Sony. However if you want to add a low-light camera to your fleet I'd pick the Sony, as it'll be easier to match the footage from the NX80 to an A7s, which is by far the best bang-for-buck camera for low light usage.

[@alistairbarclay3116]

is this camera really blue? or is your wb a bit out?

[@VideoGizmology]

My white balance is off. The camera is black, not blue.

[@richpr751]

Would this be good for HS Football?

[@VideoGizmology]

yeah, perfect for outdoor games

[@Military872]

This looks like the same as the HC-X1

[@wildlifesnapper1]

Do you not get battery life remaining on the Screen or EVF then? Its also a shame that the LCD is useless as I shoot wildlife and obviously work outdoors. This would have been ok if the EVF were better but if it's NOT as you have clearly stated then this is not a camera I would purchase. I guess I will stick with my Sony NEX EA50 for now.

[@VideoGizmology]

The battery life shows up on the LCD and EVF as an icon with bars. It does not show the time remaining like other cameras do. And yes, the LCD is garbage outdoors and doesn't even represent what the footage will look like once you view it on a computer or TV. The footage looks much better. The EVF is decent outdoors. It's not bad, but it's not as good as other cameras in the same or lower price range.

[@wildlifesnapper1]

That's a real shame as I was going to buy this camera, I'm now going to avoid it. Thanks.

[@DuffTV]

I've had disappointing results with the Canon XF705. The 30x Extended zoom is soft. I am waiting for Canon to come back to me on this one, hopefully its only my camera. In this review of the AG-UX180 the reviewer talks up the 30X zoom but hand on I thought it was only 20x even in HD? Have you tested this feature and is the image sharp? Here is the video I mentioned. Thanks again for your help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ7EaXlvbrKckNE

[@VideoGizmology]

I'm not sure if 30x zoom on the UX180 in HD is clean or not, I never trust extended zooms on any camera. I always use a telephoto conversion lens if I need more zoom. I also sold my UX180, so I have no way of checking this anyway. That's strange to hear the Canon XF705 is disappointing. The XF705 should be superior to the UX180 and the XF400.

[@DuffTV]

@@VideoGizmology Did you upgrade to which camera?

[@VideoGizmology]

I don't use camcorders as much anymore, so I'm only using mirrorless and DSLRs for video.

[@anthonypeirce5875]

to video aircraft i dont think the ag ux180 three things LCD screen is poor EVF poor auto focus poor looking at screen and you have spend another £600 or more for 4k external monitor

[@rtmpgt]

I'd go a Sony A7sii in that case. Grab a DSLR telephoto lens (Like Canon's 70-200 F2.8L on a Metabones adapter), use SLog3/S-Gamut.cine to record. Set ISO to 6400, close off the aperture and just go for it. All you'll need is to grade the footage to suit SLog in your NLE, which there's plenty of good SLog3 to Rec.709 LUTs out there that can be had for much less than the cost of a monitor). The only downside is you're held back by the XAVC-S codec which peaks at 150mbps, whereas say, ProRes HQ or DNxHQX max out at nearly five times that.

[@SEMDOCTORS]

Thanks sir bought the camera and recorded this awesome footage link kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIvLo2x6asqWlcU