BEST Camcorder in 2020? - Panasonic HC-X1500 4K 60 FPS Camcorder Review

The Panasonic HC-X1500 is one of the best camcorders you can get in 2020. Panasonic HX-X1500 is a professional level camcorder that works like a champ and has fantastic video quality! Not only does it continuously record in 4K at 60 FPS, but it has excellent battery life, an amazing 24X Optical Zoom, a 32X hybrid zoom, OIS and EIS, it also has the ability to live stream to several online platforms like KZbin, with it's built in Wi-Fi!
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[@TheFlyingDutchMan8K]

good review ! do you think it will fit on a Zhiyun Weebill-S ? one more question will the ibis work @ 4k 30P 10-bit 4:2:2 ?

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Thanks for the review. How would you say this compares to the Sony AX33? That's what I have at the moment and I find that it struggles with the colours - in fact it makes very vibrant scenes quite drab and I end up using more footage from my Gopro (but lose the zoom obviously). Would this be much better?

[@CorduroyPaco]

The raw files may be drab because it's expecting you to colour it in post like many new cameras do now for some reason. Try bringing the footage into a colouring program and see if that's the way to make the images pop like they were when you were filming.

[@leokimvideo]

Is it dropping video frames or did KZbin break the upload

[@DuffTV]

Excellent review, well done. keep them coming

[@jazzmanematthews8376]

I have a Sony AX53 that i have used for years and I love it!! The quality is excellent even in low light.

[@joseyzadoria7815]

I have been using a smaller Panasonic digital Cam and have absolutely loved it. However I am a professional and this is something I have been looking for in terms of the features and options that this cam offers, such as external Mic options, the Slow MO, and 4K abilities. He forgot to mention that the Leica lens that these cams come with is pretty nice too. The price for this cam is not too outrageous either. Thanks for doing this review, I am sold and I am going to buy it soon!

[@soundhobo]

I upgraded from a Panasonic VXF1 to the new X2000 and it’s a great camera. The size is surprisingly small for all the features it has, I’m really looking forward to getting to grips with it as it’s a real step up for me 👍

[@NickFlightX]

Have you experienced any hissing issues with the external mic input? I have just received the camera and I noticed when I plugged any mic or any 3.5 cable into the external audio input, there is a constant hissing sound that isn't coming from the mic or cable. It looks like a camera issue and isn't fixable with gain settings.

[@shawnstatzer3137]

Wow! I plan on purchasing this for my world travels. Great video, and thanks.

[@TechOdyssey]

You’re welcome glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching

[@peterwilson9699]

Corona, no travelling...

[@shawnstatzer95]

@@peterwilson9699 traveling restrictions vary from place to place, and is always changing. Anyhow, my plane ticket is good for one year after purchase.

[@pcofranc]

My brother has been been shooting video depositions and stage performances with two Panasonic AG-UX90 for years and he loves the convenience and for depositions visible Time / date stamp on all recordings is mandatory.

[@DanielTuriman]

Look like beast, i will use for sport or news for long time shoot.

[@ThriftyAV]

I saw a different review of this that was hung up on the small sensor. The only time this might be an issue is in very low light conditions. The sensor may be small, but it looks good! Thank you for the review.

[@TechOdyssey]

You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching

[@ThriftyAV]

@@TechOdyssey I hide my subscriptions, but I also did that!

[@chrisw5742]

A big lens should have a big sensor. The price sure is BIG.

[@ricr.4669]

if you like your phone video in low light then this is miles apart.

[@predigr]

I am not sure about that. Camcorders

[@IanScottJohnston]

So glad you showed the LCD can face forward......was struggling to find a review/spec that showed this!

[@TechOdyssey]

Glad I could help.

[@DaveWestMedia]

Looks like a beast!! 💪

[@TechOdyssey]

Yeah it is. Thanks for watching, Dave!

[@ekedini]

Very nice review. I absolutely LOVE Panasonic Camcorders!

[@TechOdyssey]

Thank you

[@AaronHahnStudios]

Good honest review. Thankyou.

[@TechOdyssey]

You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@bruce8209]

good info, thanks! One Q.: is the zoom variable by knob, only in the menu of booth? does it start from zero slow to max and ending slow? please more info about the zoom options. Thanks.

[@taraxmetodopilates3658]

How much time can go in a battery life? Would you recommend it for live streaming pilates in a small studio?

[@randomrandom5518]

Great review! would you still recomend for 2023? As you mentioned at 4k/60 many cameras overheat too fast. My question is, can this camera record at 4k/60 HDR continiusly walking for 2 hours with the battery lasting and not overheating, with stabilization and other specs on?

[@andriankoce7513]

Awesome,, i like panasonic HC-X1500 👍🏻😊

[@DarkestKnight2424]

Hi! I'm new to this kind of world What could I use a camrecorder for? Like what do you suggest I can use it for? And also is it possible for mini movie shooting

[@travelwithrado]

Lovely video. I need some tips. I travel a lot and shoot video and pics of urban outdoors (streets, historical places), indoors (galleries, cathedrals, museums) and sometimes landscapes. I can't decide what camera (FX, mirrorless, DSLR or camcorder), gimble etc. Is camcorder compatible with gimble?

[@sirrr.9961]

ThankGod Someone has talked about shutdown issue. BTW the lense looks replaceable, is it?

[@syedarmaghanhassan4652]

Thansl for sharing. Does it have Stabilized sensor, nd Filters, shallow depth of field? How is the low light performance? Thanks for sharimg good stuff Kind regards,

[@MrPlasmo]

Great review. I got the x1500 and it’s a great upgrade from my previous cameras. One issue for me though is their viewfinder with my far-sighted eyes. The characters thru the viewfinder are sooo small that I can’t see them clearly. My other cams had lens adjustment so I could adjust it into focus for my eyes to see. Does anyone else have this issue with the viewfinder?

[@jeffchandler3390]

I'm not sure what your problem was with the Panasonic so but I've been using it for years with multiple Panasonic/Lumix cameras and it's easy to connect, works well and is well designed.

[@ibirdmedia8530]

Hello sir.... witch camera is lowest price and better for making of short films ?

[@marcorossi2182]

I would like to put a camcorder on a stand to record a chamber music. Usually is in low light condition (churches, theater, etc.....). 30min limit is a problem for me thinking of DSLR. Do you think will this record video any good?

[@baranyiproduction]

Very nice presentation, good quality! Thank you, I'll share it with some friends! Did you use the same Panasonic for your presentation? Probably an external mic? Thank you.

[@TechOdyssey]

I used it portions of the video, yes. I used an external microphone

[@charan692]

very good review .

[@BUILTDIESELMAFIA]

4k 60 and 24x zoom will make this a hit for sure.

[@thewalkingvloggingman7152]

And 422 10 bit color

[@quicker76]

...and ND filters, but the sensor is tiny! And 4K 60p is 420, 4K 30p is 422.

[@comabatcameraman]

Great review -- how does it stand up to the GH5? looking for a small camera for documentary production, 4K delivery. Major network. Thanks!

[@bigtb1717]

This camera has a much smaller sensor than the GH5. It won’t do as well in low light. It probably won’t have as much dynamic range either. It is a nice, all-in-one setup, but the lens is built-in. It has a huge zoom trange, which adds versatility, but it is a variable aperture and if there is something it can’t do for you, you can’t change it. I’d say the GH5 is going to be the better camera for documentary work, but it will cost more once fully set up.

[@kevinmartin4787]

Thank you!

[@ExploreTravelTV]

looks like it has a built in ND filter system too. didn't hear that mentioned? could have missed it. looks like the lens isn't very fast though either (low F-stop) so probably not good in low light?

[@Thoracius]

have you tried underexposing by a stop and then boosting it with curves in post? Might give more pleasing rolloff to those nasty clipped highlights.

[@STapia-hf7vp]

Can you use a separate 4k TV as a monitor while recording in 4k? My ax100 won't do that.

[@3jackgolf]

I’m new to cameras and trying to learn more. Can you put a filter on this x1500? Is it smart to get an ND filter? Or no bc it already has nd filter built in? Is it wise to just get a clear filter if no don’t need nd filter since already built in?

[@tonyglasstv2685]

Great review, shocking how few of the current generation understand how cool some of the old camcorders were. Happy with 1080 can't afford this? Pick up a pre-loved Pana SD900 3 Chip camcorder great picture quality for its time £250 ish 12x optical zoom 50fps Also Sony NEX VG20 for interchangeable lenses £500 ish Remember though X1500 fixed lens as SD900

[@videocreation5206]

Have two of these cams sd900, been using them on the atomos ninga v to record straight from hdmi to prores at 1080p 50fps then convert to 60fps using davinci resolve studio optical flow as most online content looks better for the viewer online as most monitors are standard at 60hz so the frame rate needs to match 60fps for silky smooth video ,the quality is amazing ,have the hc-vx990 4k but to be honest i prefer the 3mos chip.Very lucky to get a good one now,have seen a couple on eBay for between £250-350

[@shinekibera655]

I have Sony PJ760 bought it in 2013. The camera is a beast!

[@thewalkingvloggingman7152]

No its not.

[@amber300c]

Which is better x1500 or x2000 for 4K 60fps usage. Also how is the stabilisation whilst walking?

[@Irishdonnatarot]

15 years in video production, I was horrified at how bad DSLR audio really is. DSLR cameras have their place but they DO NOT replace or trump a great camcorder or pro video camera.

[@impel6477]

So is this a good one?

[@paulallenMacca]

Thanks for sharing I film Birds of Prey in the sky with my Sony FDR AX53 but find when tracking them the camera goes in and out of focus what that Panasonic but better for me I was thinking of the Panasonic HC-X 2000.

[@3dvorator]

does this machine record video in Dlog for color correction in post?

[@distantsignal]

I had to chuckle a little at the "old fashioned" remark about the viewfinder. That's kinda the standard for professional film and video production.

[@TechOdyssey]

This is the first camcorder I've ever reviewed and I normally shoot video with a phone... so, some of these things are new to me.

[@bll65]

What is the difference between shooting with this one or a camera?

[@mtovarto]

Great video. Would like your opinion on this, I am looking for a camera to record my daughter soccer games. I use a iPad before in a floor stand to record a game. Quality is good but following players smoothly , zooming in and out and then combining the video and moving the video between equipments to editing is all less than ideal. My daughter loved that I recorded her and I enjoyed capturing the game. So I feel very keen to invest on this, and maybe could be something serious in the near future. I watch now several videos of sport recording, and my choices are a Magnus VT4000Pro stand, a Libec zoom controller and price wise this camera seems reasonable on price, compare to a PXW-Z150 Sony for example. What you think. Hope the zoom controller is compatible can't see on the specs that the is a port of this external device. Have you tried this streaming on Facebook or KZbin? I imagine to can stream and save the video. Last I guess an external microphones with a windshield cover will be required in case there is wind when recording on an open football (soccer) field, right. Thanks for your time.

[@SteelBustingBiker]

Having shot TM700 for a decade in 1080 60P...and only imagine the offering 2020? BTW, still shooting great video today.

[@jelasstv3314]

Amazing guys..

[@AdrianGozali]

I still use Camcorders in 2021.. so, thanks for covering this type of camera

[@TechOdyssey]

You're welcome

[@MasKyaichannel]

nice review

[@TechOdyssey]

Thank you

[@babsdiorio2092]

Love your show ,Grandmother looking to film Grandsons ballgames where do I buy good used camcorder ? Thanks

[@diamondkids2996]

iPhone 11

[@scottwoods3997]

Been looking at one of these to do my videos ....

[@thomaskalladan4065]

A good review of the video camera. I bought it to do live video streaming of church services due to the Corona Virus pandemic. There is an easy way of putting the URL of streaming but I could not figure it out yet.

[@robcox500]

This is what I want to do. Have u figured out how to get the output via wifi into streaming software like OBS or VMix?

[@thomaskalladan4065]

@@robcox500 Yes I did see some KZbin videos explaining how to do it. Here is the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJbHaoR_haiEj5I Hope it will help you out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYCZg2uPoaqgeKc kzbin.info/www/bejne/lX_JfJ1rpq2Hq6c&ab_channel=PrecisionCameraandVideo

[@CbcMultimedia]

What is the color depth? Will it do 4:2:2 10 bit color?

[@jayaharidasa]

thanks for the review, nicely done. Question, is there a log or raw picture profile?

[@TechOdyssey]

I'll check and get back with you.

[@tiduffield]

No, it doesn't. Cine-like D and V is closest.

[@paulvee83]

Cinelike D can be tweaked quite a bit to make it even flatter bit to me looks pretty decent as it factory preset.

[@waldtradition1166]

I have the sony fdr-ax700. 1" sensor 960fps slomo for nearly two years. So why would I need this one? Has Panasonic only now caught up with Sony? And the price is pretty much the same

[@plutarcocriterion754]

Good camera. I like one ¿How much? are you take your video with this camera?

[@lovelysounds4955]

yep gud information !!!

[@birdfeeder742]

Are you doing any more videos of the hc-1500

[@jigarparmar5]

What is your view about macro videography with this device?

[@TonyVRailfanning]

Can you take photos with this camera while recording video? I have a 10 year old tm900 that works flawlessly and allows you to take a photo while recording video but it does not do 4K only 1080p/60

[@TechOdyssey]

I believe so but I don’t have the camera anymore to test it out so I can’t say for sure. Sorry.

[@paulallenMacca]

Id love to know what its like at Locking onto Focus as i film mainly Common Buzzards in the sky here in the UK,id love a camcorder that has great fast Focusing.

[@AspectStudio]

I'd go with a Canon, their autofocus is the best in the industry.

[@boat_life]

You think is worth to buy the XLR audio handle? It really make great audio? I am using small shootgun mic and it producing descent audio. What would be different with the XLR? I am recording outdoor, by the water , filming boats on water

[@TechOdyssey]

I would try what you have first and see how it works out before spending the money.

[@boat_life]

@@TechOdyssey what I am asking is that , it would be a big different between using XLR with shotgun mic or just using the shotgun mic it self.

[@TechOdyssey]

@@boat_life that I don't know. I'm not that big of an audio guy to where I could tell you the difference. I have not personally used XLR audio before. But my recommendation would be to test yours out if you get/have the camera before buying it. If you're happy with how it sounds don't waste the money. I have a shotgun style microphone though and I'm quite happy with how it sounds.

[@boat_life]

@@TechOdyssey thanks for your reply. I am using a $40 mic, so the sound is not that great, but by the water I figured I won’t need a high tech mic, but I would like to upgrade to get better sound and I thought I may buy the XLR . Purchasing a better mic it may solve the problem for less price than the cost for XLR. Which mic you use?

[@ungavaproductions]

Need help with my new X1500. When connected to my TV through HDMI I got no signal ???? 2hen I Connect my Sony Cx405, it's working ? Do I need to set something in the menuor to follow a stricted process of connecting ? I got this camera few days ago ????

[@ShahiedJohaadien]

Camcorders are seriously underrated! 🙄

[@lordclancharlie1325]

f4 fixed lens... totally overrated this one

[@aceofswords1725]

Yupp, as a video production pro I can testify to that. Camcorders have one thing that is absolutely crucial for professionals - ergonomics. Also reliability. You do not have to set up a rig, choose a lens and fiddle with buttons that are positioned for photography... You just grab it and go! In 90% of use cases camcorder is the tool I choose to use. DSLRs and mirorless tend to produce better looking picture, in a cinematic sense, but unless you really, really require that cinematic look that you can mostly get in post anyway, camcorders are definitely most pros weapon of choice, or at least should be. There is only one thing that is bringing them down at the moment, and that is sensor size. For some reason all manufacturers choose to put really tiny chips into them. I understand the zoom range argument, but imo that could be easily solved with a set of lens addons. The times where 24x, 36x or whatever were the selling points for the mom and pop crowd are loooong behind us.... I'd be more than happy with a 12x or even 8x if you could buy quality dedicated 2x and 0.5x lens adapters to go with it.

[@lordclancharlie1325]

@@aceofswords1725 and F2.8 or lower lenses. Actually interchangeable lenses, even better !

[@ShahiedJohaadien]

Lets not forget the much friendlier battery life of a camcorder vs dslr/mirrorless 😅

[@princesshappiness740]

@@aceofswords1725 please can you recommend pranks camera for me pls reply

[@zandoleemedia9272]

Nice Review

[@TechOdyssey]

Thank you

[@jenky1044]

I thought optical zoom has always been better than digital zoom. Also I figured you was going to tell then why digital zoom sucks when started to mention about having the computer do the zooming.?? Great review, best regards.

[@predigr]

Nice camcorder, but sensor size makes image quality grainy in interiors even with abundant light conditions.

[@plunkmaster]

Which is better the Canon XA50 or the Panasonic X1500?

[@JMPatel-nk8gr]

Can I use this for KZbin content creation instead of Canon M50 or Sony A6400?

[@TechOdyssey]

You can but I would likely recommend the canon or a6400 for content creation. The camcorder is nice and is good for people who need a camcorder but as a KZbin content creator i think the camera option is better. An M50 is 1/3rd the price and also allows you to take high quality pictures for thumbnails and has a lot of options versus a $1500 camcorder

[@kevinboyd-kevinboydvideosa6961]

Your slightly out of focus a fair bit around the camera. did not really get a good look at features and Battery life = hrs ?. Supose it takes another style battery to earlier panasonic cameras also ?. . can it fit a lense cover also. ?.

[@LiveDeerCamByCajun]

thanks for the video

[@TechOdyssey]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching

[@ghostbusterindisguise7623]

This camcorder stopped recording and didn’t make a sound. Also when I press the record button it doesn’t make a sound letting me know it started recording. This is important for me since I record diys and once I’m in the zone I’m not constantly looking at the display to see if its recording. Is there a way for me to turn on the button’s sound?

[@EC-ns1zx]

Idk if anyone can help me or if the guy who made this video will see this but at 3:50 you said something about connecting a controller.... What controller? I'm new to all this camera stuff and am caught up with LANC ports and whatnot. Can I connect any controller or does it have to be a specific kind? Thanks again.

[@TechOdyssey]

The controller is an app on your phone or tablet. Not a physical one. You can control the camera with it

[@EC-ns1zx]

@@TechOdyssey thanks for the reply! Do you know of any physical controllers?

[@gregoryeditor6500]

I am very happy with my Sony HDR-CX405 which is just as good. BTW how come you do not reply to any comments?

[@KevinMullarkey]

I'm looking at getting one of these. I use a Lumix S5 which is great but i'll relegate it to a B-cam and make the 1500 my main A cam

[@jeffpeacock7321]

Is the lens parfocal?

[@jennifergrayson3734]

So I have a question if u get a 4k camcorder will it work with a a laptop that's 6 years old or so and has a Windows 10 on it will a 4k be compatible with it ????

[@alevi9340]

Let me tell you something:Your lap top or desktop will work with 4k only if that one has a good processor and good memory ram, also has an screen who accept that resolution.Intel processor with a 2.5 or more with hiper treading tech the one who force the processor to increasse the speed and clock to response,the ram cuold be 16.Also hdmi input. You must know if after conecting or playing an 4k video is smoth or freeze also the screen show more acurate the video, otherwise your lap top doesn't work for 4k. Greetings

[@gfinnstrom]

there are many out there who cry about the way their dslr do not work as they want like a camcorder ... they want camcorder function and not get it... for videos use a camcorder and it will fix their crying BTW great video

[@TechOdyssey]

Thanks a lot. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@conspiracies1014]

Great video, but What camera are you using to shoot this video with?

[@TechOdyssey]

My Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra

[@horiabodeanu7641]

Would this be suitable for weddings? How long a battery can hold and how much GB/h does a 4k footage using this camera usually takes? Thank you, TechOdyssey! :)

[@TroyannosaurusRex]

I would imagine so but I’d always bring an additional battery. The battery life is about 4hrs continuous

[@momentsbyron]

How's the af, does it has touch screen af?

[@FullMetalNate]

What tripod goes well with this?

[@fastertv4834]

OK, a question for you. What camera did you shoot this video with? It looks AMAZING?

[@TechOdyssey]

Honestly I don't remember... it's been so long. Maybe the Note 10 Plus?

[@Perfection4K]

I have a question? After playing with this camcorder - do you see any visual deference between 200 bitrate and 100 bitrate video quality and changing between H.264 vs. H.265 codec if you see any file reduction in size recording in 4K 60FPS?

[@AutospeciLvAkumulatori]

No, there is no difference, if not color grading

[@paulvee83]

More effective at 200 if you plan to colour grade

[@heyQuechivo]

GOOD STAFF BROTHER

[@birdfeeder742]

Could you possibly do some more videos of the 1500 camcorder

[@Rahproductionsmiami]

What mic are you using for your video?

[@TechOdyssey]

I have a yeti mic now. Can't remember if I used it for this video or not. I think I got it after.

[@Yavor54]

I was tettering on snagging one of these and the thing that pushed me over to the Canon model was it's small sensor size. It just isn't going to have the low light capability (as good) and the creamy BOKEH that a 1" sensor will. I'm sure it is excellent, but those two things are what makes a camcorder different from a phone camera.

[@Apuat]

Bob Nagy what Canon did you buy?

[@thewalkingvloggingman7152]

A 1 inch sensor does not guarantee low light performance, even the larger micro four thirds sensors struggle in some low light situations.

[@SaveTheManuals]

Thanks for the review. Looking at the Sony NX80 and other lightweight prosumer models like this X1500. Any thoughts on others I should consider in this range, or which you think is overall stronger?

[@TechOdyssey]

I would have to look at price and features, really. This is my first time ever reviewing a camcorder so I'm not overly familiar with the competitive field. Thanks for watching

[@AutospeciLvAkumulatori]

Low light X1500 is terrible

@@AutospeciLvAkumulatoriReally ??

[@AutospeciLvAkumulatori]

@ yes, worse than phone. I own a x1500. Good camcorder, but only in normal light situation.

[@jeffchandler3390]

@@AutospeciLvAkumulatori not true. It's working just fine for me in low light. No, it can't see in the dark but most pros don't need that. We understand that wealth video requires a certain minimum of light.

[@Howlin23]

This compared to the Canon G50/G60....which one do you go with?

[@cb2000a]

Canon...I just like their flesh tones.

[@AridersLifeYT]

i had the hcx1000 and it was terrible. hatd the low light and the zoom step focus issues

[@azarmahmood5045]

What camera were using to make this video thankyou

[@TechOdyssey]

Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra

[@rossalinni]

Dear Sir, can you use this camera as an professional webcam ?

[@straightshootinoutdoors]

How do you access the digital zoom ?

[@stanmancam]

Hi mate can you take a still image from a video file and if so is it quality cheers

[@TechOdyssey]

I don't have the camera anymore. I haven't used it since March. Honestly I can't remember. I'm sorry

[@marklarson3934]

Can it incorporate a Date and Time Stamp Overlay in 4K Video Mode ? My video editing software states that it can only pass through the DTS data in AVCHD Mode but, it's 2020 and 1K is totally obsolete and a waist of time -- it's like taking a horse on the freeway

[@thewalkingvloggingman7152]

No, you just have to buy a cheaper camera, those have time stamps. New cameras don't have no cheap time stamp!

[@djxcel23]

What is the Aperture Size of the lens ?

[@tamilvlogg1192]

What is the latest cam corder now?

[@ConstantinLehadus]

Hello! has H.265 HEVC coding?