Camcorders & Cameras I use for Wedding Videography HCX series Firmware update & the Panasonic S5M2x

[@wmvideo50]

so happy on new firmware just done it

[@RobertHamm]

Absolutely! It's a great update.

[@joyoffilming9500]

Excellent overview!

[@angeloplayforone]

A lot of equipment to carry to a wedding. Need to have like 2 to 3 camera operators using all this camera.

[@RobertHamm]

We work in teams of 2 or 3 depending on the services ordered. Even with two, the only time multiple cameras are operated by the videographer is during the ceremony. In those instances, one or two camcorders are static cameras and the gimbal is operated by the videographer. Same for the reception. I will have one angle capturing wide and the gimbal camera on the move. The photographers each get a pocket 2 in case they see something they want to get but don't want to change the camera settings from stills to video. It's easier than it sounds.

[@Mr.B.FotoVideo]

Hello Robert, I watched the video because of the Lumix S5II X. I hoped you were referring to the new HC-x2 and not the older Pana 4k cameras. The many additional products for video production (events) and the missing ND filter bother me about the S5 II X - although it creates photos, has a higher quality sensor and a better focus system. I'm really not sure what's better for video production. Greetings from Nuremberg, Germany.

[@RobertHamm]

Helo Mr.B. what part were you reffering to? What's your question?

[@Mr.B.FotoVideo]

@@RobertHamm I'm interested in the direction of the Panasonic DC-S5II X or alternatively the HC-X2. I'm about to buy it, so I viewed your video. Unfortunately, you only compared the predecessors of the Pana cams. My question: If I don't want to film at weddings, but at public events: Is the HC-X2 really worse in terms of the result with 4k 60/30p than the S5 IIX? What bothers me about the hybrid solutions is the necessary structure (rig). But because of the smaller sensor, an HC-X2 should deliver "bad" results, right? It's all about the presentation on KZbin. Thank you for your feedback. greetings peter

[@RobertHamm]

Great. I can answer that from my experience. Before you make a decision, please view this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pl68q55njJxnrJo In that video I Use the HCX1, not the NEWER HCX2 Panasonic just released. If you think the results from the HCX1 are good enough, the you will absolutely love the HCX2. I wish I had one. The HCX20 is about 2-3 generations of sensor and processing engine newer than my HCX1. I made the video using the HCX1 to show a point- image quality isn't always about specifications, and small sensor cameras can do a great job in low light- when used properly. I think the limit is drawn at 1/2" sensors.. anything smaller and it starts to break up. As for your use, yes. The HCX2 will be a great all in one package. I prefer camcorders to MILCs because of the long lens, audio onboard, and all in one rig. Just pick up and shoot. Nothing else is necessary. And ND filters are included standard- one less thing to carry around. As compared to the S5ii, no. The S5ii is a hybrid camera. It has much better image quality, specifically in low light, and can be figged out to fit each mission separately. Not to forget the fact that it's a digital camera, too. The S5ii fills a photo and video role. But, there are some trade-offs. Specifically you have to have more gear to accomplish the same kind of mission that you would with one piece of gear in a camcorder. So, those things are the considerations you must make. If you already have a way to capture images, then you may only need a camcorder. But if you don't, then you really need to determine if you need a camcorder or if you really need a mirrorless camera that can do both jobs. I would say that if you think you need a camcorder, you probably need a hybrid mirrorless camera. If you know you need a camcorder, then you absolutely need a camcorder. Please use my Amazon affiliate links to make a purchase. It's the only way I'm compensated for any of the help I've been to my viewers. Let me know what you decide and send a video if you ever make one. Cheers, Rob.

[@Mr.B.FotoVideo]

@@RobertHamm Wow - Robert, that's real commitment. Thank you for that. Your videos bring me closer to my decision: I will buy the HC-X2. Reasons: Integrated sound, grip and ND filter, 24-490mm focal length, HLG, 13 stops, 4k 50/60, 10 bit, HD live streaming. No gimbal required. Everything is built into the camera, no RIG necessary. / The technical data of the S5IIX are of course much more modern and extensive. But it's not a thoroughbred video camera - it's just a hybrid. I imagine a photo camera to be more powerful, I had an S1R and sold it. Good for photos (resolution), bad for video. So I will use the HC-X2 as a video camera and wait for the new Fujifilm GFX 100 S (possibly in September...). Thank you very much for your reply and have a nice time. Peter.

[@srao6925]

I was watching your review on the Sony NX800 and heard some comments on the Panasonic HC-X2. I got this for shooting some wedding, and what I found was the exposure is always incorrect. It produces over exposed back ground (when the background has any lighter color backdrops) and the settings are 12DB, F6.5, only AF and no AF+AE. I am running out of ideas, as to how this can be corrected. Any suggestions on the settings? I had captured some shots in a different event using S5 IIX and it is phenomenally different.

[@RobertHamm]

That's puzzling. The HCX2 should work great for weddings. It's bound to be a setup issue. Mirrorless cameras and camcorders have a very different workflow concept. You may think they would work the same, but they don't. Your experiencing that right now. 12 decibels for a wedding, that seems a little high. Exposing brighter when the background is bright, that sounds like a backlight correction setting being turned on. Keeping your constant f6.5 or anything around f 6.5 or f8 has to do with auto iris. There are lots of different settings you can choose for how you want to use the camcorder, but if you have not used camcorder's extensively in the past, then it takes some getting used to. Search and download the manual, the complete manual, which will be a couple of hundred pages, watch Barry Green's videos about Panasonic's previous camcorders, and do a search for the AGCX 350 user manual, or the Panasonic ACX 10 handbook. You're looking for marketing materials that discuss those camcorders, and Panasonic made full featured books in PDF format that are free to download that have a ton of information and read better than the manual. Good luck.

[@hssr1894]

@@RobertHamm, Thanks for your comments. I have been using the Ag AX 90 and NX 200 for quite some time, but I never had any issue of backlighting. Let me once again check the camcorder and see if it is set to auto back light or so. I will download Barry Green’s handbook for the CX350 and review. Thanks again.

[@MariaMartinez-jw4qm]

How do we get the updates for the 1500?

[@CarlosCharlemagne]

I see that you use the hcx2000 a lot. Do you use the audio on other shootings? I have the hcx1500 and not the handle and audio with an external mic is horrible with a hiss sound. Have seen comments that the audio is bad on those cameras. For what I use the camera the internal mic is not that bad but really wanted to use an external mic for better audio

[@RobertHamm]

Good audio has a lot more to do with signal chain and gain staging than just the mic at the start. Right mic for the right job and so on. Generally, I record through a wireless mic system. I may use all different kinds of mics on the capture side. I also record in as high of a quality as possible. For me, I have switched to 32bit float recording at 96k sample rate. This leaves a lot of room for correction in the post production process. The most important thing I do is get the mic close to the audio source as possible, and set the levels properly. In some instances I use the on camera mic. Here again, I set the gain properly and get close to the audio source. If that is a person talking it means that I won't try to record them from across the room by turning the gain up and zooming the lens. Instead I will turn the audio gain down, zoom out with the lens, and walk closer to the person to capture their voice. I'm a wedding videographer and that doesn't always work out, which is why I use a wireless mic system most of the time. Cheers.

[@angeloplayforone]

What do you think of Nikon cameras voor wedding videography, such as Nikon Z9 and Z8?

[@RobertHamm]

You can't buy a bad current generation camera. Go for it.

[@eugenecanna5835]

Hi Robert i recently got HC-X2000 is it possible 2 record 2 different formats at the same time Mp4 on 1card and 1080 or 4k on second card 🤔

[@RobertHamm]

Kind of. You can record proxy files. I don't do it often, because it's not like dual recording that you would expect. I don't know why they didn't enable it. The camera's powerful enough to do it. However, you can get proxy recordings. Just check the manual. It has to do with the dual card slot function and the system settings. It'll work though.

[@eugenecanna5835]

@RobertHamm perfect, I will try thanks 👍👌