Panasonic CX350 Review - 3 good and 3 bad

[@CarlosTorres-hi6si]

Congratulations on the review of the AG UX350. I currently use SONY HXR NX80 and I like its focus speed for tracking. I want to evolve and took into account the CX350 but I had previously had AG UX180 and its focus is not very fast. I am a freelance cameraman and my work is 50% ballet in theaters and competitions, 40% social events that I planned to cover with the Sony A7Siii (not yet announced) and the remaining 10% conferences. I also thought about adding a 100-400 SONY GMASTER lens to the FULL FRAME camera (which I don't have yet) but I would also have to add a power zoom accessory like the ones TILTA offers. I hope I can make a good decision. Thanks for the video you have uploaded and greetings from Lima Peru.

[@EventVideo]

Hi Carlos! With a 1" sensor camera like the CX350 you will not match the low light capabilities of say the Sony A7S2 but the reason you buy this type of camera is the ease of use for events and things like the zoom. In practice I find it's pretty good for "noise" for example when there are lots of dark areas on the edge of the stage. Especially in 4K. I tend to use it on wide and then use my GH5S for close ups so I'm always running two cameras.

[@CarlosTorres-hi6si]

@@EventVideo In Focus thanks for the advice. Greetings from Lima, Peru.

[@DavidBichoHasBeard]

Thanks! Great review. Curious about the zoom speed. I heard they where about to make it faster in the upgrade - since you didn’t mention it maybe they did so you didn’t find it too slow?

[@EventVideo]

David Bicho thanks 🙏 I actually shot this before the firmware update but it did add more “control” with the zoom. From the rocker on the top I find it smooth and controlled. If I want to “pop in” then I’ll use the zoom ring. There is a good cx350 group on Facebook where a few people were discussing it more. Personally it’s not caused me any issues

[@Bryster51]

Having the AG UX180, shooting flying events, the AF is a bear to keep things in focus. Especially using the built in ND filters. Only way to recover focus is to go WIDER on the lens to reacquire, the more contrast in the scene, the faster it reacquired focus. Hope the next version will be improved, yet we say that to every new item Panasonic comes out with.

[@EventVideo]

Firmware v3.02 addressed some of the issues with zoom speed and making it more "predictable".

[@gcprost]

I suspect the menu system was built on the one from the PX 270, which I own. The auto focus on my 270 is excellent. One common problem with the 350 is the integration with remote zooms. The remote zoom on the 270 works great. The 270 creates only a 1080 p image but aside from the resolution it is better than my GH5's. I'd like to compare them side by side but if I was going to add another ENG camera, I'd be inclined to pick up a DVX 200. I'd love to see a showdown between thes cameras.

[@EventVideo]

I’ve read mixed reviews. It would save me £1000 probably so that’s a positive but it may be a better move to get a second cx350. LANC compatibility is a real issue with the cx350. Have you tested the vz-stealth?

[@gcprost]

@@EventVideo No I haven't.

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

Which one is a better camcorder: this panasonic or the Canon XF605? thanks

[@EventVideo]

Close call. XF605 is more expensive, has better AF but shorter zoom range and less additional features like NDI and I'm not sure if it has HLG. Depends on your specific needs

[@CL-Filmz]

Have you used this camera with the up to date firmware? Which adds face detection and tracking?

[@EventVideo]

We do all the time. Panasonic have done a good job with their updates. The AF Face tracking is pretty good. It can be fooled by people wearing hats or someone with their face side on to you but it's worth using at events in my opinion.

[@CL-Filmz]

@@EventVideo Thanks for the prompt reply. I also need to know if this has the face detection/tracking in manual mode. The HC-X2 just arrived and it only has face detection/tracking in auto mode 😒 hopefully they change this in a firmware update. Also how do you find the lcd screen?

[@EventVideo]

@@CL-Filmz It's only in auto mode and it's been on there for a while so I can't see them changing it. LCD is fine for our use which is mostly inside. From what I've seen the HC-X2 has a better LCD screen

[@CL-Filmz]

@@EventVideo ​ @Event Video Yep, the LCD screen is better on the HC-X2. But how is it on the CX350? Has a few less codecs (P2 and All-i) on the HC-X2. Also there's no auto-sw option, it's completely missing. So in Auto mode the only thing you can choose to change into manual are the audio levels. I'm quite disappointed, I'm wondering what the auto-sw is like on the CX350. With face detection/tracking only available in auto mode I'm guessing the auto-sw is greyed out when tracking is enabled?

[@KevinMullarkey]

What's it like in low light compared to say a GH5 or S5? Also I wouldn't have thought pros would be too concerned about auto focus!

[@EventVideo]

Hi Kevin, it's a 1" sensor but you do have the gain setting and I find up to 12db is acceptable for events. My test is more when you have "half light" events and not stage lighting. Can you get nice and tight on a person speaking and it's viewable. The answer is yes for the CX350. I prefer the GH5S or GH6 to the GH5 for lower light. In general a GH5 with an F2.8 lens like the 12-35mm on say ISO 800 (cleanest really) doesn't quite cut it for the same scenarios, but the GH5S (no stabilisation so this is on a tripod) is an absolute beast. S5 is full frame so much better. I did a quick review of the S5 and really liked it but my investment in lenses is for MFT and the Sony system which is why I haven't bought one. Hope that helps. Oh and AF.... well... Face tracking AF is actually very useful for these kind of cameras at events. Just keeps things pin sharp at the far end of the zoom. Otherwise yes, I agree, I'd be on manual.

[@EventVideo]

Don't forget there are a couple of new Panasonic cameras out now in this range the X2 and X20 which are worth a look as they are cheaper by sacrificing a few of the broadcast features.

[@tasosyanoutsos]

Software - menu is very bad.I come from Sony cameras. Also, not understand why put the XLR connectors on that place. Also why the 1st channel is close to shotgun position. (Opposite side). Some other ergonomic problem is the flip 3 inc monitor. When use wireless receiver its antennas cross monitor opening.

[@jamesmuro9286]

Hi Ralph. I've used the Panasonic DVX200 and GH5 for years, but moving to a new corporate gig and looking for new gear. Would you recommend the CX350 (coupled with a GH5) OVER the Sony PXW-Z190? (coupled with a A7siii) Thanks.

[@EventVideo]

Personally yes I preferred the cx350 and gh5s but I’m invested in MFT lenses. If I had my time again I don’t think I would go for the z190 but the a7iii and A7siii are good cameras. Have you also considered black magic? How run and gun are your shoots?

[@jamesmuro9286]

@@EventVideo I work in aviation - so often I'm running around manufacturing facilities getting shots (get here - then get there - then get here at 2:00, etc.) and shooting an airshow (need a nice zoom) - but I want my interviews to have nice bokeh to them. Also thinking FS5 since travel is easier. I just like that camcorder form-factor for run and gun - and then having a nice mirrorless for interviews or when I want to use a gimbal.

[@Military872]

@@EventVideo What model would you recommend for Filming fast moving Aircraft?

[@EventVideo]

@@Military872 I'd look at something with AF tracking. Unless you want wider shots I think you'll struggle to keep the focus on the aircraft. Having said that there is a firmware update coming at the end of May which will at AF Tracking to this camera which is a HUGE feature update at this price point. Other cameras you should look at? Camcorder form factor - Canon XF705 and the Sony Z190. If you don't mind a DSLR format the A7Siii is amazing. You could start with an A7iii for a lot less money and see if you like the Sony ecosystem.

[@rafaelfieiro1561]

When playing back clips from the camera itself do the clip play seamlessly without a pause or held frames between clips? Sometimes I will need to "shoot to keep" on a job and then play the footage live to a TV.

[@Stas7432]

Hi, what is the best buy at the moment? canon xf605 or panasonic ag cx350?

[@EventVideo]

I haven't had time to test the XF605 yet but Canon are known for good AF. Also if they've fixed the streaming details being entered via an app then it's worth a look. The price is maybe 10% more than a CX350. We have 3 x CX350s now and we're very happy, especially since the last firmware update

[@anthonypeirce5875]

i was woundering if the cx350 has a big diffrence over the HCX1 detail quality plus is the roller shutter better on the cx 350 than the HCX1 when your panning & tilting faster moveing objects on video head like aircraft filming will the cx350 be more suitable for this kind of filming

[@EventVideo]

Good question. I don't own a HCX1 but I've heard that the IQ (the overall feel of the images, particularly related to the lens) is a bit better. For live-streaming you don't need all the 4K wizardry. Pan & Tilt - well the CX350 does have stabilisation for that which is a bit like using a GH5 with stabilisation. Fast moving objects.... hmm focus pulling might be an issue. If you need AF (not everyone does) then the Sony or Canon are much better. The JVC (which I've also reviewed) just has face detect.

[@anthonypeirce5875]

thankyou for your comments its important that the use of heavy faster panning & tilting i want to control image smooth looking is on a Sachtler FSB 8 video head with flowtech 75 tripod which i use. I fill the HCX1 has roller shutter issues the cx350 can be used for sports & wildlife filming i read about which aircraft filming would be ok as well im not into live streaming being honest did you mean the HCX1 has a good IQ which images look better than the cx350 or the other way round.

[@tkyeo7642]

Panasonic have never done good software. Thanks for the review...

[@markpx]

Im trying to find a memory card that doesn't give me an Incompatible error when I go to 400mpbs. All the other record settings work okay.. My card is a v30 SDXC UHS-II 128GB sandsisk extreme pro. Have you found a memory card that can handle 400mpbs?

[@EventVideo]

I haven’t tried on this camera. Only on my GH5S and for that I’m using Sandisk. Did you reformat the card in the camera? Might be worth checking the Gh5 group on Facebook

[@adipop]

Good video!

[@EventVideo]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@RakhmadFEBRIAN]

Is this camera better than Sony z190?

[@EventVideo]

In my opinion yes and I switched from a z190 but as always the answer is not so straight forward. What kind of shooting do you do? Events? Do you need tracking of people ie do you use autofocus. What about battery life or are you used to using a vlock battery for example?

[@RakhmadFEBRIAN]

In Focus hi again, thank you for ur reply! I have a Sony Z150 and I use this cam for news event, news features. I plan to replace it with Z190 but I found many comments said very bad in low light. Also close up not so good :) So, I found this Panasonic cx350 and see footage sample, looks okay but I don't know if shoot indoor.

[@EventVideo]

Febri Rakhmad A 1” sensor can only be so good but I also used to shoot with a Z150. The cx350 has a cleaner image if you’re using the HEVC codec in 4k. In fact it’s pretty incredible however low light will always be a challenge until they fit larger sensors to this price bracket. The cx350 is similar to using the z150 but with panasonic colour science, updated codecs and it can stream straight to the web. I prefer the panasonic colours but I would love to have tracking AF which it sadly doesn’t do.

[@RakhmadFEBRIAN]

In Focus both camera has the same FValue 2.8-4.5 right? Yeah still looking for a good camcorder to replace z150 but z280 a bit expensive

[@EventVideo]

@@RakhmadFEBRIAN I went through the same process. You will see an improved picture using 4K HEVC but at the end of the day they are similar specs. I hated the battery life on the Z190 (45 mins in one case), but it did have tracking AF which was very useful for filming a professional running race. I found the lens was a bit soft and it's heavier than the CX350. For me the CX350 is like an upgrade to the Z150 but I really do wish it had better AF sometimes. The colour science is nicer than Sony's, but you might want to rent a Panasonic first or wait for NAB to see what's announced. So far this year both Sony & Panasonic have announced palm sized camcorders which have an even smaller sensor in them. I think 2020 could be an interesting year.

[@SebastianAdam_ro]

Hello! Is the AF much better after the firmware updates? I'm planning to use it for concerts (low light) and sports (fast movement and the need to zoom în and out a lot). Thanks!

[@EventVideo]

It's better but really what it added was Face Autodetect. We've just been using 2 x CX350s a lot for corporate events with mixed lighting and they are still excellent but one area that the Canon is better is AF

[@crooker2]

So now... A year later. Have any of these problems been fixed? I purchased this camera because of the full package including NDI... And I'm curious if any of these negatives have been fixed.

[@EventVideo]

Good question Dave. How are you finding the camera? From my perspective.... I don't stream out from it directly but I might as we return from COVID. I bought 3 x CX350s and we use them with our Black Magic switching gear. The recent firmware update was outstanding in my opinion. Can I rely on face tracking? Not really, unless it's fairly well lit, the subject isn't wearing a hat and I'm at a middle distance on the zoom but it's a fantastic addition for free. I don't think there's another camera at this price point I would buy over the CX350. NDI HX..... well I ended up buying Bird dog converters and using uncompressed but we find that for smaller jobs we don't take them with us as it's more gear to carry. One big thing they REALLY need to fix is the config for streaming on your phone via their app. Such a simple thing, but it renders the camera useless really if you have to type in an RTMP Stream Key using their on screen keyboard!

[@crooker2]

@@EventVideo I haven't actually received my cameras yet. I have purchased 3 of them... but they are backlogged. What I *LIKE* about them is, after even 3 years, they are still contenders because of software and functionality updates. Otherwise, I would never consider a 3 year old camera to buy in 2021. We will be using them primarily for multi-camera live-streaming (We use a mobile VMix rig for streaming), so auto-focus isn't much of an issue for me. I will only use Autofocus in the most extreme conditions, and never if the subject is moving in and out of DOF. The app integration (or lack thereof) is extremely disappointing, and does give me pause. Streaming directly out of a camera is a fringe use-case for us, but not out of the question. I am interested in wireless connectivity with these cameras, and know that while they are wireless 'ready', this does not come out of the box. I've heard that the AJ-WM50 is their preferred dongle (But for $199US, makes it rediculously(!!!) overpriced). I've heard that the D-Link DWA-171 works fine as well, but I haven't tested or heard much about this. All I want is the perfect camera for me that works and does EVERYTHING I want it to do for cheap. Is that too much to ask!? :)

[@girdharthanki1054]

Dusting is coming on the sensor.

[@EventVideo]

It's a fairly common complaint in the Facebook forum (which I recommend you join if you're an owner). I haven't had too many issues with this but I don't really use the camera outdoors. It's for indoor events and green screen work.

[@kaybhee6]

how sharp in 4k 60p

[@stuartkidney3257]

I've been doing ENG and STUDIO 3 camera setups on and off for 30 years...never...ever have used autofocus...ever on ENG.

[@EventVideo]

The world is a changing Stuart. Give it another few years and most event setups will be PTZ with AI based Autofocus tracking speakers. You can already buy early versions of this.

[@stuartkidney3257]

@@EventVideo Thanks for the reply and your thoughts; us BBoomers are frequently laughing at your generation cuz so many of you are not in #reality or consistently don't perform at the high #standards that Western Civ has modeled for a few hundred years or so. AI is not here; In today's world (that's me), setting the ISO and focal length is first, focus is a subset of those 2 parameters imo and I operate accordingly. When I was on the NFL sidelines, nobody used auto focus and people and things were zipping along at a high rate of speed. People can do what they want. Old Skool laws still work at all times [sic] and I typically ignore the #hype and hot air of the past 25 years or so. Most of all 'dat gonna be going off the rails shortly, LOL. Regards! :) Enjoy your choices of photo/cine platforms, that too is likely to be disappearing (the choices and inexpensive costs) in large part shortly also!

[@EventVideo]

@@stuartkidney3257 Thank you for your service!

[@timsmusic7349]

Auto focus issues are a deal breaker!

[@EventVideo]

They added Face detect AF into a firmware update Tim since this video was made. It's not perfect but it's better than no AF.

[@timsmusic7349]

@@EventVideo I bought a GH5 and it's now sitting a drawer. I spent hours and hours trying to get around focus hunting and finally just gave up. I'm just trying to do single operator stuff with the camera on a tripod. I ended up with a Sony a9. No vlog, but great low light, minimal rolling shutter and absolutely no focus hunting. I really love Panasonic but I can only trust canon or sony auto focus.

[@EventVideo]

@@timsmusic7349 I'm afraid this isn't anything new. Panasonic's insistence on using DFD leaves many people unimpressed, but.... and it's a big BUT some of us prefer Panasonics colours and menu system if you can work within the AF limitations. On the CX350 we have face detect now which is a bit basic compared to Sony but still worthwhile in well lit scenes. The S5 is also a bit better. However Canon and Sony are by far the best for AF at the moment. Pretty much bulletproof

[@KiaTaatje]

I had a HCX1 and a X2000 .....sorry ....Panny have gone back to Sony .

[@dgstudioone]

You didn’t even say if we should by it 😂😂😂

[@EventVideo]

Haha, well I'm not a salesman, but..... we have three of the new CX350 variants. We use them all the time. We have also started to buy PTZ cameras for live-streaming. The Canon was a nice camera, but quite a bit more expensive. See if you can get a deal and compare (or rent one first).

[@dgstudioone]

@@EventVideo 😂😂 at the end of your video say So should you buy the cx350? You gave details about auto focus

[@EventVideo]

🤯