Panasonic HC-X2: Your Swiss Army Knife for Pro-Level Videography

[@matthewsmeal]

A detailed post below, but as someone who has used the Panasonic HC-X2 extensively for more than a year, and as someone trained in cinematography, I hope I can offer a little insight and support to Pav SV’s excellent review while answering some of the questions which came up in the comments. Firstly, the HC-X2 is an outstanding camera. For those who have come from a mirrorless/DSLR background, there will likely be an interesting learning curve; but for those who have come from a broadcast/news/documentary background, they will see this as a powerful broadcast camera in a small package - and yes, it is a small camera. The HC-X2 is a compact ENG/EFP (electronic news gathering/electronic field production) camera. This is what this camera is designed for and excels at: news, documentary, events etc. If you have all the time in the world, a budget and crew, and you’re making short films, music videos, TV commercials etc. then there will be other cameras more suited to the purpose. But if you’re a solo operator or part of a small crew, and you’re shooting corporates, documentaries, news, events, video-journalism, and the like (or want to) then this camera is a superb choice. Someone made a comment about why anyone would choose to buy a camera like this nowadays. My response is because camcorders are the perfect choice for many shooting scenarios. Different jobs require different tools and there is something to be said for turning up, pulling a camera out of the bag, and be recording within seconds. You’re not fussing about with lenses, finding the right ND filter, rigging up cages and monitors and audio preamps, and matte boxes and other accessories. I refer to my earlier comment about a person’s filming background: if your film/video journey began in the era of mirrorless and DSLR, then you may be quite unaware of camcorders and their solid place in a production hierarchy. But, if you go to a press conference, you’ll see plenty of camcorders; if you go to events, you’ll see plenty of camcorders; if you go to news locations (including humanitarian contexts and conflict zones), you’ll see plenty of camcorders; if you tag along with documentary makers, you’ll see plenty of camcorders. That’s what camcorders like the HC-X2 are made for and what they excel at. A couple of thoughts on the camera: two XLR audio inputs; built-in ND filters, fixed zoom lens with an insane (35mm equivalent) range of 24.5 - 640! Someone mentioned using a camera like this for sports. I hope that answers it. It also shoots log (Panasonic’s V-log) with 13 stops of dynamic range! It has 4:2:2 colour sampling and 10-bit. It is 4K but can shoot 1080 if you want. It can also shoot HLG if that is your workflow. It has very nice colour profiles straight out of the box if you don’t want to shoot log. It is remarkably customisable if, as Pav says, you learn how to use it. The HC-X2 is a powerful workhorse of a camera that is highly capable in a variety of scenarios. A note on ISO/gain. The HC-X2 is a professional video camera. It’s all about gain. ISO is a reference for film sensitivity, not digital sensor sensitivity. Professional video cameras do not use ISO and IMHO, ISO is somewhat misleading regarding digital video. I get it, but when talking about professional video, we need to understand gain, use waveform monitors, and expose accordingly. The cleanest image will come from 0db gain (what ‘native ISO’ is). When you increase the gain (which is actually what you’re doing when you increase ISO) all you’re doing is amplifying the signal. If there isn’t much light and you decide to increase the gain, then you’re pushing an already weak signal which results in noise. The rule here is to add light, not gain. Gain should only be used as a last resort. The HC-X2 has a one inch ‘type’ sensor (which has little to do with one inch of anything). But it is a small sensor which puts off a few people. However, the sensor closely resembles that of the Super 16mm film format size from days gone by which should give you an indication of what this camera is designed for-news, documentary, events-but one also perfectly suited to short films, lower budget TVCs, corporate videos, educational films etc. No, it won’t give you razor thin depth-of-field, but as a run-and-gun or news/doco/events camera, you want your footage in focus anyway. If you want a shallow depth-of-field look, step back, zoom in, open up and control the light with an ND filter. Autofocus is, again, something that gets way too much oxygen in camera discussions. Cinematographers and broadcast camera operators don’t use it. The HC-X2 has excellent AF but the HC-X2's perfectly damped focus ring and Focus Assist makes manual focus a dream. Like any camera, the in-built microphone is good for scratch audio, maybe some ambient audio for b-roll, and for getting yourself out of trouble if all else fails. But in-built mics should never be considered for primary audio. Get a good shotgun mic for the camera that can also be used on a boom when outdoors; get a good lav mic; and get a good dialogue mic for a boom indoors, and you’ll have your bases covered. FYI: I use an Audio Technica AT875R (for on-camera shotgun and boom), Sony UWP-D21 (wireless lavalier), AKG P170 (on a boom for indoor dialogue), and a Rode NTG2 back-up shotgun/outdoor boom). None of these are crazy expensive but they are all excellent mics perfectly suited to the work I do. Finally, Pav mentioned the record light going off after a few seconds. Mine stays on when recording. I suspect this may be a menu preference. The menu is deep, and it does take some getting used to and I actually became quite overwhelmed and frustrated when I bought the camera. But I persevered and it has become quite familiar to me now. If you want to get the most out of a camera like the HC-X2, learn to shoot log, learn to expose using the waveform monitor, learn to set your white balance correctly, learn to use manual focus, and buy some good microphones and learn when to use what and how to set audio levels. Understand what productions are best suited to a camcorder and, if that’s what you do or want to do, then the HC-X2 is definitely worth looking into. Spend time with the camera and it will keep surprising you with its capability. Best if I stop waffling and show some things I’ve shot with the HC-X2. The first is a slow-mo test (50fps) and long zoom test which I shot in Cine-V profile. (KZbin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWStdKuQfcmkr9E) (Vimeo: vimeo.com/804583805). The next is a short documentary I made. It is shot in V-log in almost pitch black (It was 4am, mid-winter) and lit mostly with the subject’s head torch. It is dark and I used High Sensitivity and about 6db of gain - again as something of a test - but the results were so good that I made the film. (KZbin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX-9nn-piNekY6s) (Vimeo: vimeo.com/851108390). I’ve included links to both KZbin and Vimeo (Vimeo will look better). You may also like reading this little write up from my website I did on the gear I use: www.matthewsmeal.com.au/gear Sorry for the long post but I hope it helps anyone interested in this remarkable camera. Matthew

[@johnrohdejensen1218]

Thanks, great information. I shoot for a small local tv channel and this is the exact camera I'm lobbying for us to get. Preferable two of them as is our standard shooting strategy. Here TimeCode i/o is a godsend.

[@davidnelson3757]

I bought the HCX 20 on the back of your great review , I will be using it for interview , I wanted proper XLR sockets and for filming Dance Shows the DSLR'S just can't shoot for that long , thanks

[@cobymarcum1442]

A great format for behind the scenes footage for narrative projects, especially if the person operating the behind the scenes camera is a volunteer who is unfamiliar with video cameras. You can just show them where the zoom rocker switch and record buttons are and off they go. An easy to use camera makes the experience more enjoyable for an inexperienced camera operator as well. Thank you for making this review. Different tools for different jobs. 👍

[@sbaluba]

As a professional, I find it difficult to understand why someone who is completely unfamiliar with a particular video project would be involved in it, especially when it concerns professional skills and knowledge as well as a large sum of money. Would you say the same thing about a plumber's tool or a nurse's tool? Why is the audio/video business any different?

[@rovingearth7028]

I think cameras like this are capable of quality narrative film making. It’s also provides a speed and ease of use. Thanks for the review.

[@PavSZ]

It is a perfect camera for documentary filming

[@alaskanfrogman]

This video is by far and away, the best review video I've seen yet online about video camcorders. This gentleman didn't waste a lot of time just yammering in front of the camera like so many other demonstrators/reviewers did. He did NOT DO an unboxing video like many braggarts love to do. He did a straightforward review. He did so by covering all of the highlight features and capabilities the camera has to offer. And he didn't just talk about it. He also provided short clips that illustrated perfectly what he talked about in this review. What I appreciate is that he took the time to prepare for his video shoot. I imagine he wrote a script, studied the camera extensively and probably had a cheat sheet to fall back on. Best of all, his introduction was very professional. He isn't trying to be anybody's and everyone's best friend. He did NOT use those lazy-ass intros that everyone & his sister loves to use. He did a clean and equally straightforward introduction to his presentation and then moved on... the way a professional video should be done. The video almost answered all of my questions about this particular camera. I've been on the fence about which model to buy. I've been admiring the HC-X2 for quite sometime. I'm also looking at the less costly HC-X1500 model as well, which you also reviewed. Good informative video. I like the sample clips you included. It answers a lot of questions I had about its filming ability. Thank you. The other camcorder I was considering but have now put on the back burner is the JVC-GY-HC500U. It has nearly identical features as the Panasonic HC-X2 camera and both are capable of filming natively in 4K resolution. The JVC has a builtin SD Card Slot that allows for full 4K resolution filming with a wide array of 4K resolution codecs. The Panasonic HC-X2 has similar codecs, but no builtin SD Card slot. It's priced slightly higher than the JVC. However, reaching out to and trying to connect with JVC is nearly impossible. When I reached out to Panasonic they responded almost immediately and were more than willing to answer my questions and help me in anyway they could. That's the hallmark of good customer service. You helped me to solidify my decision making process and it is likely that I will go with the Panasonic HC-X2 camcorder. However, I am waiting for JVC to make a move to see if they will try changing my mind, and will try to convince me that their product is better than the Panasonic. The info I read and learned shows clearly that both the Panasonic and the JVC cameras are very close competitor devices with nearly identical features. Owning either one would be a fantastic choice. If I don't hear from JVC, then I'll definitely go with the Panasonic. Thank you for this excellent review, and thank you very much and mostly, for your most professional review. You are knowledgeable and do a remarkable and a thorough review of the products you demonstrate. Peace and please, be well.

[@PavSZ]

Thank you so much for your very kind words. I do spend a lot of time testing and using every single piece of gear that I review. I script everything and I use teleprompter to record my piece to the camera. I always try to talk only about what is important and what I would want to know if I was buying a particular camera or a lens. I wish I could get my hands on the JVC camcorder or some of the Sony ones to do reviews and maybe comparison videos. Maybe in the future. Thank you for watching and your support

[@airbeoneairbeone2872]

Among the best videos, honest and direct on this material, because you do not hesitate to highlight the possible negative points (shutter speed/frame rate, recording indicator, lens capacity...). The additional information in the comments is a big plus. Convinced user and lover of Panasonic (Lumix S1 + cinema lenses) I was already also convinced by this equipment, with its HLG and Vlog capacity added to the HC-X20, to "approach" a kinematic mode for calibration with a dedicated box on the ground, and which seems really perfect to me. Your video is really very nice and very informative. Simple and honest, a pleasure to hear from you. Whether it's Sony or Canon, which are also very good equipment, when you make your mark with a manufacturer it's almost a marriage for life. PANASONIC is a little marvel of rendering and stabilization, with comfortable menus. The 3 rings + ND filters make this equipment undoubtedly the good field camera to have. A fan of V-Log, now I'm going to try to dig into the information on this specificity, with a 15mp sensor vs 24mp of the LUMIX S1/S1H. Very good video, thank you and PANASONIC can thank you

[@PavSZ]

Thank you for your very kind words

[@ezontheeyesphotography]

I think it punches above it's weight class, very nice camera. Probably geared more towards documentary film makers, live stream and broadcast.

[@PavSZ]

absolutely

[@PaulMDiaz]

Watched this in bits and pieces while in meetings so I will go back later. Love this review. You achieved great results and got some beautiful footage with this. Not meant as a shot at anyone, but we are spoiled with today's mirorless and cinema cams. It's not difficult to purchase an inexpensive 50mm Prime with fast aperture and get great results.with much cheaper cameras. For those that have shot with cameras like the XL1, DVX100a, HVX200 among others, this camera is amazing. If I were teaching at a university, I would not allow mirrorless, dslrs or other cameras at first, but make students use this before touching any modern cam with inter-changeable lenses. I feel this camera can actually teach you to be really creative. Thanks again for making this video. I'm curious, what are you using to grade you footage? You do a great job!

[@PaulMDiaz]

Just watched this again. Great review!

[@TheBlessingRoom]

Thank you for the detailed information on this camera.

[@PavSZ]

Glad it was helpful!

[@relaxwithme3266]

I will tell you what is cinematic to me: making my day and going home to eat dinner with my family. I love easy to use cameras.

[@PavSZ]

Smart phones are easy to use to film with. In my experience all cameras, this one or mirrorless, have a steep learning curve to get the most out of them and are not necessarily ever easy to use. It's all about practice and experience.

[@Ansonandco]

THIS is why Panasonic is taking forever to make a new cine cam lol it looks dope! Great review bro ✌🏻

[@PavSZ]

It really is! Thank you my friend

[@seancreports]

It replaced my mirrorless cameras as my go to we an independent journalist. I now have my R5 and R6 freed up for photography in the field. The struggle to change lenses in the field was real.

[@PavSZ]

it makes sense to separate a cameras from filming and for photography. This is a great solution

[@daviddrew7624]

Ive never understood why youtubers dont make use of this type of camera more, they try to make videos for KZbin with blurry backgrounds, they are not making movies, they are you tubers they make videos not movies, i think that a vdeo camera os much better for documenting every day life and holidays, and showcasing scenery, a mirrorles camera is just to much hassle with all the lenses needed, love the vidro a bit of overkill for family and holiday videos but a great camera none the less, love this type of video my first video camera in the late 80s was a canon a2 hi8 😂😂😂😂

[@PavSZ]

I don't know why they are not more popular either

[@digitalmagicAR]

Very useful camera. They basically fixed most of the UX-180 shortcomings. The improved LCD screen alone made it worth the upgrade. I have 3 and like them a lot but am not too thrilled with the autofocus so far.

[@PavSZ]

yeah, AF could be a touch better

[@Springer5]

I'm thinking about buying one of these for wildlife documentaries. Poor AF would be a problem. In what way is it bad? Is it slow, or does it not find focus at all, does it "hunt" backwards and forwards. Are there particular situations where its worse (or better)? Thanks for any help.

[@c.r.parish5908]

Have you adjusted the AF speed and transition time? Default settings are in the middle, I crank mine all the way up.

[@travisminneapolis]

This camera definitely has its place. Especially when you pair it with a good bright 7" external monitor.

[@PavSZ]

absolutely

[@echostarling84]

My first professional camera was a UX-90 and loved the 180. Was great for that "look" that clients got really excited seeing big 4K cameras.I'm a hybrid shooter now though and been really happy with my gh5m2. This camera looks so good though.

[@PavSZ]

it's a great tool for video work. Not good if you want to shoot photos as well

[@touchtennis]

Always know a rocker! They say gain first, iso second!

[@PavSZ]

haha! yes!

[@ablemediaproductions]

I love using camcorders, especially on run and gun, sports and events type work and overall this looks like a great camcorder in most respects and it seems to shoot really nice images. Not quite as many high end specs as something like the XF 605 from Canon but then considering the price difference you wouldn’t expect it to have all the same features. However the deal breaker for me is not having a 3.5 audio input jack and therefore no 4 track audio recording option which I’ve been using lately on solo shoots and love it as I can use an XLR shotgun mic (either on a boom or on camera) on tracks 1 and 2 and a wireless system, like the DJI Mic, on tracks 3 and 4 both with safety tracks set around 6db lower on the second track (2 and 4) and that gives me so much flexibility in terms of what sounds the best in different situations and peace of mind in terms of capturing good audio with plenty of back up and it’s working really well so I’d hate to have to go back to being limited to recording on 2 tracks only especially on what would be my main camcorder if I bought something like this. But if you don’t need or use 4 track audio then this seems like a good option for the price. Great review.

[@PavSZ]

interesting. I never thought about usage like this. Not ideal but you could always use 3.5 jack to XLR adapter here

[@ablemediaproductions]

@@PavSZ Hi Pav, yes it worked very well. I updated some of my audio gear a few months ago and on a recent shoot I couldn’t decide whether I should use the new shot gun mic or the DJI mic and then I thought well I have 4 tracks, why not use both, did some tests and it worked great as it gave me options (and safety) in the edit. I haven’t tried it but I believe you could also shoot this way on the GH6 / S5II and S5IIx as they also have 4 audio tracks if you use the Lumix XLR adapter. Anyway I guess you could use a 3.5 to XLR adapter and that would work OK so you could have the shot gun mic on T1 and the wireless on T2 but then you wouldn’t have the safety tracks at 6db lower as there would be no T3 or T4. If you were using the new Rode Wireless Pro instead of the DJI Mic this wouldn’t be an issue as they record 32 bit float internally on the transmitter so you should always have a track that won’t clip although you’d have to sync it in post. UPDATE: The DJI MIc 2 has 32 bit float like the Rode Wireless Pro.

[@DuffTV]

Why on earth did they not include 4 track recorder. That's a deal breaker right there. Otherwise it looks the goods

[@spdcrzy]

I wouldn't even consider anything else for news freelancers. It's got great natural color, it certainly appears durable, it's a pretty good value all things considered, there are TONS of hard buttons, and the livestreaming functionality is incredibly simple to set up. Wow.

[@PavSZ]

yes, I agree,. Very good overall package

[@LukGoArt]

thx 4 your job/review/material

[@PavSZ]

thank you for watching

[@angeloplayforone]

A camcorder is for covering live events, news coverage, broadcasting live events, wedding videographer and not for creative video which is the domain of the cinema cameras like Sony FX9 or Canon C line.

[@PavSZ]

yes

[@AndyKow]

Nice video, thanks for going through some specific usage for this camera.

[@PavSZ]

thank you for watching

[@waynerm002]

Great review on a really good camera. I bought the HC-X1 and used it when I started my YT channel, solid device but the built in screen was really bad, especially outdoors and that lead me to get external monitors. What I really wanted was the X2000 that was just released but due to the pandemic lockdown, it never became available until much later. It’s great to see Panasonic make some improvements but kept the form factor, maybe they will make one that you can change the lens, something like the Sony FX6. We will have to wait to see what the next. Ig thing they will give us.

[@PavSZ]

They do those weird box cameras already but I agree, it would be awesome to see a camera like this with micro four thirds or even full frame sensor and ability to change lenses. There is market for affordable Panasonic cinema camera

[@waynerm002]

@@PavSZ I recall seeing an interchangeable camcorder by JVC that was loved by their users however, Canon and Sony seems to be the big player in the “affordable” cinema camera space now. I have the FX30 which is a pretty nice unit, also got the Z8 which has a lot of codecs up to 8.3K60P RAW internally, wish they had given in a multi-angle screen like the A7R V but, it’s pretty awesome for a camera without a fan.

[@xray111xxx]

I have its cousin the AG-UX90 4K. Much older than this one. Am I looking for another? Doubt it. Most of my projects are short and easy to do. Any new camera to buy new are expensive. Nice thing of the Camcorder included lens, and extra really to buy except batteries. Built in XLR audio is great. I have to use an XLR kit on my Sonys. No overheating issues with the camcorder either since it is video, and that is all. Only thing is it is big. A bit heavy for run and gun. It isn't hard to use. Buying these things used helps take the sting out of how expensive these things are, for that matter any camera. Unless I am getting paid, I never buy new or latest and greatest. Is this new one going to blow away what I have day to day? Don't know. But I love the one I have. Just keep light where it needs to be and you're fine. I have a Canon C100 used I also love too. Makes a great web cam too. Smaller than the Panny.

[@PavSZ]

there is no point updating if you are happy with what you've got and if you can make it work for you. Buying second hand can certainly save you a lot of money

[@rickwarrick3092]

at 6:23, the app is called Panasonic HC ROP not HS ROP.

[@PavSZ]

yes, my mistake

[@savillecreations8046]

Thanks for this video. I have two R5c cameras and I think this will complement those for my documentary work flows. This camera is over two years now. Aware of any rumors for a new camcorder? Would love a micro four thirds sensor.

[@PavSZ]

I'm no aware of a new camcorder coming from Panasonic.

[@ponytailers]

3:10 With similar apertures and focal lengths, it would be impossible to capture such similar frames. You simply made the frames similar with the same composition.

[@PavSZ]

that makes no sens. You meant to be looking at the similarities in picture quality and the bokeh

[@StringrPress]

I bought the Panasonic HC-X2000 because of your other video.

[@PavSZ]

I hope you don't regret it

[@StringrPress]

@@PavSZ Seeing that I updated from using a cellular phone for Video I hit the jackpot.

[@mohammedtuama7454]

Hello, this is my 1st Panasonic camcorder.I am struggling with grainy videos. Is there any solution.

[@PavSZ]

this is normal with sensor this size. You need to lower the gain and use more light to get smoother results

[@user-tq2ck4fw3x]

superb review ! thank you.

[@PavSZ]

My pleasure!

[@ConnecticutRailFilms]

Any chance you could share what diameter the mounting holes are on top of the body? Thinking of using the hotshoe mount for a stereo mic and the mounting holes for a second onboard monitor. Just wanna make sure I have the rite size! Overall great review, went over everything I needed to know!

[@PavSZ]

standard 1/4" I think. I don't have the camera anymore to check but they are very standard

[@appliedclinicalvr2359]

Thanks Laddie! I'm coming from an old AG-AC90 and I've had the X2 in my hands for a couple of days now. The wife started a KZbin channel for her action figures and we wanted an upgrade. I'm an amateur and got sucked into the mirrorless hybrid thing. The S5II I bought was sold as "new" but clearly had been opened and used. Anyway, I'm so very glad it was because it made me realize that I needed to stick to a camcorder for our purposes. A bit of a learning curve from the decade old AC90, but there is a lot of similarities too in terms of where things are. I do have a question: Other than slo-mo, what were your settings at 13:08 of your video? I'm having trouble replicating the warm rich images that I can get from the AC90. My colors are a bit muted, except when using the "F4:Still" setting in the factory scene file settings.

[@PavSZ]

Mirrorless cameras are not for everybody. This is an amazing camera. I filmed that at 60fps, slowed it down and added some colour grading in post

[@appliedclinicalvr2359]

@@PavSZ If you ever get the urge, a very basic color grading tutorial using X2 footage would be great! Color grading is a skillset all its own. For now, I'm shooting with the "F5:Cinema" preset that the X2 comes with from the factory until I can expand my skillset...which is a flat zero regarding color grading. LOL! But for my wife's action figure channel, it's the preset works well. The old AG-AC90 has real problems with replicating "olive drab green" of military uniforms. The color comes out brown. Certain shades of blue come out very purple as well. And this is manual WB and consistent color lights. The X2 has no such problems and the image is crisp and clean. Again, thanks again for the X2 video. I think you mentioned the price tag for a mirrorless camera is really 3X the purchase price when you factor in XLR connectors, comparable lens or lenses to match the X2's great glass, built in ND filters, etc. Knowing that bit of information made the $3200 USD I dropped a lot easier to swallow.

[@srao6925]

@appliedclinicalvr2359 - I also moved recently from AG-AC90 and I have an alternate Sony NX-100. Actually, both the cameras produce richer color depths and in X2, it looks pretty dull. I have not ventured out into the V-log and true color grading, but I got better colors and brightness when using f-Spark and f-Still was OK, but it underexposes a bit, but should be OK, in good lighting. So, did you find out if there was any way to improve the colors? I bumped the WB to 6000 to see if it makes the colors richer, but it did not. So, wondering if there is anyway to make shots look better right from the camera. I am a event videographer, not sure if there is any recommendation from anyone in this thread. Also shooting in MOV, I have a tough time editing. What format are you using? In my consumer Panasonic camcorder, I use the MP4, but I need to see if it gives the same result as MOV in MP4 in X2. Any recommendation, would be appreciated. Also, from my latest event, somehow the pre-rec was on, making the handheld shots taken by a 8 year old.

[@appliedclinicalvr2359]

@@srao6925 You and I shoot in vastly different environments. I use the camcorder in a very controlled environment while you are at the mercy of lighting of the vent. FWIW, I use the F5 Cine setting but for me, setting my lights to 3200K as is the WB of the camcorder finally made a big difference. I do a little tweaking of color in post using Premier. I'm now happy with the color. It's the onboard audio that sucks. I get a hiss that has to be filtered out in post. Mulitple mics were tested as well as the onboard mic to no avail. I sent it in to Panasonic and they replaced two boards but to no avail. As to format, I have no problems editing MOV, but I use AVCHD instead for two reasons. It takes up far less drive space, and the image quality advantage MOV has is lost once KZbin "processes" the video to HD. KZbin does not simply take the HD file I upload and put it on its server.

[@hssr1894]

@@appliedclinicalvr2359, got it thanks for the reply.

[@HDCAMAN]

WOW

[@PavSZ]

thanks

[@berni85]

Could you please provide information on whether there is any option in X2 to mark clips with a marker during recording? The idea is to use the MARK CLIP function, just like in previous versions of reporter cameras. This way, the "good clips" would be visible when importing clips into Adobe Premiere Pro. Please help if anyone knows how to do this.

[@ThoNghiepDu]

I want to ask: which camera recorded this valuable article? The image is very sharp and professional

[@PavSZ]

This has been recorded with Sony a7sIII and Lumix S5IIx. lenses, Sony 50mm f1.2 GM and Lumix 85mm f1.8

[@eurasia2941]

Great review, thank you a lot. I have a Canon XF605 and I complain about the poor quality of the AF. But, in your video, I can see that the Panasonic isn't much better, just a little bit better. My old 2K Canon XA-20 was better. If I compare with the camera of the DJI Mavic-3 drones, I'm surprised that the camcorders don't reach the same level.

[@PavSZ]

looking at the AF development in mirrorless cameras, it will be strange if that technology won't find its way into the camcorders soon

[@dusantancosek]

A really big jerk. Have you seen the footage compared to the S5xII? And to top it all off, you're comparing completely different types of shots from a drone and from a camera :-D? And not satisfied with the XF605? .... really stupid. And didn't you notice the poorly colored image especially from the middle of this video? Where the artifacts are actually found mainly in the green parts of the tree and orange leaves. This could also indicate that there is even more to be gained from it. There are videos of rally races on YT. With this camera, take a look at it...then compare something. The advantage here is that you have everything in one. Build it with the GH6, same zoom, same comfort. And write the price :-D Oh, you won't write, because it can't be "done" actually, you still have a drone.

[@DuffTV]

I've never heard of anyone reporting that the 605 had poor AF.

[@ajridris]

PANASONIC HC-X2 or Sony NX200? which camera is better?

[@PavSZ]

better for what? For photos? neither 😉

[@user-be3cn9ge7i]

I don’t understand what’s the difference from the cx350?

[@PavSZ]

me neither, I have never used or heard of cx350. Google is your friend on this

[@MrCabooseCreations]

I film my golf rounds. You think it would be better than the hdx2000 or AG CX350 to take to the course and film? How the battery life and would it overheat ?

[@zwolleinfo8032]

Great, finally a nice review of this camera... but which images are color graded and which are straight from the camera?

[@PavSZ]

I have filmed everything in V-log so everything you see in this video has been colour graded. There is one shot at the beginning that show before/after grading added

[@zwolleinfo8032]

Thanks! But that's a V-log shot, I meant one of the profiles in the camera itself. It is a pity that reviews are (almost) always done including color grading. Not everyone does color graded. Demo videos from manufacturers are also color graded by experts. It is a loss that there is not some standard profiles material in the reviews.

[@PavSZ]

@@zwolleinfo8032 that's how I shoot and it also shows the dynamic range of the camera better. It delivers good color when shooting in standard color profile, It's given that a camera in this price range is going to do it well

[@tanajipetkar4684]

Hi sir i have parched HC X 2 In NOV 2022 camera great camera in all feature but I think 1 is major Drawback in all panasonic Video Segment is very common in Vibrant Condatation Sensor in not Stabale in Highly Sound Level high pls. any soln.

[@PavSZ]

I don't really understand your question. I am guessing that you are saying that the image stabilisation is not working in loud environment. I never heard about this before. There isn't a perfect camera out there, you just have to work around the issues you might personally experience to make it work

[@dblackway]

Great review, thank you! Your direct approach is awesome. Question: I want to film sports videography. I need fast fast autofocus. A staffer at a camera store told me this is the camera to get. Do you agree?

[@PavSZ]

Thanks! No, I don't agree. To be honest there isn't a camera with fast fast and accurate autofocus out there. Some are better than others. This could work but you will need to hybrid focus with it to get reliable results. Use combination of AF and manual focusing.

[@dblackway]

Thank you@@PavSZ. I was looking at the Sony S7iii. May I ask your opinion on that?

[@PavSZ]

@@dblackway a7sIII is a great camera but you will also need lenses. Steep learning curve to get most of it as well. That's why the camcorders like that are theoretically better for shooting sports. All build in (still have to learn it's quirks - no avoiding that)

[@Paulsven]

Great review. Helpful.

[@PavSZ]

thanks!

[@rakeshdharan1571]

Hi Pav, does the display gamma assist in V Log mode goes off when we start recording in X2 ?

[@AlloffroadAu]

I have the HC 20, and the HC ROP app is unfortunately dreadful

[@PavSZ]

it worked for me ok

[@GRANDPIANOSERIES]

I cannot even connect it. Anybody knows how to do it? Manual is terrible. Videos non existent. Thanks.

[@tanajipetkar4684]

how to enable time stamp

[@PavSZ]

Manual or google will answer your question. I don't own this camera to check. Sorry

[@kimothemo]

Personally I don’t like tv production films on mirrorless. They should at least use this type of camera.

[@PavSZ]

it makes more sense for tv production

[@Jeff-rg9io]

First use with my new camcorder HC-X20 yesterday 13/10/203. First impressions is nice and clean, excellent skin tones but I would like to see an in depth tutorial of the camcorder as it is quite complicated.

[@PavSZ]

there is a lot to it and you might never need all of its functions. I'd recommend to use it and learn only those features that you need and make your filming better

[@Jeff-rg9io]

Thanks for the reply, will do@@PavSZ

[@castielvargastv7931]

So this basically is a cinema camera with a phone sensor

[@PavSZ]

haha! never thought about it like that but .... yes 😮

[@thatsreallyamoon]

for the price, it’s still a bit of a hard sell. Noise is really a problem and I’m typically more tolerant of it. The optics are very good though, and the 4k60 10 bit is a big sell. I’m sure there’s a small portion of people this is perfect for, though.

[@PavSZ]

the price is way lower than anything even remotely equivalent when it comes to mirrorless cameras and the noise is not that unusual. The little bit of light solves that problem

[@carpballet]

You should try to say “mirrorless” faster

[@PavSZ]

next time I will

[@tanajipetkar4684]

Pls picture profile settings details send

[@PavSZ]

I don't understand your question

[@Celticowl4136]

When pocket cameras get zoom lenses it's game over for camcorders

[@PavSZ]

pocket cameras have zoom lenses

[@DenmasUlin]

Lool like a Sony NX100/NX200 😮😮

[@PavSZ]

it looks like Panasonic HC-X2

[@shtrudel-pu1cm]

12:00 Flash leaves = moire effect?

[@PavSZ]

no, that's actually leaves moving in the wind

[@shtrudel-pu1cm]

@@PavSZ very easy to see.. It also happens with my S5 and GH5 that there is a background of flashing trees and leaves. Watch again from 11:58. behind the woman It's a Panasonic problem. It is not known if in S5ii. Sony doesn't have it. I just switch to manual focus.

[@alaskanfrogman]

Well it's official. I am absolutely sick of seeing and hearing these videos talking about the hc-x2 and the hc-x20. Yes, I get it, they're similar. But I don't WANT to hear about the hc-x20. I am also fed-up to my ear-balls with seeing and hearing people just talking about the camera. For all of the over-hyped yammering, there are so few videos that actually demonstrates or shows how good this camera really is. Is it all just talk? Or, is there truth behind the claims? I want to SEE how it works and performs under a variety of different filming conditions. I don't just want to hear about it. Your video is just Okay, and you did touch lightly on the capabilities of the machine you used, but only just. I for one would like to see what it really can do and what makes it so special, what makes it shine. I am sick of hearing about it. I want to see it with my own eyes... no explanation, no yammering on... just clean, unedited video footage. Let the camera speak for itself.

[@PavSZ]

I have used it for few weeks and talked about it in my video. I think I got fair balance between talk and samples shot with it. It would be good to see something more in depth from someone who actually have been using it for variety of projects over a year or two

[@yuidfbse]

Thank you for the review. Indeed, these cameras are fantastic in their category. The only problem is that all these camcorders have become ridiculously overpriced, and realistically they offer a fraction of the features and capabilities of mirrorless cameras, with large sensors and interchangeable lenses capabilities, making these cameras irrelevant. It makes no sense to almost anyone buying this kind of gear anymore for the price that they have featuring small sensors and lenses you cannot interchange. Yes they are video oriented and ergonomically perfect for that function.. and then? They cost ip to 5 or 6 times the price of gear with the same kind of image quality and capabilities? No matter them being fully video oriented and having XLR inputs and so forth.. you can have those on cameras a fraction of the size and weight and price. If these camcorders featured unique lenses with amazing sensors with global shutters or SOMETHING that would INDEED differentiate them from regular hybrid cameras, then sure, price and features fully justified. But as they are with no more than having mediocre specs, limited functionality, the same sensors as point and shoot cameras and outrageous prices on top of that, sorry.. aside from hard core videographers that "need" these (and I can't think of ANYONE choosing this over more capable and cheaper and better gear), I positively don't understand why these cameras exist and the price point they have and what they ultimately offer.

[@jbautista7839]

These are ideally suited for multi-cam live and broadcast events. Something not able to be easily accomplished via other methods. When you need to feed the outputs into live switching gear and match WB and color across cameras (Live) you will really appreciate the ability to configure on the fly settings. broadcast and live events are their own animal and come with a pricetag when seconds count. Think how you would cover a live event with 5 cameras (shots being changed by operators) all feeding a broadcast station that cycles through including overlays building your program live with no breaks and no post editing. You also have multi audio and a master feed to deal with.

[@PavSZ]

Mirrorless cameras might be cheaper and have bigger sensors but this is not more expensive. Any camera body + 3 or 4 lenses that you would need to match the focal length of this camera, nd filters, XLR inputs alone is gonna set you up significantly more than the cost of one of these. This is the unique thing about camcorders like this, it is all build in and you have a very wide focal range lens. You don't need to change lenses, that's the whole point. This is a very specific tool for a very specific film maker

[@das_tattooatelier_freistadt]

Ja, das ist das Problem, wer noch nie professionell mit Camcordern gearbeitet hat versteht es nicht. Es fängt bei den Ein - und Ausgängen an und hört bei eingebauten ND Filtern und Schnellzugrifftasten auf. Wenn es schnell gehen soll und man mit einem Griff startbereit sein will haben die Teile ganz einfach die Nase vorn. Für mich (ich nutze sonst die C Canons, c 200 usw.) ist der Formfaktior und das Gewicht bei manchen Arbeiten ein zusätzlich unschlagbarer Punkt. Schöne Feiertage allerseits und gut Licht, Grüße aus Austria!

[@PavSZ]

@@das_tattooatelier_freistadt sorry but I do not speak german

[@das_tattooatelier_freistadt]

@@PavSZ sorry - yes, that's the problem, anyone who has never worked professionally with camcorders doesn't understand it. It starts with the inputs and outputs and ends with the built-in ND filters and quick access buttons. If things have to go quickly and you want to be ready to go in one go, these parts are simply the best. For me (I usually use the C Canons, c 200, etc.) the form factor and the weight are an additional unbeatable point for some work. Happy holidays everyone and good light, greetings from Austria!

[@_-Zhen]

Is the camera body plastic or metal?

[@PavSZ]

it would be very heavy if it was all metal. I think it's made out of very tough plastic

[@_-Zhen]

@@PavSZ Okay, thank you.

[@Nordbiene]

Pretty noisy. :)

[@PavSZ]

with high gain setting, it is very noisy

[@AmitKumar-oq6qu]

1st comment!!

[@PavSZ]

WooHoo! 🎉