Sony RX10iv vs Panasonic HC X1500 Shoot Out

This video is designed to compare the video capture quality of the Sony RX-10iv with the Panasonic HC X-1500. The rig seen in the opening shots is how I did it. It turned out to be extremely cumbersome ... nearly impossible to make both cameras point at the exact same object, especially at 24X, and indeed impossible to zoom in and out in sync. The zoom controls and speeds are very different. Please extend your grace and use the video as it was designed to be used ... to compare the two cameras (not to comment on my set-up or video skills). I hope it will be a very useful tool for you to do just that.

[@HusseinKefel]

Hi Robert, thank you for this great comparison video. The winner for me in this video is the Panasonic HC X-1500 almost lifelike picture quality, the Sony RX10iv was dimmed

[@DavidHarry]

Excellent comparison and a brilliant way to compare. Thank you for your considerable efforts. Cheers, Dave.

[@MrPlasmo]

Thanks for making this comparison video. What is very apparent in your demonstration is that Panasonic definitely has better image stabilization

[@ungavaproductions]

Very interesting comparision. Love the way you used. I am also a wildlife videographer ( beginner in video but good knowledge in photograpky) I bought today my Panasonic x1500 to replace my litle Sony cx405. Your presentation comforted me in my choice. Thanks so much

[@DanChanPiano]

Thank you Robert for putting this up. I'll soon buy an X1500 or X2000 and I'm looking at last minute alternatives that might convince me to go another direction. I shoot video not stills. I've always owned camcorders for their form factor and that they are truly designed for video. This Panasonic would act as a second camera to my Sony AX-700. My thinking is that I can use the 1" sensor Sony for low light situations and the fantastic reach, better OIS, great battery life, 4K @60p, and overall greater versatility of the Panasonic for many more situations than the AX-700 is capable of. I also shoot nature and I know I'm going to love the 600mm zoom. All the nay-saying about the new Panasonic camcorder line centers around that tiny 1/2" sensor, but I think Panasonic has integrated the fast lens and processing to maximize their design. I think the many good features of the x1500, x2000 and CX-10 cameras outweigh the low light and shallow depth of field limitations of the small sensor. Thanks for comparing it to a similar priced bridge camera such as the Sony RX-10iv. I still think I'm making the right decision for my needs.

[@artistjoh]

Dan Chan The small sensor is not a big issue. I use the Sony AX53 (small sensor) and the AX100 (1 inch sensor). Most people assume the 1 inch sensor would be much better in low light but that will only be true if the aperture is the same. The faster lens of the AX53 makes it around the same, or perhaps a little better than the slower lens AX100 in lower light. Gain produces noise just as much as a smaller sensor does. The Panasonic VX1 is even better than the AX53 in lower light, and from what I have seen, the X1500/X2000 are even better. It seems that the Panny’s are retaking the lead in the camcorder stakes. I am already saving pennies toward an X2000.

[@brian6455]

The 2000 with a G9 or a GH5 would be a great combo.

[@BackusCreativeImaging]

I'm thinking along similar lines. My Sony ZV-1 on a Crane M2 gimbal is my low light / bokeh camera, and it's tiny. It has f/1.8 at wide end compared to f/2.8 on the AX700. It's good for most standard shots. Look at my footage: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZCmZ4WpoL98isU I'm getting the HC-X2000 for shots where the ZV-1s limited zoom can't reach. A great combo :)

[@boykieboykieboykie]

@@brian6455 im thinking of pairing it with an s5

[@danielenstrom1873]

I agree with you on your conclusion. Very useful comparisons.

[@marcs_best_airshow_videos]

That is for me the ultimate test conclussion camcoders are for filming and dslr are for shooting pictures

[@jimmypastrana]

Thanks for sharing with us the test. I think the win is the camera panasonic. I like the stability. Thanks again! Good job 😊👍👍👍🎥👌

[@rowens_el_terricola]

Thank you so muc, this video destroyed all my doubts. Panasonic is the winner

[@dougbarrett152]

Less jitter on the HX 1500 makes it easier to watch on the longer end of the zoom range.

[@robertcarpenter2824]

That jitter might be me touching the Sony trying to zoom in and out. At 24 X you can just breathe on the camera and it will shake, so a lot of that is tripod issues. I should have done it with remote controls ... but don't have them. Thanks for your comment. Rob

[@dougbarrett152]

@@robertcarpenter2824 Yes, that is most likely.

[@StenellaFr]

panasonic crushes sony with smoothness and image quality. and also with stabilization

[@der_schoeni]

Sony still can't provide stabilization.

[@d18unk1]

Would you be able to add what settings you used on the Panasonic was it auto or manual thanks.

[@Steger13]

Why the Sony turn's dark sometimes in zoom?

[@krupert8355]

Thank you for the comparison and final notes.

[@phototristan]

I love the Panasonic but I'm not sure the colors/exposure is quite right. Every video example out of it looks like it has a bit of a yellow cast.

[@GregNFresh]

More brightness on the Sony but have the image settings on the Pana been correctly made? And the RX10 looks more shaky on zoom? In any case, it is difficult to compare a bridge which is mainly designed for the photo and a camcorder for the videos.

[@BUILTDIESELMAFIA]

Really like the x1500 just worried about low light performance with that ridiculously dinky sensor size.

[@zacker7050]

Why is the Panasonic so steady? Looks awesome

[@BringItMuscleCars]

Great video. Very good comparison. I’d love to see one where they are hand held to compare the image stabilizer

[@snells-window]

Thanks for putting this up Robert, a useful comparison.

[@SergeGolikov]

I own the FZ2500 and RX10 IV, and now considering replacing the FZ2500 with the HC X1500 for the 10bit 4:2:2 codec.

[@kalkydra]

This is a great comparison video. Thank you for adding your conclusions on it, it is really helpful. I had in the past the Sony RX10 IV that I used mainly for videos (even tough is not a video camera) because of the compact size and the great zoom but I came to the same conclusions as you. In addition without an stabilization system the videos turn our to be very unstable. For pictures it is an amazing camera and would totally recommend. I think I am going to get hooked up with the HC X1500, do you have any thoughts on the direct rivals of this camera such as the Sony NX80? Would you still go for the Panasonic? and if so, why? Cheers!

[@robertecarpenter]

I love the HC1500. but right now it's locked into a "Cannot Record" mode. I can't figure out why. Darn!!! anyway, it is so soft in anything but perfect lighting conditions that i still default to the Sony RX10

[@miklosnemeth8566]

@@robertecarpenter Yep, exactly this is the reason I'd like to stay with Sony. This Panasonic 25-600 lens designed for the tiny 1/2.5" sensor is really a great idea so much as that Panasonic made a range of cameras around it: VX1, VXF1, X1500, X2000, but I am not in a rush, I'll wait until Sony is making a 1" camera around this amazing 24-600 lens from the RX10IV. Until then, I live with the amazing AX53, Z90, RX10, A7III/PZ28135f4OSS. What is amazing from Sony that the 8 year old AX100 (2014) with its 8-bit 100mbps 4K stands absolutely excellently against these new 10-bit 200mpbs files from Panasonic. I see no reason to swap over to Panasonic.

[@user-ib7wg1zc5t]

@@robertecarpenterWhy?

[@anthony4acre]

They are 2 very different cameras, the Panasonic is a camcorder the Sony is a large sensor SLR, How do you compare 2 different types of camera.

[@robertecarpenter]

I only shoot video. Therefore the Panasonic offers some great advantages in focus, zoom control eyepiece etc.

[@anthony4acre]

@@robertecarpenter If you only shoot video the the Panasonic will be the perfect option for you.

[@johnsimpson7437]

No this is a GREAT comparison as they are both being used to shoot professional quality video. There is a amazing wedding video shot using the RX10 iv. It has unreal 60, 120, 240, 500 and 1000fps slow motion @ 1080P The RX10 out Gunn's the Panasonic in customizability by a factor of 100

[@anthony4acre]

@@johnsimpson7437 The Panasonic AG-CX10 with the correct SD card can shoot Pro Res No other Camcorder manufacture for this price or any DSLR manufacture supports Pro Res, which is 10bit video, except for TV Broadcasters that have video cameras that exceed $20k.

[@johnsimpson7437]

@@anthony4acre What the BMC 6K ?

[@pietdegeling8686]

Comparing a dedicated camcorder with a bridge camera, and than comparing the video quality. Even without this comparison i could have told the panasonic would be the better camcorder. While for just added video functionality to the Sony, video is not bad at all

[@robertecarpenter]

That's what i would think. but the Panasonic is on the shelf. I seldom use it for two reasons: Poor low light performance compared to Sony, and Sony has 240, 460 and 980 fps which i use a lot. Catch my Life In Slow Motion, at kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3SwaqOuetOlq7s and Spectacular Dragonflies at kzbin.info/www/bejne/omiveZ-ibNKIb6c every shot in those videos were shot with the Sony RX-10 simply because that's what I carry. Rob

[@leesops710]

Hi thanks for this video and your time in making it. Was looking for a new C.C to replace my Sony FDR-AX33 might of just found replacement HC-X1500 I subscribed waiting for more.

[@robertecarpenter]

Hi Lee. thanks for comment. Sony much better in low light ... much much better, but so hard to focus

[@jaserdiaz9543]

Thanks for the comparison. It evident for the Panasonic to have a better image stabilization.

[@jaserdiaz9543]

Can you do an indoor comparison test. Some people complaint on low light with Panasonic

[@biskitbodyboarding]

I shoot on a rx10iv I have since it come out .I've been looking at upgrading to the 2000 as it shoots 10bit rather than 8on the sony ...the IS on the sony is amazing this video does the is no justice ...

[@robertecarpenter]

low light with Panasonic HCx1500 very much worse than Sony RX due to sensor size. This is really beginning to bother me about that camera.

[@robertecarpenter]

Biskit. You are right. It is good. My rig made IS impossible to compare and it should not be judged by this video.

[@robertecarpenter]

the butterflies in cases are indoors. The easter bunny although outside was in very low light. The Sony RX10 is far far superior to Panasonic HC X!500

[@stevenunez]

Dynamic range seems very low- whites blow out in sunlight immediately- bummer.

[@sfoaviation]

Awesome comparison!

[@momchilyordanov8190]

Between the two, I would choose the camcorder, because of lower price and build-in NDs. In terms of IQ, it's more similar than different imo

[@allcingeye5881]

Panasonic making the Sony camera look like a child's toy. but of course the cost of the Panasonic may be 2 or 3 times the price of the Sony in which case the Sony looks ok But looking at your video its worth spending a bit more for the Panasonic. great videos made my mind up to start saving for the Panasonic

[@ngchorguan]

thank you for the comparison

[@pgulysse1]

Thanks. The internal zoom mechanism of camcorders is a winner. I think one of the reasons why #Panasonic #Lumix should not let the FZ2500/FZ200/FZH1 go ... Hope they will upgrade the Hybrid Bridge Superzoom. The #FZ2500 and its internal zoom can be seen as (1) a crazy compact 4K 1" camcorder with stills capabilities (20MP).... or (2) a digital camera with crazy video specs. For the successor: add two card slots (premier for a compact), a faster lens but (f1.4-4), no crop in 4K, good IBIS in 4K ... new Panasonic menu system, body design like the S5 , red record button and red indicator on LCD while recording videos, 2 or 3 lens ring (Zoom, Focus, Aperture/Iris), Panasonic camera body has a lot of controls that can mimic a camcorder, add all video and assist tools we can in other 1" 4K camcorder in the market (@Panasonic / @Lumix, JVC, Canon, Sony). The FZ2500 II can be a more crazy compact competitor to other 1" camcorders , or to other 1" bridge (RX10 IV, G3 X)... Good luck

[@csamd9049]

Panasonic FZ inch cameras are worse in image quality than this 1500 video camera. Despite the 1 inch sensor they shoot worse, the image is of lower quality. In addition, they generally cannot replace video cameras, shooting a flying bird on a zoom, for example, with this Panasonic, can be beautiful without problems, and on a photo of a Panasonic FZ or Sony RX camera it is many times more difficult.

[@adudas78]

Nice comparison. What kind of mount did you use to mount 2 cameras on a single head?

[@robertecarpenter]

it doesn't show very well, but the two opening scenes show my Rube Goldberg attempt with a straight cross bracket (on a single head) from B&H. The tripod is a Satchler Ace. Instead of two cameras, I usually mount my 7" Elvid monitor on one side, and either a flashlight or a spotting green laser on the other. When it all works, it's great, but I spend a lot of time adjusting it all. And it must weigh 15 lbs. or so.

[@user-dj5ki4km8c]

this comparison is helpful

[@miklosnemeth8566]

I used to have the Panasonic FZ2000 (aka 2500) and it's really weird why Panasonic dropped that camera line completely? I eventually sold it since it had an gigantic crop in 4K, which was a total deal breaker, but otherwise I loved the camera. The high resolution 3.5" screen of the X1500/2000 is really appealing. But, spending big money for a 1/2.5-sensor Panasonic camera in 2022, hmm, it's a hard decision. In my country Sony is the premium brand name for cameras.

[@collegeparkchurchhuntsvill6316]

Excellent video. Waiting till I have the $$ for the Panny. Focus, stability, dynamic range and colors > the Sony cam. What’s the price difference btw?

[@johnsimpson7437]

as if August 2020 RX10 iv = $1599 eBay used: $1299 X1500 = $1699

[@EVOlutionHTC4g]

For documentary filming, I think I like the Panasonic much better. The only problem I see is not having the same video quality at night. Sony cameras are much better at night.

[@johnsimpson7437]

GREAT VIDEO 👍👍👍👍👍

[@BTS_MATTERS]

Impressive Camcorder for Panasonic.

[@MR-Media76]

technically videocam is for video so i will prefer panasonic. sony is for photo and cannot work as long panasonic does.

[@TommyCat4]

Not a good comparison settings on both cameras differ substantially

[@VsevolodT]

great content! Very useful. Do more!

[@davidlewis726]

Nice video and content. There looks to be better IS on the Panasonic, but both seem to struggle to keep control of the highlights.

[@johnsimpson7437]

The solution is: Lumix S1H 👍

[@komandagleby_GB]

@@johnsimpson7437, when its DFD stops pulsating back and forth.

[@zakriyarajput4197]

Panasonic Camcoders and Cameras Colors is Always best over the Sony Camcoders and cameras

[@kommerschenkel9224]

Thank you for this great comparison. How is the Panasonic HC-X1500 autofocus, with nature video? I saw a few different video's on youtube that the Panasonic autofocus will struggle with bright subjects.(Autofocus hunting) What is your experience with the autofocus? I am doubting about the Panasonic HC-X1500 and the Canon G60.

[@csamd9049]

autofocus is excellent. For nature, I would prefer a Panasonic 1500, for low light canon g60

[@electricimage]

well done !

[@RafizGasimov]

thanksss

[@aotechdev]

it's the panasonic for me

[@johnsimpson7437]

You should include a third camera (iPhone 11 Pro Max) I bet the iPhone will WIN !

[@ramstag]

Sony e melhor sem duvida

[@CharismaticPlanet3822]

well comparison. Panasonic is giving tuff time to Sony.

[@robertcarpenter2824]

Thank you!!! The Panasonic is just easier to use in many ways if you do mostly video. The quality is negligible except in low light where the Sony easily wins.

[@SteveBurk]

@@robertcarpenter2824 just put a damn light on lol

[@dodgierogie68]

Panasonic steady as :)

[@azzamur]

Pana 100 - sony 65.

[@robertecarpenter]

good score in bright light. but in low light it's Pana 65 Sony 100. and in very low light, it's Pana 12 and Sony 67

[@azzamur]

@@robertecarpenter I do not believe. It sets all parameters of the cam well and at the maximum they are 50 and 50. (pedestal, coring, nr etc. etc.)

[@robertecarpenter]

@@azzamur could be my fault. I am a low IQ country boy ... don't understand cameras that well.

[@azzamur]

@@robertecarpenter Is it better sony a7 slll (sensor full frame) or sony Z450 (sensor 2/3)?

[@azzamur]

@@robertecarpenter I do not believe. The country boys don't do these reviews

[@legacyjeetkunedo492]

Panasonic wins.