Panasonic AG-CX370: A high-end handheld camcorder for pro use

The new Panasonic AG-CX370 adds 12G SDI, genlock, beefed up audio and more to 2019's popular AG-CX350.

As we wrote last month, the camcorder is not dead yet. And if Panasonic has anything to do with it, it won’t be for a while yet.

Following the announcement of the AG-CX20, AG-CX18, HC-X1600, and HC-X1200 back in January, Panasonic now adds a fifth camcorder to the one up of new models so far this year alone with the unveiling of the AG-CX370.

Scheduled for release in Q2 this year, the company says the AG-CX370 builds on the existing AG-CX350 with enhanced system capabilities for even greater performance. That model was released in 2019 and has gained a decent foothold in the pro market, so the upgrades the AG-CX370 are bringing to the market are important one.

Luckily there are quite a few of them.

Topping the list is that the SDI output terminal now supports 12G for high-quality, uncompressed 4K video streaming to the latest video equipment. Simultaneous 4K output via SDI and HDMI is also supported. Meanwhile, a newly integrated genlock input terminal enables broadcast-quality synchronization in multi-camera systems.

Audio has been overhauled. In addition to two XLR inputs, a 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack input supports up to four external microphones for 4-channel audio recording, while each channel has a dedicated volume control for precise manual adjustment.

Built-in NDI HX2 compatibility is provided for IP-based transmissions and camera control when connected to NDI-compatible devices, such as switchers and decoders. And a new vertical video flag enables ingest/play/edit as a vertical video by using video editing software.

This is all added to an already fully featured unit. Panasonic lists the key features below (full specs can be found here).

Wide-angle, High magnification Zoom Lens with Three Manual Rings
• Professional three-ring control (zoom, focus and iris).
• 24.5 mm (35mm equivalent) wide-angle 20x optical zoom, and i.Zoom.
• High-precision AF with face detection, auto-tracking and 5-axis hybrid image stabilization.

High-quality 4K Video with HDR/V-Log Gamma
• High-definition, high-sensitivity 1.0-type 15M MOS sensor.
• Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) for HDR recording, along with V-Log Gamma adopted from Panasonic's VARICAM cinema cameras.
• Broadcast-quality image tuning with 16-axis independent color correction.

Advanced Streaming and IP-based Live Production Capabilities
• 4K direct streaming via RTMP, RTMPS, RTSP and SRT protocols.
• LAN port with NDI® HX compatibility for seamless IP-based live production.

Multi-Codec and Dual Slots for Flexible Recording
• 4K/60p/10-bit MOV recording with high-efficiency HEVC codec.
• HD recording compatible with AVC-ULTRA (P2 MXF)¹ and AVCHD formats.
• 10-bit variable frame rate (VFR) without cropping.
• 4-channel 24-bit PCM audio recording.
• Dual memory card slots supporting relay, simultaneous and background recording.
• Pre-REC, interval recording, timestamping and still image capture.

Enhanced System Expandability and Mobility for Professional Use
• Focus/zoom wired remote control, IP remote control over LAN and wireless remote control via tablet or smartphone.
• V-Log or V709 in V-Log, or HDR/SDR in HLG, for each video output (SDI, HDMI and LCD).
• Fully compatible with multi-camera systems with GENLOCK IN and TC IN/OUT terminals.
• TSL protocol for switcher-linked tally display.
• Simultaneous display on high-brightness, high-definition LCDs and EVFs.
• Low power consumption and high-capacity, fast-charging battery for extended recording.

The AG-CX370 Dolby weighs approx. 1.9 kg (4.19 lb) (body only, excluding lens hood, battery, and accessories). Add all that in and you have shooting weight closer to 2.3 kg (5.07 lb). 

We’re heading firmly into NAB press release season so, as is traditional, pricing information tends to get detached from any new product news. Soon as we know anything along those lines we’ll update here.

tl;dr

• The new Panasonic AG-CX370 adds 12G SDI, genlock, beefed up audio and more to 2019's popular AG-CX350.
• Enhanced audio capabilities include two XLR inputs and a 3.5 mm jack for up to four external microphones with individual volume controls.
• Built-in NDI HX2 compatibility allows for IP-based camera control and transmission to compatible devices.
• The camcorder is designed for versatility with features like dual memory card slots, advanced streaming options, and manual control rings for zoom, focus, and iris.