Panasonic launches four new 4K pro camcorders with 24x zoom

Panasonic has launched a new set of 4K professional camcorders starting from $1299 and featuring improved recording options and enhanced network connectivity.

The humble camcorder, not something we heard a whole lot about these days due to all the attention that goes on mirrorless cameras and cinema style devices. The traditional fixed lens camcorder is just viewed pretty much as the camera equivalent of a bearded geography teacher proudly wearing a jacket with elbow patches.

But, just like our geography teacher friend, what the fixed lens camcorder lacks in sexiness, it has always made up for in sheer practicality. So, it's with this in mind that we're giving some love to Panasonic's latest releases: Four new fixed lens 4K camcorders.

Side view of the AG-CX18. Image: Panasonic

Standout features

The AG-CX20, AG-CX18, HC-X1600, and HC-X1200 represent four different tiers of product. All of them feature 4K/60fps capability and a 25mm wide angle lens with a 24x optical zoom.

At a glance, the new range offers the following improvements over the previous generation of models:-

• Improved OLED viewfinder with 1,770K dots and larger eyecups
• Addition of USB-C
• A new low bitrate mode for FHD MP4 recording, which will be added in the next firmware update supporting 28 Mbps (50p/59.94p), 24 Mbps (23.98p), and 20 Mbps (25p/29.97p)
• Improved low-speed zoom, approximately 2.8 times slower than the previous model
• A guideline display has been added that allows users to check composition
• Support for Wi-Fi 5 GHz and USB tethering
• The dedicated app "HC-ROP" now supports a live view function, making it easier to operate the camera from a smart device

Image: Panasonic

In addition, the top of the range AG-CX20 and AG-CX18 feature FHD live streaming over WiFi and Ethernet, with the AG-CX20 supporting the SRT protocol. Both models feature 3G-SDI out, and can simultaneously output via HDMI. The AG-CX20 also supports NDI HX2-compliant IP connectivity.

Which of the models you go for will depend entirely on your usage. The specs would suggest a very defined tier structure in terms of features, making it easy to decide which one will do the job.

For example, all of the models feature built-in four position ND filters, 10-bit 4:2:0 HEVC recording, manual focus and iris/zoom rings (likely servo connected), and two SD card slots. But, as you go up the range, features such as 4:2:2 10-bit recording, tiltable viewfinders, dual codec recording, Micro P2 MXF format recording, removable top handles, and NDI are added to the mix.

Lens and stabilisation

The lens specification is impressive, with a zoom ranging from 24mm at its widest to 600mm at full telephoto. Additional telephoto range can be achieved using the digital i-ZOOM feature, which gives a 32x zoom in 4K mode and 48x in 1080p. Digital zooms like this perform incredibly well these days, so it's safe to say that this will be a useful feature. Panasonic has also ensured that the focus and iris/zoom rings are different sizes, to avoid any confusion during use.

Full facial tracking during autofocus features, as does a 5-axis internal stabilisation system, which Panasonic claims gives a rock steady shot even at the highest zoom levels. Panasonic hasn't specified the type of autofocus being used, but we'd assume from other recent releases that it will be a hybrid phase detection system. Other features include a built in video light on models that include the removable top handle.

Claimed battery life on the CX20/CX18 is up to 4hr 50 minutes in 50Hz mode, slightly less in 60Hz. While the X1600/X1200 can achieve up to 6hr 30 minutes in 50Hz mode.

Pricing and availability

The new models should all ship in March. Prices start at $1299 for the HC-X1200, while the HC-X1600 will cost $1699, and the HC-X2100 $2199. Pricing for the AG-CX20 has not been announced.

tl;dr

• Panasonic has launched four new 4K professional camcorders, starting at $1299, featuring improved recording options and enhanced network connectivity.
• The camcorders, including the AG-CX20, AG-CX18, HC-X1600, and HC-X1200, all support 4K/60fps and come with a 25mm wide-angle lens and 24x optical zoom.
• Key improvements include an upgraded OLED viewfinder, support for USB-C, a new low bitrate mode, improved low-speed zoom, and enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity.
• The top models, AG-CX20 and AG-CX18, offer live streaming capabilities over WiFi and Ethernet, with additional features like 4:2:2 10-bit recording and dual codec recording as you move up the range.