Panasonic Announces Four 4K 60p 10-Bit Professional Camcorders With 25mm* ¹ Wide Angle Lens and 24x Optical Zoom By Investing.com

NEWARK, NJ, January 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At the beginning of March Panasonic (OTC:) will release four models of 4K professional camcorders to meet all video production, broadcast and distribution needs. The AG-CX20 and HC-X2100 have a removable handle unit, while the HC-X1600 is compatible with a separately sold handle.

4K 60p 10-bit camcorders combine a compact and lightweight body for ultimate mobility with unmatched optical performance with 25mm wide angle and 24x optical zoom. This series is highly praised by directors shooting with one man and in other professional shooting locations that require high mobility and image quality.

For the latest models, Panasonic has included improvements based on feedback to make it even more useful for multi-user video production. The main improvements are as follows.

• Improved functionality of the viewfinder: High resolution OLED viewfinder with 1770 K dots and larger eyepieces.
• Change to USB-C port: The USB port has been changed to the very versatile Type-C, which can also power the camcorder.
• Adding a low bit rate recording mode (firmware support): A new low bitrate mode for FHD MP4 recording will be added in the next firmware update. It will support 28 Mbps (50p/59.94p), 24 Mbps (23.98p) and 20 Mbps (25p/29.97p).
• Improved low speed zoom: It supports low-speed zooming, which is approximately 2.8 times slower than the previous model, to expand the range of video expression.
• Support for displaying recording guidelines: Added guidelines view to allow users to check composition and horizontality.
• Improved network functionality: It supports Wi-Fi 5 GHz² and adds USB connectivity functionality³.
• Improved operability through connection with the application²: The dedicated “HC-ROP” app now supports the live view function, making it easy to control the camera from a smart device.

The top models AG-CX20/HC-X2100 support FHD live streaming via Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Additionally, the AG-CX20 will support SRT⁴ protocol for high-quality, low-latency streaming. From a system standpoint, the AG-CX20/HC-X2100 are equipped with 3G-SDI and support simultaneous output with HDMI. The AG-CX20 also offers NDI HX2-compatible IP connectivity for seamless live streaming in a networked environment.

Panasonic will continue to feature camcorders that meet a wide range of needs, from directors conducting location shoots and interviews to video creators striving for high-quality video production and live streaming.

1 35mm camera equivalent.
2 Except for HC-X1200
3 AG-CX20/HC-X2100 only
4 Added by firmware update

• With optical performance for precise shooting
  The integrated lens offers an incredibly powerful 24x optical zoom that ranges from 25mm¹ wide angle up to 600 mm¹ calf. i.ZOOM achieves 32x in 4K mode and 48x in FHD mode. The 4-drive lens system drives four lens groups independently, achieving 24x optical zoom and a compact body size.
  Two manual rings are supplied, one for focusing and the other for zooming or iris operation. Hand rings are designed in different sizes, so that the right ring can be controlled without fail by touching the fingers. ND filters can be selected from 1/4, 1/16, 1/64 and clear, while glass is used as a countermeasure against burns from condensation of sunlight. (1 35mm camera equivalent)
• Fast, high-precision AF including Face Detection AF/AE
  Superior focus speed, stability and tracking performance for 4K and FHD is achieved thanks to Face Detection AF/AE, along with a lens drive for precise focusing. Face Detection AF/AE provides precise focusing and sufficient exposure for subjects. In addition, subject tracking with color recognition can be activated with a simple touch of the LCD screen, allowing for precise tracking.
• 5-axis HYBRID OIS Enables stable image acquisition
  Along with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), Electronic Image Stabilization works to detect and correct 5-axis handshake, including rotational blur. This enables strong correction in unstable conditions, such as low and high angle shooting. The Ball (NYSE: ) OIS system reduces friction on the drive end, achieving delicate correction even for low-amplitude handling. This produces beautiful images with suppressed handshake even at the high optical zoom of 24x.
• Compact case equipped with 4K/60p thanks to heat dissipating design
  A heat-dissipating design with a slim fan allows for a compact, lightweight body and high-definition 4K 60p recording. Reliable, extended shooting is achieved by drawing in air from the rear panel of the camera and effectively dissipating heat from the front panel.
• High-quality recording with a variety of modes
  Camcorders support a variety of bitrates and formats to meet professional needs. This enabled 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording with a maximum of 29.97 pu UHD and 59.94 pu FHD. When set to 10-bit recording, the camcorder delivers 4K 60p 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output, enabling high-quality image recording with an external recorder. High efficiency HEVC recording (LongGOP/10-bit 4:2:0/MOV) is also supported for recording UHD 59.94p at a high bit rate of 200 Mbps.
  As for file formats, except MOV¹MP4 and AVCHD, the AG-CX20 also supports P2 MXF ideal for radio editing systems and recording using the AVC-Intra/AVC-LongG codec is supported.
  Additionally, low bitrate recording formats of 28 Mbps (50p/59.94p), 24 Mbps (23.98p) and 20 Mbps (25p/29.97p) are planned to be added to FHD MP4 recording in the next firmware update.
  1 Except for HC-X1200
• Features and designs that support professional camera work
  A bright video light is built into the handle. Dimmer wheel can adjust the brightness for shooting in low light. For shooting in even darker conditions, commercially available IR lights¹ are supported for IR (infrared) imaging. The high-resolution 3.5-inch monitor with approximately 2760K dots provides excellent visibility even in bright sunlight. It has an electrostatic touch panel that allows smooth operation when selecting menus, and the size of the eyepiece has been increased to ensure comfort during long-term shooting. The included high-capacity battery does not protrude when attached and allows for extended shooting.
  1 Recommended: light with a wavelength of 850 nm
  Continuous recording time (approx.)

Dual SD card slots meet recording needs
Two SD memory card slots are available. With unlimited relay recording, recording media is automatically and seamlessly switched from slot 1 to slot 2. Simultaneous or background recording can also be selected to suit the workflow and card needs.

• Unlimited¹ Relay shooting: Data is continuously recorded by automatically switching the recording SD card from slot 1 to slot 2. Replacing a full SD card with a new SD card enables continuous image recording for many hours.
• Simultaneous recording: In this highly redundant recording mode, identical data is recorded on cards in both slots.
• Recording in the background: One SD card can be inserted into slot 2 for continuous recording, and another can be inserted into slot 1 to record the required scenes by turning REC on and off.
• Recording with two codecs² (AG-CX20/HC-X2100 only): It records images simultaneously in two different formats, such as main (UHD/FHD) and sub (FHD), etc. This achieves an efficient workflow.
  1 If the relay recording time reaches 10 hours, the recording will stop temporarily and automatically start again a few seconds later.
  2 Added by firmware update.
• 48-kHz/24-bit Linear PCM high-resolution audio recording
  +48V phantom power/MIC/LINE Selectable XLR audio input with manual volume is provided for each of the 2 channels. The 24-bit linear PCM system (MOV/P2 MXF¹), 16-bit AAC (MP4) or Dolby Audio system (AVCHD) high-quality 2-channel audio recording. An additional handle (VW-HU1) is required for the HC-X1600.
  1 AG-CX20 only
• Versatile network functions extend the user’s workflow
  Supports 5GHz Wi-Fi® (IEEE802.11ac)¹ with the 2.4 GHz band. USB connection² smartphone use is now also possible in unstable network environments such as those with frequent radio interference. Live View is now available via a dedicated tablet/smartphone app “HC ROP”, which improves operability for wireless control of camera settings, lens control, etc.
  The AG-CX20/HC-X2100 supports R™P (Real-Time Messaging Protocol), enabling live streaming of concerts, sports events, news, etc. to Facebook (NASDAQ:), YouTube and others. The AG-CX20 will support the next-generation SRT image transfer protocol in the next firmware upgrade, enabling high-quality, low-latency live streaming.
  The AG-CX20/HC-X2100 is equipped with Ethernet for more stable live streaming, and a wired LAN connection is available using a commercially available USB LAN conversion adapter.
  In addition, the AG-CX20 features NDI HX2 mode, which allows camera transmission and control over an IP connection without the need for external converters.
  The AG-CX20/HC-X2100 also supports simultaneous 3G-SDI and HDMI output, with up to FHD 60p 4:2:2 10-bit video output from SDI.
  1 All models except the HC-X1200 support Wi-Fi.
  2 USB connection is supported only with AG-CX20/HC-X2100.

Optional accessories
A handle unit (VW-HU1) is added as an accessory. It is easily detachable and equipped with 2-channel XLR audio input, audio control and LED light. The operation of the zoom lever attached to the handle unit maintains a constant zoom speed, which can be set in 7 steps from the menu.

• NDI ® is a video connectivity technology registered as a trademark by Vizrt NDI AB in United States and other countries.
• Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.
• YouTube™ and the YouTube logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of the company Google (NASDAQ:) LLC.

Price and availability
Camcorders will be available from valued partners in early March. The price of HC-X2100 will be $2199.99HC-X1600: $1699.99 and HC-X1200: $1299.99.

About Panasonic Corporation of North America
Newark, NJ-based Panasonic Corporation of North America is a leading provider of Consumer Lifestyle technologies and innovative solutions for smart mobility, sustainable energy, end-to-end experiences and an integrated supply chain. The company is the main North American subsidiary Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Holdings Corporation. One of Interbrands The 100 best global brands in 2023. Panasonic is a leading technology partner and integrator of companies, government agencies and consumers throughout the region. Learn more about Panasonic ideas and innovations on www.na.panasonic.com/us.

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