Panasonic remains committed to webcams despite the popularity of its interchangeable lens hybrid cameras. after Updating two consumer webcams Last Halloween for the first time in six years, Panasonic unveiled four new 4K professional cameras.
The Panasonic AG-CX20, HC-X2100, HC-X1600 and HC-X1200 have some key features in common. All four cameras record 4K/60p 4:2:0 10-bit video using a 24x optical zoom that ranges from 25 to 600 mm in 35 mm equivalent terms. All four webcams include five-axis hybrid optical image stabilization, an internal neutral density (ND) filter, a heat-dispersing design, two manual control rings, dual SD card slots, and Power Delivery over USB-C.
The HC-X1600 has all these features in addition to built-in Wi-Fi, 4:2:2 10-bit recording, FHD live streaming, a tiltable viewfinder, two XLR inputs, an LED light, and compatibility with a detachable handle.
The Panasonic HC-X2100 has all the features of the HC-X1600 and includes 3G SDI-out, simultaneous SDI/HDMI output, an Ethernet port, and dual codec recording, and it comes with a handle in the box.
Completing the webcam quartet is the AG-CX20 HC-X2100 plus MicroP2 support, HDNI compatibility and P2 MXF. Additionally, the CX20 will work with the SRT protocol following a planned firmware update.
Back to something every webcam shares: the built-in lens. Panasonic says the 25-600mm equivalent lens also works with intelligent digital zoom to deliver 32x zoom in 4K and 48x zoom in FHD. The proprietary “4-Drive Lens System” moves the four lens groups independently, ensuring a powerful zoom in a compact design. The lens works with an integrated ND filter that offers 1/4, 1/16 and 1/64 power levels.
Each camera promises “high-speed, high-precision autofocus,” including face-detect AF/AE. Panasonic says the cameras offer better focusing speed and tracking performance.
Although 4:2:2 internal recording requires at least an HC-X1600, a post-launch firmware update will see all four models support a new low-bitrate recording mode for FHD MP4 recording. This mode will support recording at 59.94 Mbps at 28p, 23.98 Mbps at 24p, and 29.97 Mbps when using the 20p frame rate. It’s unclear why the slower 23.98p recording mode has a higher bitrate than 29.97p.
Panasonic has also implemented a new low-speed zoom mode that is approximately 2.8 times slower than the previous model, meaning users can achieve more deliberate zooms than before. The camcorder also features a new composition guideline display and now works with a smartphone app, HC-ROP, which supports remote live view.
Pricing and Availability
Panasonic’s new webcams will arrive at retailers in early March, with prices for the HC-X1200 starting at $1,299.99. The HC-X1600 will be priced at $1,699.99, while the HC-X2100 is priced at $2,199.99. Pricing for the AG-CX20 has not been announced.
Image Credit: PANASONIC