Without much fanfare, Panasonic introduced the HC-X1 (X1), a light, compact 4K Ultra HD professional camcorder that supports 4K 24p, UHD 60p/50p, FHD 60p/50p multi-format recording and HD super slow-motion. The new Panasonic HC-X1 Ultra HD Professional Camcorder, announced at IFA 2016, is developed to meet and exceed professional video production needs, while it offers a wide view of the world, with a newly integrated lens system which boasts the industry’s widest angle at 24mm and 20X zoom.
   

In response to the rising demand for 4K video content, the Panasonic HC-X1 4K camcorder helps create attractive and beautiful 4K videos. The effective 1.0-type (inch) MOS Sensor (9.46 megapixels at 4K24p/8.79 megapixels at UHD, FHD) offers an appropriate depth of field and excellent balance between image quality and sensitivity. The HC-X1 can record in 4K24p (4096 x 2160), UHD 60p/50p (3840 x 2160) or FHD 60p/50p (1920 x 1080). The file format can be selected from versatile and easy-to-use MOV (QuickTime), MP4 and AVCHD. The variety of recording modes with selectable image quality, frame rate and bit rate settings respond to a wide range of applications from cinema production to online distribution.

Along with the sensor Panasonic introduces a new Leica DICOMAR 4K lens with the industry’s widest angle 24mm (for a camcorder with integrated lens, according to a Panasonic survey),  and optical 20x zoom. The lens allows low-distortion, wide-angle shooting without the use of a wide conversion lens, thus supporting professional video production. The association with the 1.0-type (inch)  allows the system to realize the world’s first (again, for a camcorder with integrated lens having a 1-type (inch) or larger sensor and according to Panasonic survey) optical 20x zoom. Quick zooming is possible from wide-angle to telephoto. The 4-Drive Lens System individually drives each of the four lens groups to minimize the drive range of each lens group and provide optical 20x zoom with its small body.

The X1 includes desirable professional features such as 2-channel XLR Audio, Wired/Wireless remote control, triple manual rings, a user switch, timecode, ND Filters and twin SD card slots.  Additionally the X1 offers Live HDMI output.  The X1 has amazing 5-Axis O.I.S. for 4K 24p recording, UHD 60p/50p recording, dual codec recording (UHD and FHD) and IR shooting. While offering high image quality and advanced functions allowing the user record images exactly as intended, it boasts high mobility and operational ease only a handheld camcorder can provide and streamlines workflows to support professional video production.

The lens barrel features Triple Manual Rings for zoom, focus and iris operations. There are a total of 13 user buttons, nine on the body and four on the LCD touch panel. These user buttons can be allocated with desired functions.  The 3.5-type (inch) monitor built into the handle section can be pulled out and turned 270 degrees in the vertical direction for high-angle, low-angle and selfie shooting. The EVF is a high-resolution (approx. 1,769,000 dots) color OLED display with superb color reproduction.  What’s more, the HC-X1 is equipped with a wealth of focus assist functions to support quick and accurate manual focusing, such as MF Assist, One-Push AF, Expand/Peak, Focus Transition and Area Function. The ND filter can be set to OFF, 1/4, 1/16 or 1/64. Gain selector and AWB selector are also provided. The controls are designed and engineered to meet the needs of video professionals.

The HC-X1 will be available in December.