Panasonic AG-UX180 Review, Unboxing, User Manual
HIGHLIGHTS:
PANASONIC AG-UX180 - OVERVIEW
The Panasonic AG UX180 FHD video camera was released in 2016 as an upgrade to its predecessor, the AG-UX90. When comparing this UX180 model with the UX90, the new model shows a UHD 60p frame rate, supports 4K, and optical zoom of up to 20x. Secondly, the latter model has a built-in IR facility so that you can use it for your hunting purposes as well.
It is built-in with a Leica Dicomar 24mm lens, one of the industry's best wide-angle lenses. The camcorder can record multiple format 4K videos and take pictures at 8.79MP (UHD/FHD 59.94p/29.97p/23.98p) or at 9.4 MP at 4K 24p.
Overall, the Panasonic UX180 camcorder is great for broadcasting purposes, documentary filmmaking, and live concert shoots. However, for intensive nighttime shooting and fast-action sports shooting, this camcorder isn't that great.
REVIEW OF PANASONIC AG-UX180 4K PREMIUM PROFESSIONAL CAMCORDER
Design & Features
The look of this PANASONIC AG UX180 looks very similar to the Panasonic DVX200. It weighs 2kg and feels very durable. On the camera body there are 3 manual rings: For controlling zoom, focus, and iris.
There are also 3 user buttons for selecting between the 16 different camera functions like Face detect, EVF settings, zoom, backlight and a lot more. as per my use with this video cam, I felt that these buttons are very responsive are also solid.
Apart from that, the camcorder features dual XLRs inputs and Eight-Mode Gamma settings.
Also, the battery compartment has deeper ports which will allow you to use longer batteries that will not be projecting out of the camera.
You can monitor the camera settings using a 3.5" 921,000-dot (1920 x 480) LCD monitor. The EVF measures 0.45" viewfinder with 1,770,000 dots of resolution.
The Panasonic UX180 comes with an integrated Leica Dicomar 24mm lens with an optical zoom of 20x and a digital zoom of 30x. The dynamic focal range of 25.4 mm to 508.0 mm allows you to focus on almost anything. As the lens has a wide aperture of f/1.8, the bokeh quality is fantastic.
The lens construction is made of 4 lens groups and includes a 5-axis Image stabilization to give smooth footage.
NOTE:
- When you zoom in to the 20x+ optical zoom limit, the camcorder automatically switches to Intelligent Zoom/i.Zoom.
- When using the 20x optical zoom and iZoom together, you can extend the digital zoom up to extend the range to 300x.
One of the top qualities of this Panasonic UX180 camcorder is its AF tracking speed and accuracy. You can customize the AF speed as per your preference between 1 to 7. The higher this number, the faster the AF will be. You can also adjust the AF sensitivity from 1 to 10, which is also appreciable.
Image and video quality
The image quality this camcorder delivers is quite decent. The color reproduction is good, especially in daylight. There is a FOCUS ASSIST feature, contrast focus highlight, and a built-in waveform monitor to assist the focusing mechanism. If you ask me if the camcorder is great for shooting professional night movies, I would say "Not recommended." I say so because the sensor size is small, and there is always a slight noise when you shoot at low lights.
However, as the camcorder features an IR facility, you can use it as a hunting camcorder to track animal behavior at night or take difficult shots of nature.
16-Axis Color Correction Function: This is an interesting feature worthy of being discussed here. When this feature is turned on, you can change the individual effects or fix color matching issues of each of the 16 video images independently.
AUDIO UNIT AND QUALITY
The audio inputs of this camcorder are easily accessible. There are full-sized XLR inputs and switches on the camera body for controlling the mic level inputs.
There are also dedicated audio dials on the outer camera body, which is very useful.
STORAGE
The camcorder comes with a Battery (AG-VBR59) and a power adapter. One of the best features of this UX video camera is its dual dual-port battery charging station, which will allow you to charge both the batteries simultaneously using the battery charger provided.
In terms of battery life, if you will shoot at 4K all day, it is obvious that the power drains off very soon. So always carry some extra batteries with you.
Having dual memory card slots in a camcorder does not mean that it would only increase the storage capacity; it allows you to record in different formats to each card and more.
The dual card slots allow for simultaneous recording in UHD and HD formats. The camcorder supports "Relay recording," which means the camcorder will automatically store files on the other memory card when one becomes full.
You can also choose the "background recording" mode to record files continuously in one card while starting/stopping recording on the other one.
Also, read the Panasonic AG-UX90 camcorder review to know the difference in features between these models.
BEST FEATURES OF PANASONIC AG UX180
These are the best features I liked with this camera:
- 5-axis optical stabilization
- 16-Axis Color Correction Function
- Dual codec recording
- Very good ergonomics
- Double-Slot SD Card System
SPECIFICATIONS OF PANASONIC AG-UX180
LENS SPECIFICATION
Focal Length | 8.8 mm to 176 mm 35mm equivalent: 25.4 mm to 508.0 mm: UHD/FHD 59.94p/29.97p/23.98p |
Zoom | Optical Zoom - 20X Digital Zoom: 2x/5x/10x, i.Zoom (max. 30x) |
Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 to 4.5 |
Minimum Focus Distance | 1 m from the front of the lens |
Filter Size | 67 mm |
Control Rings | Focus |
Focus Control | Auto-focus | Manual Focus |
IMAGE SENSOR
Sensor Size | 1" CMOS Sensor |
Effective Resolution | 9.46 Megapixel |
CAMERA SPECIFICATION
Image Stabilization | Supports 5-Axis Hybrid image stabilization |
Built-In ND Filter | Mechanical Four-position filter (OFF, 1/4 ND, 1/16 ND, 1/64 ND) |
Shutter Speed | 1/60 to 1/8000 sec |
Gain | L/M/H selector switch |
Minimum Illumination | 0.2 lux at F2.8, gain 18 dB, Manual slow shutter 1/2S |
White Balance | 2000 to 15000K |
VIDEO RECORDING
Recording Formats | MOV, MP4, AVCHD |
Video Resolution | 4K (4096 x 2160)/24p (100 Mb/s) UHD (3840 x 2160)/60p (100 to 200 Mb/s) FHD (1980 x 1080)/60p (50 to 200 Mb/s) |
Audio Recording | MP4: 2-Channel 16-Bit 48 kHz LPCM Audio |
DISPLAY SCREEN
Screen Size | 3.5" |
Resolution | 1,150,000 Dot |
Display Type | Articulating OLED touchscreen |
EVF
EVF Display Type | OLED |
Screen Size | .39" |
EVF Resolution | 1,770,000 Dots |
Connectivity
Wired Connection | Video Device Connectors
Audio Device Connectors
Other Input / Output
|
Mounting Feature
Accessory Mount | Cold Shoe |
Tripod Mount | 1/4"-20 thread (Female) |
Power
Battery Model | Battery (AG-VBR59) |
PANASONIC AG-UX180 4K VIDEO CAMERA UNBOXING AND TEST FOOTAGE
PANASONIC AG-UX180 USER MANUAL
You will be receiving a detailed user manual while purchasing a AG-UX180 video camera. But, you can also view the user manual from the Company's official website. The user manual will have a complete guide on the different camera settings, firmware, and safety precautions you will need to follow while using this camcorder.
If you wish to check the official user manual of this PANASONIC AG-UX180 camcorder, click here.
PANASONIC AG-UX180 ACCESSORIES
You can either purchase these products separately or even buy this camcorder as a package. I have given the buying links for both.
Conclusion
That was about the Panasonic AG-UX180 4k premium professional camcorder review. I hope you found this article helpful and informative. I have given a complete review of this product. Now it's your turn to analyze if the camcorder will suit your budget and needs.
In my view, this Panasonic video camera is best for those who want a "do everything camcorder." But if you're specifically looking for a low-light performing video cam, then better try another one.
