Panasonic AG-UX90 Review, Unboxing, User Manual

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • High-sensitivity MOS sensor 1"
  • Optical Zoom: 15x
  • Has a built-in Leica lens (24.5 mm wide angle )
  • UHD 4K Resolution
  • Has a built-in microphone
  • 5-axis image stabilization
  • Dual Media Slots with Background/Relay/Simultaneous recording
  • Effective image stabilization: 8.59 MP

 OVERVIEW

The Panasonic UX90 was released in 2016 and is the first model in the Panasonic UX series 4k camcorders. You must have heard about the AG-UX180 Panasonic camcorder. This is the little brother of it.

Some of the features like 1"MOS sensor, optically stabilized lens, 4K video resolution, 8.29MP image resolution, XLR audio inputs all this is common in both the AG-UX90 and AG-UX180 models.

However, the difference lies here: The AG-UX 90 doesn't have SDI outputs, timecode generation, dual -codec recording facility, and doesn't allow switching from 50Hz -60Hz video modes. But the AG-UX180 has all these.

Overall, if you're a photojournalist or a documentary filmmaker, this camcorder is best for you. But for sports and fast action videography, this AG-UX90 isn't recommended.

NOTE: In this Panasonic AG-UX90 camera package/bundle, you will get a carrying case, a Deluxe cleaning kit, battery pack, and a power adapter.

PANASONIC AG-UX90 4K/HD CAMCORDER REVIEW

Design & Features

  • Handling and Controls

The feel and look of this Panasonic AG-UX90 4k/HD professional camcorder are similar to that of a DVX-200 model. The camcorder is handy; all the manual controls, pushbuttons, and control rings are rightly laced on the camera body.

Like most camcorders, this video camera also has in-built ND filters. There are 3-control rings for controlling the zoom, focus, and iris of the lens. One interesting feature I noticed about the camcorder design here is it allows you to adjust the speed of the "Focus ring" rotation. You can either set it a low value for slow rotation or set it to "High" to take snappier shots.

While some users don't appreciate this "SPEED ADJUSTMENT," I only find it useful because the Panasonic UX90's in-built lens isn't parfocal. So, in that case, if you can adjust the focus ring with the "Rotating speed limits," it's indeed a plus for me.

The inclusion of the three-step variable gain switch in the camcorder design is very much appreciable. This will allow you to adjust the lens's shutter and brightness settings.

  • Display Screen and Viewfinder

You can preview the shots using the 3.5-type HD display or the 0.24" OLED viewfinder. The tiltable viewfinder of the camcorder makes it suitable for vlogging. 

  • LENS AND ZOOMING CAPACITY

The Leica- Dicomar branded 24mm lens (35mm equivalent:25.4 to 367.5mm) is found in-built with this camcorder. Because the size of the sensor is small, and the minimum focal length isn't <5mm, you cannot take as wide-angle shots like that of a Canon GH5 or a Panasonic DVX-200 video camera. However, the lens's focal view is appreciable for this price.

As opposed to UX180, which has an optical zoom of 20x, this camcorder can optically zoom in only up to 15x. The maximum digital zoom is up to 10x.

Lastly, the Dicomar lens is image stabilized to give you only smoother footage at all times.

  • IMAGE SENSOR AND IMAGE PROCESSOR

Like its elder brother, the Panasonic AG-UX180, this also has the same 1" MOS sensor. 

Image and video quality

For a price under 1500$, it delivers an appreciable image and video quality. With this AG-UX90, you can record up to UHD 3840×2160 video and 8-mode gamma.

NOTE: Panasonic AG-UX180 supports UHD recording at 60p, whereas the AG-UX90 models support UHD recording at up to 30p and HD of up to 120p

When using the AG ROP app from smartphone to this video cam, you can also get a thumbnail and preview of the recording clips. You also get access to using the i-zoom (Intelligent zoom) and other focus features because of this.

This is one of the main factors that make the suitable camcorder for shooting church events and other function shoots where remote control operation is necessary.

AUDIO UNIT AND QUALITY

There is a built-in stereo microphone in this camcorder. If you wish to add external mics, you can do that as the video recorder supports microphone inputs. Apart from that, the audio unit supports 16-bit/48 kHz LPCM or Dolby stereo audio.

  • DUAL MEDIA SLOTS

There are dual card slots on this camcorder that support "Relay" and " Simultaneous recording." You can record files either in SDHC/SDXC media format using the two card slots. Apart from that, camcorder also supports HDMI connection and UHS-1 format.

If you wish to get more improvised features, check the Panasonic AG-UX180 camcorder review !!

BEST FEATURES OF PANASONIC AG UX90 4K/HD PROFESSIONAL CAMCORDER

  • Advanced auto focus technology
  • Image stabilization
  • Compatible with the AG ROP app on your smartphone
  • 16-axis color correction
  • one-touch AF
  • 4k recording
  • 8-bit 4:2:0 HDMI video output, composite
  • Can also record footage on external media using the USB 3.0 output

SPECIFICATIONS OF PANASONIC AG-UX90

LENS SPECIFICATION

Focal Length

f=8.8 mm to 132 mm
35 mm equivalent:
f=24.5 mm to 367.5 mm: FHD 59.94p/29.97p/23.98p
f=35.4 mm to 531.0 mm: UHD 29.97p/23.98p

Zoom

Optical Zoom - 15x

Digital Zoom: 2x/5x/10x,
i.Zoom: max. 25x (optical zoom + digital zoom)

Maximum Aperture

F2.8 to F4.5

Minimum Focus Distance

1 cm

Filter Size

67 mm

Control Rings

Focus
Zoom
Iris

Focus Control

Auto-focus | Manual Focus

IMAGE SENSOR

Sensor Size

1" 

Sensor Type

MOS Sensor

Effective Pixels

17.78 megapixel: FHD 59.94p/29.97p/23.98p
8.59 megapixel: UHD 29.97p/23.98p

CAMERA SPECIFICATION

Image Stabilization

Optical 5-Axis Image stabilization (Dynamic IS, Standard IS and Powered IS modes)

Built-In ND Filter

4 Positions (OFF, 1/4, 1/16, 1/64)

Minimum Illumination

1.3 lx
(F2.8, Super Gain 36dB, Manual slow shutter 1/30s)

White Balance

2000 to 15000K

Shutter Speed

1/60 to 1/8000 sec

VIDEO RECORDING

Recording Formats

MOV, MP4, AVCHD, 8-Mode Gamma

Video Resolution

UHD 4K Resolution

MP4 4:2:0 8-Bit

AVCHD 4:2:0 8-Bit

Audio Recording

LPCM (MOV/MP4), Dolby Digital (AVCHD)

DISPLAY SCREEN

Screen Size

3.5"

Resolution

1,150,000 Dot

Display Type

Articulating LCD Touch Screen

EVF

EVF Display Type

OLED

Screen Size

0.24"

EVF Resolution

1,560,000 Dots

Connectivity

Wired Connection

Video Device Connectors

  • HDMI Output
  • RCA (Composite) Output

Audio Device Connectors

  • 3-pin XLR Mic Level unit with Phantom Power,
  • 3.5 mm port for Stereo Headphone output

Other Input / Output

  • USB Mini-B, 2.5 mm port
  • USB Type-A Camera Interface Data Output

Storage

SDHC/SDXC Card Slots, UHS-I Support

Mounting Feature

Accessory Mount

Cold Shoe

Tripod Mount

1/4″-20 Thread

Power

Battery Model

AG-VBR59 battery

Battery Capacity

5900mAh

PANASONIC AG-UX90 TEST FOOTAGE

panasonic ag ux90 UNBOXING

PANASONIC AG-UX90 USER MANUAL

You will be receiving a detailed user manual while purchasing a Panasonic AG UX90. 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 UX90 4k HD professional camcorder, click here.

RELATED CAMCORDER ACCESSORIES

I have already provided the link for buying this Panasonic AG UX 90 camcorder as a package. However, if you wish to purchase some more accessories for this camcorder, try out these:

Conclusion

That's about my take on the Panasonic AG UX90 camcorder review. If you feel the above listed features are suitable for you; you can purchase the camcorder. Thank you for reading. Good day! 

Evangeline
 

Evangeline is one of our expert authors based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. she is recognized as one of the leading educators in the photography industry, conducting workshops and teaches many aspects of photography; hence she started to produce educational content about photography and frequently writes content for Filmosphere.

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