Panasonic HC-X1500 Review, Unboxing, User Manual
HIGHLIGHTS:
PANASONIC HC-X1500 - OVERVIEW
The Panasonic HC-X1500 4k professional camcorder precisely balances the factor of portability, functional flexibility, and price. The high-spec 4K camcorder model comes under $1700 price range; looks very compact and lightweight but doesn't skimp on features. It is capable of shooting 4K 60p footage; fronted by a Panasonic Leica Dicomar 24X optical lens, 1/2.5-inch sensor, and hybrid optical image stabilization mechanism behind the lens.
So, the manufacturer brand has put this high-spec model top on the 4K professional contenders list. Learn more about the key features in this Panasonic HC-X1500 review.
panasonic hc x1500 review
Design & Features
The Panasonic HC X1500 is one of the best portable camcorder models available today, designed ergonomically with a detachable handle unit to make it easier to manage or carry around outdoors. The 900-gram weighty camera body comfortably fits in one's palm, while the functional handle unit increases usability by providing more grip, external accessory mounting interfaces, and the associated control options.
The handle unit is specifically designed for professional event videographers; who need to carry around LED light and microphone along with the camera. So, the detachable handle attachés a holder for the microphone, a multiple-interfaced mounting shoe for a LED light or microphone, a zoom lever, and a record button.
A few function buttons, including two individual rotary rings for focusing and zooming, are also equipped on the Panasonic X1500 camera body to give you easy manual access and control of various parameters.
The Panasonic Leica Dicomar f/1.8 – f/4 lens with the 35mm equivalent 25 to 600 mm focal range, 24X optical and 48X digital magnification power comes in handy to shoot dramatic landscape footage or when you're very close to your interviewee.
It has a 3.5 inches large 2,760,000 dots resolution LCD monitor display where the camera is recording in real-time, with adjustable brightness. The touch-friendly screen also presents some highly responsive control setting menus together under your fingertips on the panel; plus, some navigate function buttons around the screen to save your time in menu scrolling.
The 1.555K-dot resolution screen of the viewfinder also provides a natural-looking preview. You can achieve a comfortable shooting angle as the eyepiece allows up/down tilting movement and the LCD monitor is also rotatable. So, if you're particular about getting a tilt-type camcorder viewfinder, then this X1500 is a good choice.
The hybrid image stabilization system with a five-axis optical stabilization mechanism and Ball image stabilization technology goes some way to counter the handshake plus genuinely delivers an impressive video quality on the go. Here, we can say that the HC-X1500 is a perfect handy option for those; who have shaky hands.
The 1/2.5-inch large 8.29 MP MOS sensor gives average low-light performance but ensures 10-bit 4:2:2 4K resolution video recording with stunning image quality, even during zooming or at the highest magnification point. The Venus image processing engine scales the 4K stills for speedy delivery in full HD resolution, reduces noises, and enables eye-catching imagery.
The Panasonic HC X1500 can be operated from other WI-FI-enabled devices like smartphones or tablets; you need to synchronize them using a dedicated application, the HC ROP app. The app lets you control the camera remotely and provides a clear view of the ongoing shots that comes in handy during live streaming, where you often need to shoot a single spot from multiple cameras.
Image and video quality
The Panasonic HC X1500 captures 10-bit 4:2:2 colored 4K ultra HD video at up to 30 fps and 1080P full HD at up to 60 fps; plus, it offers up to 60 fps framing rate for 4K ultra HD video and up to 120 fps for 1080P Full HD video while recording in 10-bit 4:2:2 color space. It also allows you to record 10-bit slow-mo or quick motion videos at up to 120 fps framing rate and broadcast the recorded videos in HD resolution.
The Panasonic HCX1500 uses either progressive AVCHD or MP4 and MOV codec for video recording. The AVCHD encoding format ensures the best video quality, which is perfect for 4K professional filming; and, the MP4 file is suitable for IP streaming and low storage device as it takes up 3 times less space than an AVCHD file.
The HC-X1500 produces color vibrant and is most detailed in brightly lit situations, whereas the ND filters take care of the color temper of the scenes and prevent them from becoming too bright, even under a direct flashlight. The combined power of the hybrid image stabilization mechanism, MOS sensor, and Venus image processing unit ensure satisfying clarity on the run, at the highest zooming point, or during zooming.
STORAGE
The camcorder comes with a rechargeable battery pack of the Panasonic AG-VBR Series. The Lithium-ion battery provides nearly 4 hours of shooting time.
It also features two memory card slots to enable continuous recording, relay recording, and extend the storage capacity. Both media slots support class 10 or class 4 rated SDXC memory cards. Being an expert, we would recommend using the Class 4 rated memory cards for recording in AVCHD format and class 10 for MP4 or MOV codec.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Unfortunately, the Panasonic HC-X1500 camcorder won't provide the most demanding SDI output or take audio feeds via XLR microphones. But, the multiple wired connection options, and most importantly, the wireless connection compatibility can compensate for these shortcomings.
It features a micro Type-B USB and an HDMI port for video output, a 3.5mm port for headphones, and a 2.5 mm port for other input/output devices. The camcorder supports 2.4 GHz WI-FI bandwidth for video broadcasting or wirelessly files sharing.
To understand this Panasonic X1500 camcorder even better and also read about its previous and latest version.
BEST FEATURES OF PANASONIC X1500 4K PROFESSIONAL CAMCORDER
The Panasonic HC-X1500 camcorder is a handful for filming professional videos to look spectacular on the 4K TV. We particularly liked the wide optical zoom range of the camcorder, efficient hybrid optical image stabilization system, stunning 4:2:2 10-bit 4K 60P video recording capability, versatile recording formats, and connectivity options.
SPECIFICATIONS OF PANASONIC HC-X1500
LENS SPECIFICATION
Focal Length | 4.1 to 98.9mm |
Zoom | Optical Zoom - 24X Digital Zoom - 48X |
Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 |
Minimum Aperture | f/4 |
Minimum Focus Distance | Wide-Angle : 3.9" / 10.0 cm |
Filter Size | 62 mm |
Control Rings | Focus | Zoom | Iris |
Focus Control | Auto-focus | Manual Focus |
IMAGE SENSOR
Sensor Size | 1/2.5" |
Sensor Type | MOS Sensor |
Effective Resolution | 8.29 Megapixel |
CAMERA SPECIFICATION
Image Stabilization | Ball O.I.S., 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S. (UHD/FHD) |
Built-In ND Filter | 2 Stop (1/4), 4 Stop (1/16), 6 Stop (1/64) and clear ND Filter |
Shutter Speed | 1/1 to 1/30 sec |
Gain | 0 to 30 dB |
Minimum Illumination | 1.5 Lux at 1/30 Shutter Speed + F1.8, Super Gain |
White Balance | 2000 to 15000K |
VIDEO RECORDING
Recording Formats | AVCHD/MOV/MP4 |
Video Resolution | 10-Bit 4:2:0:
10-Bit 4:2:2:
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Audio Recording |
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Still Image
Image Format | JPEG |
Image Size | 3840 x 2160 (16:9), 1920 x 1080 (16:9), 1280 x 720 (16:9) |
Live Streaming
Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 FHD, 1280 x 720 HD, 640 x 360, 320 x 180 |
Audio Format | 2 channel, 48 kHz/16 bit, AAC-LC Audio |
Network Protocol | RTSP/RTP/RTMP/RTMPS |
Display Screen
Screen Size | 3.5" |
Resolution | 2,760,000 Dot |
Display Type | 270-Degree Articulating, Touch Screen LCD |
EVF
EVF Display Type | LCD |
Screen Size | 24" |
EVF Resolution | 1,560,000 Dots |
Connectivity
Wired Connection | Micro Type-B USB, HDMI, 3.5mm port for Headphone, 2.5 mm port for other input/output devices |
Wireless Interfaces | 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) |
Mounting Feature
Accessory Mount | Multi Interface Shoe Mount |
Tripod Mount | 1/4"-20 Female Thread |
Power
Compatible Battery Type | Panasonic AG-VBR Series, Lithium-ion |
Battery Model | AG-VBR59 |
Battery Capacity | 6000 mAh |
PANASONIC HC-X1500 TEST FOOTAGE
PANASONIC HC-X1500 UNBOXING
PANASONIC HC-X1500 USER MANUAL
You will be receiving a detailed user manual while purchasing a PANASONIC HC-X1500. 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 HC-X1500 camcorder, click here.
PANASONIC HC-X1500 ACCESSORIES
Extra Batteries and Memory cards
The imaging unit does not enable such efficient low power consumption features despite an ultra-thin heat dispersing fan. On the other hand, the 4K filming takes up a larger space than other video recording formats. So, it's better to keep extra batteries and SD cards while using the Panasonic HC X1500 camcorder for 4K professional filming.
Microphone
If you want to see it as a perfect run-and-gun shooting unit, you need to clip on a third-party shotgun microphone on the handle unit. Such professional microphones incorporate noise-cancellation technology; plus, they come with windproof covers and sufficient package to handle interviews with ease.
External Flash Light
The 1/2.5-inch sensor doesn't perform well in dimly lit situations and results in image break up, lessened detail, and grainy image quality. You can mount an external flashlight on the handle unit to create preferable lighting conditions around the subject during shooting.
Conclusion
Overall, the Panasonic HC-X1500 does best in portability, pro-level functionality, input/output flexibility so this means it provides all-in-one convenience at rock bottom price point. Of course, the camcorder also has some limitations compared to other professionals like - it doesn't have ND filters, LED lights; it won't support the XLR interfaced microphones; the batteries may need to be changed way more often.
We also miss the superior low light performance due to the tiny image sensor. Despite these things, this Panasonic camcorder model still maintains its place in today's world of 4K video production rigs, as it produces impressive cinematic looks and yield better stills.
