Panasonic HC X2000 Review, Unboxing, User Manual
HIGHLIGHTS:
PANASONIC HC-X2000 - OVERVIEW
The Panasonic HC-X2000, released in 2020, is one of the market's smallest and finest camcorder models. The Company has packed some of the most demanding features in this professional video cam to shine in functionality and portability.
The 4K 10-bit 60p video recording or full HD live video streaming functions are perfect for on-set BTS(Behind-the-scenes) shooting. This is one of the features that make Youtubers a fan of this camcorder.
So, all my fellow newbies in vlogging, get yourself this video cam for taking pro-Youtube content.
The built-in LED lights and 24-bit linear PCM microphone make it perfect for on-the-go shooting, while their detachable nature allows you to reduce its weight. The other stunning features of this 4K professional camcorder include a powerful wide-angle zoom lens, highly efficient stabilization system, large MOS sensor, and incredible picture quality, even in difficult situations.
And guess what, you can conveniently use it for your long continuous shooting hours without fearing the camcorder getting heated up because it incorporates an ultra-thin fan to dissipate heat.
PANASONIC HC X2000 REVIEW
DESIGN AND FEATURES
Panasonic HC X2000 comes with a sturdy and compact body with a user-friendly design. The palm-sized body weighs only 900 grams that can be turned at 1.5 kg with included handle unit, lens hood, battery and eyecup.
It incorporates an LED light, REC button, zoom lever, XLR ports, and holder for microphones in the handle unit. Similarly, the model integrates two individual rings in front and rear positions to provide manual control over zoom and focus.
The Panasonic Leica Dicomar 24X optical Lens allows users to capture cine-like videos with more color information even from a large distance that too with a wide field-of-view. Basically, the in-built lens acts like a 25mm wide-angle lens in real-time.
The 1/2.5 inch 8.29 MP MOS Sensor is large enough to capture a decent amount of light and provides stunning picture quality. It enables users to shoot in low-light situations, making it a good camcorder for wedding videography. Yes, be it a ballroom wedding or a church wedding where there is no sufficient light, use this camcorder and watch it's performance. You'll be stunned!
The built-in LED light is a blessing while shooting in dimly lit environments. The light coming from the built-in flashgun is strong enough to illuminate a standard-sized room and surrounding dark place with sufficient light. You can adjust the lighting properties from 30% to 100% respectively using a dimming dial.
The camcorder supports 4K recording in HEVC 4:2:2 10-bit 200 Mbps codec, MOV 4:2:0 10 bit codec, MP4 format, and newly demanded AVCHD format at 720P resolution and 8mbps bit rate.
The camcorder is capable of recording full HD super slow-motion video at 120/100 FPS. Moreover, the camcorder allows users to broadcast full HD live streaming video on FaceBook or YouTube using a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection.
People who love live streaming their hunting videos will find this a useful feature. My article on top hunting camcorders will give you more information on this topic. So, do checkout.
Panasonic HC X2000 offers a 1", 555K-dot up/down tilting viewfinder and a 2,760K-dot 3.5 inches LCD monitor. The larger field of view of the EVF and touch-friendly control setting buttons of the display screen help to capture the perfect frame with impressive composition. You will get 12 buttons on the touch panel that provides easy control over 38 functionalities.
The hybrid 5-axis optical image stabilization system reduces friction and camera shakes blurring from 5 different angles.
On the other hand, the processing power of the Venus Engine suppresses noise level and ensures sharp image quality.
This Wi-Fi enabled camcorder lets you control lens and camera settings from your tab or smartphone. To do so, you need to install the HC ROP application from the play store.
IMAGE AND VIDEO QUALITY
The 24X extendable optical zoom lens can be extended up to 48X optical magnification range and maintain the same clarity at the highest zooming point.
NOTE: This ability to zoom up to 48x and attain entire focus on the subject makes it a great 4K camcorder for sports videography.
The Panasonic X2000 records 4:2:2 10-bit colored Ultra HD video at up to 29.97p/25p, full HD video at 59.94p/50p and 10-bit FHD slow-mo video at 120fps. The optical image stabilization system, autofocus mode, and face detection functionality provide stunning precision.
The face detection mode with color recognition features perfectly captures subjects, even moving subjects without involving out-of-focus or exposure problems. On the other hand, the hybrid O.I.S helps users capture stable video from low to high, every angle.
Storage
The dual memory card slots enhance storage capacity and enable users to record continuously for a longer time. It is compatible with class 10 rated SDXC memory cards while recording in MOV or MP4 formats. Class 4 rated SD cards work better in AVCHD format recording.
It also boasts the rechargeable battery of the Panasonic AG-VBR Series that provides more than 4 hours of run time.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The HC X2000 video camera provides multiple wired and wireless connectivity options. The USB, HDMI, 3G-SDI BNC, and Wi-Fi connections are stable enough and support most cables and connectors. It also features XLR terminals for taking 2-channel audio input from external microphones.
So, overall if you're looking for a video camera with HDMI connectivity or a Wifi enabled camcorder, this X2000 video cam could be an ideal choice for you.
Also read my articles on Panasonic HC X1500 and Panasonic HC X1000 camcorders !!
BEST FEATURES OF THE PANASONIC HC X2000
The superior low light performance, hybrid image stabilization system, easy-to-handle detachable handle units, tack-sharp autofocus, face detection technology and selectable ND filter make the camcorder high demanding between professional videographers, video bloggers, and BTS shooters.
SPECIFICATIONS OF PANASONIC HC X2000
LENS SPECIFICATION
Focal Length | 4.1 to 98.9mm |
Optical Zoom | 24X. |
Digital Zoom | 48X |
Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 |
Minimum Aperture | f/4 |
Optical Lens Design | 14 Elements in 11 Groups |
Minimum Focus Distance | Wide-Angle : 3.9" / 10.0 cm Telephoto-Zoom : 47.2" / 1.2 m |
Filter Size | 62 mm |
Control Rings | Focus Zoom Iris |
Focus Control | Autofocus Manual Focus |
IMAGE SENSOR
Sensor Size | 1/2.5" |
Sensor Type | MOS Sensor |
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 15,000K |
VIDEO RECORDING
Recording Formats | AVCHD/MOV/MP4 |
Recording Resolution | 10-Bit 4:2:0 3840 x 2160p at 50/60 fps 1920 x 1080p at 50/60/120 fps 10-Bit 4:2:2 3840 x 2160p up to 25/30 fps 1920 x 1080p FullHD up to 25/30/50/60 fps |
AUDIO RECORDING
Audio Recording | 2-Channel 16-Bit AAC Audio for MP4 Video 2-Channel 24-Bit LPCM Audio for MOV Video 2-Channel 16-Bit Dolby Audio for AVCHD Video |
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 | XLR Inputs, USB, HDMI |
Wireless Interfaces | 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) |
Mounting Feature
Accessory Mount | 1 Cold 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 X2000 TEST FOOTAGE
PANASONIC HC X2000 UNBOXING
PANASONIC X2000 USER MANUAL
You will be receiving a detailed user manual while purchasing a Panasonic X2000. 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 X2000 camcorder, click here.
Panasonic HC X2000 accessories
Battery Pack / Battery Charger
The X2000 model comes with a rechargeable 6000mAh battery pack that hardly lasts for a few hours during shooting. Being a professional, you can't afford to stop shooting due to a lack of battery power. So, keep some extra powerful batteries for arranging a hassle-free shooting.
The HC X2000 camcorder model supports most battery packs of the Panasonic AG-VBR Series. You can use the newly updated AG-VBR89 (8850mAh) that provides more than 8 hours of continuous operation time. This intelligent battery model is a convenient replacement for the integrated Panasonic VW-VBD58 or AG-VBR59 (6000mAh).
The intelligent integration of microchips lengthens battery life by preventing overcharging. The LCD indicates the remaining battery life, so you can accurately charge or discharge batteries on time.
You can recharge the camcorder using an original Panasonic charger (AG-B23 or AG-BRD50).
Microphone
You can turn this handy camcorder into a run-and-gun shoot camera by equipping a decent audio recorder system. The HC X2000 camcorder comes with XLR ports that support various microphone jacks and takes stable audio input.
The Panasonic AG-MC200G microphone that comes with the X2000 works well and has a unidirectional pickup system. The camcorder also features microphone inputs, so you can add additional external mics if necessary.
With that said, Rode and Sennheiser are the two brands I will suggest, because their microphones are of best quality. So, if you wish to purchase any of them, check out the links below:
My first recommendation is the Rode VideoMic GO. It is a good-quality directional microphone that will help improve the sound quality of your HC-X2000. The Sennheiser Pro Audio MKH416-P48U3 also is a good choice;
Memory cards
The camcorder supports the SD Card of the SDUD Series, better use a SanDisk SD which comes within the 32 GB to 128 GB memory storage range. The UHS speed class 3 rated RP-SDUD64GAK SD card is perfect for 4K video recording, which can read with up to 95 MB/Sec and write with up to 90 MB/sec speed without frame dropping.
So, easily you can manage enhanced memory storage for continuous recording by inserting two maximum capacity memory cards in the dual media slots.
Conclusion
Just imagine how exciting it will be when you add the most stable and sharpest 4K UHD video clips to your behind the scene repertoire. It will be a great investment for you if you choose Panasonic HC X2000 for high-quality video shooting on the go.
