Panasonic HC-X20 4K Camcorder

Bring your mobile sports, event or multi-camera video productions to the 4K world with the Panasonic HC-X20 4K camcorder. Featuring a large 1" 15.03MP 4K sensor, the HC-X20 can record high-quality, professional video in up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) 10-bit 4:2:2 resolutions. You can also record 1080p in VFR (variable frame rate) in 10 steps from 2 to 60 fps, and super slow-motion mode with a frame rate up to 120 fps.The X20 offers many improvements to its fast AF with face detection, HLG 13-stop dynamic range, brighter monitor, UHD 4K image stabilization, timecode input and output, HDMI output, and built-in Ethernet and Wi-Fi.

Whether producing events, ENG or live streaming, the lens' 20x optical zoom power starts at a wide 24mm equivalent angle of view up to 32x i.Zoom for distant subjects. The X20 also features built-in Wi-Fi that allows you to stream live via RTMP/RTSP, and it can also be connected to a computer via Wi-Fi or USB, allowing you to stream with popular content providers such as YouTube or Facebook Live. You can also wirelessly control the X20 remotely with a tablet or smartphone with a free downloadable Panasonic app.

While 4K video formats may seem overwhelming, the X20 manages to record them on convenient SD cards (U3 cards or faster cards are required for video bit rates above 100 Mb/s) that are both small and robust. There are two card slots for more flexibility. You can record to both cards at the same time, for backup or recording high and low bit rate files, or you can enable relay recording to capture a single file spanning multiple cards for longer recording times .

Ergonomically, the X20 features a compact handheld camcorder body with a host of customizable controls for quick access to essential functions. The camera has a sharp OLED EVF and a very bright 3.5-inch touchscreen for monitoring and menu operation; both can be used at the same time. Waveform and scopes can be displayed for proper exposure. On top of the handle is a large zoom button for precise zoom control. Lens functions can also be controlled manually using the three lens rings, one for focus, one for zoom and one for iris. A 5900mAh battery is included along with a charger/power supply.

High-Definition 4K images with 1" MOS sensor
This effective 1" MOS sensor (15.03 MP) combines ideal depth of field with balanced image quality and sensitivity. It supports HLG/V log (13 stops) and HDR shooting. In addition, the image is not cropped in the different modes .

live streaming
Ideal for multi-camera medium events/live shooting, the X20 features Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity for LAN streaming and wireless camera control. It supports RTSP/RTP/RTMP/RTMPS streaming with H.264/MPEG-4 AVC/AAC-LC compression. The camera can still record (in FHD) to SD cards while streaming.

High Dynamic Range (HLG) recording
HDR is an image display technology that offers a wider range of brightness (dynamic range) than conventional SDR. HDR creates more natural and lifelike images.

13-stop V-log / V-gamma
The X20 realizes a wide dynamic range of up to 13 stops and supports V-Log/V-Gamut, which is also included in the Panasonic VARICAM and LUMIX cinema cameras.

USB tethering for control/webcam use
The X20 can livestream to applications such as YouTube or Facebook via a computer with USB or wired/wireless LAN tethering mode.

Wired and wireless remote control
A 2.4GHz WiFi module is built-in, so there is no need to purchase a separate wireless LAN module. A tablet/smartphone with the HC ROP (available for free on the Apple App Store or Google Play) can be used for wireless remote control. Up to eight cameras can be controlled with the app. There's also a built-in Ethernet connection so you can add the camera to a wired LAN.

5-axis hybrid OIS
In addition to optical image stabilization (OIS), the camera also features electronic image stabilization to detect and correct hand movement in five directions, including rotational blur. This provides powerful correction in a variety of situations, including low-angle and high-angle shots.

There are three modes to choose from:

STANDARD (default)

STABLE (effective for fixed frame shooting)

PAN/TILT (effective in pan and tilt)

HDMI output
The HDMI output supports resolutions up to 3840 x 2160 UHD 4K 4:2:2 10-bit.

4K high-precision AF
Thanks to the Micro Drive Focus Unit, the X20 has very accurate AF performance, even in shots with a shallow depth of field.

Focus Assist Features
The X20 features face detection to accurately track subjects. Color recognition improves subject tracking when the face moves within the frame.

The screen is equipped with Focus Assist functions such as Expand, Peaking and Area Mode for fast and accurate manual focus.

One-touch AF: This function temporarily activates autofocus when shooting in manual mode.

Triple Manual Rings
The X20 has three manual rings for zoom, focus and iris control. These manual functions ensure professional operation and enable fast and intuitive camera work.

ND filter
ND filters are built into the lens to limit the amount of incident light. The filters are in the gradations: 1/4, 1/16, 1/64 and Clear. This is useful, for example, when you want to film with a slow shutter speed in bright daylight, or when you want to film with an open aperture for a shallow depth of field.

Versatile shooting modes

The camcorder supports various bit rates and formats. In addition, the highly efficient HEVC codec (LongGOP/10-bit 4:2:0/MOV) is supported. The file format can be selected from MOV (QuickTime), MP4 and AVCHD.

20x optical zoom
The fixed lens has an optical zoom of 20x, up to 24x digital i.Zoom range in UHD 4K and up to 32x digital i.Zoom in 1080p. The lens can quickly cover the entire zoom range, so you don't miss any moments.

VFR (2-60 fps) / Super Slow-Motion recording
The HD mode supports super slow motion at a maximum of 120 fps or 100 fps in 10-bit. It supports high-quality 10-bit recording in FHD mode.

48 kHz / 24-bit PCM audio recording
The X20 has two XLR inputs with switchable 48V phantom power/MIC/LINE. In MOV mode, you make audio recordings in 24-bit linear PCM. The camera has a volume knob for each audio channel to quickly adjust levels. The X20 also features an OSD level meter and a 3.5mm stereo headphone output.

Camera Image Adjustment
Equipped with professional camera image adjustment functions, including color correction functions similar to those in a broadcast video camera, as well as details, skin detail, chroma level, chroma phase, master pedestal, gamma and knee adjustment.

Shooting IR in dark places
The IR cut filter can be turned ON/OFF (assigned to a user button). When the filter is turned off, IR lights can be used to shoot in dark places

Simultaneous Display
The 3.5mm LCD touchscreen monitor can be used simultaneously with the tilting EVF.

High Capacity Battery
The camera is powered by an AG-VBR series battery.

Dual SD Card Slots
Dual SD card slots are provided to allow for continuous relay recording, making it easy to swap the full SD card.

Professional help functions
The camera has several professional assist functions, including:

Waveform monitor

vector scope

Zebra

Brightness level adjustment

level meter

and more