Matching the camera to the use case is key. I bought my X1500 to video outdoor marching bands, well lit at night in stadiums, or daytime, with a very nice zoom to reach from the top of a press box to the field. Had it for about 2 years, and 100% satisfied. Use with the handle, and dead cat wind screened Audio Technica 875R XLR condenser zoom mic.
@bitwise2832 I want a camcorder for the same situation (marching band on the football field). 1. Are you able to get from end zone to end zone (ie. whole field) without a wide angle lens? 2. Does the video get grainy if you zoom in at night?
This was amazing sir. Your logic on this comparison was so refreshing. I have never heard such a smart way of making the contrast between the two companies and their respective philosophies. Thank you! I have a love/hate relationship with Canon, but am making my way with the EOS R, torn between going with a “real video-centric” camcorder…..
For the last 9+ years I've been using a Canon G30 (mostly to record videos for anime conventions), but at the most recent event it finally started to die. Your videos have been a great help in deciding on a replacement, and unless something new and revolutionary comes out of nowhere I'll probably be getting the X1500 as a replacement.
I've never seen an approach like this ever to a camera comparison video. This is totally practical and hands on. Loosely said specs say nothing about relative differences. The way you tell it, the camera's features come to life. Thank you!
Love your videos you always explain everything thoroughly and easy to understand l had a few headaches with my Panasonic Hc-x2000 at first but when you learn it's capabilites it's a beast! Canon are frustrating especially with the early focus issues l had with there cameras before dual pixel arrived that was annoying and not addressed you simply had to buy the new all singing Canon camera! Thanks for all your very informative videos and valuable information was a great help for me 👍🏻
The XA70 can do 10 bit 4::2:2 via HDMI Output, just not internally, and the 75 is the SAME body but adds SDI connection . Been a pro for 31 years, owned Canon and Sony - I never took Panasonic seriously until a few years ago, but Canon has the best color science of the 3 - 8 bit only matters if you are grading in post, and I rarely do that since my colors are pretty accurate straight away. BTW the XA50 is the same Camera as the XA70 minus the larger LCD screen (1 inch sensor, which is a must now in my opinion) The XA 70 /75 has the same LCD screen as on my 5 XF605s that I also own. To me, 4k60 is the biggest reason not to buy the canon xa70 if you are shooting sports, etc, but if I need that, I 'd use the XF605s - 8bit internal doesn't bother me... the CODECs are better on the canon, and the Dual Pix auto focus works great in low light ... no one cares what bit rate you use if the focus is crap.... That ONE feature makes the difference in my opinion... it's pretty darn accurate. It also has the head turn AF tech, so it will lock onto a subject's eyes and even if they turn around and come back, it stays locked - pretty cool... Im not downing panny, but I honestly don't know I trust them for 8 hr days 7 days a week.... the CPS program at canon is amazing too - you get stuff back in 3 days, and loaners, etc - sorry this is a book lol - just my 2 cents
This is such a helpful comparison, Robert, thanks! The Canon XA75’s pricing makes it hard to ignore the Canon C200, which granted is a different style of camera, and still needs a lens, but at the blowout fire sale price of $3500 for the fully loaded kit, man 😅. At the price point that cinema cameras are coming down to, especially camcorder-style form factors like the Sony FX6, the only real differentiators the OG prosumer camcorders have would be on the built in zoom range, and overall bang for buck, when you account for total cost-of-ownership. The XA70s are not only disappointingly iterative, they also push too close to the costs of what is now an incredibly capable entry-level cinema camera field of choice.
Thanks for your very honest comparison and sentiments. I'm a Canon enthusiast and currently using Canon XA60 yet found this video very impressive and unbiased. Keep up.
I was hoping that sony would introduce new cameras in this line this past week at NAB. They haven’t had anything new in this range since 2017 I believe. Great video!
Thanks. Yes, Sony could have relaeased somehting. They have been quiet on this front lately. they have a good camera linem but it's time for them to do a complete upgrade to 10bit and even better sensors. I would like to see them go M43 or larfer in sensor size. However, their focus is on the cinema line cameras. The FX series is awesome and pricey. Cheers.
The HC-X2000 is not perfect, but it is a great and ready "run and gun" video camera for daylight use. To me, it complements my super compact 1" sensor Sony DSC-RX100 VII camera for portability and low light use (much cheaper than any 1" camcorder), and my Sony FX3, for extreme low light and large bokeh effect. They have all their different areas of use.
Canon has the better approach. Panasonic was able to make the x1500 really powerful in features becouse the sensor is only a 1/2.5-inch sensor. The sensor is the size you see in cheap cell phone. 10 bit 422 does not matter if your video is noisy. We do not even get one Native ISO. We get gain that adds so much noise even at lower settings. Outdoor daylight the x1500 is great but anywhere else it is a noisy mess. NEVER TAKE THE x1500 TO A WEDDING OR OTHER INDOOR EVENT. The handle has a light built in for a reason. Panasoninc knows the sensor sucks.
Thanks, it's rare to find this thorough information. I have a nice canon dslr collection, and I'm going for my 1st cam corder. Looks like the 1500 is it.
We're looking at adding a second camera to our set for filming our dance concerts, so we can have one fixed camera angle on the entire stage, and another camera for close-up and panning shots. We want something that is intermediate friendly and were actually looking at these exact two models (XA70 or X2000) and trying to differentiate which would be best so this video has been super helpful. We would be filming from the lighting booth in the theatre, which is approximately 15m from the front of the stage, and obviously dealing with low-light to extreme bright light conditions, what one do you think would suit our needs better in your opinion? Thanks in advance for your input!
Hi, I’ve watched your video Panasonic HC-X1500/2000 vs Canon XA60,65,70,75. I’ve been considering moving to a HD memory card camcorder. I’ve been looking at and evaluating camcorders for a couple of months. There’s Sony and JVC models too. I’ve previously had a Sony CDV-6000E a monster of a full manual control Hi-8 camcorder, it was repaired twice within it’s original 1992 one year guarantee period, then it required being repaired again in 2002, due to ‘Capacitor Fatigue’ cost £300GBP. It failed again from Capacitor Fatigue before I even got to archiving any Hi-8 tapes. This was a £1699GBP (1992) prosumer camcorder. I bought a Canon XM2, 3CCD miniDV camcorder in 2002 similar £1500-1600GBP price. Image was probably one of the best standard definition tape based prosumer camcorders available, lots of manual controls, but unfortunately mostly thorough long winded menus, so a pain to quickly set up. But, the picture quality was good enough for a Canadian TV broadcast use on the one occasion that I sold footage. This twenty two year old camcorder still works, it even has a form of 16:9 widescreen emulation system, so I can shoot a stretch vertical video for widescreen. It has DV/iLink input/output and with DV.iLink I can copy and edit on a laptop that has FireWire/DV input. It’s battery still holds a decent enough charge. So that was a good investment compared to the Sony. So comparing the Panasonic HCs versus Canon XAs. I agree you get more built-in camcorder/video features for your money with Panasonic. Yes 4-2-2 colour sub-sampling and 10bit colour 4K, yes 4K at 60/50P. So why would I even consider the Canons.
But as Robert states you can’t directly compare a 1/2.5” sensor to a 1.0” sensor. So yes the Canon XA60/65 which are the same basic camera body (XA65/XA75 just offer an SDI socket and function access enabled) they’re not good value compared to the Panasonics. But I decided a 1.0” sensor is better for me. I’m a handheld video-maker as a tripod is more weight to carry around. Furthermore for me, there are two very serious issues that I’ve being playing off in my two months plus evaluation that is #1 camcorder heat/cooling/fan issue and #2 camcorder weight. FANS/HEAT/COOLING: I don’t want an extraction fan in a camcorder, it suggests an over-heating issue, it’s an additional moving part other than the lens. It can also mean potentially added noise on the camera body in quieter shooting situations, dust particles in the air being dragged through the camera body, imagine the sand from a beach shoot, my Canon XM2 had sand on its externals recently, not in it. You’d get smoke from a camp fire pulled through, cordite particles from fireworks events, the fan will accumulate that dust and smells on it’s blades, internal camera dirt will inevitably rise as dust clogs up the filter/fan system meaning more noise, less efficient cooling and heat build up over the years. I know you can switch the fan off, but that would then mean the over-clocked electronics are likely to deteriorate more quickly. The cooling due to overheating, requiring fans, means over-clocked processors and other electronic components at higher resolutions, higher FPS, higher data rate processing and copying to memory cords which will also run hotter, it suggest to me that the Panasonic HC-Xs are doing just that, pushing all the internal electronics to the max at 4K60P 4-2-2 and 10bit. Myself, I do not want a fan in my camcorder, my huge and weighty Sony CCDV-6000E never had one, my Canon XM2 doesn’t have one. Heat is known as the main enemy of all electronics and microprocessors.
WEIGHT: This also become a big consideration for me, I used -in 1990s- the hefty Sony weighing 3.3kg/7lb4oz shoulder mounted camera, often for hours and it did my back in, I often had a hefty battery belt on too. My Canon XM2 weighs 2.08kg/4.6lbs, it is a handheld with top-handle, two thirds the weight of the Sony, but still hefty to walk around with, operate and transport. The Canon XA70 weighs 985grams/2lb2oz, less the handle, that’s less than half the weight of the Canon XM2. Typical set up with handle (less a shotgun mic) weighs 1.460grams/1.5kg or 3.3lbs, that’s quarter the weight of my XM2. This XA70 is still quite a weight in my opinion, which is probably why it has a 15x Zoom and not a 20x Zoom as the glass will be a bigger diameter (I guess) for a 20x Zoom 1.0” sensor camcorder, longer body and heavier. I can remove the XA70’s handle, for lighter weight, less intrusive videoing and just use a hot-shoe mounted shot-gun mic (or other off camera options even) and plug into the mic’ input that and the built-in stereo mics (as a sync track) because XAs have 4 track audio recording options that Panasonic HC-X1500E/2000E don’t. I do personally think the XA70 makes a good run&gun, documentary making camera.
WEIGHT: Continued The Panasonic HC-X2000E weighs 0.9kg (1.98 lb) (body only, excluding handle, lens hood, battery, and accessories). That’s the equivalent of the XA70, but weight for weight you’re getting a 24x optical Zoom on the Panasonic HC-Xs, so the smaller image sensor means lighter glass, but Panasonic put more Zoom elements in offering 24x vs 20x on XA60/65 or 15x on XA70/75. Panasonic HC-Xs weight for shooting is approx. 1.5kg (3.31 lb) including handle, lens hood, battery, and eyecup. The reason I mention weight, is because I want to make videos without being a weight lifter, it’s not a daily job, but a lifelong enthusiasm. If you’ve used your HD mobile to record video you know how un-intrusive they are and can produce great image quality even on my old 2014 Samsung S4, sound is good enough and there’s no Zoom or optical image stabilizing motors running.
MY CONCLUSION: PANASONIC HC-Xs versus CANON XAs: When you compare the price (currently, Apr/May 2024) £1.879GBP in the UK for the XA70, it’s close to the Panasonic HC-X20E priced at £2,099GPB, that’s a £220GBP difference. XA70 RRP was £2179GBP, before April 2024, so it was more expensive than the Panasonic HC-X20E. They both have a 1.0” image sensor. HC-X20E has 4K60/50p and a 20x Optical Zoom so it does beat, specifications wise, the Canon XA70/75 with 1.0” sensor. It has Zoom, Focus and Aperture rings. The XAs have just one toggle switch Zoom/Focus ring. The Panasonic HC-Xs have a physical Zoom and Focus ring. Who can use a manual Zoom and Focus ring simultaneously? Also the HC-X20E is the lower priced version of the HC-X2E for £500GPB less, a substantial wedge of cash. It also offers 120/100fps so half speed at 50p or quarter speed at 25p which is decent slow-motion. It offers HDR which is becoming standard on most TVs across the world, PS5, streaming etc, the XAs don’t, unless we consider Canons WDR on XAs an equivalent? The Panasonic HC-20E has a fan. Let’s compare weight, 2430g/2.4kg or 5.36 lb that’s a basic set up, less the shot gun mic, but includes lens hood, standard battery, two SD cards, microphone holder. You can’t remove the handle, so it’s fundamentally always going to be heavier than the XA70 and the HC-X1500/2000s. It’s almost a whole 1kg or 2.2lbs heavier than the XA70. The HC-X2E has more specifications again than the HC-X20E at £2,599 but it compares well, specifications wise, with the Canon XF605, which also has a fan/cooling system, but it costs £3,800GBP that’s £1,200 difference in price. So for me the Canon XA70 keeps coming to the front. I want a lightweight 1.0” HD memory card camcorder, with UHD/4K, and it seems to me like my only option, it’s over-priced for its specification, originally priced at over £2179GBP, whether it goes back up at the end of June 2024 or down I don’t know, I do like the removeable handle with XLR sockets and manual audio controls. But £1879, is still expensive for what it actually offers hardware/software features wise. But, design wise it had to be a balance between spec’s and over-clocking processors, over-heating and body weight! If Canon put the XA70 RRP back up to £2179GBP I’ll certainly will not entertain buying it at that price. I might wait then until there’s an XA90 model, but then I imagine it’ll have a cooling fan in, weigh more like the XF605 and of course it'll cost much more too. The XA70 is, as far as I know, the lightest 1.0" sensor based camera without a fan. I have read both the Panasonic HC-X2000 manual and the Canon XA70 manual. I do like the way the Canon XA70 operates, auto-focus works well, touch-focus so I can do auto focusing and defocusing between subjects at various speeds, I've got 4 audio tracks, I've got a built-in InfraRed light, detachable handle, the manual is more readable than the Panasonic one. I did constantly swing between Panasonic and Canon, considered higher spec' and priced Panasonic HC-X2E and the Canon XF605 at an extreme, couldn't justify the cost for my enthusiast useage. But for my needs were in order #1 weight, #2 size, #3 user friendly operation and lastly #4 cost put them clearly out of the running for me. So I figure it's the XA70 in June 2024 for me or nothing...
So I chose the Canon XA70, in the last week of June at £1879 UKP/GBP and I got an extra free High Capacity battery, it went back up to £2179 UKP/GBP at all UK outlets with no free battery. The Panasonic HC-X20E was priced at £1999 at the same store, so it's now lower priced. My decision to buy was based on weight, for me it was 100% justified, it's actually still quite heavy and does impact upon the wrists because it's not a shoulder mount, but the HC-X20E or even the Canon XF605 would have been ridiculously heavy on the wrists and require an even bigger camera bag than the small one I've got, it fits inconspicuously in with the handle removed, even room for a shot-gun microphone. What I really don't like are the tiny control button, nobody in any review has mentioned that. They are ridiculously small, I've got piano fingers, no need! I'm hardly going to press them by accident, but because they're small I tend not to be sure I've pressed them, larger buttons wouldn't add weight, they wouldn't even take up that much extra space on the camcorder body. I bought the Canon XA70 because it is the lightest 1.0" CMOS imager it's equivalent to a Super16 size frame, it'll show less camera shake as it's not going to magnify it as much as a small sub-1.0" sensor, that's based on how much camera shake an 8mm camera used to show compared to a 16mm film camera, it'll have inherently better (XL) eXisting Light characteristics too. It is heavier than the XA60/65, but the lightest 1.0" sensored Camcorder. For me it's most definitely a Prosumer Run&Gun Camcorder. On July 9th I took it out on it's first real world Run&Gun test, I used the built-in microphone, I didn't have time to fiddle with settings, it was mostly on auto-focus, Program exposure, I think my colour temperature (I'd preset it previously) was off, but even so it doesn't look off colour. The camera was not ideally set up, but that's Run&Gun for you, time wasted on adjusting numerous setting is time not videoing as it happens, unplanned for, real world events and public protests and demos. So here's my Run&Gun Scratch Video I made in 50p HD, it was processed through Sony VAIO 'Movie Story' and outputted as a Standard Definition video the next day, the SDXC 128GB memory card even worked on my 2009 Sony VAIO which I never expected! Don't marvel at UHD/4K footage, don't even wonder at 1080p HD it's been compressed down to DVD (PAL) resolution footage, I but I think it perfectly captured a protest/demo in Liverpool, England. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ky9jikA-gRg.html It handled well, I'm more than happy with with HD quality video I saw on my OLED tv and that will have transferred over making my Standard Defintion video better quality on the RU-vid upload. It's not what you've got it's what you do with what you've got that counts!
Hi Robert, this is Frank from Hamburg, Germany. I am using Canon XA50. Setup is Full HD 50fps. CLog3. External Recording 10bit Ninja V Pro Res 422 In my opinion good footage. Canon says the XA50 and newer XA70 oversample 4k footage to FHD format.
UHD through HDMI-out is working only in 25fps 4:2:0 8bit with this canon xa50 unfortunately. Processor inside is the Digic DV6. What works really fine for me is a really good FullHD footage (oversampled 4k) through HDMI 50fps 4:2:2. If you like I could send you a link to a sample footage of it.
Great vid, thanks for the info! I recently bought the Panasonic X2E and I've noticed that my videos always have very slight, but noticeable purple/dark blue tint to them, which is more noticable in the shadows and blacks. I'm wondering if you can offer any advice on fixing this in the camera as it's becoming an annoyance in post. This seems to be an issue regardless of the white balance settings (tried the correct white balance as well as warmer and colder settings). I tried setting a negative colour phase value to shift the colours anti-clockwise but made little to no difference. Any advice is appreciated.
Good video. I can see your confliction. I am not conflicted per se, but just jealous of entry level features. I love the Canon color profile. Always have. I have been with Canon G10's, G20's, G40's, and now G50's going back to 2013. Yes 2 of each as a backup to the main and for multi-camera. So I have been looking for a 1" sensor camera for a while now. Canon's have served me well. When looking at Braodcast cameras everyone I see using something to your right. Being a leader in genre, I am thinking for outdoor the 1" will excel and continue to keep me at the top. but I can't decide. I love the 20x zoom of the Vixia series. I was hoping they would offer a 1" sensor size. And with the G70, I am let down once more. I know the 1" sensor is the key and am willing to give up some zoom to get that. But for 2 cameras I go from $2400 in the G series to $4400 for XA series. You have given me a lot to consider. And yes, the build quality is amazing on the Canon's. We have had these things fall over in storms, get rained on, mud slung at, and they just take it and take it.
Yes, there are a lot of considerations. The biggest point that I was making about Canon is the larger price you will pay for the same features with other brands. I would probably shoot Cannon more often, but I just don't see why I would pay twice as much for similar features. I've owned cannons in the past and never kept them because I didn't believe that they gave me the value that I was looking for. However, that does not take away from their actually an image quality and features. This is just my personal feeling. If you were to ask me which one to get, I would say pick up the Panasonic HCX20 over the XA-75 or especially the XA 405 or 600 series stuff like that. No matter what you buy let me know what you do, Cheers.
The Panasonic DMC-FZ2000/FZ2500 is an understated but full-featured camera with a 1-inch sensor and 20x zoom, for deception encased in a camera housing.
I returned my panasonic hc x1500 because the audio inputs are quite shockingly poor. The internal mic is not bad and is quiet but using any external mic you get a non removable hiss. I bought the camera to film interviews so my wireless rode became useless. Panasonic has known of this issue for years and have not repaired the camera. A real pity.
Thank you for your comparison, even if it is only theory and practical instructions are missing. You should have supplemented it with instructions on the difference in zoom, in low light where, on the other hand, Canon will be better, at least with the XA70 model. They could also show you how you can use 4:2.2 and catch up with "1" in canon. It's a bit strange that way. What I fully agree with is Panasonic's advantage and that is recording 4K in 50-60fps. That's why I'm looking at the Canon GX10. She has this possibility. It also has 2 processors for image processing, which should also be for the better, but not for battery consumption. How do you see the x 1500-2000 compared to the GX10? I can have it for a similar - the same price.
Thanks for your comment, but on my video format, if you have something to add, make a video and show it. I can't hand hold everyone through my conversations. I do my best, but in the end, it's up to the viewer to do their own research. If you want something different, to make it. I'll watch and support anyone's efforts in this area. If you want to make a video comparison, go for it. Show off 4:2:2 8bit compared to 4:2:2 10 bit. As for your questions.. cankn isn't there for me. The 70 is 1" 15x zoom compared to Panasonic 1500 1/2.5" 24x zoom. A decision has to be made here based on use case. A larger sensor is always better in low light than a smaller sensor, but the Panasonic also has a whole stop larger aperture on the wide end, which makes it much more even when comparing in low light. I still the the canon is better in low light, but it's not as much as it seems like on paper. Then you have the 4k 60 10 bit internal recording on the Panasonic. Only 4k30 8 bit internal on the canon.. that's terrible. Finally, you have the zoom difference. The 24x zoom on the Panasonic is awesome. In every way except low light the Panasonic outclasses the canon. However, for the price, I would just step up the the Panasonic HCX20 and call it a day- newer everything and a 1" sensor. Cheers.
I’m thinking of getting a camcorder for aviation filmography…90% in broad daylight so the 24X optical of the 1500 makes more sense for me….i thought about the 1 inch Canon for when lower light in the day but I feel the Panasonic for aviation seems the better camera ?? Cheers what about the even cheaper Canon G70 for size and still great 20X optical??
I think the X1500 is a better all around camera. Yes, the sensor is smaller, but you get 4k 4:2:0 60 internal with the Panny. Youre not getting that unless you use an EXTERNAL revorder on the canon. The longer zoom is a big deal for aviation. Plus, it's smaller and easier to take on trips/outings. th eimage quality is excellent. If yoiu want 4:2:2 in 4k you can get that up to 30fps internal, too. You get a lot og codecs for 4k and 1080. YOu'll probably want the 4k for what you're doing, but the 1080p all-I is beautiful, too. Any of the ALL-I codecs look great from this camcorder. The only place where it struggles is low light. I have no problem iwth it. Many people do. The difference is experience. I know how to shoot in low light with this camcorder. I have discussed it in many videos on my channel. Check them out if you get into that kind of thing. Cheers!
Man, I love your videos - great style and presentation. I've no requirement for 4k and don't expect to for some time. If looking at some of the previous generation of models, potentially used, what would you recommend - still the Panasonic range like HCX1000 or HC1? Canon XA50s?
Thank you! I'm glad you found the video helpful and informative. I would stick away from the 1000 series. You should probably look for at least a 1-in sensor, which would be the HCX1, or UX 90, or UX 180, if looking to Panasonic. Even the DVX 200 would be okay. That's got an even larger sensor, but less zoom. Whatever you do, when looking to older generation cameras, do your best to stay away from one half inch sensors. You would like 1 in sensors if at all possible. If you can find one used at a good price, it's worth it. If not, then the newest generation would be the best way to go. Sometimes second hand second generation camcorders cost just as much or a little bit less than the newer counterpart. And if it's just a case of a couple hundred dollars, and you have a couple hundred dollars to spare, then the newer model would always be better. Good luck, and let me know what you come up with.
In february, i had a similar "discussion" with myself. Years ago, i bought a Canon Legria/Vixia HF G50 (1 2/3 inch sensor) for about 900€/$, just to be able to see, if i would like the formfactor from a Canon camera from the more expensive XA cameraline, because appart from some missing buttons for an ND Filter, they are nearly identical on the outside with their few buttons/rings they have. I was not satisfied, because you have to do a lot through the menu on the touchscreen, because of the limited numbers of dedicated buttons. And the custom programable buttons only have a number on it, so you could get a problem, if you have forgotten, which button did this or that function. And this will happen as a "weekend warrior". So the Canon XA cameraline (XA60, XA65, XA70, XA75) wasn´t made for me, even if they had now dualpixel autofocus and a 1 inch sensor on the more expensive ones. This did lead to my "discussion", which camera would be my new main videocamera for my planned youtube channel. I don´t like DSLM´s as a videocamera, because to be able to get the same functions from a camcorder, you would have to buy a lot of accessories, your budget would just explode (also the size and weight from the "tiny" DSLM camerabody). And if you reach a certain level of €/$, why stop there? I know myself, so i had to give myself a "restriction" with a "camcorder only", otherwise i would step into the "cinematographer" trap. I did do a lot of researchings, so i could compare Canon, Sony and Panasonic camcorders. The size from a Panasonic HC 1500/2000 was very appealing. But i wanted more dedicated buttons, like on a Panasonic HCX2/HCX20, Sony PXW Z190/PXW Z280 or a Canon XF605/XF705, which on all of them are very similar. (JVC camcorders...exists...lol!) At this point, my list of possible choices did leave the pricerange from the camcorders from this video... The winner for me was the Canon XF605. It had the best autofocus from all of them. One of the main tasks would be, to track my face while i am doing things in front of the camera. This was more important for me, as the better monitor or EVF resolution from other camcorders, like on the Panasonic HCX2. The Sony PXW Z280, would be better in low light, but with their special memory cards, it would cost you up to 10k €/$ in total...that´s a C70 with lens, which would destroy that Sony camcorder with picture quality. The Canon XF705 was to expensive for the nearly identical performance from a Canon XF605 (7k vs. 4k €/$). The Sony PXW Z190 only can do 4:2:0. So there was only the Canon XF605 and the Panasonic HCX2 left. Both can nearly do the same...the Panasonic HCX2 has a longer optical zoomrange. But the dualpixel autofocus on the Canon XF605 was more convincing. This was my selection process...from a consumer camcorder (Canon Legria/Vixia HF G50) to a prosumer camcorder. For a lot of youtube viewers, it did probably end horrible at a 4k €/$ pricepoint, but for me, it did fortunately stop at that pricerange, because it´s only a camcorder and not a DSLM or a Cinema camera, where you would be able to put on gazillion things/accessories for gazillion €/$.
The 605 is a fine choice. I love almost everything about that camera. Considering the AF, agreed. Canon dual pixel is hard to beat in the camcorder world. The HCX2 and others in the Panasonic line offer great face tracking AF. I've never had a problem with it and I face AF on my pieces to camera. Enjoy the 605!
@@RobertHamm The Panasonic HCX2 is superior for sports events, because it has a global shutter...the Canon XF605 only have a rolling shutter. At the moment, Canon doesn´t have a global shutter at this pricerange. The first Canon global shutters will be implemented in the next top cinema cameras. So there is no hope for that for affordable canon camcorders in the next years. And Canon did everything, to keep the Canon XF605 below 5.000$. Thats probably the new "sweet spot" for Canon, because of the similar pricepoints for a Canon R5, R5C and C70. Above that, most customers will probably give up. A second processor would give the XF605 probably enough processing power to minimize the readout time from the sensor, but that would probably push the price above 5.000$. So this improvement will probably happen with a successor from the XF705 pricerange. In my case, a global shutter is not neccessary, because i don´t need to follow fast moving objects with the XF605. I need something, which can track my face, regardless what i am doing in front from that - for that task - fix mounted camcorder. And for videoshots with a moving camera, i want smooth movements. So i will probably never meet the rolling shutter problems. The XF605 is expensive, because you will not get a XF cameraline camcorder without the broadcasting/streaming connectors. So the only comparable camcorder with the same sensor size is the Panasonic HCX2. And the Panasonic HCX2 have a longer zoomrange (20x vs. 15x), a better resolution on the monitor and EVF, and a global shutter. So it is hard to justify a Canon XF605 for the dualpixel autofocus and C-log only. Maybe you want the 4k 10bit 4:2:2 60p/50p over the 4k 10bit 4:2:2 30p/25p from the HCX2 (the HCX2 will do 4k 10bit 4:2:2 60p/50p via HDMI connector/external recordings). Or the 12G SDI (4k monitor) over the 3G SDI (1080p/2k monitor) from the Panasonic. It´s not only the name on the Canon camcorder, which will cost you more money, lol! The Panasonic HCX2 will shine in sports events...and the Canon XF605 will shine in studio environments/interviews. Both will suck in concerts at night, if you compare them with DSLM´s, lol!
Canon/Nikon old school traditional way of doing business. At least in Photography, Sony innovated and pushed out very good tech. Panasonic in video has always in my opinion been solid (Stable).
The 1" sensor is a big advantage most of the time. The advantage kind of goes away as generations of sensors get better. A smaller 1/2" sensor could be better than a two generation old 1" sensor in many ways including low light. In my experience with low light and Panasonic HCX1 1" 2016/17 sensor verses the 2020 Panasonic HCX1500/2000/AGCX10 1/2" sensor, the 1" is better in low light. That's the only advantage it has. I don't use Canon camcorders often, but I've always been impressed with their image quality. Canon makes a lot of their sensors for their Cameras, I don't know about camcorders. Canon may have developed a 1/2" current gen sensor that is better than their older 1" sensor. I don't know that for sure, I'm just saying it's possible. You would be a better judge of that if you have experience with them. I agree with your premise that a larger sensor is generally better in low light. Let me know what you find out, please. Cheers.
@@RobertHamm thanks, I'll do some more digging. The g60 here in UK still sells for around £400 more given the bigger sensor but it still is previous generation of releases, although it looks like same image processor inside. Pana 1500 seems like a good option, I'm looking to have something to "grow into" as a hobbyist and may be a bit more advanced than g70.
it's so unfortunate that we didn't get 4k60p 1" sensor in this compact form factor. Either I'd "sacrifice" the 60p by going for the 1" sensor, with the XA70 or going for HC-X2000 but with
Thanks for the video I’m looking for a new camcorder my old camcorder is Canon vixia hf s20. How is the auto focus system on the Panasonic camcorder does it lock on to the subject is there background pulsing I know that the Panasonic mirrorless cameras like the GH5II has auto focus issues like background pulsing which can be distracting to the viewer.
You talking contrast-based versus phase detect autofocus system. So there will always be differences and how each unit performs. Contrast-based has pulsing issues generally. Panasonic has always made the camcorders work much differently than the mirrorless cameras. It's not something that I notice often. It does happen from time to time, but that's where knowledge of using the system comes in. Most people experience pulsing because I don't know how to set the autofocus speeds and other parameters. The first thing they do is set the autofocus to 'fast' and 'lock on/track to high'. This causes problems with pulsing. There are times to use those settings, and times we're not to use them. If you're doing talking head stuff, it's not really any need to use autofocus in the first place. When I'm recording live events like funerals or weddings I use face detect autofocus and set it to slow. When I'm running around with my camera on a gimbal doing a real estate shoot that's when I'll turn it to fast autofocus slow lock on. These are things that you have to have use the equipment to find out about. Better focusing system between Panasonic's contrast-based video autofocus system and everyone else, especially Canon and Sony, will always be seen on Canon and Sony. Panasonic is changing that with their new phase detect autofocus systems starting with the S5 Mark II, but that has not trickled down to any other system yet. People hear me say this and jump to the conclusion that Panasonic is not good at focusing. That's just not true. The other systems are better than panasonics contrast-based systems, but better is a relative word like warmer. What does warmer mean? What is better mean? Have I lost shots because of poor autofocus on my Panasonic system? Nope. Have I got more shots because of better autofocus system in my Sony? Nope. Do I see my hit rate drastically changed between Sony and Panasonic? Nope. Can it take longer for the autofocus to kick in sometimes, thereby causing me to resort to manual focus? Yep. That's happened a couple times... On the Sony, on my old nikons, and on Panasonic! It's all about what you're comfortable with.
Currently run an old HD Canon XA20 (not 4K) and wanting to bump up to 4K so looking at the Canon XA60 I would love to get the XA70 if it had 20X zoom for my hunting videos. I am looking at an XA60 for $900 without a handle and use the handle from my XA20 do you see anything I will be unhappy with if I like my XA20?
Yeah, that's a very old camera and it's only HD. 4k is important and allows for a 2x crop in post production without any image loss when editing on a 1080 timeline. Generally, when shooting in 1080p with a camcorder you can punch in using the center of the sensor and get an extra 2x zoom without any I'm age quality loss. If you have the budget for a newer camera, I would bump up. Although the XA20 may do the job, you will likely outgrow it quickly. If you can get the 60, go for it shoot in 4k and edit on a 1080p timeline for that additional zoom and better low light compared to the 20.
Agreed, and the same could be said of Full Frame. I don't think depth of field is the most important part of a camcorders capabilities. Otherwise, I would buy a camera for shallow depth of field.
I know this is an older video but I’m looking to get one for videoing golf content. I’ve been considering the x1500 I currently have a 870k. Is that worth the upgrade
Yeah, for golf, the small size and long zoom is great. Low light will be ok, too. But smaller sensors always struggle more than larger sensors when it comes to low light.
@@RobertHamm I keep getting a faint beeping on the audio I currently have an 870k camcorder. I’ve tried multiple mics can’t seem to figure out my issue. Any thoughts?
I'm trying to figure out what video camera would be the best for filming a marching band at halftime on the football field. I have used my iPhone 12 Pro in the past with the ultra-wide lens (usually around .7x or .8x) to get the whole marching field. However, occasionally, I zoom in, and the footage gets really grainy at night because of the outdoor stadium lights, night time, and who knows whatever else. I'm no camera expert. What I took from your video is that I'm most likely needing a video camera with a larger sensor. However, my main concern is being able to get the entire football field in frame. Are there wide angle lenses that can be purchased? If so, do you think it would provide enough of a wide angle to get the whole field? Recommendations for this use case?
Yes, a camcorder would be a good tool for this situation, and the use of a wide angle adapter lens would be helpful. You may not need one if you can get a seat in the box at center field. Usually they are in the stands. Light at night when zoomed in can be tricky, unless there is ample stadium light. So the X1500 should be good enough. You could also consider other 1" sensor camcorders. Any wide angle conversion lens that fits the filter thread will work as a wide angle adapter. Generally, the more you pay, the better quality you get. Panasonic says they make a wide angle lens adapter for this camera, but I've never seen it anywhere. Cheers.
I'm still using the HC-X1000. I'm forever shooting in auto-focus because I'm videoing horse riding lessons for the whole day and zooming in and out to follow the horse and rider. I would much rather be able to video on a shutter 1/250 because then i can get a lot better slow-motion, but it just gets to dark. Would the HC-X1500 make a huge difference? Has the HC-X1500 got a remote zoom controller plug like the X1000? I would really appreciate the info!
@@RobertHamm For me the name has been changed to "Phil vG", it doesn't say Apocalyptic God 😆😆😆😆(it was a computer game name, I think I just changed it properly ) Thanks for the info. When I video a horse it's legs move very fast, and the slow motion I am doing is always a replay, that is why I do it with the shutter speed.
Need you advice. I started filming my hunts a couple years ago and wanted a camera that would give me good zoom and also better quality at low light. Deer in particular come out right at dusk. I got the Canon xa60 and loved the zoom but then sent it back to get the XA 70 because of the 1" sensor size, stupid me didnt pick up on the fact the that model only gives me a 15X zoom instead of the 20X zoom. Why canon why didnt you leave to XA70 with the 20X zoom!!! My question to you wouild I be better off to get the Panasonic with the 24X zoom even though it has the smaller sensor. I dont want to spend over $2500. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and suggestion. Allen
Hi, Allen. Don't trade zoom for a smaller sensor in a low light situation. You will regret it. Large sensors are the key to low light, especially when the lens aperture is variable instead of constant. One of my tips for getting good image quality out of the X1500 in low light is to NOT zoom. As for a recommendation, you'll need at least a 1" sensor at a minimum, and to stay in the 20x zoom range you will spend at least your budget. You may be in the territory of a mirror less camera and lens combo. You would get a larger sensor, better in low light; as well as the specific lens you need. Even if the lens is a variable aperture zoom, you will still get a better picture at a stopped down aperture when zoomed because the sensor is larger, letting in more light when compared to the equivalent on a smaller sensor. I would look at micro4/3 and APSC lenses. Buy used from an online retailer Like BandH, Adorama, or KEH. All have excellent return policies. Panasonic would be my first choice. Something like a used GH series camera, A GH4 or newer, and then look for a lens you like. To get the same 24x zoom from the x1500, you will need a lens that is at least 300mm native micro 4/3, which when applying the 2x crop factor, would be an equivalent of 600 on a full frame. I'm not sure what lenses are out there right now, but you can do a quick search. In micro 4/3 nomenclature, the Panasonic is generally considered the best followed by Olympus. If you are thinking about Olympus, make sure you look at the specifications. The OMD EM5 mark 2 or OMD EM10mk3 would be good places to start. The OMD EM1 MK2 would be a very good choice. If you move up to APSC you have Fujifilm and Sony to consider. Again, speaking of used gear, the Fujifilm XT3 or XE3 would be the minimum and on Sony, something like the 6300 or 6500 would be best. Between all I have listed here, I would get the XT3. Awesome camera. You'll need a lens. Remember to apply the crop factor of 1.5 to determine it's equivalent angles of view/zoom. You're trying to reach at least 600mm equivalent. So, a 300mm APSC lens would be 1.5 times 300, which is 450 mm, or about 18x (assuming a wide angle of view at 25). Good luck, and let me know how it goes. Email me some links if you want me to help further.
Thanks for the info. I come from a photography background and owned a studio for 28 years. I also shoot with a R6mk2 so am familiar with that set up. I just find that for video I like the ease of use with a camcorder setup. For the time being I will probably keep the Canon XA 70 with the 1 inch sensor and just live with the 15x optical zoom. Best of luck to you and I will continue to follow your channel.
The Canon user interface is way better, use the Panosonic at an event and you will see how bad the button placement is, on the Panosonic you cant use the view finder with your left eye unless you remove the rubber cushion, USB-C is the the latest in technology which Panosonic still isnt using, and finally on a more personal level if your at an event where other photographers/videographers are present and you start talking about camera gear, no one will even care to talk about your weird "Panasonic".
Yeah, I disagree. Lot's of misconceptions on your part.YOu say you can't use the eyecup on the Panasonic with the left eye unless you remove it... Um.. that's wrong.. You realize that it's reversible. Just rotate it 180 degrees and it will fit the other eye. USB C. Yup. It's got it. You said it didn't. that's wrong. Regarding the user interface, you say Canon is better. I disagree. Canon won't even give you 10-bit internal or 4k60 FPS and in the case of the XA60, they even leave off dual pixel AF.. So, you lose another point there. If you are worried about what ANY other photographer thinks about your gear, then you have a problem with confidence and skill. That's something no gear will fix. I don't like the buttons on this series of cameras, But I Like the buttons a lot more than losing out on all the features Canon leaves out. Plus, as I say, they aren't that bad. As to reputation.. have you ever heard of VeriCam.. as in Panasonic VeriCam? Panasonic is a huge company with almost 100 years of film behind them. I'm glad you like Canon, but you kinda said stuff that you obviously didn't know about. I would thoroughly suggest downloading the manual and reading it... for all of your equipment... and any equipment you may be considering purchasing... and especially before giving advice on equipment, you are not familiar with.
I think it depends on what you need. Better low light? The Sony has a larger sensor. Need more zoom, the Panasonic is 24x optical. Those are the big questions.
@@RobertHamm lmfao 😂😂😂 I was like , I have know idea why 🤷♂️ From the title scrubbed through it then saw it and it came back 😆 .. for starters so verbose it hurt trying to follow you , then it dawned on me your a stoner , 🤦♂️ if one don’t know the difference between one inch and 1 2/3 then they don’t care just grabbing family moments 😝… thought for sure you’d catch the connection with your axe 🎸 and loud speaker 🔊 proudly displayed in a camera vid 😳 don’t sweat it mate I didn’t seek you out and won’t after that mess of a vid 😂 don’t blame me! Blame you tube and their algorithms, even 420 folk can get this one… what’s the difference between a large pizza 🍕 and a musician ? Haha 😂 one can feed a family of four! 😝👍 ✌️. 🤙
That seems to be a personal problem. You can't follow the topics listed in the chapters, or pick up on the fact that I was answering a user question? Do you have comprehension issues, ADDHD maybe? Idiot stuff here. Where's your sign? Aren't you supposed to have one so people will know what they are dealing with when they interact with you? Yes. My amp is nice. It's sitting on top of another really nice amp too. If my nice things get under your skin, then stay away fromy channel. I've got lots of nice stuff. Photography and Guitars have given me a good life. Don't be jealous. It's got to really burn you that I've made it. I checked out your channel. Are you 80? You look old and tired. Don't you think it's time to make something of yourself instead of wasting your time being jealous of other people and the fruits of their labor? Nah, it's always someone else.. I should have known. Here's your sign!
Hi Robert, I was curious if you had tips and tricks for color correcting images from the panasonic Hcx1500? I have found that out of the camera the images are quite desaturated, I was curious if you had a workflow that you have found effective? I have seen your color grades before/after videos with the hcx1500 and it looks great. Thanks for your great content!
That likely has to do with a color profile. There are six color profiles installed on the camera that are baked in. They are basically your F1 through f6 buttons. Those are function buttons that you see on the screen of the camera when you pull up the menu. Most people seem to like the spark profile. You can change any camera profile by going into the menu and then going into the camera settings. You'll see all kinds of different settings. You got flat, VCinelike Dcinelike, spark, HD and a few others. Choose one that you like, and then dive into the menu settings and start changing it around. It takes a lot of experimentation. There's over 150 settings for the image. The number one thing is to think about highlight and shadow roll off. So this is messing with the knee setting of the highlights, and the black gamma. Once you get those two things figured out, you can work with the phase adjustment to change the color of any particular color on a 16 way matrix. It gets pretty in-depth, so expect this to take some time. It took me months to dial in my colors. Most of the time I will simply shoot in a wide gamma, something like Dcinelike and choose cinelike gamma. This will give me the widest dynamic range with this camera, and then I'll apply color grades and post. That's how I usually do it. But I have created a new profile that's a little bit more my taste for what I don't want to do any color grading. That's when I use all the other settings. I think I went over them in this video. As for color, just depends on what you're doing, but the most important things getting your white balance right in the first place. I usually push my reds push my blues a little bit into purple, for the sky, and put some blue in my greens, desaturate my green colors, and saturate yellow quite a bit. Doing so gets me a nice color that I can then work with later, but mostly it's ready to use right out of the camera. Normally I save all of my noise reduction and contrast/sharpening for post-production. Good luck.