Panasonic HC-X2: Your Swiss Army Knife for Pro-Level Videography 

A detailed post below, but as someone who has used the Panasonic HC-X2 extensively for more than a year, and as someone trained in cinematography, I hope I can offer a little insight and support to Pav SV’s excellent review while answering some of the questions which came up in the comments. Firstly, the HC-X2 is an outstanding camera. For those who have come from a mirrorless/DSLR background, there will likely be an interesting learning curve; but for those who have come from a broadcast/news/documentary background, they will see this as a powerful broadcast camera in a small package - and yes, it is a small camera. The HC-X2 is a compact ENG/EFP (electronic news gathering/electronic field production) camera. This is what this camera is designed for and excels at: news, documentary, events etc. If you have all the time in the world, a budget and crew, and you’re making short films, music videos, TV commercials etc. then there will be other cameras more suited to the purpose. But if you’re a solo operator or part of a small crew, and you’re shooting corporates, documentaries, news, events, video-journalism, and the like (or want to) then this camera is a superb choice. Someone made a comment about why anyone would choose to buy a camera like this nowadays. My response is because camcorders are the perfect choice for many shooting scenarios. Different jobs require different tools and there is something to be said for turning up, pulling a camera out of the bag, and be recording within seconds. You’re not fussing about with lenses, finding the right ND filter, rigging up cages and monitors and audio preamps, and matte boxes and other accessories. I refer to my earlier comment about a person’s filming background: if your film/video journey began in the era of mirrorless and DSLR, then you may be quite unaware of camcorders and their solid place in a production hierarchy. But, if you go to a press conference, you’ll see plenty of camcorders; if you go to events, you’ll see plenty of camcorders; if you go to news locations (including humanitarian contexts and conflict zones), you’ll see plenty of camcorders; if you tag along with documentary makers, you’ll see plenty of camcorders. That’s what camcorders like the HC-X2 are made for and what they excel at. A couple of thoughts on the camera: two XLR audio inputs; built-in ND filters, fixed zoom lens with an insane (35mm equivalent) range of 24.5 - 640! Someone mentioned using a camera like this for sports. I hope that answers it. It also shoots log (Panasonic’s V-log) with 13 stops of dynamic range! It has 4:2:2 colour sampling and 10-bit. It is 4K but can shoot 1080 if you want. It can also shoot HLG if that is your workflow. It has very nice colour profiles straight out of the box if you don’t want to shoot log. It is remarkably customisable if, as Pav says, you learn how to use it. The HC-X2 is a powerful workhorse of a camera that is highly capable in a variety of scenarios. A note on ISO/gain. The HC-X2 is a professional video camera. It’s all about gain. ISO is a reference for film sensitivity, not digital sensor sensitivity. Professional video cameras do not use ISO and IMHO, ISO is somewhat misleading regarding digital video. I get it, but when talking about professional video, we need to understand gain, use waveform monitors, and expose accordingly. The cleanest image will come from 0db gain (what ‘native ISO’ is). When you increase the gain (which is actually what you’re doing when you increase ISO) all you’re doing is amplifying the signal. If there isn’t much light and you decide to increase the gain, then you’re pushing an already weak signal which results in noise. The rule here is to add light, not gain. Gain should only be used as a last resort. The HC-X2 has a one inch ‘type’ sensor (which has little to do with one inch of anything). But it is a small sensor which puts off a few people. However, the sensor closely resembles that of the Super 16mm film format size from days gone by which should give you an indication of what this camera is designed for-news, documentary, events-but one also perfectly suited to short films, lower budget TVCs, corporate videos, educational films etc. No, it won’t give you razor thin depth-of-field, but as a run-and-gun or news/doco/events camera, you want your footage in focus anyway. If you want a shallow depth-of-field look, step back, zoom in, open up and control the light with an ND filter. Autofocus is, again, something that gets way too much oxygen in camera discussions. Cinematographers and broadcast camera operators don’t use it. The HC-X2 has excellent AF but the HC-X2's perfectly damped focus ring and Focus Assist makes manual focus a dream. Like any camera, the in-built microphone is good for scratch audio, maybe some ambient audio for b-roll, and for getting yourself out of trouble if all else fails. But in-built mics should never be considered for primary audio. Get a good shotgun mic for the camera that can also be used on a boom when outdoors; get a good lav mic; and get a good dialogue mic for a boom indoors, and you’ll have your bases covered. FYI: I use an Audio Technica AT875R (for on-camera shotgun and boom), Sony UWP-D21 (wireless lavalier), AKG P170 (on a boom for indoor dialogue), and a Rode NTG2 back-up shotgun/outdoor boom). None of these are crazy expensive but they are all excellent mics perfectly suited to the work I do. Finally, Pav mentioned the record light going off after a few seconds. Mine stays on when recording. I suspect this may be a menu preference. The menu is deep, and it does take some getting used to and I actually became quite overwhelmed and frustrated when I bought the camera. But I persevered and it has become quite familiar to me now. If you want to get the most out of a camera like the HC-X2, learn to shoot log, learn to expose using the waveform monitor, learn to set your white balance correctly, learn to use manual focus, and buy some good microphones and learn when to use what and how to set audio levels. Understand what productions are best suited to a camcorder and, if that’s what you do or want to do, then the HC-X2 is definitely worth looking into. Spend time with the camera and it will keep surprising you with its capability. Best if I stop waffling and show some things I’ve shot with the HC-X2. The first is a slow-mo test (50fps) and long zoom test which I shot in Cine-V profile. (RU-vid: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_3JCxZHdqyo.html) (Vimeo: vimeo.com/804583805). The next is a short documentary I made. It is shot in V-log in almost pitch black (It was 4am, mid-winter) and lit mostly with the subject’s head torch. It is dark and I used High Sensitivity and about 6db of gain - again as something of a test - but the results were so good that I made the film. (RU-vid: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-sNZmLsSrq-I.html) (Vimeo: vimeo.com/851108390). I’ve included links to both RU-vid and Vimeo (Vimeo will look better). You may also like reading this little write up from my website I did on the gear I use: www.matthewsmeal.com.au/gear Sorry for the long post but I hope it helps anyone interested in this remarkable camera. Matthew

A great format for behind the scenes footage for narrative projects, especially if the person operating the behind the scenes camera is a volunteer who is unfamiliar with video cameras. You can just show them where the zoom rocker switch and record buttons are and off they go. An easy to use camera makes the experience more enjoyable for an inexperienced camera operator as well. Thank you for making this review. Different tools for different jobs. 👍

I think cameras like this are capable of quality narrative film making. It’s also provides a speed and ease of use. Thanks for the review.

This video is by far and away, the best review video I've seen yet online about video camcorders. This gentleman didn't waste a lot of time just yammering in front of the camera like so many other demonstrators/reviewers did. He did NOT DO an unboxing video like many braggarts love to do. He did a straightforward review. He did so by covering all of the highlight features and capabilities the camera has to offer. And he didn't just talk about it. He also provided short clips that illustrated perfectly what he talked about in this review. What I appreciate is that he took the time to prepare for his video shoot. I imagine he wrote a script, studied the camera extensively and probably had a cheat sheet to fall back on. Best of all, his introduction was very professional. He isn't trying to be anybody's and everyone's best friend. He did NOT use those lazy-ass intros that everyone & his sister loves to use. He did a clean and equally straightforward introduction to his presentation and then moved on... the way a professional video should be done. The video almost answered all of my questions about this particular camera. I've been on the fence about which model to buy. I've been admiring the HC-X2 for quite sometime. I'm also looking at the less costly HC-X1500 model as well, which you also reviewed. Good informative video. I like the sample clips you included. It answers a lot of questions I had about its filming ability. Thank you. The other camcorder I was considering but have now put on the back burner is the JVC-GY-HC500U. It has nearly identical features as the Panasonic HC-X2 camera and both are capable of filming natively in 4K resolution. The JVC has a builtin SD Card Slot that allows for full 4K resolution filming with a wide array of 4K resolution codecs. The Panasonic HC-X2 has similar codecs, but no builtin SD Card slot. It's priced slightly higher than the JVC. However, reaching out to and trying to connect with JVC is nearly impossible. When I reached out to Panasonic they responded almost immediately and were more than willing to answer my questions and help me in anyway they could. That's the hallmark of good customer service. You helped me to solidify my decision making process and it is likely that I will go with the Panasonic HC-X2 camcorder. However, I am waiting for JVC to make a move to see if they will try changing my mind, and will try to convince me that their product is better than the Panasonic. The info I read and learned shows clearly that both the Panasonic and the JVC cameras are very close competitor devices with nearly identical features. Owning either one would be a fantastic choice. If I don't hear from JVC, then I'll definitely go with the Panasonic. Thank you for this excellent review, and thank you very much and mostly, for your most professional review. You are knowledgeable and do a remarkable and a thorough review of the products you demonstrate. Peace and please, be well.

Thank you for the detailed information on this camera.

Among the best videos, honest and direct on this material, because you do not hesitate to highlight the possible negative points (shutter speed/frame rate, recording indicator, lens capacity...). The additional information in the comments is a big plus. Convinced user and lover of Panasonic (Lumix S1 + cinema lenses) I was already also convinced by this equipment, with its HLG and Vlog capacity added to the HC-X20, to "approach" a kinematic mode for calibration with a dedicated box on the ground, and which seems really perfect to me. Your video is really very nice and very informative. Simple and honest, a pleasure to hear from you. Whether it's Sony or Canon, which are also very good equipment, when you make your mark with a manufacturer it's almost a marriage for life. PANASONIC is a little marvel of rendering and stabilization, with comfortable menus. The 3 rings + ND filters make this equipment undoubtedly the good field camera to have. A fan of V-Log, now I'm going to try to dig into the information on this specificity, with a 15mp sensor vs 24mp of the LUMIX S1/S1H. Very good video, thank you and PANASONIC can thank you

thx 4 your job/review/material

Nice video, thanks for going through some specific usage for this camera.

superb review ! thank you.

I think it punches above it's weight class, very nice camera. Probably geared more towards documentary film makers, live stream and broadcast.

My first professional camera was a UX-90 and loved the 180. Was great for that "look" that clients got really excited seeing big 4K cameras.I'm a hybrid shooter now though and been really happy with my gh5m2. This camera looks so good though.

Watched this in bits and pieces while in meetings so I will go back later. Love this review. You achieved great results and got some beautiful footage with this. Not meant as a shot at anyone, but we are spoiled with today's mirorless and cinema cams. It's not difficult to purchase an inexpensive 50mm Prime with fast aperture and get great results.with much cheaper cameras. For those that have shot with cameras like the XL1, DVX100a, HVX200 among others, this camera is amazing. If I were teaching at a university, I would not allow mirrorless, dslrs or other cameras at first, but make students use this before touching any modern cam with inter-changeable lenses. I feel this camera can actually teach you to be really creative. Thanks again for making this video. I'm curious, what are you using to grade you footage? You do a great job!

Hi Pav, does the display gamma assist in V Log mode goes off when we start recording in X2 ?

THIS is why Panasonic is taking forever to make a new cine cam lol it looks dope! Great review bro ✌🏻

I film my golf rounds. You think it would be better than the hdx2000 or AG CX350 to take to the course and film? How the battery life and would it overheat ?

Great review. Helpful.

Could you please provide information on whether there is any option in X2 to mark clips with a marker during recording? The idea is to use the MARK CLIP function, just like in previous versions of reporter cameras. This way, the "good clips" would be visible when importing clips into Adobe Premiere Pro. Please help if anyone knows how to do this.

Great review on a really good camera. I bought the HC-X1 and used it when I started my YT channel, solid device but the built in screen was really bad, especially outdoors and that lead me to get external monitors. What I really wanted was the X2000 that was just released but due to the pandemic lockdown, it never became available until much later. It’s great to see Panasonic make some improvements but kept the form factor, maybe they will make one that you can change the lens, something like the Sony FX6. We will have to wait to see what the next. Ig thing they will give us.

It replaced my mirrorless cameras as my go to we an independent journalist. I now have my R5 and R6 freed up for photography in the field. The struggle to change lenses in the field was real.

I will tell you what is cinematic to me: making my day and going home to eat dinner with my family. I love easy to use cameras.

Very useful camera. They basically fixed most of the UX-180 shortcomings. The improved LCD screen alone made it worth the upgrade. I have 3 and like them a lot but am not too thrilled with the autofocus so far.

I bought the Panasonic HC-X2000 because of your other video.

Always know a rocker! They say gain first, iso second!

This camera definitely has its place. Especially when you pair it with a good bright 7" external monitor.

I love using camcorders, especially on run and gun, sports and events type work and overall this looks like a great camcorder in most respects and it seems to shoot really nice images. Not quite as many high end specs as something like the XF 605 from Canon but then considering the price difference you wouldn’t expect it to have all the same features. However the deal breaker for me is not having a 3.5 audio input jack and therefore no 4 track audio recording option which I’ve been using lately on solo shoots and love it as I can use an XLR shotgun mic (either on a boom or on camera) on tracks 1 and 2 and a wireless system, like the DJI Mic, on tracks 3 and 4 both with safety tracks set around 6db lower on the second track (2 and 4) and that gives me so much flexibility in terms of what sounds the best in different situations and peace of mind in terms of capturing good audio with plenty of back up and it’s working really well so I’d hate to have to go back to being limited to recording on 2 tracks only especially on what would be my main camcorder if I bought something like this. But if you don’t need or use 4 track audio then this seems like a good option for the price. Great review.

Thanks for this video. I have two R5c cameras and I think this will complement those for my documentary work flows. This camera is over two years now. Aware of any rumors for a new camcorder? Would love a micro four thirds sensor.

Thanks Laddie! I'm coming from an old AG-AC90 and I've had the X2 in my hands for a couple of days now. The wife started a RU-vid channel for her action figures and we wanted an upgrade. I'm an amateur and got sucked into the mirrorless hybrid thing. The S5II I bought was sold as "new" but clearly had been opened and used. Anyway, I'm so very glad it was because it made me realize that I needed to stick to a camcorder for our purposes. A bit of a learning curve from the decade old AC90, but there is a lot of similarities too in terms of where things are. I do have a question: Other than slo-mo, what were your settings at 13:08 of your video? I'm having trouble replicating the warm rich images that I can get from the AC90. My colors are a bit muted, except when using the "F4:Still" setting in the factory scene file settings.

Any chance you could share what diameter the mounting holes are on top of the body? Thinking of using the hotshoe mount for a stereo mic and the mounting holes for a second onboard monitor. Just wanna make sure I have the rite size! Overall great review, went over everything I needed to know!

WOW

Hello, this is my 1st Panasonic camcorder.I am struggling with grainy videos. Is there any solution.

I wouldn't even consider anything else for news freelancers. It's got great natural color, it certainly appears durable, it's a pretty good value all things considered, there are TONS of hard buttons, and the livestreaming functionality is incredibly simple to set up. Wow.

Great, finally a nice review of this camera... but which images are color graded and which are straight from the camera?

at 6:23, the app is called Panasonic HC ROP not HS ROP.

Great review, thank you! Your direct approach is awesome. Question: I want to film sports videography. I need fast fast autofocus. A staffer at a camera store told me this is the camera to get. Do you agree?

I want to ask: which camera recorded this valuable article? The image is very sharp and professional

First use with my new camcorder HC-X20 yesterday 13/10/203. First impressions is nice and clean, excellent skin tones but I would like to see an in depth tutorial of the camcorder as it is quite complicated.

Hi sir i have parched HC X 2 In NOV 2022 camera great camera in all feature but I think 1 is major Drawback in all panasonic Video Segment is very common in Vibrant Condatation Sensor in not Stabale in Highly Sound Level high pls. any soln.

I have its cousin the AG-UX90 4K. Much older than this one. Am I looking for another? Doubt it. Most of my projects are short and easy to do. Any new camera to buy new are expensive. Nice thing of the Camcorder included lens, and extra really to buy except batteries. Built in XLR audio is great. I have to use an XLR kit on my Sonys. No overheating issues with the camcorder either since it is video, and that is all. Only thing is it is big. A bit heavy for run and gun. It isn't hard to use. Buying these things used helps take the sting out of how expensive these things are, for that matter any camera. Unless I am getting paid, I never buy new or latest and greatest. Is this new one going to blow away what I have day to day? Don't know. But I love the one I have. Just keep light where it needs to be and you're fine. I have a Canon C100 used I also love too. Makes a great web cam too. Smaller than the Panny.

I don’t understand what’s the difference from the cx350?

Great review, thank you a lot. I have a Canon XF605 and I complain about the poor quality of the AF. But, in your video, I can see that the Panasonic isn't much better, just a little bit better. My old 2K Canon XA-20 was better. If I compare with the camera of the DJI Mavic-3 drones, I'm surprised that the camcorders don't reach the same level.

3:10 With similar apertures and focal lengths, it would be impossible to capture such similar frames. You simply made the frames similar with the same composition.

A camcorder is for covering live events, news coverage, broadcasting live events, wedding videographer and not for creative video which is the domain of the cinema cameras like Sony FX9 or Canon C line.

Personally I don’t like tv production films on mirrorless. They should at least use this type of camera.

how to enable time stamp

12:00 Flash leaves = moire effect?

I have the HC 20, and the HC ROP app is unfortunately dreadful

Pls picture profile settings details send

Lool like a Sony NX100/NX200 😮😮

for the price, it’s still a bit of a hard sell. Noise is really a problem and I’m typically more tolerant of it. The optics are very good though, and the 4k60 10 bit is a big sell. I’m sure there’s a small portion of people this is perfect for, though.

When pocket cameras get zoom lenses it's game over for camcorders

You should try to say “mirrorless” faster

Is the camera body plastic or metal?

So this basically is a cinema camera with a phone sensor

Well it's official. I am absolutely sick of seeing and hearing these videos talking about the hc-x2 and the hc-x20. Yes, I get it, they're similar. But I don't WANT to hear about the hc-x20. I am also fed-up to my ear-balls with seeing and hearing people just talking about the camera. For all of the over-hyped yammering, there are so few videos that actually demonstrates or shows how good this camera really is. Is it all just talk? Or, is there truth behind the claims? I want to SEE how it works and performs under a variety of different filming conditions. I don't just want to hear about it. Your video is just Okay, and you did touch lightly on the capabilities of the machine you used, but only just. I for one would like to see what it really can do and what makes it so special, what makes it shine. I am sick of hearing about it. I want to see it with my own eyes... no explanation, no yammering on... just clean, unedited video footage. Let the camera speak for itself.

Thank you for the review. Indeed, these cameras are fantastic in their category. The only problem is that all these camcorders have become ridiculously overpriced, and realistically they offer a fraction of the features and capabilities of mirrorless cameras, with large sensors and interchangeable lenses capabilities, making these cameras irrelevant. It makes no sense to almost anyone buying this kind of gear anymore for the price that they have featuring small sensors and lenses you cannot interchange. Yes they are video oriented and ergonomically perfect for that function.. and then? They cost ip to 5 or 6 times the price of gear with the same kind of image quality and capabilities? No matter them being fully video oriented and having XLR inputs and so forth.. you can have those on cameras a fraction of the size and weight and price. If these camcorders featured unique lenses with amazing sensors with global shutters or SOMETHING that would INDEED differentiate them from regular hybrid cameras, then sure, price and features fully justified. But as they are with no more than having mediocre specs, limited functionality, the same sensors as point and shoot cameras and outrageous prices on top of that, sorry.. aside from hard core videographers that "need" these (and I can't think of ANYONE choosing this over more capable and cheaper and better gear), I positively don't understand why these cameras exist and the price point they have and what they ultimately offer.

Pretty noisy. :)

1st comment!!