New Panasonic AG HC-X2 (HC-X1/UX180 successor)

[mitteg]

Related to Panasonic HC-X2:

• How have you assigned the USER BUTTONS? Here is my choice:
  • USER1: initiate RTMP Streaming
  • USER2: activate Fast Zoom (don't know why it doesn't remember this setting when powered off)
  • USER3: DRS ON/OFF, it is handy in challenging lightning
  • USER4: Audio out selection (it lets me cycle through listen CH1, listen CH2, both L/R, mixed)
  • USER5: LCD backlight (useful for increasing the backlight on sunny locations but lower it indoors to save battery life)
  • USER6: OIS (default)
  • USER7: D.ZOOM (default)
  • USER8: ZONE (configured for focus and iris, to when I tap a screen region (typically a speaking head), it automatically adjusts the focus and the exposure)

• How do you usually operate your camera, what are your basic settings? Here is my workflow:
  • Switch to Manual mode
  • White Balance: ATW (AUTO), I found that it usually nails it. Set it so that chA is AWB, and chB is for setting it manually with a white card.
  • Gain: 0dB (MANUAL)
  • Shutter: 1/100 (MANUAL). We shoot basically in MOV 1080p50 422 Long-GOP 100Mbps. No need to go All-I as the longGOP edits like butter in our experience.
  • Iris: STD (Standard AUTO Iris). If we need to manual adjust it we just press iris and use the lens ring
  • Focus: AF (AUTO) or MANUAL it depends on the situation. Sometimes it hunts.
  • ND: Manual
  • Stabilizer: ON in PAN/TILT as it is the only mode that works well and it does not "jump".

I would love to know your settings or "best" tips/tricks!

nobody?

[bluesgeek]

Does anyone have comments on the image quality of the HC-X2/X20? I am noticing what reminds me of the effect generated by noise reduction software like neat video. I haven't changed anything in the scene file.

I'm comparing this image to that of other Panny camcorders I've owned (AC90, AC30, DVX200, CX350, UX90), and finding it "plasticky."

[mitteg]

To me its comparable to the CX350. Do not see the plasticky effect, in fact, there is some texture (noise) in the picture.

[Mark Whalen]

I'm comparing this image to that of other Panny camcorders I've owned (AC90, AC30, DVX200, CX350, UX90), and finding it "plasticky."

I've used the HC-X2 on a number of jobs. There's a small amount of noise in the picture - but the HC-X2 certainly produces a better image than the HC-X2000 under the same conditions (I have one of those, too).

There are enough image controls available to tweak to your preference. A bit of DRS seems to keep the highlights from blocking up in contrasty situations.

[bluesgeek]

This applies to a number of Panasonic camcorders, but since this is the newest, I'll post it here.

I called parts today to order some spare AC power adapters. In the past, I was able to purchase them for about $50 each. Ever since we've been provided with a battery charger that requires the AC adapter to be dedicated to it, I've made sure to order extras so one can live with the cam, and one with the battery charging station on my bench.(Don't get me started on what a horrible implementation that is. Oh, and the AC cable is too short to even reach the floor if the tripod is set to any height over 5-6 feet.)

Today I was told the AC adapters are no long being sold separately but only as a kit with a battery charging bay. (Really? I don't need 2-4 battery bay ports for every one battery that comes with the camera. I need backup AC adapters.)

But, here's the kicker. The price of the AC adapter / charging bay kit is... $426.63.

I do have a question for anyone who might know. Is that real, or does the parts department have an incorrect price listing?

SMH

[Peter C.]

As long as you know the voltage, size of the dc jack, and it’s polarity you can buy 3rd party power supply for far cheaper. It’s a good practice to use a dedicated power adapter for the battery charger and another that stays in your camera bag, to avoid forgetting it at home.

[bluesgeek]

As long as you know the voltage, size of the dc jack, and it’s polarity you can buy 3rd party power supply for far cheaper. It’s a good practice to use a dedicated power adapter for the battery charger and another that stays in your camera bag, to avoid forgetting it at home.

Thank you, Peter. I have purchased inexpensive 3rd-party power supplies off of Amazon. First, I have always been in the habit of using OEM power supplies for cameras and computers though. I just find it a disappointment that Panny will not sell them without the charger, and that the price of the kit is so inflated.

[Peter C.]

Thank you, Peter. I have purchased inexpensive 3rd-party power supplies off of Amazon. First, I have always been in the habit of using OEM power supplies for cameras and computers though. I just find it a disappointment that Panny will not sell them without the charger, and that the price of the kit is so inflated.

Yeah it's annoying but a lot of manufactures to this.