1/4" 3MOS vs 1/2.3" MOS

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firehawk

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Hi all. I currently have the Panasonic AG HCK10 camera head with HMR10 recorder and love many things about it.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod..._AGHCK10GPJ_AG_HCK10_Compact_Camera_Head.html
Two of the things I do not like are:
1. poor low light
2. not enough ND for outdoors. Needs external ND or increase shutter

So essentially it is poor in low light and bright light.
It is basically a shrunk down AG HMC40
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...ic_hmc40kit_AG_HMC40_AVCCAM_HD_Camcorder.html

So there is a new model, which addresses most of the weaknesess.
Here is the new model:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1333545-REG/panasonic_ag_uck20gj_compact_camera_head.html

The new model is also 4K UHD but still has a small sensor, 1/2.3 MOS vs the old 3X 1/4 MOS.
Since there is NO way of hands on testing this thing, what are your thoughts about low light?
It has a single (larger) sensor and most likely much cleaner gain than the old one, but since it is also much higher resolution will it really be much better in low light?
 
1/2.3" is actually bigger than 1/4"...so it should be a bit better (in theory).

But I would also assume the low-light capabilities to be better because of the newer technology too.
 
Thank you NorBro. It's a larger single sensor and about 7 years (?) newer tech which should mean better....but it's also higher resolution (denser light gathering pixels) versus the old 3 chip lower res camera. 1/2.3 = about twice the size, but also 4x the resolution, UHD vs HD (if I'm looking at this correctly).

So I don't know how much better in reality it reasonable to expect.
 
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If you'd like to share, what are you using it for?

Maybe we can recommend some other options because you're right; it will be difficult to know how it performs since there is practically zero coverage on such a specialized piece of equipment.

If this new model is compatible with the recorder you already have, you probably don't have much of a choice for other options with the same workflow...but at least the price tag isn't too terrible for the 4K upgrade (editing the 4K in a HD timeline may also help with masking noise).
 
Thanks again. I would have to purchase both the new camera head and AG UMR 20 recorder which together are fairly expensive. Thankfully the existing expensive cables interchange and I have batteries.

4K UHD would be a BIG help with this thing as would a number of improvements they've made.

I use it for events where I can mount it up high on a stand with or w/o remote head and in places where a camera person cannot be. Then it all can be controlled remotely from up to 65' away.
In low light scenarios I have used other cameras in it's place, but the other cameras are larger/heavier and require more cabling and gear to control and monitor.

The POV Panasonic system is fast and easy to set up and it looks like the new one has improved nearly every shortcoming of the old model.
 
Sounds like an ideal option...some others in that same category (for less money, but you already have accessories so maybe not worth considering):

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1382660-REG/aida_imaging_uhd_100_uhd_4k_30_hdmi_1_4.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...aging_uhd6g_200_uhd_4k_30_6g_sdi_efp_pov.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1382662-REG/aida_imaging_uhd6g_x12l_full_4k_30_hdmi_1_4.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...all_electronics_cv380_cs_8mp_uhd_compact.html

The first 3 look to be the same camera but with different connections.

I've used the Blackmagic micro studios and even the micro cinema in situations like you're describing (both were controlled via HDMI and SDI cables but I personally couldn't access the menus without handling them).

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You can also of course control many other cameras via remotes/apps, but maybe they wouldn't be the best tools for the job.
 
Anyone have any idea what sensor they use in the AG UCK20? I looked at the AG HCX1000 and it also uses a 1/2.3 with 29.5mm lens with 20X zoom also and the reviews on it say POOR low light. But it was released in 2014(?) wheras the UCK20 came out in 2017(?) so maybe they aren't really the same senor, just the same size??

I expect it shares a sensor and some tech with another camera because the old model AG HCK10 shared the same sensor as the old AG HCM40, and thus had the same basic specs - 12X zoom, etc...but it is hard to find info on this new one.
 
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