Panasonic HC-X1500E Camcorder

Panasonic HC-X1500E Camcorder

The industry’s smallest and lightest 4K 60p camcorders the Panasonic HC-X1500E Camcorder. Panasonic have packed high-grade, professional level capabilities into a compact body to offer the portability demanded by the professional market. The HC-X1500E enables high-quality 4K 60p recording and achieves high-spec optical performance with a wide angle 25mm (35mm equivalent) lens and 32x i.ZOOM (4K recording).

Aimed at a wide variety of users, from professionals and directors recording on location to enthusiastic amateurs creating 4K content. This new model is packed with top level, professional functions including Two Manual Rings, an ND Filter, a Built-in LED video light and 24-bit high resolution linear PCM audio recording. In addition, the HC-X1500E camcorder has the exclusive high-precision AF that Panasonic is known for. This provides high-speed, accurate focusing for both 4K and Full-HD shooting. For video recording, the HC-X1500E supports 4:2:2 10bit Internal Recording and the new, high-efficiency HEVC codec. Various recording formats can also be selected, and the camcorder comes with built-in Wi-Fi and can also support HD Live Streaming using just the camcorder.

Optical performance for precise shooting

The HC-X1500E has an integrated lens that offers a remarkably powerful, optical 24x zoom that ranges from 25mm wide angle to 600mm tele (35mm equivalent). the Panasonic trademark i.ZOOM achieves 32x at 4K resolution, and 48x at FHD. The 4-Drive Lens System drives the four lens groups independently, allowing the camera to achieve the optical 24x zoom in a compact body size.

With a LEICA Dicomar Lens that has cleared the stringent inspection criteria of Leica Camera AG in terms of lens resolution and contrast and more, stunningly beautiful images are produced while suppressing flaring and ghosts. Two Manual Rings are provided, one for focusing and the other for zoom or iris operation. These Manual Rings are designed to be controlled without error, they are different sizes so can be identified by touch. ND Filters can be selected from 1/4, 1/16, 1/64, and Clear, while glass is newly used as a countermeasure against scorching from sunlight condensation.

High-speed Autofocus

Face Detection AF/AE together with the precise focus lens drive allows for super fast focusing speed, stability and tracking performance for both 4K and Full-H . Face Detection AF/AE provides precise focusing and sufficient exposure for subjects. In addition, subject tracking with colour recognition can be activated by just touching the LCD panel.

5-Axis Hybrid O.I.S.

For both UHD and FHD modes, in addition to O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization), Electronic Image Stabilization operates to detect and correct handshake on 5 axis, including rotational blurring. The Ball O.I.S. System reduces friction on the drive section, achieving delicate correction even for small handshake.

Compact body with heat-dispersing design

The HC-X1500E has a new heat-dispersing design including a thin, newly-developed fan. This enables the camcorder to pull in air from the rear panel of the camera and efficiently disperse the heat from the front panel.

High-quality recording with versatile modes

The Venus Engine, which contains technologies accumulated with LUMIX, is newly incorporated in these camcorders. This enables 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording with maximum 29.97p in UHD, and maximum 59.94p in FHD.

When set for 10-bit recording, the camcorder delivers 4K 60p 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output, enabling high-quality image capture with an external recorder. New, highly-efficient HEVC recording (LongGOP/10-bit 4:2:0/MOV) is also supported for recording 59.97p at a high bit rate of 200 Mbps. As for file formats, in addition to MOV, MP4, and AVCHD, the AG-CX10 also supports the ideal P2 MXF for the editing system for broadcast stations, and recording by the AVC-Intra/AVC-LongG codecs is supported*.

In FHD mode, slow-motion recording at 120 fps (for 59.94 Hz)/100 fps (for 50 Hz) is possible. 10-bit recording is supported, and full-frame images with the image area uncropped are obtained even at high frame rates. Auto focus can also be used even during Super Slow-motion Recording.

^{* AVC-Intra100/50 codec support is planned for the future. Recording by all P2 formats requires a microP2 card.}

Functional design to support professional work

Shooting in dim light becomes much easier with a bright video light that is controlled by an adjustable dimmer dial built into the optional handle. This dimmable light allows brightness to be adjusted from 30% to 100%. If you’re shooting in even darker conditions then commercially available IR lights are supported for Infrared Shooting.

The camera has a 3.5-inch monitor which has 2,760K-dots of resolution, twice as much as the previous HC-X1000 model. This makes it approximately 2x brighter and provides higher legibility even under bright sunlight. An electrostatic touch panel has also improved the operating ease when selecting menu items. Since the 1,555K-dot tiltable viewfinder and LCD output simultaneously, the image being recorded can also be confirmed in the LCD monitor while viewing it on the EVF, thus improving work efficiency. Also, to support fast, accurate manual focusing, Focus Assist functions are equipped, including Expand, Peaking and One-push AF.

The included battery enables approximately 4.5 hours of continual operation, while a Handle Unit (VW-HU1) has been added as an optional accessory. It is easily detached and equipped with a 2-channel XLR Audio Input, audio control, and LED light. Operation of the zoom lever attached to the Handle Unit maintains a constant zoom speed, which can be set in 7 steps from the menu. 

Versatile network functions expand workflow

The camera has WiFi built in, so there is no need for a separate wireless LAN module, and Wi-Fi connection is possible with only the camcorder. Using a tablet application HC ROP, wireless remote control, including camera settings and lens control, can be set. RTSP/RTP/RTMP/RTMPS-Compatible HD Streaming allows direct connection and streaming over Facebook, YouTube, etc., of concerts, sports events, and news flashes.

Other Network Features:

• USB (micro AB) to LAN Conversion Adaptor*
• Compatibility with wired remote controls via the remote terminal.

^{* USB micro AB-Host Cable (included) is necessary for the connection.}