Panasonic HC-X20E 4K 60p/50p Camcorder

Panasonic PAN-HCX20E (PAN/HCX20E, PAN_HCX20E, PANHCX20E, PAN HCX20E) HC-X20E 4K 60p/50p Camcorder

Panasonic HC-X20 4K Mobile Camcorder

The HC-X20 offers 20x optical zoom, 24.5mm wide angle for both UHD and FHD, 4K high-precision AF with new face detection and higher precision, 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+, high brightness LCD, and more. For video recording, the camcorder supports 4:2:2 10-bit 4K 30p/25p internal video recording and the new, high-efficiency HEVC codec. It has been equipped with a wide variety of recording formats for the best selections such as Super slow motion (120/100 fps) and VFR (2 to 60 fps).

Featuring Remarkable Optical Performance for Precise Shooting

The integrated lens offers a remarkably powerful, optical 20x zoom that ranges from 24.5mm* wide angle to 490mm* tele. i.ZOOM achieves 24x at 4K resolution, and 32x at FHD. The 4-Drive Lens System drives the four lens groups independently, thus achieving the optical 20x zoom and compact body size.

High-speed, High-precision AF Including Face Detection AF/AE

Superior focusing speed, stability and tracking performance for both 4K and Full-HD is achieved thanks to Face Detection AF/AE together with the precise focus lens drive. Face Detection AF/AE provides precise focusing and sufficient exposure for subjects. In addition, subject tracking with color recognition can be activated by just touching the LCD panel enabling precise tracking.

5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+ Enables Stable Image Acquisition

For both UHD and FHD modes, in addition to OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), Electronic Image Stabilization operates to detect and correct handshake in 5 axes, including rotational blurring. This provides strong correction under unstable conditions, such as low-angle and high-angle shooting. The Ball O.I.S. System reduces friction on the drive section, achieving delicate correction even for small-amplitude handshake. This produces beautiful images with suppressed handshake even at high, 20x optical zoom.

High-sensitivity 1.0-type (1.0-inch) 4K Sensor for Superb Image Quality

The 1.0-type (1.0-inch) MOS sensor (approximately 15.03 effective megapixels) is capable of recording at UHD (3840 x 2160) without cropping and offers a moderate depth of field and an excellent balance between image quality and sensitivity. The file format can be selected from versatile and easy-to-use MOV (QuickTime), MP4 and AVCHD.

High-Quality Recording with Versatile Modes

The camcorder supports a variety of bit rates and formats to meet professional needs. Internal recording of UHD up to 29.98p/25p and FHD up to 59.94p/50p in 4:2:2 10-bit high quality is now possible. When set for 10-bit recording, the camcorder delivers 4K 60p 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output, enabling high image quality capture with an external recorder. New, highly efficient HEVC recording (LongGOP/10-bit 4:2:0/MOV) is also supported for recording 59.94p at a high bit rate of 200 Mbps, in addition to MOV, MP4, and AVCHD file formats.

Super Slow Motion and VFR (2 to 60 fps)

The Super Slow Motion function records HD images at a high speed of 120 fps (59.94 Hz)/100 fps (50 Hz) to provide a slow-motion effect. The HC-X20 is also newly equipped with a VFR (variable frame rate) recording function that allows the change of frame rate setting in ten steps from 2 to 60 fps. This lets the user produce creative and expressive videos using techniques such as overcranking for a slow-motion effect and undercranking for a quick-motion effect.

Versatile Network Functions Expand the User's Workflow

The built-in Wi-Fi module enables Wi-Fi connectivity using only the main unit. The HC-ROP tablet/smartphone app enables wireless remote control, including camera settings and lens control.

HC-X20 can be connected to a wired LAN by using a USB Ethernet adapter (sold separately).

RTSP/RTP/RTMP/RTMPS-compatible FHD streaming enables direct connection and streaming of live concerts, sporting events, breaking news, etc. to Facebook, YouTube, etc. It is also now possible to record while streaming.

Functions and Designs Supporting Pro Camera Work

The 3.5-inch LCD monitor has a high resolution of approximately 2,760k dots, more than double that of the previous model*1, and realizes excellent visibility even in bright sunlight with twice the brightness compared to the previous model. The electrostatic touch panel also improves operability when selecting menus.

Since the 2,360K-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 Area Mode. For shooting in even darker conditions, commercially available IR lights are supported for IR (Infrared) Shooting.

The lens barrel features Triple Manual Rings for zoom, focus and iris operations. There are a total of 14 User buttons, nine on the body and five on the LCD touch panel. These User buttons can be allocated with desired functions.

The ND filter can be set to Clear, 1/4, 1/16 or 1/64. Gain selector and AWB selector are also provided. The controls are designed and engineered to meet the needs of video professionals.

The included battery is designed to be integrated into the camera, not protruding from it, and can provide approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes of continuous shooting.

Double SD Card Slot and UHD/FHD Dual Codec Recording

Two SD memory card slots are provided. The recording media switches automatically and seamlessly from Slot 1 to Slot 2. By changing a full SD card with a new SD card, images can be recorded continuously for many hours.

Unlimited Relay Recording: Data is recorded continuously by automatically switching the recording SD card from Slot 1 to Slot 2. By changing the full SD card with a new SD card, images can be recorded continuously for many hours.

Simultaneous Recording: Identical data is recorded onto cards in both slots in this highly redundant recording mode.

Background Recording: One SD card can be set in Slot 2 to record continuously, and another SD card can be set in Slot 1 to record necessary scenes by turning REC on and off.

48-kHz/24-bit High Resolution Linear PCM Audio Recording

+48V Phantom Power Supply/MIC/LINE Selectable XLR Audio Input with Manual Volume is equipped for each of 2 channels. Also supported is a 24-bit linear PCM system (MOV), 16-bit AAC (MP4), or Dolby Audio system (AVCHD) high-quality 2-channel audio recording.

Broadcast-grade Camera Image Adjustment Functions

16-Axis Independent Color Correction Function: Allows color matching of multiple cameras under the same lighting condition as well as creative image rendering.

Soft Skin: Makes skin colors appear softly and beautifully. Especially effective when recording the person up close.

Master Detail: Adjusts the overall degree of contour enhancement.

Scene File: Six sets of image quality settings are preset in scene files. Parameters in each set can be changed flexibly. One set can be saved in the main unit, and up to eight sets can be stored on an SD memory card.

8-Mode Gamma: Gamma setting can be selected from seven modes including two types of CINE-LIKE gamma. This allows the user to achieve the most suitable gradation according to the specific video production need.

SENSOR SECTION

• Image Sensor: 1.0-type MOS Sensor (For Europe) 1.0-inch MOS Sensor (For North America / Asia)
• Effective Pixels: 15.03 megapixels
• Latitude: 13 stops (V-log)

LENS SECTION

• F Value: F2.8 ― 4.5
• Optical Zoom: 20x
• Focal Length: 8.8 ― 176 mm
• 35 mm Film Camera Equivalent: 24.5 ― 490 mm  
• Filter Diameter: 67 mm
• Lens Brand: Panasonic Lens

CAMERA SECTION

• Minimum Illumination: 0.6 lx (F2.8, Super Gain +, when shutter speed is 1/30 sec.)
• Focus: Auto / Manual
• Zoom: i.Zoom OFF: 20x, i.Zoom ON: Max. 32x  (UHD 24x), Digital Zoom: 2x / 5x / 10x
• ND Filter: 1/4, 1/16, 1/64, OFF
• IR Filter: Incorporates the ON/OFF control function
• White Balance: Auto / ATW LOCK / 3200K / 5600K / VAR (2000K—15000K) / Ach Fixed / Bch Fixed

Shutter Speed

• 59.94 Hz mode: 59.94i/59.94p: 1/60, 1/100, 1/120, 1/180, 1/250, 1/350, 1/500, 1/750, 1/1000, 1/1500,1/2000, 1/3000, 1/4000, 1/8000 sec 29.97p: 1/30, 1/50, 1/60, 1/100, 1/120, 1/180, 1/250, 1/350, 1/500, 1/750, 1/1000, 1/1500,1/2000, 1/3000, 1/4000, 1/8000 sec, 23.98p: 1/24, 1/48, 1/50, 1/60, 1/100, 1/120, 1/180, 1/250, 1/350, 1/500, 1/750, 1/1000, 1/1500, 1/2000, 1/3000, 1/4000, 1/8000 sec
• 50.00 Hz mode: 50i/50p: 1/50, 1/60, 1/100, 1/125, 1/180, 1/250, 1/350, 1/500, 1/750, 1/1000, 1/1500, 1/2000, 1/3000, 1/4000, 1/8000 sec, 25p: 1/25, 1/50, 1/60, 1/100, 1/125, 1/180, 1/250, 1/350, 1/500, 1/750, 1/1000, 1/1500, 1/2000, 1/3000, 1/4000, 1/8000 sec

Slow Shutter Speed

• 59.94 Hz mode: 59.94i/59.94p: 1/8, 1/15, 1/30 sec, 29.97p: 1/8, 1/15 sec, 23.98p: 1/6, 1/12 sec
• 50.00 Hz mode: 50i/50p: 1/6, 1/12, 1/25 sec, 25p: 1/6, 1/12 sec

Synchro Scan

• 59.94 Hz mode: 59.94i/59.94p: 1/60.0 ― 1/249.6 sec, 29.97p: 1/30.0 ―  1/249.8 sec, 23.98p: 1/24.0 ― 1/249.7 sec
• 50.00 Hz mode: 50i/50p: 1/50.0 ― 1/250.0 sec, 25p: 1/25.0― 1/250.0 sec
• VFR Recording Frame Rate: 59.94 Hz mode: 2, 12, 15, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 45, 48 ,60 fps, 50.00 Hz mode: 2, 12, 21, 23, 25, 27, 30, 37, 50 fps
• Super Slow Recording Frame Rate: 59.94 Hz mode: FHD 120 fps (1/2 speed at  60p, 1/4 speed at 30p, 1/5 speed at 24p), 50.00 Hz mode: FHD 100 fps (1/2 speed at  50p, 1/4 speed at 25p)
• Iris: Auto / Manual
• Image Stabilizer: Ball O.I.S., 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+ (UHD/FHD)

RECORDING SECTION

• Recording Media: SDHC/SDXC Memory Card, UHS-I compatible
• Recording Format: MOV, MP4, AVCHD
• Video Compression Method: MOV/MP4: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High Profile, H.265/MPEG-H HEVC Main10 Profile, AVCHD: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High Profile
• Audio Compression Method: MOV: LPCM, 48kHz/24bit, 2ch, MP4: AAC, 48kHz/16bit, 2ch, AVCHD: Dolby Audio, 48kHz/16bit, 2ch
• System Frequency: 59.94Hz / 50.00Hz

Recording / Playback Mode

• MOV (HEVC): [4:2:0 10bit] UHD 3840x2160 59.94p/50.00p HEVC LongGOP 200M: Average 200Mbps (VBR), UHD 3840x2160 59.94p/50.00p HEVC LongGOP 100M: Average 100Mbps (VBR), UHD 3840x2160 29.97p/25.00p/23.98p HEVC LongGOP 150M: Average 150Mbps (VBR)
• MOV: [4:2:0   8bit] UHD 3840x2160 59.94p/50.00p 420LongGOP 150M: Average 150Mbps (VBR), UHD 3840x2160 29.97p/25.00p/23.98p  420 LongGOP 100M: Average 100Mbps (VBR), [4:2:2 10bit]  UHD 3840x2160 29.97p/25.00p/23.98p  420 LongGOP 150M: Average 150Mbps (VBR), FHD 1920x1080 59.94p/50.00p ALL-I 200M: Average 200Mbps (VBR), FHD 1920x1080 59.94p/50.00p ALL-I 100M: Average 100Mbps (VBR), FHD 1920x1080 29.97p/25.00p/23.98p ALL-I 100M: Average 100Mbps (VBR), FHD 1920x1080 59.94p/50.00p 422 LongGOP100M: Average 100Mbps (VBR), FHD 1920x1080, 59.94i/50.00i/29.97p/25.00p/23.98p 422 LongGOP 50M: Average 50Mbps (VBR)
• MP4 (HEVC): [4:2:0 10bit] UHD 3840x2160 59.94p/50.00p HEVC LongGOP 100M: Average 100Mbps (VBR) UHD 3840x2160 29.97p/25.00p/23.98p HEVC  LongGOP 72M: Average 72Mbps (VBR)
• MP4: [4:2:0   8bit] UHD 3840x2160 29.97p/25.00p/23.98p 420 LongGOP 72M: Average 72Mbps (VBR) FHD 1920x1080 59.94p/50.00p/23.98p 420 LongGOP 50M: Average 50Mbps (VBR)
• AVCHD: [4:2:0  8bit]  PS 1920x1080 59.94p/50.00p: Average 25Mbps (VBR), PH 1920x1080 59.94i/50.00i/23.98p: Average 21Mbps (VBR), HA 1920x1080 59.94i/50.00i: Average 17Mbps (VBR), PM 1280x720 59.94p/50.00p: Average 8Mbps (VBR)

LIVE STREAMING

• Video Compression Format: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC Main Profile, High Profile
• Video Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (FHD), 1280 x 720 (HD), 640 x 360, 320 x 180
• Streaming Method: Unicast, Multicast
• Frame Rate: System frequency = 59.94 Hz: 60 fps, 30 fps, 24 fps, System frequency = 50.00 Hz: 50 fps, 25 fps
• Bit Rate: 24 Mbps, 20 Mbps, 16 Mbps, 14 Mbps, 8 Mbps, 6 Mbps, 4 Mbps, 3 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 1.5 Mbps, 1 Mbps, 0.7 Mbps, 0.5 Mbps
• Audio Compression Format: AAC-LC, 48 kHz/16 bit, 2ch
• Network Protocol: RTSP/RTP/RTMP/RTMPS
• Recording Format: JPEG (DCF/Exif2.2)
• Recording Image Size*: Video Playback Mode: 3840 x 2160 (16:9), 1920 x 1080 (16:9), 1280 x 720 (16:9)

GENERAL SECTION

• Power Supply: 7.28V (Battery) / 12V (AC Adaptor)
• Power Consumption: 18.5W (LCD Monitor)
• Dimensions (W x H x D): Approx. 171 x 195 x 343 mm  (6.74 x 7.68 x 13.51 inch)
• Weight: Body: approx. 2000g (4.41 lb) (body and handle only, excluding lens hood, battery, and accessories)
• Shooting: approx. 2430g (5.36 lb) (including lens hood, standard battery, two SD cards, microphone holder, XLR caps and eyecup)
• LCD Monitor: 8.88 cm (3.5-inch) Wide LCD monitor (About 2,760,000 dots) (For Europe), 3.5-inch Wide LCD monitor (About 2,760,000 dots) (For North America / Asia)
• Viewfinder: 1.0 cm (0.39-inch) Wide OLED EVF (About 1,770,000 dots) (For Europe), 0.39-inch Wide OLED EVF (About 1,770,000 dots) (For North America / Asia)
• Manual Ring: Focus / Zoom / Iris
• Accessory Shoe: Yes

INTERFACE SECTION

• Video: HDMI: Type A x 1 (VIERA Link not supported), supports time code output and remote recording control, Output format: 4:2:2 10bit, 2160/59.94p/50.00p/29.97p/25.00p/23.98p, 1080/59.94p/50.00p/29.97p/25.00p/23.98p/59.94i/50.00i, 720/59.94p/50.00p, 480/59.94p, 576/50.00p

Audio Input

• Built-in Microphone: Stereo microphone
• Audio Input: XLR (3 pins) x 2, Input high impedance, LINE/MIC/MIC+48 V (switchable SW), LINE：+4dBu/0dBu (switchable menu), MIC: –40dBu/–50dBu/–60dBu (switchable menu)
• Audio Output

HDMI: 2 ch (LPCM)

• Headphone: 3.5 mm diameter stereo mini jack x 1
• Speaker: 20 mm diameter, round x 1

Other Input/Output

• Camera Remote: 2.5mm super mini jack x 1
• USB: Type-C x 1, USB3.1 Gen 1, HOST/DEVICE (switchable menu), HOST: Bus power supported (5V, 0.9A),  USB ethernet adaptor supported, DEVICE: mass storage function (read only)
• DC IN: DC 12V (11.4V ― 12.6V) EIAJ Type4

Wi-Fi

• Standard: IEEE 802.11b/g/n
• Frequency: 2412 MHz to 2462 MHz [1 to 11ch]

In The Box

• Panasonic HC-X20E 4K 60p/50p Camcorder
• AC Adaptor
• AC Cable
• Rechargeable Battery Pack
• Battery Charger
• Microphone Holder
• Microphone Holder Screws
• Input Terminal Cap
• Eye Cup
• Lens Hood