News

May 08, 2023

Panasonic HC

Panasonic has announced firmware updates for the HC-X2, HC-X20, HC-X2000, and

Panasonic has announced firmware updates for the HC-X2, HC-X20, HC-X2000, and HC-X1500 camcorders. These firmware updates will be available for download on the 9th of May 2023.

These firmware updates will support background recording and super slow-motion recording in the MP4 file format, which until now has been limited to MOV. In addition, the updates will enable the use of the face detection/tracking AE&AF function when shooting in manual mode. Users will also be able to assign a button to an additional seven functions: [LOW GAIN], [MID GAIN], [HIGH GAIN], [W.BAL Ach], [W.BAL Bch], [W.BAL PRESET], [PUSH A.IRIS].

The HC-X2000 and HC-X1500 will have linear/non-linear focus-ring settings, a feature of the X2/X20 Series. The models will also gain two additional Frame Marker aspect ratio settings and the one-push auto iris function. In addition, the updates will enable simultaneous SDI/HDMI output on the HC-X2000 to accommodate shooting situations that require simultaneous connection to several pieces of equipment, such as monitors and switchers. Only one of LCD/EVF can be displayed when SDI/HDMI is output simultaneously.

The updates will add the one-push auto iris function and a preset mode for gain setting to the HC-X2 and HC-X20 to enable quick adjustment to changes in brightness and other elements of the shooting environment. In addition, the user will be able to reset the AE level effect setting to 0EV when the power is off, and HC-X2 dual codec recording file formats will include MP4 and interlaced video.

The face detection/tracking AE&AF function is now available in manual mode.

Recording in the MP4 file format has been added for background recording, dual codec recording (HC-X2 only), interval recording, VFR (variable frame rate) recording, and super slow-motion recording, all of which were previously limited to the MOV file format.

Even when in manual iris mode, while the [PUSH A.IRIS] user button is pressed, auto iris operates.

In preset mode, the user can cycle between [LOW GAIN], [MID GAIN], and [HIGH GAIN] with each press of the [GAIN] button. In addition, when using [USER] buttons, the user can switch between [LOW GAIN], [MID GAIN], and [HIGH GAIN] with one press of the button. This enables much quicker operation compared to the multi-dial operation of normal mode.

Previously, the AE level remained at the value set at the previous shoot, but now the user can choose to reset to zero EV when turning off the power or when switching between record and playback.

MP4 file format added (HC-X2 only)

In response to feedback from users in the television and other broadcasting fields, HC-X2 will have more file format choices compatible with dual codec recording, including MP4 and interlaced video.

The face detection/tracking AE&AF function is now available in manual mode.

Recording in the MP4 file format has been added for background recording, interval recording and super slow-motion recording, all of which were previously limited to the MOV file format.

Seven new functions can now be assigned to user buttons. The user can now assign a button to these functions: [ONE PUSH A.IRIS], [O.I.S. MODE], [REC SW], [AUDIO CH1 LEVEL], [AUDIO CH2 LEVEL], [LCD/VF OUTPUT], [AUDIO OUT]

Even when in manual iris mode, while the [ONE PUSH A.IRIS] user button is pressed, auto iris operates.

When focus ring drive is in manual focus mode, the user can switch between [LINEAR], which changes focus value according to rotational angle, and [NON-LINEAR], which changes focus value according to rotational speed. This enables the user to choose the setting that is best for the scene: [LINEAR] when, for example, fine adjustments are needed to shoot static objects such as products, and [NON-LINEAR] when shooting a moving subject requires quick adjustments.

This version update enables the user to work with a variety of video output types simultaneously, such as outputting UHD to a 4K monitor/recorder using an HDMI cable and outputting FHD to a live video switcher from an SDI connection.

Matthew Allard is a multi-award-winning, ACS accredited freelance Director of Photography with over 30 years' of experience working in more than 50 countries around the world.He is the Editor of Newsshooter.com and has been writing on the site since 2010.Matthew has won 48 ACS Awards, including five prestigious Golden Tripods. In 2016 he won the Award for Best Cinematography at the 21st Asian Television Awards.Matthew is available to hire as a DP in Japan or for work anywhere else in the world.