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Not a pro? Switch over to autopilot with Panasonic UHD camera

PANASONIC has released its first ultra high definition (UHD) camera. And it’s impressive.

Panasonic HC-X1000 4K Ultra HD Camcorder
Panasonic HC-X1000 4K Ultra HD Camcorder

PANASONIC has released its first ultra-high-definition camera, and it’s impressive. Not only does it shoot UHD video, also known as 4K, it manages it at up to 60 frames per second.

The HC-X1000 is ostensibly a prosumer camera, but it’s more for professionals. Its left-hand-side panel has more buttons than a 747 cockpit, controlling everything from ND filter settings and assisted focusing to optical image stabilisation, gain and iris settings.

For serious videographers, the capacity to control everything imaginable will be liberating, but for others perplexing. But then you invoke “intelligent auto” mode and put the camera on autopilot.

It’s an easy camera to use. Video controls are easy to reach from the hand grip and there’s a second lot of record/zoom controls on top of the camera for low-level shooting.

4K video looks stunning; we viewed it on a 5K iMac screen. And its macro lens shoots excellent close-up video. Optical image stabilisation is excellent, too. It’s also quite light to hold.

Audio is another strong suit. There are two XLR inputs for shooting interviews and you can mount an external microphone, although sound from the fixed microphone is fine.

The only downside is its small sensor size, which leads to unimpressive low-light performance and noticeable camera noise.

This camera also doesn’t have internal storage but has two full SD card slots. You’ll need high-bitrate SDHC or SDXC memory cards for 4K shooting.

It comes with a separate charger so you can shoot with one battery while charging another. Pressing a button on the battery displays its charge level.

If you’re willing to pay $4000, the HC X-1000 is a feature rich high end 4K camera suitable for family use, documentary making and for professional videographers filming events such as weddings.

But its limitations in low light shooting means we wouldn’t recommend it for cinematography.

Rating: 7.5/10

Price: $3999

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/life/personal-technology/not-a-pro-switch-over-to-autopilot-with-panasonic-uhd-camera/news-story/b86f23453b9bad3676b85d6e9c4353b2