Panasonic X1500 Review

If you’re anything like me, it’s difficult to shake the memory of a bulky grey, tape-loaded device that only appeared at birthday parties and your child’s ballet recitals when you hear the word “camcorder.”

Panasonic is aware that the concept of a portable, feature-rich, lens-integrated footage capture device still has some use in modular filmmaking rigs today.

The HC-X1500 and HC-X2000 cameras from Panasonic were only just introduced. However, both cater to a clientele looking for what a camcorder excels at mobility, practical versatility, and convenience combined.

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Panasonic X1500 4K Professional Camcorder with 24X Optical Zoom, WiFi HD Live...

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Last update was on: January 19, 2024 10:16 am
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The HC-1500X is capable of a vlogger or independent filmmaker while also being professional. Which characteristics stand out? First, it’s compact and lightweight (1.5kg with the handle). No other camera I’ve used has lasted this long in my hand without causing my arm to sleep.

Second, it can record 4K 60p video, which is certainly not a first for Panasonic but an important feature for a camera aimed at professionals like journalists and documentary filmmakers. The 24x optical zoom on it will also satisfy even the most meticulous private investigator (extending to 32x in 4K or 48x in FHD with i.Zoom). 4K at 60p is captured by the 1/2.5-inch sensor.

I was impressed the first time I saw the camera’s neat image on a computer. Even at the end of the 24x zoom range, the five-axis hybrid optical image stabilization offers beneficial handheld footage.

Depending on your tastes, there are a few different ways to use the HC-X1500 ergonomically. For example, when utilizing manual focus (MF), one of the two front rings controls the focus, while the other may handle a wide range of settings, including zoom.

In addition, the autofocus is excellent and does a good job of tracking faces. The HC-X1500 lens zooms out to a wide 25mm, perfect whether you’re up close and personal with your interview subject or filming a dramatic landscape video.

Plugged In

There are two SD card slots, so you won’t quickly run out of room. The detachable handle unit has two XLR inputs and two SDI and HDMI outputs, which may convey integrated audio. For shotgun or condenser microphones, 48V phantom power can be used.

Gain may be manually or automatically set using a rotary dial. For a close-up interview in a somewhat dark area, the handle contains a built-in, extremely bright LED with adjustable brightness that will save you from problems.

The HC-X1500 enables 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording for 59.94p/50p video at a bit rate of up to 200 Mbps. In addition, 120/100 frames per second, 10-bit FHD can capture slow motion. In addition to the standard MOV and MP4 codecs, 720p AVCHD recording is available.

Ergonomics

Unquestionably, the HC-X1500 is a fun camera to use because of its small size. Yes, this camcorder may seem a little toy-like to those used to broadcast or box cameras, but after using it consistently for a few days, you’ll appreciate its weight and mobility. I think it’s the ideal equipment for independent journalists capturing run-and-gun video.

When the handle, LED microphone, and external shotgun are all fastened on, you have a self-contained unit that can easily handle interviews and b-roll. Remember that the 1/2.5-inch sensor struggles to capture details in low light, and many interior shooting scenarios result in pixelated, grainy images.

In light of this, the HC-X1500 excels in outdoor applications, offering the most significant detail and color vibrancy. Unless you’re filming a documentary on sunspots, no scene will be too bright for the camera, thanks to the four built-in ND filters.

Any camcorder will require some menu sleuthing, and the HC-X1500 is no exception. If you have thin fingers, the 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen is snappy and simple to use; if not, not so much.

Another quick method to navigate the menu is using the push-button scroll wheel behind the lens. The time you save by not having to wade through menus is undoubtedly worth the effort it takes to assign the five user buttons to relevant tasks.

Streaming

A fantastic feature of the HC-X1500 is the ability to broadcast live directly from it. It’s not precisely a grab-and-go setup, though. To connect the camera to your wifi and configure it for streaming to a website like Facebook or YouTube, follow the instructions in a Panasonic YouTube video.

The streaming key must be loaded into the camera through an SD card using a Panasonic program called P2 Network Settings, which is only available for Windows. For Mac users like myself, the alternative is manually entering the streaming key and URL for your live broadcast, which is time-consuming and irritating on the tiny touchscreen.

However, once it is up and running, live streaming with the HC-X1500 is a complete delight and breathtakingly simple – it requires no connections, capture cards, or additional equipment. In addition, a variety of bitrate options may accommodate the capacity of your network.

Additionally helpful is wireless tablet control. This allows you to control most camera settings, and the app provides a few different angles so you can always see your image clearly. If you’re managing several cameras scattered over a room from one location, it will undoubtedly be helpful.

The Best

The Panasonic HC-X1500 is a delight to use for its size and provides professional results. A camcorder has fewer capabilities than an MFT or mirrorless camera. I missed the Lumix GH5S’s far better low-light performance because of the HC-small X1500 sensor.

Additionally, a mirrorless or MFT camera doesn’t have a built-in 24x zoom, LED light, or ND filters, won’t accept audio inputs through XLR and requires battery replacements much more frequently even while it allows for lens swapping, produces better stills, and produces more cinematic views.

In today’s world of video production, the camcorder still has a place, and Panasonic has placed the HC-X1500 high on the list of competitors.

Panasonic X1500 Specifications

Imaging

Sensor ResolutionActual: 8.57 Megapixel
Effective: 8.29 Megapixel
Sensor Type1/2.5″-Type MOS Sensor
Image StabilizationOptical in Integrated Lens
Built-In ND FilterMechanical Filter Wheel with Clear, 2 Stop (1/4), 4 Stop (1/16), 6 Stop (1/64) ND Filters
Capture TypeStills & Video

Exposure Control

Shutter TypeNot Specified by Manufacturer
Shutter Speed1/8000 to 1/6 Second
Gain0 to 30 dB
Minimum Illumination1.5 Lux at 1/30 Shutter Speed
White Balance2000 to 15,000K

Lens

Focal Length4.1 to 98.9mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 25 to 600mm)
Optical Zoom Ratio24x
Max Digital Zoom48x
Maximum Aperturef/1.8
Minimum Aperturef/4
Optical Design14 Elements in 11 Groups
Minimum Focus DistanceWide: 0.3′ / 0.1 m
Telephoto: 3.9′ / 1.2 m
Filter Size62 mm
Control RingsFocus
Zoom
Iris
Focus ControlAutofocus
Manual Focus

Video Capture

Internal Recording ModesAVCHD/MOV/MP4 4:2:0 10-Bit
3840 x 2160 up to 50/59.94 fps
1920 x 1080p up to 50/59.94/119.88 fps
AVCHD/MOV/MP4 4:2:2 10-Bit
3840 x 2160 at 25/29.97 fps
1920 x 1080p at 25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
Fast-/Slow-Motion SupportYes
Built-In Microphone TypeStereo
Audio RecordingMOV: 2-Channel 24-Bit LPCM Audio
MP4: 2-Channel 24-Bit AAC Audio
AVCHD: 2-Channel 24-Bit AC-3 Audio
IP StreamingRTMP, RTP, RTSP
320 x 180 to 1920 x 1080 at 25p, 30p, 50p, 60p (0.5 to 24.00 Mb/s)

Still Image Capture

Image File FormatJPEG

Interface

Media/Memory Card SlotDual Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) [U3/V30 or Faster Recommended]
Video I/O1 x HDMI Output
Audio I/O1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output
Power I/O1 x Barrel (12 VDC) Input
Other I/O1 x Micro-USB Input
1 x 2.5 mm Sub-Mini Output
Wireless2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.)None

Monitor

Size3.5″
Resolution2,760,000 Dot
Display TypeArticulating Touchscreen LCD

Viewfinder

TypeBuilt-In Electronic (LCD)
Size0.24″
Resolution1,560,000 Dot

Focus

Focus TypeAuto and Manual Focus
Focus ModeAutomatic, Manual Focus

Environmental

Operating Temperature32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C
Operating Humidity10 to 80%

General

Battery TypePanasonic AG-VBR Series
Power Consumption7.9 W
Tripod Mounting Thread1/4″-20 Female
Accessory Mount1 x Intelligent Hot Shoe
Built-In Video LightNo
Dimensions (W x H x D)10.1 x 5.1 x 3.7″ / 257 x 129 x 93 mm (Without Handle)
Weight2.65 lb / 1.2 kg

Packaging Info

Package Weight5.05 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)12.8 x 11.1 x 8.38″

Panasonic X1500 Price

  • Product
  • Features
  • Photos

Panasonic X1500 4K Professional Camcorder with 24X Optical Zoom, WiFi HD Live...

& Free shipping
Last update was on: January 19, 2024 10:16 am
$1,697.99

Panasonic X1500 FAQs

What is the battery life of the Panasonic HC X1500?

When using the LCD screen, the Panasonic HC X1500 has a battery life of approximately 4 hours, whereas the viewfinder only has roughly 3 hours. 

When was the Panasonic HC X1500 released?

In February 2020, Panasonic introduced the HC X1500 to the market. 

What is the output of the Panasonic HC X1500?

HDMI, USB, and 3G-SDI are different transmission choices on the Panasonic HC-X1500. Additionally, it can live broadcast straight to websites such as Facebook and YouTube.

Paul
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