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.
Panasonic X1500 4K Professional Camcorder with 24X Optical Zoom, WiFi HD Live...
- [PRO FEATURES] Manual rings, ND filters, and 24-bit high resolution linear PCM audio recording, 4: 2: 2 10-bit internal recording, double SD card slots
- [WIFI LIVE STREAMING] HD live streaming supported by built-in Wi-Fi
- [PRO FEATURES] Manual rings, ND filters, and 24-bit high resolution linear PCM audio recording, 4: 2: 2 10-bit internal recording, double SD card slots
- [WIFI LIVE STREAMING] HD live streaming supported by built-in Wi-Fi
- [4K RECORDING] 4K 60p recording in a small and light body with a heat-dispersing design
- [LEICA DICOMAR LENS] Wide-angle 25mm 24x optical zoom with 5-Axis Hybrid O. I. S (Optical Image Stabilization) and high-speed and focusing
- [DISPLAY / LVF] The 3.5-inch monitor (2,760K-dots) with electrostatic touch panel, plus up/down tiltable viewfinder (1,555K-dot). Simultaneous LCD output is available
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 Resolution | Actual: 8.57 Megapixel Effective: 8.29 Megapixel |
Sensor Type | 1/2.5″-Type MOS Sensor |
Image Stabilization | Optical in Integrated Lens |
Built-In ND Filter | Mechanical Filter Wheel with Clear, 2 Stop (1/4), 4 Stop (1/16), 6 Stop (1/64) ND Filters |
Capture Type | Stills & Video |
Exposure Control
Shutter Type | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
Shutter Speed | 1/8000 to 1/6 Second |
Gain | 0 to 30 dB |
Minimum Illumination | 1.5 Lux at 1/30 Shutter Speed |
White Balance | 2000 to 15,000K |
Lens
Focal Length | 4.1 to 98.9mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 25 to 600mm) |
Optical Zoom Ratio | 24x |
Max Digital Zoom | 48x |
Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 |
Minimum Aperture | f/4 |
Optical Design | 14 Elements in 11 Groups |
Minimum Focus Distance | Wide: 0.3′ / 0.1 m Telephoto: 3.9′ / 1.2 m |
Filter Size | 62 mm |
Control Rings | Focus Zoom Iris |
Focus Control | Autofocus Manual Focus |
Video Capture
Internal Recording Modes | AVCHD/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 Support | Yes |
Built-In Microphone Type | Stereo |
Audio Recording | MOV: 2-Channel 24-Bit LPCM Audio MP4: 2-Channel 24-Bit AAC Audio AVCHD: 2-Channel 24-Bit AC-3 Audio |
IP Streaming | RTMP, 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 Format | JPEG |
Interface
Media/Memory Card Slot | Dual Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) [U3/V30 or Faster Recommended] |
Video I/O | 1 x HDMI Output |
Audio I/O | 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output |
Power I/O | 1 x Barrel (12 VDC) Input |
Other I/O | 1 x Micro-USB Input 1 x 2.5 mm Sub-Mini Output |
Wireless | 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) |
Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.) | None |
Monitor
Size | 3.5″ |
Resolution | 2,760,000 Dot |
Display Type | Articulating Touchscreen LCD |
Viewfinder
Type | Built-In Electronic (LCD) |
Size | 0.24″ |
Resolution | 1,560,000 Dot |
Focus
Focus Type | Auto and Manual Focus |
Focus Mode | Automatic, Manual Focus |
Environmental
Operating Temperature | 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C |
Operating Humidity | 10 to 80% |
General
Battery Type | Panasonic AG-VBR Series |
Power Consumption | 7.9 W |
Tripod Mounting Thread | 1/4″-20 Female |
Accessory Mount | 1 x Intelligent Hot Shoe |
Built-In Video Light | No |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 10.1 x 5.1 x 3.7″ / 257 x 129 x 93 mm (Without Handle) |
Weight | 2.65 lb / 1.2 kg |
Packaging Info
Package Weight | 5.05 lb |
Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 12.8 x 11.1 x 8.38″ |
Panasonic X1500 Price
Panasonic X1500 4K Professional Camcorder with 24X Optical Zoom, WiFi HD Live...
- [PRO FEATURES] Manual rings, ND filters, and 24-bit high resolution linear PCM audio recording, 4: 2: 2 10-bit internal recording, double SD card slots
- [WIFI LIVE STREAMING] HD live streaming supported by built-in Wi-Fi
- [PRO FEATURES] Manual rings, ND filters, and 24-bit high resolution linear PCM audio recording, 4: 2: 2 10-bit internal recording, double SD card slots
- [WIFI LIVE STREAMING] HD live streaming supported by built-in Wi-Fi
- [4K RECORDING] 4K 60p recording in a small and light body with a heat-dispersing design
- [LEICA DICOMAR LENS] Wide-angle 25mm 24x optical zoom with 5-Axis Hybrid O. I. S (Optical Image Stabilization) and high-speed and focusing
- [DISPLAY / LVF] The 3.5-inch monitor (2,760K-dots) with electrostatic touch panel, plus up/down tiltable viewfinder (1,555K-dot). Simultaneous LCD output is available
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.