Professional videographers are making two Panasonic cameras their chosen tools of the trade for capturing 4K content. As demand for 4K video builds, the standard Panasonic AG-UX90 and the premium Panasonic AG-UX180 offer 4K and UHD recording options at prices that meet the budgets of studio and “run-and-gun” approaches to shooting.
Panasonic AG-UX90
Key features:
- 1-inch CMOS sensor
- 15x Optical Zoom Leica lens
- 30P UHD or 60P FHD recording
- Advanced 5-axis optical image stabilizer
- Intelligent AF
Three manual rings control zoom, focus, and iris
With its smaller-than-full-frame 1-inch sensor and integrated 15x optical zoom lens, the UX90 offers greater depth of field, a feature that will come in handy for documentary, run-and-gun and ENJ video assignments. The lens has a 35mm equivalent zoom range of 24.5-367.5mm when shooting in FHD mode, and 35.4-531mm in UHD mode. It has four ND filter options (off, 1/4, 1/16, and 1/64), and the 1-inch MOS sensor captures up to 17.78mp resolution in FHD mode.
Footage can be viewed via an EVF or a 3.5-inch touchscreen that can be pulled out of a clever pocket hiding place. Controls include manual focus, zoom, and iris dials on the lens, as well as easy-to-reach hands-on features such as audio controls, stabilization, AF aids, and more. The camera has two SD memory card slots; you can start recording on one card and flip to the other one automatically when the first card fills up.
For audio, there are two Pro XLR audio inputs—one in front for a short run connection to the on-camera shotgun mic, and one in back for wireless and other kinds of mics. An on-screen LCD audio meter indicator lets you monitor sound levels.
The camera includes five picture profiles, including two flat-look Cine profiles that are designed for greater post-processing options. Camera image adjustment functions let you control skin detail, overall contour enhancement, and selectable gamma modes.
Dual card slots; you can start recording on one card and flip to the other automatically when the first card fills up. A level gauge lets you check horizontal and vertical alignment, and two zebra markers offer exposure warnings.
The camera’s zoom, Iris, Rec start/stop and picture quality settings can be controlled via iPad using the AG ROP App via the additional wireless module.
The Panasonic AG-UX90 Camera Recorder is available now from Adorama for .
Panasonic AG-UX180
Key features:
- 1.0-type MOS imaging sensor
- 4K 60p/50p recording
- Leica 4K lens with 20x optical zoom
- Built-in optical image stabilizer
- High-speed AF
- Manual focus assist
The Panasonic UX Premium Model, the AG-UX180, offers broadcast-quality level camera image adjustment functions to support pro camera work. It features, in addition to 4K and UHD, dual codec recording (UHD2/FHD), IR recording in low light, and 3G SDI/HDMI2.0 output. The UX camcorders’ 1-inch (effective size) MOS sensor ensures sensitivity equivalent to that of conventional handheld cameras. Variable frame rate (VFR) recording functionality (2-60 fps) is planned in FHD mode.
The UX180’s lens has a slightly longer 20x zoom lens starting at 24mm—the industry’s widest angle lens—and offers a Micro Drive Focus unit that offers high-speed AF and improved stability in 4K.
The camera offers a 3G-SDI output, XLR input, TC synchro input/output and wired remote control.
The Panasonic AG-UX180 Premium Professional Camcorder is available now from Adorama for .
