Panasonic has just announced the AG-CX350, a 4K 1.0-type handheld camcorder that claims to have “enhanced network capabilities.”
This new handheld camcorder can shoot both 4K 10-bit 60p and HD video and broadcast that footage live. It’s equipped with an integrated lens design and a RTMP/RTSP/RTP protocol for live streaming and NDI | HX-ready IP connection. Plus, it’s said to be the lightest 4K 10-bit fixed-lens camcorder in its class, weighing just 4.2 lbs.
Video shooting
Panasonic’s given the CX350 a 1.0-type MOS sensor, which is about 15.03-megapixels in UHD. The camera can capture in UHD, Full HD, HD, and SD. Similar to the EVA1, the CX350 offers 10-bit 4:2:2 color sampling with ALL-Intra and LongGOP and can record in UHD up to 29.98p/25p and FHD up to 59.97p/50p. Additionally, it supports the 10-bit HEVC codec at UHD up to 59.97p/50p with a low bit rate of 200Mbps.
The CX350 does support Hybrid Log Gamma and can be set to HDR or SDR Color Setting on each output: LCD/EVF, SDI and HDMI. Other features include a 35x(HD) / 24x(4K) Intelligent Zoom function and Variable Frame Rate (VFR). The VFR recording can be set in the range of 1-fps to 60-fps. In FHD mode, Super Slow motion can be done at 120-fps/100-fps. Plus, the CX350 can also capture 720p AVCHD.
IP connectivity
There are multiple forms of IP connectivity on the CX350. Panasonic claims the first handheld camcorder with in-camera NDI | HX compatibility. This allows for “high-quality” IP video connectivity with live production switchers. The CX350 can also stream directly to Facebook Live and YouTube Live thanks to its RTMP function.
Lens
The lens featured on the CX350 offers a wide angle of 24.5 mm at the wide-angle setting with minimal distortion. This 20x optical zoom lens covers the range from 24.5 mm to 490 mm.
Stabilization
For stabilization, the camera uses 5-axis hand-shake correction. It combines the effects of both optical and electronic image stabilization that provides a “steadier image in unstable shooting conditions,” says Panasonic.
Pricing and availability
The AG-CX350 will be out in late February 2019 for $3,995.