HOW ABOUT THAT?! 2025 Panasonic Camcorders Announced -HC-X1600 first look!
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- Опубликовано: 7 фев 2025
- Panasonic announces 4 new 4k/60 camcorders to kick off 2025. We examine the features and differences among all of them. We take a close look at the HC-X1600, the replacement for the HC-X1500 and a look at image quality as well. The HC-X2100, HC-X1200 and AG-CX20 are also discussed.
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Nice to see some new camcorders!
useful 4k capable camcorders.
THANK U SO MUCH SIR
I love them so much, thank you for the review. I wish Sony would bring back their smaller pro-sumer grade camcorders. Can you compare these Panasonic models to the last Sony models?
Yes I plan on doing some comparisons in the future, yes!
@techtoremember8096 thank you very much!
Another excellent video, thank you!
Thanks so much!!
I have the 1500 and I see nothing compelling that would make me want to "upgrade" at this stage. I hope they've fixed the issue with the record button though -- where sometimes it doesn't register a press so you end up thinking youv'e stopped recording but the recording continues -- you end up getting a lot of footage of your feet when that happens. 😞
I too have the 1500, with the handle slow zoom is there already via the handle rocker switch
Great review, as always--thanks!
Thanks so much !!
I really wish Sony would release a follow up to the AX700 with 4k 60p 😭
you and me alike!
A very good video. I am living in Norway and have just bought the x1500-model with handle. So far I am very satisfied. The x1600 seems to be close to av copy/ paste of x1500 👌Sadly camcorders are underrated in 2025 even the typical Panasonic HC-x series are pretty good!
Copy and paste is a very good way to describe it.Very few important changes were made to the camera so at least your 1500 is not outdated. Norway I hear is beautiful and have plans to go hopefully this year to take some nice footage hopefully to test a future camera. Regards!
@@techtoremember8096 Thanx for your comment. You are of course most welcome to Norway.
Many Thanks!
So excited! I love my Panasonic X1500, but there are a few features that could make it better, like PDAF or being able to copy an SD card in the .MOV format.
Been a big fan of camcorders... great review! Thanks for sharing!
No problem! Thanks for the commnent
should be great options. even the tiny consumer VX870 is very good (with color grade work).
Being subbed to your channel and how incredible you review tech I got the Sony RX10 MK 4 and the Sony Ax700 camcorder.
Thanks for what you do 🙏
Hey thanks so much for the comment!
Cool !!
Nice
*Panasonic is love 💕...*
I'm looking forward to these! Panasonic has announced that they will continue to release new camcorders after these ones, so hopefully we will see some better low light performance in future models. I shoot soccer with a Sony AX53, but am limited to 1080/60 because it doesn't shoot 4K60. I wasn't aware of the X1500 until recently, and nearly bought one until I learned of these newer models. Still torn on the X1600 or biting the bullet and going for the X2100
Questions:
-Does the X1600 output 4K60 from the HDMI port? The Sony AX53 does not, which I didn't know until after I bought it. I don't need clean HDMI, just something for monitoring.
-Have they fixed the audio issues with external mics lined into the 3.5mm port? The X1500 apparently has a lot of hiss/noise.
Also, not sure if it was my monitor, but I noticed a lot of glitches/banding when viewing full screen (at 7:20, 8:02, 9:24, 10:34, and 11:27). Maybe something on my end, but it doesn't happen in RUclips's 'Theatre Mode' on desktop.
Hi there, while I have not confirmed it, so i would advise you to double check if its important, the specs do indicate that it can output 4k through HDMI. I have heard of the audio issues, and there is nothing in the literature that this was addressed in the new models so unfortunately I doubt you will see, or in this case, hear any changes. The 2100 is quite a bit more money and adds extra size and weight so if you don't need the XLR inputs, I don't think its necessary, but it obviously depends on your application!
I just pre-ordered the x1200. I'm new to Panasonic and want to purchase a spare battery. What battery does the x1200 use?
They all use the same batteries
@techtoremember8096 What type is it? I'm trying to figure out exactly what to buy.
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1243293-REG/panasonic_ag_vbr59p_7_28v_43wh_battery_for.html
Realize that the camera comes with a battery too
@@techtoremember8096 Thank you!
I mean the 4K 4:2:2 10bit will definitely get people looking into it. But i think having the smaller then 1 inch sensor with the accompanying issues like poor low-light, dynamic range and no depth of field will still put people off when the base model is priced around the same as a full-frame DSLR that come with the same video features at around the same price point. I mean at 1600 dollars it is hard to recommend people a camcorder when you can get a Canon R8 and lens for the same price. So unless people specifically wants a camcorder it's just not that appealing.
The footage in the video is from the x1500? You said they added the new feature of a slower zoom, is that optional what if I want to zoom quick. Good video btw!
Thank you ! And yes. The slow zoom is just an additional speed, you can still zoom in quick if you'd like. Thanks for the comment!
Not only is the zoom speed variable; zooming slower with light pressure, and zooming faster with more pressure, but there is an option for "fast zoom" in the settings menu that allows you to set the maximum zoom speed to be increased to the level you choose, with seven being the fastest. Just keep in mind that there is a little bit of noise audible when recording with the maximum zoom speed, particularly when the camera isn't being held level. It's not at all something that I'd worry about though. I've noticed it when recording outside where there is hardly any noise. The noise is at the end of the zoom range. The function has to be enabled when the camera is turned off and powered back on, so I have a button set to enable it right away.
I love camcorders and I want to buy one but i ask myself do i really need 1300 dollars camcorder? I just want to have decent quality and nice long zoom. So I was thinking about panasonic v900. What do you think about it?
Its a nice camera. Very similar to the VX1 and XF1 that I recently reviewed just no 4k and no viewfinder. If you don't need 4k or you don't care about a viewfinder you may want to consider it. You may also want to look at the AX43 which is 4k a few hundered dollars more, but still sub $1,000
So literally a week ago I purchased the HC-X2000, I knew it had been around for several years, and there was going to be some newer models one of these days, but I have no regrets. Or should I?
I don’t think so at all ! You actually saved a few dollars
Which camera would u recommend in hunting situations.
I think the 1600 is the best all around of the 3 especially if you don't need the professional audio connections so i would go with the 1600 for hunting
They could've at least make the sensor 1/2 inch. Then it'll be good all rounder camcorder. 1/2.5 inch is still a tad small.
SO SAD they didn't go with the 1" sensor, that could hurt sales, is going from a 1/2.5 to a 1/2.5 sensor an upgrade? Doesn't seem like it.
If they went with the 1-inch sensor then to maintain the same optical zoom range the camera would be bigger, heavier and more expensive. I looked at getting the new Sony camcorder with the 1-inch sensor but it is *way* more expensive and since I'm often recording for hours at a time (hand-held), the extra weight would have been a killer.
@@xjet Which Sony? We only film from a tripod, so weight is not an issue for us. This just doesn't seem like much of an upgrade from our old HC-WXF1? I could be wrong?
@@StevesRealReviews Sony introduced the Z200 and NX800 1" camcorders last year. They compete with the Panasonic HC-X2 and HC-X20 1" camcorders that was introduced in 2022. The Sony camcorders will cost a bit more but they can shoot in 4K 120fps which is lacking in the Panasonic camcorders. Either of these camcorders would be a huge update to your WXF1 in low light, dynamic range and features. Now if money isn't an issue, The Sony PXW-Z280 would be another recommendation. It has 3 1/2" sensors. Supposedly better low light capabilities according to someone who has both that camcorder and the new 1 chip cameras. It was released in 2018. A major trade off is the lack of 4K 120fps. Would be nice if they made an updated version with the newest tech.
@@PlacesToVisit And the Z200 is $4,000
Did you shoot the footage in this test on the x1500?
Yes and being its the same sensor and internal specs should be exactly what you get with the 1600
@@techtoremember8096 I understand, but still, if possible, it is advisable to make a personal comparison between 1500 and 1600
@csamd9049 that’s next on the list !
I love camcorders. They're so expensive though. If I had the money, i'd probably just get a blackmagic micro studio 4K with a microfourthirds mount.
But with a camcorder you don't need:
1. a range of expensive lenses
2. add on ND-filters
3. a bag of batteries to see you through the day
Camcorders are *perfect* for many people who simpy want a camera they can use without having to break the bank with additional purchases.
Thanks dude, any news on release date in the UK? I’m going to purchase one of these new Panasonic camcorders for my RUclips channel, the long zoom will be perfect for some new footage. Any chance you could create a video on the light attachment and microphone with windshield, I’m used to using wireless microphones but not professional grade that these camcorders use. Thanks again appreciate the time you put in. Best regards Graham (THE DRIVE BY GG)
Hey Graham, I haven't gotten any word on release date.. I would assume in the next 2 months however it should be out. Will keep your request on the mic in mind! Thanks for your comment
@@techtoremember8096 Thank you
I tested the X1500 and i was initially excited to finally have 4k 60p, but VERY disappointed in the indoor video quality. I know there's trade offs, but it looked so much worse than my AX53. I wish it at least had a slightly bigger 1/2.3 inch sensor like the VX981.
The only thing I can say is that there is more manual controls and you can actually lower the gain in low light. The camera tends to ramp up the gain very high which results in all that noise. Lowering the gain makes the image darker but much cleaner.
what they should do is improve the menu and make it simpler
QUESTION ......does the x2100 come with the mic ????
It had a built in mic still yes
@@techtoremember8096 thanks for your reply ...but i meant the detachable mic that fits on top ????
Oh I see what you are asking. Unfortunately not! I know in some photos its a bit misleading but the 2100 only includes the handle and attachment for an external mic. You'd have to pick out a mic and get one yourself.
@@techtoremember8096 ok thats ok ...very nice of you to reply to me ...many thanks
What camera do you most reccomend for birding!
Please watch my recent bridge camera review video !
These Panasonics are great for birds.
When will they be available on Amazon?
Panasonic hasn't yet provided a release date but I suspect in the next 6 weeks. Keep checking!
If you look closely at the promo material and product shots, you can see that they don't have the Leica Dicomar branding anymore. I wonder if they use new glass, or if Leica just does not want to see it's name on Panasonic products.
Yes, someone else just made that observation too. It is possible they no longer have an alliance with Leica or as you said its a marketing thing. In any case, just because the Leica name is on it does not in and of itself, mean much. I have tested the Panasonic FZ2500 which does have a Leica lens and the photos are lacking in sharpness. So while the glass is part of it, processing, the engine the circuitry probably are more important. I suspect the lenses will be virtually indistinguishable anyway since Panasonic is attempting to keep this camera almost identical to the prior model to save costs.
@@techtoremember8096 But it's better to compare if possible. For example, in older X2 cameras, the Panasonic lens became significantly worse than the Leica lens in the X1 camera, while the optical parameters remained the same. That is, Panasonic released the worst lens for an inch sensor; In the wide-angle position there was blur at the edges. Also, even with the complete coincidence of all components, no one canceled the slightly different signal processing that could also occur.
@@techtoremember8096 Thanks, I haven't seen the other comment about the lens. Leica and Panasonic announced L² Technology (Leica + Lumix) back in 2022, so they still work together, but maybe without the co-branding.
Thank you so much for this review! Is this camcorder a big leap in quality from the Sony AX43? I’m on a tight budget and would only consider the Panasonic if it is a big enough leap from the Sony. I am not a professional in any way haha! So settings would probably stay in automatic as I slowly learn how use a camera in general. Also I do not need the 60fps. Any feedback would be deeply appreciated! Thank you for your reviews and for your appreciation of consumer level camcorders!
The quality of this Panasonic is higher than that of the ax43, but these cameras have a lot of settings, and in order to realize the quality potential you need to understand the settings and be able to use them; on automatic settings the quality will be slightly higher than that of ax43
If you don't need the 60fps then you are overpaying because that is the real draw for these new camcorders. I would suggest then you get the AX53 (or 43) but the 53 has the viewfinder. They will provide similar picture quality anyway to the Panasonic new models. As @csamd9049 stated the Panasonic will give you much more manual controls to play with but again if you are not really going to use that, I would suggest perhaps the Sony AX53 or the new Panasonic VX3.
@@techtoremember8096 Thank you so much I appreciate your feedback! I will definitely take this into consideration. I’ll eventually have to evolve one day beyond automatic settings so maybe it would be better to get the Panasonic and future proof myself! I would prefer a Sony but it looks like they left the consumer camcorder market and aren’t looking back. But like you said, at similar picture quality and since I don’t need the 60fps, I might just settle on the ax43 before they completely disappear from the market 😅
@@csamd9049 Thank you for your help! I definitely have alot to consider still now that you mention the potential of this camcorder, especially if I want to future proof myself for a day when I understand how to use settings beyond automatic. I appreciate your insight!
My pleasure !! Best of luck in your decisions !!
will any of them shoot in log? and does the x1600 have d cinelike? i dont see it anywhere but id assume they would be not smart for taking it out of a newer model
There is no log or cineline but there is a mode which simulates HDR
What do you think of the Point and shoot cameras like Nikon p1000 & Panasonic FZ80 Compared to Camcorders like the Panasonic x1500 & Sony ax43 for filming Sports & Wildlife Video. Which is better? Doesn't have to be those models specifically. My question is Point & Shoot Bridge Cameras vs. Camcorders, what's better for video recording? Thanks!
Good question they are very different animals. The bridge cameras are true hybrids. They can take photos and video. The camcorders are really designed from the ground up for video. Some can snap a photo but its not high quality. (Usually an 8MP snapshot, about 1/2 the resolution of the bridge camera category.) So if video is your primary purpose, then camcorders become more appealing because they have that nice power zoom and good ergonomics. The zooms aren't as long as the bridge cameras though and that's the biggest negative. For wildlife, you are wanting to go with a bridge camera for the reach. Sports, depends how far away you will be, you may also want a bridge camera. Camcorders are great for travel or events if your main goal is video because some people have gotten accustomed to using them over the years and find them easier to learn and ease then bridge cameras or mirrorless cameras. Also the camcorders don’t overheat and have ni recording limit
These camcorders have newer more advanced chips that can shoot in 10 bit 4K 60fps. The point and shoot you mentioned can only shoot 8 bit videos and the 4K resolution only goes up to 30fps.
@ My main issue is the stabalization with the bridge camera. I love the long zoom but I don't want to sacrifice stabalization. Do you think a gimbal with a Bridge camera can compete with a Camcorder?
The sensors are fine if you shoot outside in the daylight but I used the HC-x2000 and it was terrible indoors and outside at night. They added the light where a microphone would be on the handle becouse they know you will need the light more.
The review is not joking when they say cell phone sensor. The sensor is super tiny. Everything else about the camera is great but just be sure you are shooting in well lit areas.
Well said !
Liking the 1200, dont want viewfinder, dont want additional size, don’t want to pay additional, but do want wifi…… decisions
Are you able to do a review on how to clean vhs camcorder tapeheads with a tapehead cleaner
I haven't done that but you should be able to get a lot of information online or on RUclips. Its a pretty straightforward procedure.
@techtoremember8096 I tried it before and I don't if i done it right. Video wise nobody else has done it with a vhs c, just on a vcr
4k 60p, 1080p 120p - fantastic features for 2025!👍 Future has come!😁😁😁
Those features were in the original HC-X1500 I bought back in 2021.
Yes its nice to have an affordable camcorder now be able to do that!
Hi. I have the x1500 and find the evf to be a little.on the small size. I also have the fZ300. I was wondering how you find the evf on the x1600 in comparison to the FZ300. Does the FZ300 still appear to have a higher magnification evf? Many thanks
Hi there, neither are the largest EVFs. I actually found the FZ300 EVF not to my liking, (at least for photos) I don't know if you have noticed this but when you half press the shutter with the FZ300, the image appears to go out of focus for a second. Not sure if its something with my unit (I mentioned it in one my reviews). In any case they upgraded the EVF slightly on the 1600 so you may find it very slightly better than the 1500 but not by much.
HC-X1500!!!
To me any camcorder with a sensor bellow apsc or 1 inch is pretty useless.
I have the Sony AX700 camcorder and it takes beautiful images : in daylight only ! As soon as I shoot indoors or in dimmed light, I go with a larger sensor camera. Really wished that Sony integrated its 7s iii or a very capable low MP 4K APSC dedicated sensor on a camcorder body with neutral density filters, 5 axis stabilization, and HDR functionality
Can the X1600 take still photos?
It does not have that feature
According to the specs: "The Panasonic HC-X1600 camcorder can take still photos in JPEG format with a resolution of 8.29 megapixels"
It is possible I missed that Can you direct me where you read that please ?
@@techtoremember8096 He may be referring to the frame capture button that is also found on the X1500. When you enter playback mode on a video, you can click the camera icon on the right side of the screen to extract a still frame.
Too bad, I would have liked something more, especially in terms of autofocus and image quality. At this point the new vivo x200 pro is preferable...
Respect the new hc vx3? Better or some thing?
The point is for whom are this camcorders made for. They have small sensors like a smartphone so noise is high. I think in 2025 with video in mirrorless, which has bigger sensorhence better low light capability, the target user is very small.
a photo camera is not very suitable for shooting video and has great limitations; a camera like this Panasonic has much more capabilities in many understandable scenes
In real world shooting, would the Canon XA70 1 inch sensor have better IQ in general....during the day.....I guess maybe a tad better in low light.....
I haven't yet tested that model but generally yes, the larger sensor would make it somewhat better across the board especially in lower light situations.
lumix S9+ 28-200mm
This is a camera; cameras are not suitable for shooting video
04:03 already lots of dust on the sensor
The battery power very fols
No V-LOG no care. LSensor size could also use some work, but LOG, man what a stupid feature for them to leave off this camera. I can shoot LOG on my IPhone, but not on a $1700 camcorder. Wtf. Could very easily be put in place. If any of these three cameras had V-Log I’d buy, immediately. Need something small, like this with LOG profile.
This camera has other settings that control dynamic range - DRS, as well as Cine D and V profiles
better to buy a S5ii, you would be WAY better off!
hmmm, $2k to get the same but less sensor thats in my iPhone? Hard pass... I could just rig out my iphone
previous 1500 was just rubbish in low light, got rid of two. why would this be different?
It won’t be any different - but you can control gain in manual mode to keep the noise down I find that does help a bit
@@techtoremember8096 I wont be spending my cash on these. Pity really. Wish they could release FZ2000/2500 with an improved 1 inch sensor and AF.
How they can release new Camcorder in 2025 with the same small sensor ?! Total nonsense !
A small sensor has big advantages in shooting video, and this camera has many features that cameras with larger sensors don't have.
TV cameras have mostly 3 2/3 sensors, for good reasons.
Cuz it'll be more expensive and boombox size, like the sony z200 at $4,500 and huuuge.
The amount of noise on Panasonic's camcorders is and has been absolutely horrible. Salt and pepper noise, hot pixels, you CANNOT sharpen any of the videos in post or do much editing period because the camera is tuned to only look good with the specific settings it comes with. Always choose Sony no matter what.
Not sure what settings you use but I did not find that at all - it does get a bit grainy in very low light but if you watch the footage, it actually looks clean and sharp during the day -
@@techtoremember8096 Only when the lighting is perfect. I've done the test too many times, only reason I still use a AX53 instead of WXF1 and a AX700 instead of X2000, I really thought the X2000 was the one to beat, once I took it to post it was a mess as always with Panasonic. Not only that, but I've always felt like they were upscaling 2k instead of offering pure 4k, just my opinion but one day the truth will come; i'm sure , I never even thought this with any Sony camcorder, the image was always what I would expect from 4k. You wanna know what's worse? open one up, had an issue with an old WXF1 one day and couldn't believe the mess inside, not a good design, I opened my AX53 to do a repair and it's a beauty.
I had the 1500 for a short time. They are ok but require so much light !. As in if you are not outside during broad daylight the noise is just too much.
So in that respect they have a quite limited use.
Thats the problem with the small sensors but at least you can control the Gain so you can cut out some noise if you want.
@ sold it as tbh at the time my iPhone 12 Pro Max had better video quality. But the zoom on the Panasonic was impressive.
Horses for courses... I wouldn't advise a camcorder for low-light stuff. With my 1500 I notice there's noise even in full sunlight, although really only noticeable if you punch in in post) but fortunately modern video editing software (such as Davinci Resolve Studio) can clean that up really well.
@@xjet
Only so much can be done in post to an already noisy image before it just looks like a cartoon. Main reason I sold mine was it just wasn't for me. It's a good camcorder but for a quite limited market and use case.
Aside from that Ive been watching your RC videos for well over a decade now.
@@TestingSuff Hey, small world! Most of the stabilized close-up shots of models in the air you've seen on my channel have a little bit of noise reduction added to them. You're right that too much NR can give everything a posterized cartoony look -- the dose is the poison in such cases 🙂
These will fail
ridiculous that they didn't add USB/UVC webcam protocol. this proves how out of touch they are. there is no technical leadership at panasonic. the product leader must be some 65 year old dinosaur that barely knows how to reply to an email.
Thank you!!