If you're shooting behind the scenes (BTS) in HD and would like to add 4K to your repertoire, the Panasonic HC-X1500 UHD 4K/Full HD Director's Camcorder can help balance your needs, or allow you to jump straight to 4K. Compact and lightweight for a director or on-set BTS, the X1500 shoots and records UHD 4K at broadcast-compatible frame rates, so it fits smoothly into your existing broadcast workflow. The X1500 features a 1/2.5" 8.29M MOS sensor that is always shooting at 4K resolution, the Venus processing engine to scale the 4K image for Full HD delivery, and an HDMI output. Audio is recorded in up to 24-bit PCM via the built-in microphone.
The built-in Leica Dicomar lens features a 24x zoom with its widest angle at 25mm, and it uses the digital iZoom feature to zoom up to 48x. The Face Detection AF feature allows you to track faces and automatically adjusts focus on your subject. It also features manual control rings, a control dial, and a 5-axis optical image stabilization to keep your shots steady. The 3.5" fold-out LCD features a high-resolution touchscreen. The camera records in .mp4, .mov, and AVCHD codecs and features HEVC compression. The camera incorporates two SD card slots, allowing you to use relay and simultaneous recording. The camera also supports live streaming over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi via RTP/RTSP/RTMP/RTMPS streams.
You also have the option to add the VW-HU1 top handle unit which is available separately and provides two 3-pin XLR inputs, a built-in LED light, a microphone holder, and accessory mounting options.
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Image Sensor | 1-Chip 1/2.5" MOS Sensor |
| Sensor Resolution | 8.57 MP |
| Effective Sensor Resolution | 8.29 MP |
| Gain | 0 to 30 dB |
| Minimum Illumination | 1.5 Lux at 1/30 Shutter Speed |
| White Balance Range | 2000 to 1500K |
| Lens | |
| 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 Focusing Distance | Wide: 0.3' / 0.1 m Telephoto: 3.9' / 1.2 m |
| Filter Size | 62 mm |
| Control Rings | Focus Zoom Iris |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Focus Control | Autofocus Manual Focus |
| Camera | |
| Shutter Speed | 1/1 to 1/30 sec |
| Built-In ND Filter | Mechanical Filter Wheel with Clear, 2 Stop (1/4), 4 Stop (1/16), 6 Stop (1/64) ND Filters |
| Built-In Microphone Type | Stereo |
| Recording Media | 2 x SDXC Card Slots |
| Recording | |
| Recording Modes | AVCHD/MOV/MP4 4:2:0 10-Bit: 3840 x 2160p up to 50/60 fps 1920 x 1080p up to 50/60/120 fps AVCHD/MOV/MP4 4:2:2 10-Bit: 3840 x 2160p at 25/30 fps 1920 x 1080p at 25/30/50/60 fps |
| 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: 1920 x 1080 at 25p, 30p, 50p, 60p (0.5 to 24.00 Mb/s) RTMP, RTP, RTSP: 1280 x 720 at 25p, 30p, 50p, 60p (0.5 to 24.00 Mb/s) RTMP, RTP, RTSP: 640 x 360 at 25p, 30p, 50p, 60p (0.5 to 24.00 Mb/s) RTMP, RTP, RTSP: 320 x 180 at 25p, 30p, 50p, 60p (0.5 to 24.00 Mb/s) |
| Interfaces | |
| Video Connectors | 1 x HDMI Output |
| Audio Connectors | 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Stereo Headphone Output |
| Other I/O | 1 x USB Micro-B Input 1 x 2.5 mm Output |
| Wireless Interfaces | 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi |
| Display | |
| Display Type | LCD |
| Screen Size | 3.5" |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Screen Resolution | 1,560,000 Dots |
| Power | |
| Battery Type | Panasonic AG-VBR Series |
| Power Connectors | 1 x Barrel (12 VDC) Input |
| Power Consumption | 7.9 W |
| Environmental | |
| Operating Temperature | 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C |
| General | |
| Accessory Mount | 1 x Multi-Interface Shoe |
| Tripod Mount | 1/4"-20 Female |
| Built-In Light | No |
| Dimensions | 10.12 x 5.08 x 3.66" / 257 x 129 x 93 mm (Without Handle) |
| Weight | 2.65 lb / 1.2 kg |
