IBC 2016: Panasonic AG-UX90 and UX180 4K Pro Camcorders Now Available to Pre-Order

Back in April during NAB 2016 in Las Vegas, Panasonic announced a new pro lineup of 4K camcorders called the UX-Series. The first two models are the Panasonic AG-UX90 (standard) and the premium AG-UX180. Earlier today, Panasonic announced availability and pricing for the first two models in its new UX series of professional 4K camcorders; The AG-UX180 is set to start shipping in December at a list price of $3,795 while the “Standard” version – AG-UX90 a month earlier in November at $2,295. The UX Series offer a wealth of features, which videographers venturing into the world of 4K acquisition will surely appreciate; for example, both camcorders sport a 1.0-inch type sensor, MOV, MP4 and AVCHD formats, a newly-designed Leica Dicomar 4K compact lens with a wide 24mm angle (4K 24p, 17:9), the industry’s widest for a fixed lens camcorder. 

Panasonic AG-UX180 Features and Highlights 

• 1.0″-Type CMOS Sensor
• 24mm wide angle and optical 20x zoom
• Advanced Optical Image Stabilisation
• Micro Drive Focus Unit offers a high-speed auto focus function with excellent tracking performance and improved stability in 4K shooting
• 4K 24p, UHD 60p/50p, FHD 60p/50p multi-format recording
• HD 120 fps (59.94 Hz)/100 fps (50Hz) super slow-motion recording
• 5-Axis Hybrid Image Stabilizer (in FHD)
• Full HD Variable Frame Recording – 2 fps to 60 fps at 59.94Hz, from 2 fps to 50 fps at 50Hz
• UHD/FHD Dual Codec Recording
• Record 4K on one card, and 1080p on the other
• IR Night Shooting
• 3G-SDI/HDMI

“The UX series delivers exceptional 4K performance at compelling price points, with breakthrough features such as the 24mm angle lens for wide-angle shooting without requiring a wide conversion lens,” said Steven Cooperman, Senior Product Manager, Panasonic System Communications Company of North America. “The camcorders’ extensive focus assist features make 4K shooting easier than ever before.”

Apparently, the 5-axis image stabilisation, OIS, and AF capabilities in these camera is something quote special according to Panasonic, who in their own words have this to say:

In FHD shooting mode, a 5-Axis Hybrid Image Stabilizer combines the effects of both optical and electronic image stabilization to detect and correct hand-shaking in various directions, including rotary.

Intelligent AF makes even difficult 4K focusing automatic and affords high speed, superior tracking performance and stability. AF operation can be customized with adjustments to speed, sensitivity and area width. When the Focus Assist button is pressed, Expand or Peaking is displayed to assist the user’s comprehensive manual focusing operation. Additionally, Auto Focus is activated for a subject that is touched on the camcorder’s LCD panel.

The more affordable Panasonic AG-UX90 model features a 15x zoom (slightly shorter range compared to the 20x on the UX180), a 24.5mm wide angle lens (in Full HD), and can record up to 30p in UHD; while slow-motion is limited to 1080/60p. The camera also features an HDMI output, two-channel XLR audio, USB 3.0 Host/Device, and video/audio out for monitoring. 

For those who want to get into shooting 4K, and are already used to shooting Full HD video with a conventional handheld camcorder, the new UX series pro 4K cameras from Panasonic seem like a really nice option even for the most budget strapped shooters. I think these models (and especially the UX180 Premium model) offer a good range of well thought out features that will ensure you can deliver top quality 4K content.

To pre-order follow the links below. For more details – have a look at the UX Series site that Panasonic have launched.

Panasonic AG-UX180 – $3,795

Panasonic AG-UX90 – $2,295

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