Description
Panasonic CX Series AG-CX350
The Panasonic AG-CX350 from the brand’s CX Series of handheld camcorders packs professional features into its compact body. It boasts a 1-inch MOS sensor, which records cinema-quality UHD 4K videos with a maximum resolution of 3840 x 2160. The camcorder can also produce HD videos in MOV format, HD/SD videos in AVCHD format, and HDR output in the camera by choosing from eight different gamma settings. Frame rates can vary from 1 to 60 frames per second in UHD and 1 to 120 frames per second in HD. Two SD card slots enable simultaneous (identical), relay (backup), and background (selective) recording. The camera comes with a built-in lens that offers 20x optical zoom, 32x intelligent zoom, and 5-axis image stabilization for smoother videos. The lens also has three discrete control rings for the adjustment of focus, aperture, and zoom. Integrated onto the rear of the camera are the OLED electronic viewfinder and a clear 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen monitor. Multiple ports—including USB 3.0, USB 2.0, Ethernet, 3G-SDI, HDMI out, and two XLR connectors—help widen audio-visual display and streaming options, while an optional USB wireless adapter can be used to enable wireless streaming.
ALC: Panasonic Announces the AG-CX350: a High-End Handheld Recorder With 4K & Live Broadcasting Capabilities
Looking to give professional camcorder users a simple-to-use, flexible, and powerful video recording and live broadcasting solution, Panasonic has released a next-generation camcorder in the form of the AG-CX350….
The wide-angle, high-magnification lens and new 1.0-type sensor ensure recording of high-quality pictures in 4K/HDR.
Wide-Angle 24.5mm* Optical 20x Zoom, Plus i.Zoom
Panasonic boasts the world’s largest market share in the aspherical lens segment. Its cutting-edge optical technology was maximized in the development of the integrated lens used in the AG-CX350. This lens has the industry’s widest angle of 24.5mm*1 on the wide end and allows recording of wide-angle images with minimal distortion, without the use of a conversion lens. The optical 20x zoom covers up to 490mm telephoto in all modes. Furthermore, the i.Zoom enables seamless zooming of up to 32x in HD or up to 24x in UHD from the telephoto end with no degradation in resolution. The AG-CX350 also comes with digital 2x/ 5x/ 10x zoom.**
*In 35mm equivalent. The AG-CX350’s wide 24.5mm angle is the widest in the industry for UHD/FHD (16:9). In the segment of camcorders with integrated lens, the Panasonic AG-UX180 achieved the industry’s widest angle of 24mm in UHD/24p (17:9). For UHD/FHD (16:9), 25.4mm is the widest angle in the industry. (Both as of January 2019, according to a Panasonic survey)
*When using the digital zoom, picture quality degrades as the magnification rate increases.
New High-Definition, High-Sensitivity 1.0-type 15M MOS Sensor
The 1.0-type MOS (approximately 15,030,000 pixels) offers an outstanding depth of field and excellent balance between image quality and sensitivity. It supports multi-formats, such as UHD (3840 x 2160), FHD, HD and SD, and provides images without cropping in all modes. This MOS sensor also boasts high sensitivity of F12 (60 Hz) /F13 (50 Hz) (in both UHD and FHD in High Sensitivity mode).
Built-in 5-Axis Hybrid Image Stabilizer
The AG-CX350 has a built-in hybrid image stabilizer that combines optical and electronic camera shake compensation functions.
It corrects camera shake in five axial directions in all modes* including UHD to provide powerful camera shake compensation power in low-angle shooting, high-angle shooting and all other unstable conditions. There are three modes to choose from: NORMAL (standard), STABLE (effective for fixed-frame shooting) and PAN/TILT (effective in panning and tilting).
* Excluding Super Slow and VFR modes.
HDR-Compliant HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)
The AG-CX350 features HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)* to support HDR (High Dynamic Range). This achieves a wide dynamic range on HDR-compatible TV monitors. The gamma mode can be selected from eight modes (HD, SD, FILMLIKE 1, FILMLIKE 2, FILMLIKE 3, FILM-REC, VIDEO-REC, HLG).
* The HLG specification was developed jointly by Japanese broadcaster NHK and the BBC in the UK. It is defined in ARIB STD-B67 and ITU Rec. 2100.
Manual Three Rings
The AG-CX350 comes with Manual Three Rings for zoom, focus and iris control. They deliver quick response and provide tactile feel that satisfies professionals.
The zoom lever located at the upper section of the handle has a multi-step variable zoom function, allowing smooth zooming from ultra-low speed when shooting from low angle shooting and when a tripod is used.
Intelligent AF and Focus Assist
The AG-CX350’s auto focus system is Intelligent AF, which is equipped with a micro drive focus unit to achieve high focusing speed, excellent tracking performance and superb stability. The AG-CX350 is also equipped with Expand and Peaking (simultaneous display possible), Manual Focus Assist, LCD Touch Focus (switchable to Auto Iris or brightness display) and One-Push AF Focus Assist.
Supports multi-codec recording of high-quality 10-bit images without cropping in all modes
New HEVC Codec for High-Image-Quality 10-bit UHD/60p Recording at Low Bit Rate
The AG-CX350 is capable of recording in various formats at different compression rates (see the table below). It can record UHD/60p videos in high-image-quality 10-bit on an SD memory card. It also features a new, high-efficiency HEVC codec (LongGOP, 10-bit, 4:2:0, MOV) . When a PC with 7th Generation Intel Core i7 processor is used, the hardware acceleration enables native decoding and playback. Free software, such as VLC Media Player or QuickTime Player, provides smooth playback on a notebook PC or MacBook with Intel Core i7 processor.*
* Playback may lack smoothness depending on the PC environment, such as storage and memory devices.
10-bit Variable Frame Rate (VFR) without Cropping
In UHD, variable frame rate (VFR) recording at 1 fps to 60 fps is possible. In FHD, super-slow can be realized at a maximum of 120 fps. Both provide high-quality 10-bit, full-frame pictures with no image area cropping even at high frame rates.
MOV/AVCHD/P2 MXF* File Formats Supported
The AG-CX350 records MOV files that are highly compatible and easy to use. This file format is the same as that used on Panasonic’s compact cinema camera, the AU-EVA1, and supports file names with up to 20 characters, allowing recorded video clips to be easily managed. The AG-CX350 also supports conventional AVCHD recording, including the AVCHD 8 Mb/s mode, used widely as the format in college and professional football coaching analysis.
And it will support the MXF P2 file format for broadcasting in the future,* enabling AVC-Intra or AVC-LongG recording.
* Future support by a firmware version upgrade for recording onto microP2 cards.
Double Memory Card Slots Improve Recording Reliability
Two SD memory card slots capable of using SDXC/SDHC/microP2 cards enable unlimited* relay recording by simply changing SD memory cards. Recording reliability is further improved with simultaneous recording and background recording, and the AG-CX350 is equipped with Pre Rec, Interval Rec and Time Stamp recording functions.
* If the Relay recording time reaches 10 hours, shooting will temporarily stop, and then automatically restart a few seconds later. If it is recorded in MOV format, the file will be split every 3 hours and recorded.
Relay Recording
Unlimited* Relay Recording
Automatically records continuously from Slot 1 to Slot 2. By changing a full card with a new card, images can be recorded continuously for many hours.
Simultaneous Recording
Identical data is recorded onto cards in both slots in this dual recording mode.
Background Recording
Records ordinary Rec Start/Stop-controlled data in Slot 1, and records all data, even when Slot 1 is stopped, in Slot 2.
* VFR is supported only in Progressive mode. Square brackets [ ] indicate a system frequency of 50.00 Hz.
System functions designed for live streaming. Functionality and operability engineered for professional use.
RTMP/RTSP-Compatible HD Streaming
HD streaming is possible while images are being acquired. Both RTSP and RTMP streaming methods are compatible. And Facebook, YouTube, and other streaming services are supported. The AG-CX350 can be used for live coverage of concerts and sports events as well as for live streaming of breaking news.
* P2 Network Setting Software is required for the use of the RTMP function. See the section, “Connectivity-verified live video services,” for the live video streaming services that have been confirmed to be compatible.
Easy IP Connection: Preinstalled NDI | HX Support
AG-CX350
System functions designed for live streaming.
Functionality and operability engineered for professional use.
RTMP/RTSP-Compatible HD Streaming
HD streaming is possible while images are being acquired. Both RTSP and RTMP streaming methods are compatible. And Facebook, YouTube, and other streaming services are supported. The AG-CX350 can be used for live coverage of concerts and sports events as well as for live streaming of breaking news.
* P2 Network Setting Software is required for the use of the RTMP function. See the section, “Connectivity-verified live video services,” for the live video streaming services that have been confirmed to be compatible.
Easy IP Connection: Preinstalled NDI | HX Support
The AG-CX350 is the industry’s first camcorder to support NDI | HX.* Equipped with NDI | HX mode, it allows video transmission and camera control via IP connection, without using an external converter. When connected to a system configured with the AV-HLC100 Live Production Center and HN/UN series PTZ integrated cameras, the AG-CX350 realizes end-to-end live video production of live events as well as web distribution.
• NDI | HX, a technology of NewTek, Inc.
* 4K image output not supported in NDI | HX mode.
* Industry’s first camcorder to support NDI | HX. As of January 2019 (according to a Panasonic survey).
Wireless Control from a Tablet or Smartphone
The AG-CX350 can be controlled remotely and wirelessly using a tablet/smartphone app*1 (downloadable for free from the App Store or Google Play). In addition to zoom, i.Zoom and focus lens control, the app enables remote control of various other functions, including camera setting, picture quality adjustment, REC start/stop and menu setting. What’s more, the app can be used to select the camera to control from up to eight cameras.*2
*1: iPad: iOS 9 or later are supported. Android devices: Android 5.0 or later are supported. Wireless module (sold separately; AJ-WM50 or recommended third-party Wi-Fi dongle) is required.
•2: The app does not support simultaneous/synchronous control of multiple cameras. Camera switching takes several seconds.
Parallel Output of SDI and HDMI
SDI and HDMI can be output in parallel. Output of UHD video via HDMI and output of HD video in high-image-quality 10-bit, 4:2:2 via SDI enable a variety of uses. In HLG shooting, either HDR or SDR can be selected for each of the SDI, HDMI and LCD video outputs.
24-bit PCM Supporting High-Resolution Audio
The use of the built-in stereo microphone or XLR input (switchable 48-V phantom power supply/MIC/LINE) allows 2-channel audio recording. In MOV mode, 24-bit linear PCM recording delivers higher sound quality. Future firmware update will enable 4-channel recording.*1 Other audio features include manual volumes, OSD level meter, 1 kHz test tone output*2 and headphone output (3.5 mm-diameter stereo mini jack).
*1: When MOV is selected as the main recording format, the AG-CX350 enables 4-channel recording using the built-in microphone (2 channels) and XLR (2 channels). In AVCHD mode, only 2-channel recording is possible.
*2: This output is produced when the color bar is displayed. When the 50 Hz system frequency is selected, the output is 997 Hz.
Simultaneous Display on High-Brightness, High-Definition LCD and High-Resolution OLED EVF
The AG-CX350 features a new 3.2-type high-definition LCD monitor (approximately 1,620,000 dots). This LCD monitor uses the RGBW (red, green, blue, white) pixel structure to provide high visibility even in bright sunlight. The 3:2 aspect ratio enables the display of timecode and camera status without superimposing on the image. The touch panel function allows convenient touch focus and menu setting. The viewfinder is a high-resolution color OLED (approximately 2,360,000 dots, with an image display area of approximately 1,770,000 dots) that offers superb color reproduction. Since the AG-CX350 newly supports simultaneous LCD and EVF outputs, the LCD monitor can display the captured image at all times even when you look away from the EVF.
Low Power Consuming, Large-Capacity Battery, Quick Charge
The AG-CX350 boasts low power consumption of 11.5 W (in factory setting, with no devices connected to the terminals), which is the industry’s lowest in the UHD/HD 10-bit recording camcorder segment. The maximum power consumption is only 17 W (HEVC recording, LCD turned ON, devices connected to the terminals).*1 With the supplied battery pack (5900 mAh), the AG-CX350 operates continuously for about 3 hours and 20 minutes. This large-capacity battery pack supports quick charges.*2
*1: As of January 2019. According to a Panasonic survey.
*2 Quick charge is possible only when the AG-BRD50 battery charger is used.
Broadcast-Grade Picture Quality Adjustment Functions
- 16-Axis Independent Color Correction: Provides an independent effect to each of the 16 phases of video images. It enables color matching of multiple cameras under the same lighting conditions as well as creative image rendering.
- Master Detail: Adjusts the overall degree of contour enhancement.
- Skin Detail: Makes skin colors appear soft and beautiful.
- Scene Files: Six preset files are provided. You can change any of the settings as desired.
- Other Picture Settings: Matrix tables, V detail, detail coring, chroma level, chroma phase, color
- temperature, master pedestal and knee.
