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 Panasonic AG-CX350 is part of the brand’s new CX line, and is ideal for video professionals who need live broadcast capabilities with top-of-line specs, recording up to UHD, 4K HDR with 10-bit depth in a 4:2:0 color space, 60fps, and more.
Key features:
- 1.0-type (effective size) MOS solid state image sensor
- Maximum UHD, HDR, 10bit 4:2:0 resolution
- Up to 120fps at 1920X1080 FHD
- 20X Motorized Optical Zoom (35mm equivalent of 24.5mm – 490mm)
- 264/MPEG-4 AVC High Profile or H.265/MPEG-H HEVC Main10 Profile
- Live Streaming using H.264 /MPEG-4 AVC Main Profile, High Profile
- RTMP/RTSP function for live streaming and NDI | HX-ready IP connectivity
- HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) to support HDR (High Dynamic Range).
- Intelligent Auto Focus and Focus Assist
- Built-in 5-Axis Hybrid Image Stabilizer
- Dual memory card slots
Hardware that sets the standard
Shooting video with the Panasonic AGG-CX350 will be a pleasure for those looking for an all-in-one, high-end camcorder. The 20X optical zoom, the three rings for zoom, focus, and iris control, the dual memory card slots for unlimited relay recording, and the 5-axis stabilization that is both optical and electronic, are great hardware features that make the AG-CX350 beyond user-friendly.
Another standout feature is the zoom lens. The wide-angle end of the zoom lens is a 35mm film equivalent of a 24.5mm lens, which makes the AG-CX350 the widest angle zoom lens in the market as of January 2019. On top of being the widest, there is also minimal distortion — Panasonic leads the market in the production of aspherical lenses. The 20x zoom means that at the far end of the zoom, you get a 35mm-equivalent of 490mm, which is incredibly telephoto, allowing you to get impressive detail far from the camera’s lens. With the i.Zoom, you also get a bit more reach in UHD at 24x, and even more at FHD, up to an impressive 32x zoom, with no degradation of the image.
Cutting edge feature set
This camcorder boasts not only HDR recording, which allows for amazing high and lowlight protection, but also at a 10-bit depth which gives you much more flexibility in post-processing for manipulation of the image, including adjustments to the exposure as well as benefits to color correction and grading.
The sensor powering the AG-CX350 is a 1.0-type, 4K, multi-format, MOS sensor, with a sensitivity of f12. This sensor allows for recording of 4K, 10-bit, 4:2:0 footage with a maximum frame rate of 60fps. When you switch to full HD, you get the same 10-bit depth, an improved 4:2:2 color space, with a maximum frame rate of 120fps. There is also no cropping in of the image when using higher frame rates.
When it comes to codecs, you are able to choose between the great image quality and solid compression of the newer HEVC codec, also known as H.265, or the more compatible MOV/AVCHD/P2 MXF* file formats. The MOV codec is the same one that is used on the Panasonic AU-EVA1, their compact cinema camera.
* Future support by a firmware upgrade for recording onto microP2 cards.
Connectivity and control
For those shooters who need live broadcasting capabilities, the AG-CX350 is the first camcorder to support NDI | HX (which requires an activation keycode from NewTek). This allows you to send a video feed as well as control the camera via an IP link without having to use an external converter.
For streaming HD video to Facebook, YouTube, and other online platforms the camera utilizes RTSP and RTMP methods.* This allows you to broadcast live news, concerts, corporate events or anything where being live on the internet is required.
The camcorder can also be controlled via a tablet or smartphone with the free iOS or Android app with up to eight cameras being controllable at once.
Most recently, Panasonic teamed up with filmmaker Barry Green, author of A Guide To The Panasonic AG-CX350 Camcorder, to give a in-depth review of the AG-CX350. Check out all of his tutorial videos below:
