Last Updated on January 13, 2019
With the rise of social media platforms that cater to video enthusiasts, it is of no wonder why Youtube sensations and vloggers are on the lookout for the best camcorder in town. Whether you are one of them or not, it does pay to have a digital camcorder of your own that gives a pretty nice output. And if you’re short of budget, then we do have just the right video-capturing gadget for you: the Panasonic HC-X920.
The technology giant Panasonic has never been a let-down as its famous ancestors such as the HC-X900 were total favorites.
Panasonic HC-X920 Review
A Little Throwback
Back in 2012, we were graced by top-end camcorders that have considerably garnered fanboys and fangirls of the videography world. That year, its predecessor, the Panasonic HC-X900, was released — complete with excellent colour reproduction, optical image stabilisation and connectivity. The question is: What makes the newer model far better than its parent camcorder?
The successor, HC-X920, is incredibly distinct because of its internet connectivity and three ½.3” CMOS BSI sensors. The built-in Wi-Fi lets the user control the camcorder remotely. Playbacks are definitely possible using hand-held, internet-capable gadgets such as smartphones and tablets. The size of the 3 BSI MOS sensors is also a big improvement from its predecessor’s mere ¼ 1” sensors. Although a bit familiar looking, there are certainly monumental changes on its core.
The Game Changer: Going WirelessWi-Fi connectivity is definitely one of the strongest points of the Panasonic HC-X920 considering its affordability. The drill is fairly easy as the camcorder remembers the network settings once entered. All you have to do is connect it with an existing network through a wireless router. For entry-level camcorders, this one offers something new to the table as it is becomes a handy gadget for outdoor shoots — and you can even connect it with tethered mobile devices. Note that the HC-X920’s Wi-Fi features can be best appreciated with the Panasonic Image app. This lets you control and monitor the camcorder remotely using a smartphone or tablet. With such features, reviewing contents of the camcorder’s SD card has never been this convenient.
The Magic That Is 3MOS
Over a few years, Panasonic’s top-end camcorders have been capitalising on their iconic 3 sensors innovation, popularly known as 3MOS. Each sensor captures a specific light i.e. blue light, red light and green light, respectively. This way, the camcorder captures more accurate colours and details. In the process, the noise is being reduced to a minimum compared to camcorders that rely on single sensors. The HC-X9920 allows shooting in Full HD at 50fps i.e. 1080p50. Another stark contrast from the previous model is its excellent optical stabilization property accentuated with a gravity sensor that keeps shots level-handy. As for the 3D hype, this camcorder is also compatible with Panasonic’s VW-CLTE-H 3D conversion lens. The 3D quality may not be at par with that of Sony TD20VE, but the output is satisfactory.
Sleek Build
Light but not flimsy—as what most people would say about their newly bought Panasonic HC-X920. As usual, it has a sensible line of connection port such as A/V outputs, mini USB connector, mini HDMI, hot accessory shoe, microphone jacks and headphone jacks. The resistive touchscreen has the same size and resolution as its predecessor. Although the menu is not graphically intensive, it is surely responsive enough.
In Conclusion
With a competitive price range, the Panasonic HC-X920 Review makes a great addition (or replacement) to your videography equipment. Such big updates can even make the fanboys and fangirls of the HC-X900 reconsider purchasing one. With this, the successor is an absolute contender for this year’s best budget camcorder — no shelling out of $1000, indeed.
Download the HC X920 USer Manual
SENSOR |
|
Image Sensor | 1/2.3″ BSI MOS Sensor x 3 |
Total Pixels | 38.28 megapixels (12.76 megapixels x 3 ) |
Effective Pixels | |
Motion Image | 8.49 megapixels (2.83 megapixels x 3) [16:9] |
Still Image | 8.49 megapixels (2.83 megapixels x 3) [16:9] / 7.62 megapixels (2.54 megapixels x 3) [3:2] / 6.78 megapixels (2.26 megapixels x 3) [4:3] |
LENS |
|
F Value | F1.5 (WIDE) / F2.8 (TELE) |
Optical Zoom | 12 x |
Focal Length | 2.84 – 34.1 mm |
35 mm Film Camera Equivalent | |
Motion Image | 29.8 – 399.2 mm [16:9] |
Still Image | 29.8 – 399.2 mm [16:9] / 33.1 – 397.1 mm [3:2] / 36.0 – 431.7 mm [4:3] |
Filter Diameter | 49 mm |
Lens Brand | Leica Dicomar Lens |
CAMERA |
|
Standard Illumination | 1400 lx |
Minimum Illumination | 1.6 lx (Scene Mode Low Light 1/30), 1 lx (Color Night Rec.) |
Focus | Auto / Manual |
Zoom | |
Intelligent Zoom OFF | 12 x |
Intelligent Zoom ON | 25 x |
Digital Zoom | 40 x / 700 x (The maximum value of zoom magnification) |
White Balance | Auto / Indoor1 / Indoor2 / Sunny / Cloudy / White set |
Shutter Speed | |
Motion Image | [60p / 60i] / Auto Slow Shutter ON : 1/30 – 1/8000 / Auto Slow Shutter OFF : 1/60 – 1/8000 / [30p] / Auto Slow Shutter ON : 1/30 – 1/8000 / Auto Slow Shutter OFF : 1/60 – 1/8000 |
Still Image | 1/2 – 1/2000, (Video Flash ON : 1/2 – 1/500) |
Iris | Auto / Manual |
Image Stabilizer | HYBRID O.I.S.+ with Active Mode, O.I.S. Lock, Level Shot Function |
Creative Control | Miniature Effect, Silent Movie, 8mm Movie, Time Lapse Rec |
RECORDING |
|
Recording Media | SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card |
Recording Format | [AVCHD] AVCHD 3D / Progressive / [iFrame] MP4 |
Compression Method | [2D] MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 / [3D] MPEG-4 MVC/H.264 |
Recording/ Playback Mode | 1080/60p (28Mbps / VBR), (1920 x 1080) / PH (24Mbps / VBR), (1920 x 1080) / HA (17Mbps / VBR), (1920 x 1080) / HG (13Mbps / VBR), (1920 x 1080) / HE (5Mbps / VBR), (1920 x 1080) / iFrame (28Mbps / VBR), (960 x 540) / AVCHD 3D (28Mbps / VBR), (1920 x 1080) / SbS (17Mbps / VBR), (1920 x 1080) |
Thumbnail Display | 20 thumbnails/page, 9 thumbnails/page, 1 thumbnail/page |
Audio Recording System | 1080/60p, PH, HA, HG, HE: Dolby Digital (5.1ch / 2ch) / iFrame: AAC (2ch) |
Microphone | 5.1ch Surround, Zoom, Focus and Stereo Microphone |
Speaker | Dynamic type |
IMAGES |
|
Recording Format | JPEG (DCF/Exif2.2), MPO |
Recording Image Size | |
Still Image | [16:9] 20.4 megapixels (6016 x 3384), 9.4 megapixels (4096 x 2304), 2.1 megapixels (1920 x 1080) / [3:2] 16 megapixels (4896 x 3264), 8.0 megapixels (3456 x 2304), 2.0 megapixels (1728 x 1152) / [4:3] 15.1 megapixels (4480 x 3360), 5.8 megapixels (2784 x 2088), 0.3 megapixels (640 x 480) / [3D] 2.1 megapixles (1920 x 1080) [16:9] |
Simultaneous Recording | [16:9] 20.4 megapixels (6016 x 3384), 9.4 megapixels (4096 x 2304), 2.1 megapixels (1920 x 1080) / [3D] 2.1 megapixles (1920 x 1080) |
Flash | Yes |
GENERAL |
|
Power Supply | 7.2V (Battery) / 9.3V (AC Adaptor) |
Power Consumption | Max. 9.3W (Recording) / Max. 10.3W (Charging) |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | Approx. 67 x 72 x 150 mm (2.64 x 2.83 x 5.90 inch) |
Weight (w/o battery and SD card) | Approx. 417g (0.919 lb) |
LCD Monitor | 3.5″ Wide LCD monitor (1,152,000 dots) |
View Finder | Yes |
Manual Ring | Yes |
Interface | |
AV | -- |
HDMI | Yes (mini) |
Microphones (stereo mini) | Yes |
Headphone (stereo mini) | Yes |
USB | 2.0 Hi-Speed |
USB Charge | -- |
AV Multi | Yes |
LED Video Light | -- |
Accessory Shoe | Yes (cold) |
On-Screen Display Language | English, French, Spanish |
Wi-Fi | |
Standard | IEEE 802.11b/g/n |
Frequency | 2.4GHz band |
NFC | -- |
STANDARD ACCESSORIES |
|
AC Adaptor | Yes |
AC Cable | Yes |
DC Cable | Included AC adaptor |
Rechargeable Battery Pack | Yes (1,250 mAh) |
Battery Charger | -- |
IR Remote | -- |
HDMI Cable | Yes (mini) |
AV Multi Cable | -- |
AV Cable | Yes |
Shoe adaptor | Yes |
Lens Hood | Yes |
USB Cable | Yes |
Lens cap | -- |
Stylus pen | -- |
Bandled Software | HD Writer AE 5.0 |
3D Shooting Mode | |
Conversion Lens | VW-CLT2 |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 73 x 59 x 82 mm (2.87 x 2.32 x 3.23 inch) |
Weight | 189 g (0.408 lb) |
F Value | F2.0 |
Focal Length | 1.64 mm |
35 mm Film Camera Equivalent | 36 mm |
Stereo Base | 18.3 mm |
Minimum Shooting Distance | 1.2 m |
Minimum Illumination | 12 lx (1/30, Low Light, Scene Mode) |
Panasonic HC-X920 Test Footage
When watching these videos make sure you switch to the maximum resolution.
Unboxing the HC-X920
Submit your review | |
What a camera the picture quality is fantastic. I dont know what other cameras in this price range perform like but this is the best I have owned. Came fast too
I am uber pleased with my HC-X920 and glad i made the parchase.
No products found.