Last Updated on January 13, 2019
Panasonic, one of the primary electronic producers in the world, has done it again! We’ve reviewed countless other camera products from world-renowned brands like Sony, Sharp, Canon, etc. But have we got a mind blowing Camera for you to be excited about…
High Definition Specs
This high definition camcorder was specifically designed with a P2 memory-based recording system. The camera also features a variety of applications that were only previously available on high-end industrial Varicams.
Now, you’ve got the remarkable and affordable power of a 2/3” CCD that is light enough to be conveniently portable. What makes the Panasonic AG-HPX500 even more impressive is that it allows up to 250 minutes of continuous recording.
Panasonic AG-HPX500 Review Test
Practical Build
As we tested the HPX500, we realized certain semblances or similarities it had with the HVX200, which was an easy camera in itself. The similarity, essentially, made it easier for us to work and be comfortable tweaking the camera.
The camera balanced well on the shoulders, making it easier for operators to remain a steady and consistent stance while video shooting. The P2 card slots on the camera and the availability of 32GB P2 cards gives it a total of about 64GB storage capacity, more than enough for any standard video project.
However, if you intend to make a serious investment in video storage BUT avoid the risk of heavy expenses, opt for the 100GB FS-100 or use products like VeeScope, HD Monitor Pro, or On Location. You can directly record the footage to your computer or laptop hard drive.
The camcorder offers three levels of built-in NDF filtering, which was a convenient improvement from the HVX200. It also has a 6-pin FireWire port, which we found more convenient than the standard 4-pin feature of other camcorders in the market.
Convenient Focus Assist
This brings us to one of the more important features of the Panasonic AG-HPX500: the Focus Assist. Although some people hate this kind of addition, we find that it’s a definite must-have in any high-def camcorder.
In fact, LCD screens and viewfinders aren’t sufficient in giving you proper control to do adjustments on video focus. The HPX500 uses a live graph system where image data is displayed which allows you to make fine tuning adjustments according to the graph data. In most situations, we found that it helped with a more accurate and vivid footage. For amateurs though, getting used to tweaking this feature might prove more challenging.
On the other hand, if it were to be used in studio settings, the Focus Assist control would work splendidly. This is because you’d have total control over optimal lighting, subject, and tone. But for on-the-go projects like news reporting and field work, this camcorder might require a little getting used to.
Easy Image Controls
Image controls on the Panasonic AG-HPX500 camcorder allows for better control and range in terms of recording. For people who aren’t keenly familiar working with a P2 camera, there are a few menu controls to take note of. These include color balancing, gamma curve, black knee, etc. Most noteworthy of the controls is perhaps the Scene Settings, which we consider a very handy feature.
With regards to the image quality, it’s great. Once you’ve gotten the hang of camera adjustments, you’ll definitely get a finer more detailed footage.
So does the Panasonic AG-HPX500 live up to our standards?
Much as we expected, this clever new camcorder lived up to our expectations and more. We predicted that it’d be a convenient device, an innovative camera, and a user-friendly technology. We got all that and more!
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