Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

Here's a review of the UX180 from Bob Kovacs:

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

This Panny UX180 appears just stunning. I'll be upgrading my Sony Z5 in the next few months, and get a 4k camera. My choice seems to be a battle between the Sony Z150 and the Panny UX180.

I wonder how the low light performance stacks between these two.

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

I personally am leaning towards the UX180. It would be a surprise if it turns out they were using a Sony sensor and running it at 4K 60p.

I've heard horror stories of the Z150 failing randomly.

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

The smaller megapixel count (9.5mp on the UX180) should mean better lowlight, shouldn't it?

Be interesting to see a comparison against the Panasonic FZ2000/2500 with similar specs but 20mp sensor.

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

Wow. Didn't notice the effective pixel count difference between the UX90 and the HC-X1/UX180...

Willing to bet the UX90 has more rolling shutter as a result.

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

Definitely a different sensor to the HC-X1 and UX180. It is more a competitor for the HXRNX100 with a 4K add-on. But since the 4K piece is so restricted I think the NX100 at its price may be better as a HD only camcorder !! The UX90 is $400 more than the NX100 at B&H.

Since the UX180's has only 3G SDI I think the HC-X1 may be the better deal.

Ron Evans

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

If they leave out Histograms and exposure measuring tools in the HC-X1, that might make it worth it just to get the UX180. Don't discount them locking out certain features to the pro model. At a $300USD price difference, I think the UX180 is worth it in the long run.

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

I too would like to see all the differences but the specs from the pdf's on the Panasonic sites show the only difference to be the connectors for SDI and Timecode clearly useful for people doing multicam in HD only. In this regard the competitor is the new Sony NX5R with a complete set of features for multicam . B&H price difference is now only $200 between HC-X1 and the UX180.

Ron Evans

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

One of the many videos I did at NAB New York. I went to New York all the way from Boston by bus. Once I'm their, I had to walk a lot and take a train and so I was a bit tired and decided to use 1 channel of my AC90 built in mic instead of the shutgun mic. Oops! I did that for the first 2 interviews. Ah well. I still used the shutgun for the rest of the inteviews. Besides, this was the first time using a shutgun mic on the AC90. Also, please disregard the shutgun mic flapping at the top. I noticed it during the shoot and decided to keep the clip rather than do it over again. It was sticking out a little bit too much for that first video.

Anyway, I'm actually going to do a review on the UX90. I received it yesterday. I'll be comparing it to my AC90, doing some other kind of testings and do some event videos. I might also get to test the UX180 when it comes out. I have the UX90 until the 28th.

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

First video finally online. Just did it tonight. It compares the low light abilities of the AC90 and the UX90. 90 of the past compared to the 90 of the present. Both camcorders shot at 1080p60. I'll be posting future videos in 4K.

Could have posted videos earlier but I needed to do some editing on a big video gig I recently did the day before I received the camera. I didn't even open the box on the first day because of that. I didn't want to get distracted.

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

For those that they need to read more info about UX90 features here are the operating instructions http://docdro.id/eZBxNLP

P.S. If someone find the UX180 operating instructions please inform us/me

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

Oops. my post got shown twice.

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

Video I did at a Lion Dance competition. The camera was fully automatic and shooting 4K30p. The gain was probably from 10 to 13db. Shutter was at 60.


I'm going to do a couple of highlight videos that shows a little bit of each competing teams. 1 for the school and 1 for the finals that were shot in a Chinese restaurant.

Video I took of the Faneuil Hall Marketplace tree lighting event in Boston Massachusetts.
It was edited in Premiere Pro CC 2017 and exported to 70Mbps before uploading to YouTube.


It's just a bunch of random shots. Later in the video I decided to walk through the gate to get to the front. It was starting to get crowded and I wanted to get closer shots rather than be too far. The only major editing I did was take away the audio from one clip for copyright reasons. I decided to leave every single clip in regardless if they look bad or not. I like posting videos on YouTube but I also have other things to do with my time so I can't spend a lot of time editing every video.

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

The UX90 was in fully automatic mode. Basically auto white balance, auto-focusing, auto gain, etc. I'd say the cameras was probably using around 10 to 13 db of gain and the shutter stayed at 60.

Video is in 4K 30p.

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

Seriously looking at the UX180 vs the Z150....one of the remaining sticking points is a continuous (non-buffered) 120fps in FHD mode....Still can't seem to know if it does this or not.
Anyone know?

Thanks!

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

I am sure Barry will give the experienced answer but in the user manual it states that slow motion recording at 120fps in NTSC at a based frame rate of 23.98P and will record for maximum of 2 hours for a single clip. Recording time is stated as being depending on the frame rate selected but the example is for 23.98 when max time is reached it will momentarily stop then start again. At least that is what the user manual says on page 107. Also mentioned in this interview for the HC-X1 , same thing without the 3G SDI and timecode connectors

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

Thank you Ron...it seems that it does!
Decisions! Decisions! z150 or the ux180...leaning on the ux180 but need to see how it preforms in low-light.

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

The main difference between the Z150 and UX180 ( or HC-X1) for me are Panasonics have 20x zoom that goes wide to 25.4mm. They shoot UHD 60P and have a touch screen and remote app that has more controls than the Sony.
Sony has the advantage of 10bit 4:2:2 in HD compared to 8bit 4:2:2 for the Panasonics and then only for external recording as internal is 8 bit 4:2:0. Sony also has built in WiFi and Panasonics need a USB dongle.

For me the wide angle, touch controls like focus and UHD 60P favor the UX180 ( or HC-X1 if you do not need SDi or timecode connections )

Ron Evans

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

I'm eyeing the panasonic HC-X1 instead of the UX180 as I don't need the SDI and timecode....
Looking over the manual, it says it can do f/2.8-4.5 Would that be a constant 2.8 as I zoom in?
Thanks!

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

No, as you zoom in the lens ramps from F2.8 at wide to F4.5 and it gets there before the full zoom too I think.

Ron Evans

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

Hi All

Really interesting thread. I'm going to show my ignorance here, but I've been thinking for a while to upgrade my old Sony Z5 for possibly a UX180. Now I see the HC-X1 is the consumer version and is considerably cheaper here in the UK, and seems much the same.

Can I ask what losing the HD-SDI output and timecode is worth to a non-commercial film-maker like me who usually makes movies solo? I hope it means nothing.

Thanks.

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

It would make absolutely no difference for your purposes, you wouldn't need SDI and timecode at all. If you ever did need to connect to a switcher in a TV studio, most newer switchers use HDMI also, which of course, the HC-X1 has.

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

Hi William,

I am also still using the sony Z5u..what a great camera..and can't beat the 1.6 ..just wow..I only now use it only for wedding reception footage. Also looking at the UX180 at first, but I think the HC-1X is all I need.
Happy shopping!

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

My FZ2500 has the same ..F2.8 at wide and yes, it hits F4.5 before you get to full zoom ... so that would probably be much the same.

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

A fixed aperture lens would be too expensive and heavy for these larger sensor cameras. In addition they also are limited in reach. While my 1/3" camcorder is also variable aperture at the wide end its 1.6 about 2 stops faster and 23x zoom. But despite that advantage it exhibits more noise in the shadows. It's seldom you gain something without losing something. The trade off here is senor size (resolution and light sensitivity) for reduced optics range and aperture. I often bring both cameras to an event and use which ever one suits my need.

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

I just got an email from B&H saying that they're shipping the AG-UX180. Unfortunately, the latest review on the B&H site is not so good. The reviewer says that "this camera is a noisy mess", and mentioned that even on a bright sunny day with the iris wide open, gain set to 0db, there was visible noise on every shot.
I think I'll keep using my NX5U until Sony releases something amazing, and I don't think I'll be considering Panasonic.

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

Huh?.....I have a hard time believing that its "that" noisy. Sony's 1inch-type chips are pretty clean at 0db. Hell, they are supprisingly clean at 12db too. If Panasonic is buying Sony made sensors, Id expect this camera to at least be as good as a Sony Z150. It "should" be even better if the sensor has a lower pixel count and has larger photosites.

I dunno....i need to see them together with my own two eyes before I believe any opinion.

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

Do you have the link for this rather disturbing post please?
I'm a disbeliever of that one.

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

This sample of HC-X1 looks nice to my eyes . For the reference to the review just go to https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...camcorder.html.

Ron Evans

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

Click on the reviews link:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...camcorder.html

I'm also skeptical of the other review that starts with "Panasonic loaned me an AG-UX180". The reviewer who wrote that review obviously has some sort of preferential relationship with Panasonic.

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

Hi and thanks for that. Thanks also to Ron.

I'm not professional videographer, or someone who buys this kind of kit more than once every few years. I don't really know this supplier.

But this linked format of review can't carry any strength or guaranteed validity surely? Is it true, as it's the only comment of such negativity that I've came across in my little bit of research into a new cam?

The reviewer panned it as being totally worthless in good light, and without any light processing. It could have been written by a rival company; it appears that damning.

Although I've used a Sony Z5 for years, I've loads of Panasonic kit, and nothing they've made has really let me down in basic function - but I say that as a basic consumer and not a discerning pro.

I see the HC-X1 as all I need, and I really can't take the linked review with serious respect. At best it's an opinion from a random dood who took an opportunity to have a pop at an otherwise well appraised camcorder.

Is there a UX180 owner on here to comment?

Regards

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

Got the UX180 today and played with it a bit around the office. First reaction is that it's night and day better than the UX90 picture quality wise. At first glance, I was liking the images for the most part at 0db, 6db and 12db gain judging off a 5" Atomos monitor. I'm on the fence about buying a trio of these cameras, and will be doing more testing in the coming week. I think that modification of the picture profiles help a lot in cleaning up the images. The camera looks pretty gross IMO when you first turn it on. Developing...

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

I don't put much weight in his review because I own the UX90 that uses the same sensor. It's not without flaws but the image quality is fine.

It's always a red flag when someone resorts to hyperbole. The noise at 0db on a sunny day is unusable? Did he forget to take the lens cap off?

I've read enough complaints from people do to their misuse or their unrealistic expectations. "I returned this dslr because the audio is unusable!"

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

The real test would be to import the video into your NLE and scrutinize it on a 27" monitor.

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

[QUOTE=Pete Cofrancesco;1925742]I don't put much weight in his review because I own the UX90 that uses the same sensor./QUOTE]

The UX90 has a different sensor from the UX180/HC-X1 .

Ron Evans

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

I didn't know they used different sensors but they're both 1" and the 180 is a higher end model. Point being I have a point of reference. Do you own or use the UX180? I wouldn't base my opinion on one review. It's a very new camera I know the dvx200 had a noise issue on its release that a firmware update fixed. But without any other corroborating reviews I wouldn't jump to any conclusions.

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

Yes they are both 1" type but look at this early reference information UX Series | 4K CAMCORDER | Broadcast and Professional AV The UX90 is likely a 1" sensor used by other still cameras and maybe even the Sony 1" models like the AX100 it is quoted as having around 18Mpixels. The UX180 only has 8.79 . So individual pixel area is much bigger for light gathering etc. I believe Barry has stated it has a 1 stop advantage over the UX90.

No I do not have either yet but I am considering the HC-X1 as I have no need for SDI and in Canada the difference is $700 for something I do not need.

Ron Evans

EDIT: The UX90 crops in to a 8.70 area of the sensor for UHD and thus the wide angle moves to 35.4mm. There may be other technical reasons why it is also limited to 30P in UHD.

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

You are missing my point the reviewer is saying the 180 is unusable because the noise it exhibits @ 0db on a sunny day. That is ludicrous. The UX90 despite the sensor being less sensitive delivers a very nice image without any appreciable noise under those conditions making his complaints about the 180 more ludicrous. People make these statements like this camera is terrible but compared to what?

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

The problem on HDMI is the distance. Without a repeater you can't catch 100m :), not even 10-15m.

Of course SDI cable is more stable, HDMI may have problems on connector after a lot of usage.

Re: Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90
 

Check Dnavas posts (22/12 & 28/12) on other Dvxu* forum in Panasonic UX180 thread.

He upload a lot of interesting mp4 records without editing on his google drive. If the settings weren’t wrong, there is small noise (take a close look in editing) on Panasonic UX180 even in daylight.

I am wondering if Sony Z150 have the same noise. If someone can share some Sony Z150 records, it would be useful. Unfortunately, you can’t see this noise on YouTube, Vimeo & other sites, only from direct records.