Panasonic AG-UX180 & AG-UX90

[Jack Zhang]

(because editing time ran out on the previous post)

Considering Sony's lack of showing sub $6000 cameras at IBC, I may be seriously considering a UX180 if Sony doesn't impress (which they won't) before NAB.

[Cliff Totten]

Wait.....what happened to the Panasonic HC-X1? This camera has fallen of the face of the Earth?

It seems to be the exact same camera as the AG-UX180 but with the SDI removed. The Panasonic HC-X1 is still on B&H's website at $3,199. This seems to compete perfectly with Sony's Z150.

Panasonic is no longer promoting it? Instead, they are now pushing the UX90 &180?

Strange. Does anybody see the HC-X1 at IBC at all?

CT

[Antony Tsioukas]

Panasonic HC-X1 is a consumer camera. Panasonic promotes it on IFA only.

[Ron Evans]

The HC-X1 is almost exactly the same as the UX180 with the SDI and timecode connections missing. About $300 price difference. The UX90 is a much lower spec model. As a Sony user I think the AG-UX180 is more camera than the Z150. UHD 50/60P and 20x zoom for example. We will have to wait for more information and tests though. It would need some extras ( like the wireless USB plug ) . With the UX90 one may question why one would buy the NX100 and still be something to look at even if considering the Z150. I think Sony will have to do something similar ?

Ron Evans.

[Phil Goetz]

What about the compatible accessories?

Well. Here they are:

AJ-WM50P Dual Band AC USB Wi Fi Module that allows for wireless network connectivity in Panasonic professional IP enabled cameras (AVC-Ultra, Varicam, DVX200, etc.).

AG-VBR118G Replacement battery for DVX200, PX270, 11800mAh

AG-BRD50P Dual battery charger for AG-BRD50P, AG-VBR118G, AG-VBR59P, AG-VBR89G

AG-VBR59P Replacement battery for AC30, DVX200, PX270 (7.28V / 5900 mAh)

AG-VBR89G Replacement battery for AC30, DVX200, PX270 (7.28V / 8850mAh)

VWVBD58PPK Replacement battery for AJ-PX270, AG-AC30 and other hand-helds (7.2V / 5800mAh)

AGB23P Single Battery Charger

AGMC200G Unidirectional Microphone

[Antony Tsioukas]

On 2:45 on this video

Panasonic AG-UX180 - IBC 2016 - YouTube

I see that the LCD monitor remains too reflective. It's like DVX200 monitor that it was too reflective also.

[Antony Tsioukas]

First Video of the UX90

UX90 - YouTube

Picture is nice and with very good colors.

[Antony Tsioukas]

About 96GB that it says in brochure,

Two SD card slots are provided. This enables unlimited* relay recording by simply changing SD cards, and also allows simultaneous recording and background recording for ensuring high recording reliability.

* The maximum amount of data that can be recorded over multiple SD cards is 96 GB. Recording will not stop even when the data size exceeds 96 GB

I just got the operating manual of UX90 in my hands. About this I have good news (as expected).

In manual they say "When the file size of a recorded scene exceeds one of the following sizes or the recording time exceeds one of the following lengths time, the scene will be divided automatically. (Recording continues.)"

And on the table below it says

AVCHD scene : Approximately 4 GB
MOV/MP4 scene (when using an SDHC Memory Card) : Approximately 4GB or 30 minutes
MOV/MP4 scene (when using an SDXC Memory Card) : Approximately 96GB or 3 hours

So everything is good, and I think that is the same for UX180.

[Julius Smith]

Does the manual say anything about the slow motion? Is it 120fps continous (no buffering)?

Thanks!!

[Antony Tsioukas]

Unfotunately UX90 as I read doesn't support that. They say about slow motion but only using Variable Frame Rate (VFR) Mode. As I know from the specs UX180 supports 120fps

In Variable Frame Rate Mode, you can record quick or slow motion picture by changing the frame
rate before recording.

Slow motion (overcrank recording)

Used in scenes such as climaxes, a slow motion effect creates a dramatic impression. Set a frame
rate that provides more frames than the frame rate in [REC FORMAT] does.
Example: If you set [FHD 1080/25.00p 50M] to 50 fps and record a motion picture, a slow motion
effect of 1/2 can be gained.

Quick motion (undercrank recording)

A fast motion effect is used in scenes showing the flow of clouds, people standing in the middle of
crowds, etc. Set a frame rate that provides less frames than the frame rate in [REC FORMAT] does.
Example: If you set [FHD 1080/25.00p 50M] to 12 fps and record a motion picture, a quick motion
effect of 2k can be gained.

I will send you a message with UX90 Operating Instuctions

[Jack Zhang]

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

Panasonic AG-UX180 4K Camcorder Review (in 4K) - YouTube

[William Ellwood]

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.

[Jack Zhang]

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.

[Joe Wickert]

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.

[Jack Zhang]

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.