Panasonic HC-X1200 at DVinfo.net

Deon Dicks · January 4th, 2026, 03:41 PM

Hello everyone, I’m seeking guidance on setting up my new HC-X1200 camcorder. I will be filming wildlife and therefore plan to use auto mode extensively. Are there any preset settings that can be configured in advance while maintaining auto operation? Thank you for your input
Deon

Doug Jensen · January 4th, 2026, 04:12 PM

"I will be filming wildlife and therefore plan to use auto mode extensively."

I don't know anything about that camera, so I can't help you with settings, but why would you want to shoot wildlife on auto? I encourage you to learn to use the camera properly and set your sights higher. You will not regret it. And the difference in the quality of footage you get will be your reward. Trust me.

Allan Black · January 5th, 2026, 03:56 AM

Hi Deon, that’s good advice. One of the disappointments many people have, including me is, when we watch good well produced wildlife and nature videos, it’s the sad lack of any good sound.

You’ll know that your HC-X1200 is equipped with two XLR inputs that support +48V phantom power, allowing for professional-grade microphones to be connected.

Not that well advertised, it also utilises Dolby Audio for its sound recording capabilities, specifically delivering 48 kHz / 16-bit audio with high-quality 2-channel recording when using the AVCHD format. In addition to Dolby, it supports Linear PCM audio recording, offering versatility depending on your chosen format.

If and when you can afford a good stereo mic. and practice with it and the cameras features, we all look forward to seeing and hearing your work here on the site.

Have fun and a happy new year.
Cheers.

January 4th, 2026, 03:41 PM	#1
Deon Dicks New Boot Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Middle Arm Canada Posts: 14	Panasonic HC-X1200 Hello everyone, I’m seeking guidance on setting up my new HC-X1200 camcorder. I will be filming wildlife and therefore plan to use auto mode extensively. Are there any preset settings that can be configured in advance while maintaining auto operation? Thank you for your input Deon

January 4th, 2026, 04:12 PM	#2
Doug Jensen Vortex Media Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,503	Re: Panasonic HC-X1200 "I will be filming wildlife and therefore plan to use auto mode extensively." I don't know anything about that camera, so I can't help you with settings, but why would you want to shoot wildlife on auto? I encourage you to learn to use the camera properly and set your sights higher. You will not regret it. And the difference in the quality of footage you get will be your reward. Trust me. __________________ Vortex Media http://www.vortexmedia.com/ Sony FS7, F55, and XDCAM training videos, field guides, and other production tools

January 5th, 2026, 03:56 AM	#3
Allan Black Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney. Posts: 3,033	Re: Panasonic HC-X1200 Hi Deon, that’s good advice. One of the disappointments many people have, including me is, when we watch good well produced wildlife and nature videos, it’s the sad lack of any good sound. You’ll know that your HC-X1200 is equipped with two XLR inputs that support +48V phantom power, allowing for professional-grade microphones to be connected. Not that well advertised, it also utilises Dolby Audio for its sound recording capabilities, specifically delivering 48 kHz / 16-bit audio with high-quality 2-channel recording when using the AVCHD format. In addition to Dolby, it supports Linear PCM audio recording, offering versatility depending on your chosen format. If and when you can afford a good stereo mic. and practice with it and the cameras features, we all look forward to seeing and hearing your work here on the site. Have fun and a happy new year. Cheers. __________________ Drink more tap water. On admission at Sydney hospitals more than 5% of day patients are de-hydrated.