Digital Video Camera Panasonic AG-UX180EJ

AG-UX180EJ is the senior representative of the new series of 4K camcorders from the Japanese brand Panasonic. This compact and lightweight premium model with advanced features is focused on professional video production. Shooting reports, wedding videos, commercials - everything is possible with the UX180. It provides endless possibilities for creativity.

Given the rather modest price for this segment, the AG-UX180 is a great option for cameramen, reporters, wedding videographers, and ordinary amateurs. A modest and unpretentious camera helps its owner to create high-quality 4K video and effectively solve problems in the television industry.

The device is assembled at the Panasonic factory in Japan. The model focuses on the same traditional brand concept, but with the inclusion of new technological developments and interesting features.

The materials used in the production of the camera have been proven during numerous tests. The case is made of durable matte plastic in classic black color with an effective system of protection against moisture and dust. It is impact resistant and completely sealed. In the process of work, it does not leave fingerprints.

The design is thought out to the smallest detail. The lens cap is mounted in a lens hood, which ensures the safety of the device during transportation. The textured, ribbed surface of the adjustment rings adds to ease of use. The lens is separated from the control area by a shiny metallic insert.

The manufacturer paid special attention to lightening the weight and dimensions of the camcorder design up to 2 kg. This was achieved through a new sensor format. When conducting reportage shooting "by hand", reducing the weight of the working tool by 500-700 grams is of decisive importance.

The AG-UX180 lens has the widest angle of view to date. It operates in the range 24mm - 480mm (equivalent to 35mm in 4K 24p). Such characteristics make it possible to shoot without a special wide-angle nozzle with a minimum of distortion. The increased viewing angle creates all the conditions for video shooting in a limited space. For example, in transport or a small room. The multi-layer coating of the lens eliminates the effects of glare, guaranteeing a high-definition image.

There are four drives in the lens system. Independently of each other, they simultaneously manage several groups of optical nodes. For each of these groups, the lens volume and drive stroke are reduced. As a result: effective scaling with optimal image quality.

The zoom system allows you to achieve the desired optical zoom without sacrificing resolution. The maximum approximation is 300x. It is worth considering that even in this case, light sensitivity is maintained.

An improved optical stabilizer makes the camcorder usable even in less than favorable shooting conditions (lower/upper position of the device). The OIS stabilization system with an extended correction range of up to 900% eliminates the effect of shaking and improves the stability of handheld video shooting. When using the camera, these improvements are clearly visible.

The intelligent autofocus system can be adjusted to the circumstances of a particular shooting. Parameters available for change: speed, sensitivity, focus area. A high-precision micro-drive tracks any movement of objects with lightning speed, even if the focal length changes rapidly.

The manual focus mode provides many tools to help the user:

• "Focus Assist" - enlarges part of the frame, allowing you to check the accuracy of the settings;
• "One-Push AF" - temporarily starts the automatic mode in order to clarify the details;
• "Manual Focus Assist" - connects the ring on the lens to the focus control;
• "Focus Transition" - performs and saves a set of settings for focus points.

It is easy to set the desired focus position on the camera. For example, set it up for three characters in the frame and move between them at a certain speed.

For comfortable and efficient work, the design of the device provides ergonomic and easy-to-use controls: a user button, three rings for adjusting the behavior of the aperture, zoom, focus.

The camera has a built-in infrared notch filter that can be turned on and off with a user button. In the off state of the filter, you can use IR illuminators to work in the dark. This fact expands the scope of the camera and makes it interesting in terms of specific filming, for example, in law enforcement.

The camera supports FHD VFR recording with the ability to change the frame rate. There is a "Super slow motion" mode. The corresponding effects in it are achieved due to the high speed of HD recording.

In different recording modes, you can select and adjust the picture quality, frame rate, bit rate, adjusting them to any area.

Gamma modes

The camera has 8 gamma modes:

1. "HD Norm" - creation of HD-materials;
2. "SD Norm" - SD record;
3. "FilmLike" (1, 2, 3) - play more gradations in the given areas;
4. "Cine-Like D" - expanding the dynamic range;
5. "Cine-Like V" - getting better contrast;
6. "Still-Like" - getting pictures in the style of a video from a camera or smartphone.

In amateur video shooting, the mode that offers the most dynamic range will suffice. The remaining parameters are easy to correct in special programs. But in the work of professionals, Panasonic gamma samples will definitely not be superfluous.

The gamma settings listed do not exhaust all color variations in this camera. Unlike other camcorders, the AG-UX180 features 16-axis color grading. Using this function, you can apply independent effects to each phase of video images. This gives you more options for creative shooting and helps match the colors of images taken from different devices under the same lighting.

Memory cards

In its new development, the manufacturer has abandoned the impractical microP2 memory cards. Panasonic AG-UX180 video content recording leads to less expensive SD-cards (up to 128 GB). The camcorder has two slots, which allows for relay or dubbed recording.

There are enough of them in the AG-UX180:

• presets for scenes in different modes;
• noise reduction on details;
• level of vertical correction;
• color phase;
• dynamic range adjustment;
• setting the bend of the amplitude characteristic, etc.

Any of the available functions can be assigned to a user button.

The hero of our review is in many ways similar to the HC-X1 camera, also presented in 2017. Their functions and specification have such common features.

• new sensor (type 1.0);
• wide angle lens;
• high sensitivity and image clarity;
• double slot for SD memory cards;
• compactness, contributing to the stability of shooting;

Unlike HC-X1, AG-UX180 camera is equipped with several additional outputs (BNC, 3G HD-SDI output, timecode connector), 16-axis color correction system. These nuances make the UX-series the preferred choice for multi-camera TV shooting. In identical scenes with the same light level, this camcorder stands a notch above its brother. HC-X1EE is more related to the "prosumer" segment and is a conditional intermediate link between semi-professional devices and top-end advanced equipment. The capabilities of this camera are enough for the work of private studios and wedding videographers. Yes, and it will cost a little less.