The Panasonic HC-X2100 positions itself as a workhorse occasion camcorder: compact sufficient to hold all day, strong sufficient to belief when the second can’t be missed. With 4K 60 constancy, twin XLRs, streaming help and an extended zoom vary, it targets occasion videographers, broadcasters, homes of worship and creators who want reliable efficiency moderately than cinematic aptitude.
The HC-X2100 is designed for shooters who can’t afford to overlook a second. From weddings and graduations to stay streams and information protection, this camcorder guarantees the attain, stability,and stamina wanted to get the job completed. It affords instruments that match the wants of occasion videographers, broadcasters, colleges, church buildings, and even impartial creators who need skilled outcomes.
On this overview, we’ll stroll by what the digicam can do, who it’s greatest for, and the way it performs when put to the check.
Compact energy
The HC-X2100 appears to be like like many different handheld camcorders. However the design is extra refined. At simply over 3 kilos with its deal with, it feels balanced. The physique alone weighs lower than 2 kilos. That issues when you find yourself in your toes for hours.
This camcorder can document constantly for 4 hours and 35 minutes. That quantity might not sound dramatic, however it’s uncommon. Weddings, lectures, graduations or conferences can stretch lengthy. Few cameras can sit rolling that lengthy with out pause.
Lens attain
The story of any camcorder begins with its lens. Right here, Panasonic provides us a 25 to 600 mm equal zoom. That’s 24× optical magnification. Should you want extra, the digital zoom, dubed i.ZOOM, extends the attain to 32× in 4K and 48× in Full HD, but it surely’s only a digital zoom. We’d suggest that, until you don’t have any different selection, chorus from utilizing the digital zoom; it should solely restrict what you are able to do with it in submit, and it’ll include a sharpness loss.
The extensive finish, at 25 mm, permits it to cowl a classroom or workplace house with ease. The lengthy finish pulls tight on a face from throughout a health club. For sports activities, theater, or wildlife, that attain is a present. We’d have appreciated to see an extended optical zoom, however at this value, it’s not anticipated.
Picture high quality
The HC-X2100 data as much as UHD 4K at 60 frames per second (fps). It makes use of 10-bit HEVC compression at as much as 200 Mbps. The recordsdata are commonplace MP4/MOV, prepared for all main modifying methods.
The colour is tuned for broadcast and occasion work. It doesn’t embody log profiles or HDR. This implies you’ll not get the identical dynamic vary as a mirrorless or cinema digicam. However the recordsdata are prepared at hand over to a consumer or station with out the necessity for heavy grading.
In vivid gentle, the 1/2.5-inch MOS sensor provides crisp element. In dim gentle, noise begins to point out, as anticipated with this sensor dimension. Acquire management helps, however this isn’t a low-light monster. It performs greatest in managed or reasonable gentle.
Gradual movement
For inventive aptitude, the HC-X2100 data Full HD at 120 fps, providing a 5x slow-motion impact when slowed to 24 fps. Its sluggish movement is clear, sharp, and straightforward to set off. At occasions, capturing a bouquet toss or a dunk in sluggish movement will deliver life to the edit.
Stabilization
Handheld taking pictures is all the time a problem at lengthy zoom. Panasonic solutions with a hybrid five-axis system. It blends optical and digital stabilization. Ball O.I.S. is added to cut back micro-jitters.
Strolling photographs at extensive angles look easy. At full zoom, the picture nonetheless strikes, however it’s much more steady than it could be with out O.I.S. For skilled work, a tripod is right, however handheld clips from this camcorder are surprisingly regular.
Autofocus
Face detection and coloration recognition drive the autofocus. When filming a line of scholars transferring round a university campus, the digicam locks onto faces and stays there. It doesn’t chase the background. Monitoring transferring topics is dependable, even in reasonably busy frames.
The main focus transition isn’t lightning quick, however it’s regular and pure. This makes it helpful for documentary and ENG work the place sudden jumps are distracting.
Audio
Audio makes or breaks video. The HC-X2100 features a removable deal with. On it, Panasonic offers us with two XLR inputs that help phantom energy. Which means condenser microphones can plug in instantly.
The deal with additionally features a REC button, a zoom lever and even an LED gentle. For run-and-gun shooters, it is a huge benefit. The built-in mic is suitable for reference, however the XLR inputs are the place this camcorder shines. Clear preamps reduce hiss. A 3.5 mm headphone jack permits correct monitoring.
Viewfinder and display
Two shows assist with framing. The OLED digital viewfinder has 1.77 million dots. It tilts for consolation and works properly with glasses. The LCD is a 3.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen with 2.76 million dots. Each are vivid sufficient for out of doors use in most situations. Menus comply with Panasonic’s professional camcorder fashion. They aren’t flashy, however they’re direct. As soon as arrange, they hardly ever trigger you any points.
Recording workflow
The HC-X2100 has two SD card slots. You may set them to relay, for nonstop recording throughout playing cards, or backup, for immediate duplicates. On a 512 GB card, you’ll be able to count on greater than eight hours of 4K 10-bit footage.
The recordsdata import simply into modifying software program. MOV or MP4 containers are universally accepted.
Energy and cooling
The provided Panasonic AG-VBR battery runs for greater than 4 hours. That matches the camcorder’s steady recording capacity. USB-PD energy supply permits you to run it from cellular battery packs or AC adapters.
Inside, a skinny cooling fan and sensible warmth design forestall overheating. We left the digicam rolling for hours. It stayed steady. No shutdowns.
Livestreaming
Streaming is inbuilt. Twin-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz) helps RTSP, RTP, RTMP and RTMPS. You may ship on to platforms like YouTube or Fb. For multi-camera work, HDMI provides UHD 10-bit output, whereas 3G-SDI provides FHD 10-bit output over lengthy cable runs.
Distant management is feasible by the HC ROP app. A cellphone or pill connects wirelessly, displaying a stay view and offering full management. That is helpful when the digicam is locked on a tripod in a crowded corridor.
Constructed-in ND filters
Open air, gentle can overwhelm small sensors. The HC-X2100 features a built-in ND wheel with clear, 1/4, 1/16 and 1/64 choices. This helps hold shutter pace and depth of subject below management. No screw-on filters wanted.
Constructed-in gentle
The small LED on the removable deal with appears to be like simple to dismiss. One gentle on a camcorder this dimension appears unlikely to matter. But in apply, it does. In a darkish room, it added simply sufficient fill to cut back noise and convey out element. The beam is delicate and subtle, so faces stay pure with out harsh shadows. It’s not an alternative choice to correct lighting, and in daylight, it makes no impression. Nonetheless, for fast interviews or run-and-gun taking pictures in dim areas, it’s a useful function.
Area checks
We took the Panasonic HC-X2100 into real-world conditions. The outcomes inform a transparent story. In vivid gentle, the 4K picture was crisp, displaying wonderful element in cloth and hair. Downsampled HD footage held up properly. In dim rooms, the 1/2.5-inch MOS sensor began to point out grain above 12 dB acquire, although the footage was nonetheless usable. The dynamic vary labored for daylight and indoor occasions, although highlights clipped at extremes.
The zoom coated every little thing from tight lecture rooms to distant phases. At 25 mm, we might seize a small room with out backing up. At 600 mm, a speaker stuffed the body from the again of a room. Sharpness softened barely on the lengthy finish however remained usable for broadcast or occasion work. Autofocus locked onto faces and stayed there. Transitions between topics had been easy and pure. In low gentle, focus slowed however by no means hunted wildly. Topic monitoring stayed dependable even in reasonably busy frames.
Stabilization impressed us. Handheld strolling photographs at a large angle had been regular. At lengthy zoom, Ball O.I.S. lowered micro-jitters. Whereas panning at most zoom nonetheless confirmed motion, it was much better than taking pictures with out stabilization. Audio checks confirmed the built-in mic labored indoors however picked up wind outside. With an XLR shotgun plugged into the removable deal with, the sign was clear. Phantom energy labored with out challenge. The headphone jack offered correct monitoring, and the preamps had been quiet sufficient to not be a difficulty.
Recording checks had been easy. Twin SD card relay recording permits for seamless switching between playing cards. Modifying the MOV and MP4 recordsdata was simple and proceeded with out challenge. Battery life matched Panasonic’s declare: about 4.5 hours of runtime. Moreover, when utilizing USB-PD energy supply, the digicam remained operational all day with out experiencing warmth points. Streaming additionally labored as promised. Wi-Fi related shortly, and HDMI and SDI outputs had been stable, even in multi-camera setups. Having an SDI output at this value level is incredible.
The ND filter wheel proved helpful outside. Switching between clear, 1/4, 1/16 and 1/64 settings allowed us to carry the shutter pace regular with out altering the aperture. In daylight, publicity management was easy and efficient. Lastly, sluggish movement at 120 fps in Full HD appeared sharp and easy. Motion photographs, like a basketball dunk or bouquet toss, immediately gained drama.
Collectively, these checks demonstrated that the HC-X2100 is a camcorder constructed for reliability. It dealt with lengthy occasions, diverse lighting, and sophisticated manufacturing wants with regular outcomes.
Market
On this value vary, competitors is tight, however the HC-X2100 manages to carve out a transparent lead. The Canon XA65 ($2,299) affords a 20× zoom and inner 4K30 recording however lacks 4K60. The Panasonic HC-X2100 stretches additional with extra attain and a better body price. Shifting up, the Canon XA70 ($2,499) features a bigger one-inch sensor for higher low-light efficiency, however solely delivers a 15× zoom and nonetheless no 4K60. The Canon XA75 ($2,999) mirrors the XA70’s specs however provides SDI output, whereas nonetheless skipping 4K60.
Sony’s HXR-NX80 ($2,299) impresses with its fast autofocus and HDR capabilities, though its 12x zoom and 4K30 ceiling make it much less versatile for occasion protection. In the meantime, JVC’s GY-HC500U ($2,295) stands out with ProRes 422 recording, stable streaming instruments and a 20× zoom, however its bigger box-style physique and heavier weight make it much less handy for handheld or cellular taking pictures.
At $2,199, the Panasonic HC-X2100 delivers 4K60 recording, an extended 24× optical zoom, twin XLR audio inputs and built-in streaming. It strikes among the finest balances of options, portability and value amongst its friends.
Is it definitely worth the buy?
The Panasonic HC-X2100 proves itself as a reliable instrument constructed for working shooters. It’s not attempting to compete with cinema cameras or mirrorless hybrids; it’s designed to carry out the place reliability, endurance, and ease of use matter most. For occasion videographers, colleges, church buildings, and broadcasters, it checks practically each field: lengthy steady recording, steady autofocus, robust zoom vary, skilled audio choices and built-in streaming.
Its 1/2.5-inch sensor limits low-light efficiency, and the shortage of log or HDR recording means it’s not meant for tasks that demand intensive coloration grading. Nonetheless, in managed or well-lit environments, the picture high quality is sharp, colourful and production-ready straight out of the digicam. Mixed with its lengthy battery life, twin SD card slots, and strong stabilization, the HC-X2100 delivers constant outcomes below real-world strain.
Panasonic has positioned the HC-X2100 as a workhorse that delivers skilled options with out skilled complications.
Strengths
4K 60fps at 10-bit
24× optical zoom
Twin XLR with phantom energy
Stabilization system
Constructed-in ND filter
Twin SD slots
Battery life
built-in livestreaming functionality
Light-weight
Weaknesses
Small 1/2.5-inch sensor limits low-light efficiency
No V-LOG or HDR profiles
Dynamic vary is proscribed in comparison with mirrorless and cinema cameras
Tech specs
Picture sensor1/2.5-inch-Sort MOSSensor resolutionEffective: 8.29 megapixelImage stabilizationDigitalBuilt-in ND filterMechanical Filter Wheel with 6-stop (1/64), 2-stop (1/4), 4-stop (1/16), clear ND filtersCapture typeStills and videoShutter typeElectronic rolling shutterShutter speed1/8000 to 1/6 second in Film ModeSensitivityf/1.8 at 4 luxMinimum illumination1.5 luxWhite balanceRange: 2,000 to fifteen,000 KPresets: ATW, AutoLens focal length4.12 to 98.9 mm (35 mm equal: 25 to 600 mm)Lens zoom24x opticalLens most aperturef/1.8Lens minimal aperturef/4Lens filter size62 mmLens management ringsZoomFocusInternal recordingAVCHD 4:2:0 8-bit1920 x 1080p at 50/59.94 fps1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps1280 x 720 at 50/59.94 fpsMOV 4:2:0 10-bitUHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/50/29.97/59.94 fpsMOV 4:2:2 10-bitUHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/50/29.97/59.94 fps1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fpsMOV 4:2:0 8-bitUHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/50/29.97/59.94 fpsMP4 4:2:0 10-bitUHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/50/29.97/59.94 fpsMP4 4:2:0 8-bitUHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps1920 x 1080p at 23.98/50/59.94 fpsVideo output4:2:2 10-bit through HDMIUHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/50/25/59.94/29.97 fps1920 x 1080p at 23.98/50/25/59.94/29.97 fps1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps1280 x 720 at 50/59.94 fps720 x 576p at 50 fps720 x 480p at 59.94 fps4:2:2 10-bit through SDI/BNC1920 x 1080p at 23.98/50/25/59.94/29.97 fps1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps1920 x 1080PsF at 29.97 fps1280 x 720 at 50/59.94 fps720 x 576p at 59.94 fps720 x 480p at 59.94 fpsFast-/slow-motion supportYesBuilt-in microphoneStereoAudio recordingAVCHD, MP4: 2-channel, 16-bit at 48 kHzIP streamingH.264, RTSP, RTMP, RTP, RTMPS1920 x 10801280 x 720640 x 360320 x 180Media/reminiscence card slotSingle slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) [512 GB maximum]Inside storageNoVideo I/O1x HDMI output1x BNC (3G-SDI) outputAudio I/O2x XLR 3-Pin Mic/Line Enter (+48 V Phantom Energy)1x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS stereo microphone input1x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS stereo headphone outputPower I/O1x USB-C (9VDC at 3 A) inputOther I/O1x 2.5 mm sub-mini (distant) control1x USB-CWireless5.8 GHz Radio/RF / 2.4 GHz Radio/RFMobile app compatibleYes: Android & iOSApp identify: HC ROPGlobal positioning (GPS, GLONASS, and many others.)NoMonitor cisplay typePrimary monitor: Articulating 3.5-inch touchscreen LCDViewfinder typeElectronic (OLED)Viewfinder resolution1,770,000 dotPower batteryPanasonic AG-VBR SeriesPower consumption12.3 WShoe mount1x chilly shoeBuilt-in video lightYesDimensions (W x H x D)5.1 x 6.3 x 10.5″ / 129 x 159 x 267 mm (with deal with, included lens hood)Weight1.87 lb / 0.85 kg (physique solely)
