January 22, 2020
4 min read
For run-and-gun shooters, having a compact and lightweight camera is essential for capturing your most dynamic shots. The AG-CX10 is currently the smallest and lightest 4K 60p integrated lens camcorder on the market. Whether you're shooting sports action, news content, documentaries, or streaming live on YouTube, the CX10 and its versatile recording capabilities will allow you to record high quality footage without the workarounds of a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Also, with its integrated 24x optical zoom lens with built-in ND filters, you won't need to lug around additional lenses and filters in your camera bag.
We sat down with Senior Product Manager Steve Cooperman to discuss the CX10, including the target audience of the camcorder, multiple shooting formats and codecs, the differences between its big brother, the AG-CX350, and more.
Introducing The AG-CX10 4K Handheld Camcorder
QUESTION: In a nutshell, what is the CX-series of cameras?
STEVE COOPERMAN: The Panasonic CX Series cameras includes the AG-CX350 1” 4K handheld camcorder, AJ-CX4000 large sensor shoulder mount ENG camera, and now the NEW AG-CX10 handheld camcorder. All three models offers a wide range of features, codecs and formats, a variety of audio and video connectivity, as well as IP workflows, including RTMP streaming to Facebook Live, YouTube and other social sites.
QUESTION: In your opinion, who is the AG-CX10 designed for?
STEVE COOPERMAN: The CX10’s small size and feature set make it a great camcorder in situations where you’re shooting in small spaces or run & gun scenarios. This works well for unscripted and reality TV production, documentaries, college sports, local news and multimedia journalists, and IP Production / Streaming.
The CX10's lightweight and compact body make it ideal for handheld run-and-gun shooting.
QUESTION: What recording codecs does the AG-CX10 capture?
STEVE COOPERMAN: The CX10 offers high-quality, versatile recording, including 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording with maximum 29.97p in UHD, and maximum 59.94p in FHD. The CX10 also supports the new, highly efficient H.265 HEVC recording (LongGOP/10-bit 4:2:0/MOV), for up to 4K / 59.94p at 200 Mbps. This is very useful for when you need high video quality and long shooting times in unscripted and documentary situations. As for file formats, in addition to MOV, MP4, and AVCHD, the AG-CX10 also supports P2 MXF (AVC-LongG, plus AVC-Intra100/50 future support).
QUESTION: What are some of the key differences between the AG-CX350 and the CX10?
STEVE COOPERMAN: The CX10 and its ‘big brother’, the CX350, share many similarities in features, codecs and recording formats. But there are a few differences. For example, the CX10 offers a 24x optical zoom, while the CX350 has a 20x optical zoom. And this longer CX10 optical zoom is directly related to the difference in sensor size, as the CX350 has a 1” sensor, and the CX10 offers a 1/2.5" sensor. And while the CX10 has almost the same codecs and formats as the CX350, the CX10 does not offer All-I 400 Mb/s, nor P2 AVC LongG 12 Mb/s. And while both models offer wireless capability, the CX10 has embedded wireless (standard), while the CX350 offers the flexibility of purchasing a different wireless module, which is useful if the camera is taken to a different country, such as the US based AJ-WM50 Wi-Fi module (list price $160).
The CX10 has a 24x optical zoom and high-precision auto-focus, including Face Detection AF/AE
QUESTION: Talk a little about the camcorder’s zoom lens.
STEVE COOPERMAN: The CX10 has a great long & wide lens. Firstly, it offers a 24x optical zoom, in UHD. This zoom is great for unscripted content and those situations where you require a long zoom. And even better, it offers a 25mm wide capability, which is great for close-ups while shooting in cars and small spaces. When you require a longer zoom, the CX10 also offers a Digital zoom (2x/5x/10x), as well as an iZoom 48x (FHD) / 32x (4K) functionality.
QUESTION: What sort of focusing tools does the CX10 offer?
STEVE COOPERMAN: Panasonic's exclusive high-precision auto focus provides high-speed, accurate focusing for both 4K and Full-HD shooting. This functionality is very useful in unscripted and news shooting. And the CX10 offers a variety of focus related functions, including One-Push Auto Focus. The focus functionality also offers Face Detection, to precisely capture subjects, as well as usage of color recognition, where tracking of subjects is improved, without interruption, when the face moves.
The CX10 includes an Ethernet connection for streaming, as well as optional NDI|HX connectivity for use in live production.
QUESTION: What are some additional shooting tools?
STEVE COOPERMAN: For shooting of unscripted, reality TV, news and sports, the CX10 long optical zoom and focus features really come in handy. And to help support these features, especially for handheld shooting, the CX10 offers 5-Axis Hybrid OIS (optical image stabilization). This mode detects and corrects motion in 5 axis, including rotational blurring.
QUESTION: What IP Networking functions does the CX10 offer?
STEVE COOPERMAN: The CX10 includes advanced IP networking features, such built-in Wi-Fi support for HD Live Streaming to YouTube, Facebook and other Social sites via RTMP / RTMPS / RTSP protocols. In addition, the CX10 includes an Ethernet connection for streaming, as well as optional NDI|HX connectivity for use in live production. Even better, it offers ROP (remote operating) control via tablets and smart phones.
QUESTION: What about Audio / Video I/O’s and other features?
STEVE COOPERMAN: The CX10 includes professional connectivity, such as 3G SDI and HDMI for monitoring and output to external recorders, as well as two XLR inputs for professional audio recording. Even better, it has a small, built-in mic, as well as a built-in LED video light, to help in dark shooting situations.
Watch INDIE Shooter's exclusive review of the AG-CX10
The AG-CX10 will be available in March 2020. For more information, click through here.
