A Camcorder in 2024? Panasonic AG CX350 First Impressions after 90 Days

Summary

Join Robert Hamm as he explores the Panasonic AG-CX350 camcorder, sharing his first impressions after 90 days of use. Despite the changing landscape of video recording technology, Robert makes a case for this powerful camcorder, highlighting its impressive specs like 4K recording at 60 fps, dual SD card slots, and 13.5 stops of dynamic range. He discusses how these features make it his favorite piece of gear, perfect for studio use and offering excellent 1080p recording quality. However, minor drawbacks like limited gain access and a slight fan noise are noted, yet they don’t overshadow the camcorder’s advantages. Dive in to find out if this classic approach to video making is still relevant today.

Highlights

• The AG-CX350's 4K 60fps recording makes it a powerhouse for professional video production. 🌟
• Robert Hamm appreciates the 13.5 stops of dynamic range in the studio environment. 🤩
• Despite being an older model, the camcorder supports state-of-the-art 4K HDR output. 🖥️
• A slight fan noise is detectable, but Robert suggests using external microphones to ease audio concerns. 🎙️
• Robert finds the 1080p recording unexpectedly impressive, challenging past perceptions of camcorder capabilities. 😲

Key Takeaways

• The Panasonic AG-CX350 camcorder is packed with features perfect for studio settings, especially with its 13.5 stops of dynamic range! 📸
• Despite the camcorder's age, it holds up in 2024, supporting 4K HDR output and high-quality 1080p recording. 🚀
• Minor issues like limited gain settings and fan noise are present, but they don't detract from its overall performance. 🔊
• Use of external microphones is recommended due to fan noise, but the camera still shines with its beautiful visuals and ease of use. 🎤
• The AG-CX350 is lauded for its detailed image quality, even in 1080p, defying expectations set by previous camcorders. 😊

Overview

In the ever-evolving world of video recording, Robert Hamm takes a nostalgic yet practical dive into the functionality of the Panasonic AG-CX350 camcorder, 90 days into testing. Each click and dial on this device feels like a symphony to the avid user, boasting impressive specs that make it a worthy contender in any videographer's toolkit.

Robert highlights that while the AG-CX350 showcases its age—particularly with issues such as limited gain adjustments and detectable fan noise—these are minor drawbacks in comparison to its stellar performance. It may not have the slim profile of modern devices, but it more than compensates with its robust capabilities.

The camcorder's ability to deliver mesmerizing 1080p footage, along with its stunning 4K and dynamic range, raises the standard even for modern videographers. By focusing on visual quality and camera control, Robert reveals why the AG-CX350 can still be a favorite, bridging past camcorder expectations with present-day demands.

Chapters

• 00:00 - 00:30: Introduction to Panasonic AG CX350 This chapter introduces the Panasonic AG CX350 camcorder, addressing questions about its relevance and appeal in 2024. The chapter aims to provide initial impressions and comparisons with other cameras, alongside a brief history of Panasonic camcorders.
• 00:30 - 01:00: Camera Lineup History The chapter provides an overview of Panasonic's camera lineup, focusing particularly on the AG CX 350 model. This camera is highlighted as the precursor to their current line, which includes newer models like the HCX 2 and HCX 20. These are described as the latest in Panasonic's Professional Series of connected type cameras. Additionally, the chapter mentions models such as the HCX1, HCX 1500, and 2000, emphasizing their smaller size and impressive image quality. The transcript provides personal insight as the speaker uses one of these cameras for recording and comments on its excellent image quality, especially noted throughout the month of February.
• 01:00 - 02:00: Initial Impressions and Specs The chapter begins with the speaker revealing that the primary video footage was captured using a specific camera, while the HCX 1500 or 2000 model served as the backup camera. The focus then shifts to the speaker's first impressions of the primary camera. The speaker expresses enthusiasm about the camera's numerous buttons, knobs, and dials, appreciating the tactile feel and the control they offer over audio and interfaces. The camera's recording capabilities are highlighted, including the feature of dual SD card slots supporting up to 400 megabits per second all intra-frame recording, with 10-bit color depth at 60 frames per second in 4K resolution.
• 02:00 - 03:00: Studio Use and Dynamic Range The chapter titled 'Studio Use and Dynamic Range' discusses the use of a specific camcorder, emphasizing its capability to output to an HDR monitor and supporting cine V and HLG with 13-12 stops of dynamic range. The author shares personal satisfaction with using the camcorder in a studio setting, highlighting its impressive specifications compared to full-frame alternatives. The camcorder is praised for its performance in certain situations, suggesting its practical application in studio environments.
• 03:00 - 04:00: 1080p Recording Quality In the chapter '1080p Recording Quality', the author discusses their studio setup, focusing on lighting and shooting preferences. They aren't overly concerned with achieving a blurry background because they often want to showcase elements of the set in their recordings. However, they can easily achieve a blur by zooming when needed. The camera's features, including 13.5 stops of dynamic range and face-detect autofocus, are praised as impressive and effective. The author expresses a strong preference for this particular camcorder, citing it as their favorite piece of gear, despite any minor dislikes they may have. Overall, the emphasis is on the excellent quality and satisfaction with the recording equipment.
• 04:00 - 05:00: Gain Settings and Screen Format Differences In this chapter, the speaker discusses their experience and newfound appreciation for recording in 100 megabits per second 1080p all-i format. They emphasize the high quality of 1080p all-i, expressing surprise at choosing this resolution over others due to its impressive output. The speaker notes they have never considered shooting in 1080p with previous camcorders or mirrorless cameras.
• 05:00 - 06:00: Viewfinder and Screen Features The chapter discusses the speaker's initial reluctance to use certain camera features, specifically the 1080P resolution in Panasonic models like the hcx 1500, hx2000, and hx10.
• 06:00 - 08:00: Camera Noise Issue The chapter discusses a specific issue related to camera noise focusing on the gain settings in various Panasonic camera models. The author compares the flexibility and options available in newer models like the HCX1500, HCX2000, and HCX1 to those in older models like the HC-X1 and UX180. The main complaint is about the lack of specific gain control switches in the newer models, which the author was used to managing through menu settings or on-the-fly adjustments in older models. The author expresses a preference for more granular control over gain, which was possible in previous camera models but seems to be restricted or less intuitive in the newer versions.
• 08:00 - 10:00: Microphone and Recording Setup The chapter discusses the microphone and recording setup, specifically focusing on the gain access method and screen format. It highlights the difference in granular gain settings which are limited to three positions accessible via a menu and switch. It also notes the screen's size and shape, which is more square and offers a smaller aspect ratio than the typical 16:9 rectangle, impacting the screen's apparent size.
• 10:00 - 11:00: Lens and Filter Usage The chapter discusses the user experience with a camera viewfinder, particularly appreciating the quality and functionality allowing use with glasses. It highlights the viewfinder's design feature of popping out as a positive, although not a necessity for the user. The chapter ends on an anecdotal note mentioning experiments with different cameras.
• 11:00 - 11:30: Conclusion and Viewer Engagement This chapter focuses on viewer engagement, specifically highlighting the importance of subscribing to be notified when new content is available. It also covers the technical issue encountered with various cameras, specifically a whining noise in the 400 to 430 kHz range identified during tests in Adobe Audition. This noise is noticeable in the audio spectrum and relates to the camera's fan operation.

A Camcorder in 2024? Panasonic AG CX350 First Impressions after 90 Days Transcription

• 00:00 - 00:30 friends have I got another treat for you today we're talking about the Panasonic agx 350 camcorder you guys know I love these have you been wondering about the hcx 350 there a camcorder right for you what in the world would someone buy a camcorder in 2024 for in the first place if you want to know answers to those questions in my initial impressions videos to Crown we're about to get into it okay friends before we jump into my initial thoughts of this camera and kind of comparisons to the other cameras that I've used I'd like to give you just a little bit of the history in case you
• 00:30 - 01:00 haven't seen some of the videos that I've done about Panasonic this camera right here the AG CX 350 is the granddaddy of Panasonic's current line of cameras that includes the hcx 2 hcx 20 which are their newest Professional Series connected type cameras as well as the hcx1 hcx 1500 and 2000 which is the smaller camera the one over 2.5 in camera that I'm recording on here today and that you guys have seen so much the image quality coming off of this camera is great and for all of February every
• 01:00 - 01:30 video that you saw produced on February was shot with this camera at the helm and my hcx 1500 or 2000 was the backup camera the bcam that did a lot of the close end shots so now that you know that let's move on to my initial Impressions look at this thing all the buttons that you'd like the knobs the buttons the dials they feel great all of your control on your audio and your interface right here we've got beautiful two SD cards in the back up to 400 megabits per second all eye internal recording 10 bit 60 frames per second 4K
• 01:30 - 02:00 output to an HDR monitor such as your ninja you've also got cine V in here and hlg 13 12 stops of dynamic range this is a monster and I got to tell you I have absolutely enjoyed using it just here in the studio those are big specs when you're comparing to well fullframe and so when you think about that you might be tempted to say what in the world would I use a camcorder like this for and I can tell you it works great in
• 02:00 - 02:30 studio I set up my lights just like I would for anything else I'm not generally too concerned with a blurry background in this setting most of the time I want you to see some of the set elements and other things that I'm working on when I do want to get something blurry I can very easily zoom in the 13 and a half stops of dynamic range or something that's absolutely awesome and the face detect autofocus works like a tree there aren't many things to dislike about this camera in fact for me uh it's my favorite camcorder it's my favorite piece of gear that I've ever used although it's got the 400 megabits per second all ey
• 02:30 - 03:00 recording I actually haven't used it right I have been enamored with the 100 megabits per second 1080p all eye this has beautiful 1080 in fact the all eye is so nice on this made me use it here on the one you're watching and the reason that I say that is never in a million years did I shoot in 1080P none of the other camcorders that I've had in the past have I thought about shooting in 1080p not even any of my mirrorless
• 03:00 - 03:30 cameras I just wouldn't do it like why would you do it so much so I never even tested the 1080P and the Panasonic hcx 1500 or 2000 hx10 I just didn't care about it boy was I wrong goodness I wish I had tested it before because even in the smaller sensored camera I absolutely love the all eye Panasonics all eye 100 megabits per second nice small file size and beautiful colors like the detail too what do you
• 03:30 - 04:00 think one of the things that I did find that was different other than just the gain settings I I've used these switches before uh the difference being is because I've used the Panasonic hcx 1500 or 2000 hcx1 it does not have these switches which is fine I expected to be able to set in the menu or on the fly like 11 DB of gain or 3 DB of gain or minus 2 DB of gain I something I do often with the other cameras even the earlier older HC X1 H uh ux180 not here
• 04:00 - 04:30 here you can't access the gain in such granular steps you have to set it in the menu and then access it on a three position switch so basically you have three choices for gain so that was a difference also the screen although the screen is nice and big um it's actually a slightly different format it's more Square than it is 16 by9 a rectangular you get a smaller aspect ratio it doesn't look as big as is the screen
• 04:30 - 05:00 that I'm used to using however the viewfinder is amazing and with this nice soft eye cup I can use it with my glasses on everything works great looks great I absolutely enjoy it love it the fact that it pops out and opens up like that is a plus but it was never something that was a big deal for me in the first place does your camera if you have an agx 350 does it wine right does it eat some cheese okay uh the reason I'm saying this is that I actually went through several cameras with KH spoiler alert I hope I didn't
• 05:00 - 05:30 say too much don't forget to subscribe to see it when the video drops you can hear the story however all the cameras that I tested experience this wine and what I have is a 400 to 430 khz wine fan wine fan noise that pops up in -76 to -66 DB in Adobe Audition when I test it out that you can actually hear as an audible part of the spectrum it's in there and it turns on I can tell you exactly what's happening as the camera sits the fan
• 05:30 - 06:00 ramps up and gets uh faster when it doesn't detect that the camera is being used now does it turn on and do this when it's on a tripod yes it does does it really affect the recording yes it makes it to the recording a notch filter can get rid of it you most most likely won't hear it and if you're going handheld you won't hear it at all because the camera will recognize it's not on a stable platform and it won't turn the fan on high unless I guess it gets really hot but in any event
• 06:00 - 06:30 it's irritating so my question for you is does yours whine and if it does let me know in the comments below please as that is the case does it really affect your overall use no because who in their right mind would use this camera with the onboard microphone even a shotgun microphone is kind of pushing it what are you usually going to use you're going to use a handheld mic a lavalier mic you're going to use a boom mic you're going to use a wireless mic of some sort so none of that makes any difference in any event this is my first first look as you see it kitted out I'll
• 06:30 - 07:00 finish off with the p resistance tell you how I use it generally speaking I've got my zoom shotgun mic right here and I will use a wireless mic pack that I plug in right here and now I've got a wireless mic as well as uh a wired mic and a separate recorder this records in 24-bit 48 khz sample rate I compare that with this two beautiful recordings a wireless mic hand that can go off camera just to the
• 07:00 - 07:30 talent uh lavalier microphone anything like that and it's beautiful I use a moo wind sock right here because well I like it I think it works well and it helps cut down the wind quite a bit especially when you're using that on camera microphone these microphones are omnidirectional microphones but they seem to have a pattern that really points towards the front so they could be directional and I just misremembering and when I think about that I think about this lens Hood lens hood is nice but what I have on here I have just a KN
• 07:30 - 08:00 andf filter I have the Nano D1 they're like 20 bucks or 30 bucks it's just the black mist filter the 1/8 setting the 1/8 strength and that just makes everything just so very pretty for stuff like this in fact you're seeing that through a 1/8 that 1/8 filter as well so if you like any of the bloom and the light that you see if you like what it does to the skin there you go that's a practical use for it right here okay so that's it let me know what you think do you agree do you disagree help me out here do you have one what are your thoughts on it what have you recorded
• 08:00 - 08:30 with it and if you like this video the easiest way to show your support is to like subscribe share share and use the Amazon affiliate links down below as your way of saying thanks Rob for your help guys I'm Rob want to thank you for watching remind you I'll catch you on the flip side bye for [Music] now