Panasonic AG-UX180 4K Premium Professional Camcorder
UPC's:
MPN's:
Review after variety of testing
In an effort to make this review more helpful I have waited until using the UX180 on a number of jobs. I have now used it shooting car commercials ,football, a live indoor awards event, and outside a vehicle doing car to car highway driving shoots. I also have used a number of other cameras which I will reference in an effort to give others something to compare to (Sony NEX FS700R, NEX EA50, Panasonic AG DVC60, DVX100B, HMC150, AC90A and DMC FZ25... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great image, versatile formats, some design frustrations
I purchased the UX180 to replace my AC160A. I like the AC160A, but thought it was a good time to upgrade to something with a sharper image. Originally I was evaluating the UX180 as a 4K camera, but it's better to consider it as an HD camera, and think of the 4K as icing on the cake. The reason? First, there is some serious lag on the viewfinder and LCD when in 4K mode, because of the 4K processing. That can make it difficult to manually focus on ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Flexibility in one package
In 2017 I had a run and gun convention project that made more sense to do with a camcorder than a DSLR. At the time I was shooting with a GH4 and thought this camera made the most sense to match it. The long story short I still have the UX180 and sold the GH4 ( more to that story but essentially transitioned back to Sony with the a7III). Any camera is about the good, the bad and the ugly. Lets start with the good. Lots of record options and des... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Fine camcorder for a wide variety of shooting
Panasonic loaned me an AG-UX180 for a couple of weeks, and I have since posted a review of the camera on YouTube. Here are some thoughts I have on the UX180, which is a pretty nice camera. In case you are wondering, the AG-UX180 and HC-X1 are nearly identical. The only difference is that the UX180 has BNC HD-SDI and timecode connectors, and the HC-X1 has neither of those. Otherwise, the two cameras are identical. If you don't need HD-SDI and/or t... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Run and Gun workhorse
I purchased a Panasonic ag ac130a about four years ago here at B and H. Saying to myself eh, who needs 4k? Of course at the time, hold onto your wallet. Today, not so much. The Panasonic AG UX90 is a dream come true for it's design and price point. I do studio/interview work along side nature stock footage. The writing is on the wall for stock footage. Where 2k is just fine for web and somewhat above above use for interviews, news etc., the 4k is... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
My New Work Horse!
It took me a while to buy this camera, I wasn't sure if I was going to just get another Canon or Sony. But after much research this baby is my new work horse. First I have to say the guy who gave this camera a 3 star rating is not a professional videographer. Any professional would tell you the LCD on ANY camera can not be used outdoors!. That's why there is a viewfinder. I have been filming events for 8 years now and I can tell you not one time ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Good Upgrade
I purchased this camera to replace my aging AG-HMC40 which has served me well. I frequently film plays in theaters for the casts. The HMC-40 always turned out acceptable video in the low light of the theaters, but there were times it struggled. This camera arrived 1:00pm on the first day of a play and I had no trouble getting up to speed on its operation by the 7:00pm showtime, including formatting SD cards, charging batteries, etc. The menu syst... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
first impressions good
So I actually was really worried right out of the box that the review entitled "Great video but bad audio. ByAaron" was correct. My headphone output had an awful delay on it and I was really worried the only way to get good audio was to use my Zoom H6 and essentially scrap the idea of having two great XLR inputs on my new AG-UX90 that would be worth anything. Well, after a lot of reading and finding a manual online I found this little nugget of i... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Unbeatable bang for the buck
Pros: True 2160p60 out of the box Has all the features you'd expect from a professional camera Lens has 20x optical zoom and is calibrated accurately Good color accuracy Good internal stereo microphones Cons: Light levels could be better. If you aren't shooting in direct sunlight you'll need to open the iris and add some gain. Build quality is questionable. Immediately picking the thing up out of the box you'll realize how light weight it is. It'... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Event Videographers Dream Camera
I wrote a review a few weeks after I purchased this camera. Now that it has been over 6 Months and over 30 events later.... STILL LOVE IT. Here is why: 1. The Battery Life.... I was able to film a Torah Reading at a Synagogue in the Morning and the Bar Mitzvah Party in the Evening with the same Battery. I have filmed 14 Hour Weddings capturing the Pre-Wedding, Formals, Cocktail, Ceremony and Reception all on the same Battery. The camera does com... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
This Video Cam Rocks!
I spent about 5 weeks comparing the UX90, the UX180, the HC X1, the DVX200 and the Sony Z150. I'm a life long photog and started doing serious video about 3 years ago. This is THE ONE that will works best for me! Why? It does 80% of what the others do (and 100% of what I need it to do) for an extremely reasonable price! No it doesn't do EVERYTHING the other do but it does exactly what I need it to do. Keep that in mind when YOU are selecting the ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Upgrade to 4k/60p
I purchased this camcorder to replace a Sony FDR-AX100 I use primarily for my own personal video and family event. In direct comparison with the Sony, this camera excels in both picture detail and, of course, the 60P capabilities of 4K. The zoom range allows me to zoom close to 500mm and the image stabilization is top notch. I am primarily running this camera on the auto mode, but I have increased the Master Detail as well as noise reduction. I f... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Panasonic is closing the gap....
One of Aesop's Fables chronicled the story of the six blind men standing around the elephant. Each was asked his perception of what he was touching with his hand. Many different opinions. The same with the reviews of any camera. Even if a camera had a full frame sensor, a 11-600mm zoom, shallow depth of field, XLR sound, 8k and you could hold it in your hand, there would still be reviewers with 2 or 3 stars. I believe the secret to camera happine... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
AG-UX180.
I just received my new AG-UX180. So far, it is everything I expected. Though I have not shot much video yet, what I have, looks amazing. The auto-focus is amazing, functionality is superb and for the great price, I don't think I could do better. This camera is a great value and B & H shipped it quite on-time for it being a pre-order. I have only (2) small issues. One, is there is a firmware update and no help on how to get it on the camera. I did... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Outperforms all DSLR/Camcorders under $20K except AG-UX180!
I've been making broadcast commercial, films and documentaries since 1979. Since November I have been carefully reviewing 4K cameras and lenses both DSLR and Camcorders. If I had the extra dollars I would have bought the AG-UX180 since it can do true 4K, has a 20:1 lens and has SDI outputs. I bought the AG-UX90 because I am on a tight budget and because the AG UX-90 out performs SONY and CANON cameras in every way: picture quality, lens quality, ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Recommended camera, my first Panasonic's
This is my first Panasonic camera, coming from Canon cameras for the last 15 years or more. I really loved my Canon XM1's but the time came to move to HD. I initially considered Canon XA35s, with superior optical zoom (20x instead of 15) and SDI out, but having remained on SD longer than we should have I didn't want to join HD late in the game then find everyone has moved to 4K! A combination of the UX90's UHD record format and 1 sensor, along wi... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
HIGH CP VALUE! I have picked AG-UX90 n gave up Sony pxw-z150
The spec of Panasonic Ag-UX90 is very similar to $ony pxw-z150. With Sensor 1.0 , able to make UHD 4k up to 30p. Lots of button on the body which is convenient. The Leica Lens is nice, 15x zoom and wide angle. The price is $2,095 only but you can have most function of a $ony pwx-z150 which cost $3,199. However, the BNC (3G-SDI) output is missing and 1.15lb heavier. But it's not a problem for me because I didn't use the BNC (3G-SDI) output. One mo... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I have picked Panasonic AG-UX90 and gave up Sony PXW-Z150
The spec of Panasonic Ag-UX90 is very similar to $ony pxw-z150. With Sensor 1.0 , able to make UHD 4k up to 30p. Lots of button on the body which is convenient. The Leica Lens is nice, 15x zoom and wide angle. The price is $2,095 only but you can have most function of a $ony pwx-z150 which cost $3,199. However, the BNC (3G-SDI) output is missing and 1.15lb heavier. But it's not a problem for me because I didn't use the BNC (3G-SDI) output. One mo... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Eh, it's okay but not for me.
I was very excited to step up to the AG-UX180 from my AG-160a, until I shot on it for an EFP shoot, which was moving pretty fast, and I expected more of a shallow DOF. The 1 sensor does pretty good in low light, but I think the hype of shallow depth of field is waaaaay overrated. If you want a Cinema look, stick with primes. My C300 and 5D Mark III are still my go to for interviews. Overall, if you are a run and gun old school shooter like me, yo... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
B&H... the only place to buy your gear. Thank you
I made the mistake of trying to purchase the AG-UX90 from a different seller (because they offered a bundle kit and it was cheaper than just the camera on B&H... don't worry, it's not worth it) and had a horrible time. Took them 10 days before they shipped it, it arrived as a PAL version instead of NTSC, the return cost me $57 to ship it back to them, and then they couldn't get me the NTSC version, which is specifically how they described it on t... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Panasonic crushes it with bang for buck.
We produce many types of videos from national to corporate to documentary. We currently have Canon's, a Red Epic, and needed a run and gun style camcorder with 4K to fit that nitch of industrial or corporate projects that don't need the highest end cine cam. The UX180 fits the bill and then some. With SDI and HDMI and Timecode outs it's pro level for on set monitoring. 4K at up to 200Mb/sec is incredible on stock SD cards. Sianara P2 cards! Good ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Worst Camera for NCAA and NFL Teams
I work for the University of Delaware. The NFL and the NCAA have agreed that when recording games, for the coaches, the video looked & worked the best when it was recorded in 720/60fps. The AC160 and AC130 were great cameras and shot a clear picture at 720/60fps. When I called Panasonic Sales I was told that the UX180 and UX160 cameras were supposed to be an upgrade from the AG-AC160 and the AG-AC130. That is simply not the case. When recording i... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great but not quite for me
Well I chose this camera because I wanted the long zoom lens, the HDMI and SDI, the 60P codecs. The 4K was just cherry on top. Several reviews mention the poor brightness of the LCD, which I thought I could live with or buy an external monitor to put on top... well turns out you cant send the overlay text to an external monitor.... The text on the LCD screen is so small I have to squent to read. I also compared the images in the direct 422 SDI ou... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Hopeful, but no
I really wanted to like this. I do not claim to be any sort of professional, but I have been editing for about 15 years. The stabilization and colors on the camera are great! I love how this camera feels and how smooth everything comes out. On the other hand, this camera is a noisy mess. And I'm not just talking about in low light situations. I took it out on a bright sunny day, iris wide open, 0db gain, and trained all picture profiles. There wa... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
