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  • Lens & Imaging System

  • Front

  • Right

  • Back

  • Left

  • Top

  • Audio Features

  • Compression

  • Media

  • Editing

  • Auto Mode

  • Zoom

  • Zoom Ratio

  • Focus

  • Exposure

  • Aperture

  • Shutter Speed

  • White Balance

  • Gain

  • Color & Image Controls

  • Other Manual Controls

  • Still Features

  • Ease of Use

  • Handling

  • Portability

  • LCD & Viewfinder

  • Menus

  • Playback

  • Connectivity

  • Other Features

  • Conclusion

  • Photo Gallery

  • Lens & Imaging System
  • Front
  • Right
  • Back
  • Left
  • Top
  • Audio Features
  • Compression
  • Media
  • Editing
  • Auto Mode
  • Zoom
  • Zoom Ratio
  • Focus
  • Exposure
  • Aperture
  • Shutter Speed
  • White Balance
  • Gain
  • Color & Image Controls
  • Other Manual Controls
  • Still Features
  • Ease of Use
  • Handling
  • Portability
  • LCD & Viewfinder
  • Menus
  • Playback
  • Connectivity
  • Other Features
  • Conclusion
  • Photo Gallery

Lens & Imaging System

Front

Obviously, the front of the camcorder is mostly taken up by the large lens. The AG-HPX300 features a 1/3-inch bayonet style lens mount. Below the lens are two ports—one is an XLR microphone input and the other is a 12-pin lens jack for linking the lens with the camcorder. The optional shotgun microphone is mounted on the camcorder in the image above.

There isn't too much on the right side of the AG-HPX300. The hand strap is located on the right side of the lens and a collection of ports is towards the back of the camcorder. In this cluster of ports you'll find an SDI-out, Genlock-in, TC-in, TC-out, Video-out, and two separate audio-out channels.

Back

The battery pack attaches itself to the back side of the AG-HPX300, just above a collection of ports. Compatible batteries come in numerous sizes and Panasonic lists the following batteries as being verified to work with the camcorder:

  • Anton/Bauer batteries: PROPAC14, TRIMPACK14, HYTRON50, HYTRON140, DIONIC90, DIONIC160
  • IDX batteries: NP-L7, ENDURA7, ENDURA10
  • Sony batteries: BP-GL65/95
  • PAG batteries: PAGL95

Beneath the battery platform is a row of ports. The DC-input is located here, as are 2 XLR audio inputs, a 10-pin wired remote connector, an SDI-output, and a firewire port. There is also a 4-pin DC-output located here.

Left

The left side of the AG-HPX300 has so many controls, an amateur videographer could get overwhelmed just by looking at it. The controls here are located in two sections: manual video controls towards the front and audio/playback buttons near the back. Sitting between these two collections of buttons is a 3.2-inch LCD panel and the camcorder's P2 media card slots. The large electronic viewfinder also extends out onto the left side of the camcorder.

Top

The top features a large handlebar for hoisting the camcorder around while it's not on your shoulder. Near the front of the handlebar is an accessory shoe. The shotgun microphone fits into the round holder that is directly across from the EVF. No microphone is included with the camcorder, but an optional shotgun mic can be purchased as an accessory.

Audio Features

The AG-HPX300 does not include a built-in microphone, so if you want to record audio with the camcorder you'll have to use an external mic. Panasonic sells the AG-MC200G and AJ-MC700P shotgun mics that fit with the AG-HPX300's onboard microphone holder and connect via the XLR input on the front of the camcorder. There are two more XLR inputs on the back side of the camcorder, which can be switched from line or mic input. A headphone jack and built-in speaker are also located on the AG-HPX300. In the front of the camcorder, on the right side are two audio-output pin jacks for outputting audio signals recorded on channels 1/2 and 3/4.

A wireless receiver can be connected to the AG-HPX300 for use with a wireless microphone. The receiver can be attached at the back of the camcorder, just above the battery compartment. In the audio control panel, you can switch the audio source for each channel between front (the mic-in XLR input), rear (the 2 channel mic/line XLR inputs), and wireless receiver. The audio control panel also +48V phantom power switches that can be used to provide power to microphones connected via XLR input. In all, the camcorder is capable of recording 4-channels of audio.

The audio panel features two audio level adjustment dials for controlling audio levels on Ch1 and C## Beneath the two dials are switches for selecting what channels are being monitored and whether the channels have auto or manual level control.

  

Compression

The Panasonic AG-HPX300 has a number of compression options for recording high definition video: AVC-Intra 100, AVC Intra 50, and DVCPRO HD. AVC-Intra is a newer codec from Panasonic that is based on the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 standards. It utilizes Intra-Frame (I-only) compression technology, which allows for processing to be completed in each frame. In comparison, HDV uses Long GOP compression, which processes across multiple frames. DVCPRO HD also uses I-only compression. The debate about which compression is better is a difficult one, but I-only compression should perform better for action sequences and fast-moving, high-detail footage.

The AVC-Intra 100 codec allows for full-pixel HD recording at 1920 x 1080 or 1280 x 720 and it supports the same bitrate as DVCPRO HD.The sampling format for AVC-Intra 100 is 10, 4:2:2 with a maximum bit rate of 100Mbps. AVC-Intra 50 is a low-bitrate (approx. 50Mbps) version of the same codec, and it records an image size of 1440 x 1080 with a 10 bit, 4:2:0 sampling format. Both codecs are based on the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 compression system.The camcorder also offers three compression options for recording standard definition video: DVCPRO 50, DVCPRO, and DV.

The table below lists each format the camcorder is capable of recording in as well as what compression is available for each format. Some formats record native, while others utilize pull down conversions.

Media

The AG-HPX300 records video to P2 memory cards, which are Panasonic's proprietary solid-state memory cards designed for professional camcorders. The cards are currently available in capacities ranging from 4GB to 64GB. The camcorder features two separate P2 card slots, which means you could theoretically have 128GB of storage space at one time on the AG-HPX300. If two P2 cards are loaded on the camcorder, the AG-HPX300 will instantly start recording on the second card when the first fills up—with no loss or stoppage in recording. Loop-recording, pre-recording, and interval recording are also available when two P2 cards are loaded in the camcorder.

There is also an SD/SDHC card slot on the AG-HPX300, located just above the P2 compartments. The camcorder cannot capture video onto SD/SDHC cards. Instead, the cards can be used to save user-created scene files, or for storing metadata about recorded footage. This metadata can be imported into compatible non-linear editing programs to allow you to bypass tedious logging and labeling.

Due to the non-linear nature of P2 cards, they offer a very different workflow for editing than tape-based camcorders. Continue on to our editing section to read about work flow solutions and editing issues with the AG-HPX300.

Below is a chart showing the maximum record times for each compression setting depending on the size of P2 card being used:

Editing

Workflow with editing is a big issue for professional camcorders. The P2 card system employed by the AG-HPX300 definitely has its benefits. Unlike HDV and tape-based camcorders, no real-time capturing or digitizing needs to take place with footage shot onto the cards. The recorded video is ready to go and can easily be transferred from P2 cards into a non-linear editing system within seconds.

It is true, of course, that video compressed with the HDV codec is compatible with more editing programs—especially older programs or software that is not up to date. Most current professional software, however, like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premier, work very well with Panasonic's AVC-Intra compression. The multiple compression options on the AG-HPX300 are also a definite plus when it comes to compatibility and flexibility in recording. In comparison the Sony PMW-EX3, which records to solid-state SxS cards, offers only Sony's proprietary XDCAM EX as a compression option.

Looking at workflow accessories, Panasonic has a number of drives and gear to assist with P2 transfer. The AJ-HRW10 P2 Rapid Writer offers quick and easy transfer between P2 cards and 3.5-inch removable hard disc drives. The AJ-HRW10 features five P2 slots and two HDD slots for speedy, simultaneous transfer. The model also has a 5-inch LCD screen that can be used for playback review. There's also the AJ-PCD35 P2 memory drive that allows for quick transfer of P2 footage to your computer using PCI Express interface. Both of these products are pricey optional accessories to the AG-HPX300, with the AJ-PCD35 marketing at $2,190 and the AJ-HRW10 listed at $9,995.

Auto Mode

The AG-HPX300 isn't really meant for novice users, so it doesn't have a dedicated auto mode. Some of the controls, like white balance, audio levels, and iris, can be set to run automatically, but the overall function of the camcorder requires a good deal of continued manual adjustment. The AG-HPX300 doesn't exactly have 'scene modes,' but the camcorder comes pre-loaded with a few scene files that are mean for specific shooting conditions:

  • FLUO - Indoor shooting under fluorescent light
  • SPARK - Highlighting subjects in low light situations
  • B-STR - Enhanced gradiations of luminance in low light scenes
  • CINE V - Cinema-like setting that prioritizes strong contrast
  • CINE D - Cinema-like setting that prioritizes dynamic range

There are also two auto iris controls—Spot, for shooting a subject lit by a spotlight, and Back, for providing backlight compensation.

Zoom

The zoom toggle on the AG-HPX300 is a large rocker on the right side of the lens. The rocker works well and is very similar in design to the one we reviewed on the Canon XL H1A. Zoom can also be manipulated on the lens itself, but the design and fit of the provided lens doesn't really allow for easy access to the zoom ring. The rocker is definitely the way to go if you want to zoom with the camcorder.

Zooming with the AG-HPX300, of course, will be entirely different depending on what lens you have attached to the camcorder. Each mounted lens will likely zoom a bit differently and the zoom system may be completely different if you're using a Fujinon lens vs. a Canon lens, etc.

Zoom Ratio

The provided Fujinon lens has a 17x optical zoom. Other Lenses are available with a wide range of zooms, focal lengths, and aperture ranges.

Focus

The provided lens has a large focus ring near its front. The ring has a tapered design so you can grip it either at its wide or narrow point—or somewhere in the middle. The focus ring is also a bit larger than we're used to seeing on other pro models in this price range. We liked the way the ring felt and it focused very well. Its grip was smooth and easy to hold onto. The tapered design also made the ring easier to hold and manipulate.

There are two focus assist functions on the AG-HPX300 as well as peaking. The first focus assist is a digital magnification tool that blows-up the center of the image to give you a better look at what you're focusing. The second assist is a focus bar that appears onscreen and extends further to the right when the image becomes more in focus. We found the bar wasn't all that useful in our experiments with the camcorder, but the magnification tool definitely helped. Peaking, a focus assist tool that produces a fine grain around the edges of your subject, is also well-implemented on the AG-HPX300. Peak level can be set from -7 to +7 and the frequency can be set to high or low. 

Exposure

There's no simple exposure control on the AG-HPX300. Image exposure can be manipulated by adjusting the iris (aperture), shutter speed, and gain settings on the camcorder.

Aperture

The iris (aperture) can be set to auto control, as well as offering manual adjustment. With the iris set to auto control, an auto iris level can be adjusted from -10 to +10. This essentially acts, in effect, like an auto exposure shift.

The provided lens has a maximum aperture of f/1 - f/1.4 depending on the focal length.

Shutter Speed

Shutter speed ranges from 1/6 to 1/2000 of a second on the AG-HPX300. The available shutter speeds change depending on what mode you are shooting in (60p/60i, 24p, or 30p). See the table to the right for all available shutter speeds in each mode.

The camcorder also has a feature called Synchro Scan mode, which allows for stepless shutter speed changes in a range between 1/60.0 and 1/249.8 of a second in 60i/60p mode. In 30p mode this range goes from 1/30.0 to 1/249.8 and in 24p mode from 1/24.0 to 1/249.8 of a second. With the mode activated, you can hold down the Synchro Scan button to speed up the rate of shutter speed changes. This allows for very precise shutter speed control, down to a tenth of a second.

White Balance

The AG-HPX300 features auto tracking white balance (ATW), which is essentially an auto white balance feature you'd find on a consumer camcorder. Limits can be set to what color temperatures and ranges the ATW will function. There is also an auto white balance setting that switches the color temperature between 3200K and 5600K.

You can also manually set the camcorder's white balance, which is what Panasonic recommends doing whenever there is a change of lighting condition. Manual white balances can be stored in the camcorder's memory under preset A or B. The camcorder also displays what Kelvin value the white balance is set at when you perform the adjustment manually. Color temperature can also be adjusted if you want to achieve cooler or hotter tones. The camcorder can set a manual white balance between 2300K and 9900K.

Black balance can also be adjusted on the camcorder, but Panasonic only recommends setting it the first time you use the device or if you haven't used the AG-HPX300 in a long time.

Gain

There is a three position gain selector on the side of the AG-HPX300. The levels are labeled L, M, and H and each can be set with a corresponding gain value ranging from -3dB to 12dB in three decibel steps. This is just like the gain switch system on the Sony HDR-FX1000. To set a switch with a specific gain value, you must go into the camcorder's menu system and assign the L, M, and H switches. There is also a setting to boost gain by 24dB, which can be set to a user button or accessed via the camcorder's menu. We expected to see more gain intervals on the AG-HPX300 and a  larger gain range—especially between 12dB and 24dB.

Color & Image Controls

The camcorder offers an extensive list of color and image controls. Most are found in the scene file section, which allows the user to create and save customized scenes—much like the custom presets on Canon models and picture profiles on Sony.

Other Manual Controls

*Table showing the variable frame rate options.

Image provided by Panasonic.*

 

Still Features

As is common for many professional camcorders, the AG-HPX300 cannot capture still images. The camcorder does have an SD/SDHC card slot, however, that can be used to save metadata for your videos. If you're looking for pro models with good still photo capability, check out Panasonic's new AG-HMC40, which can capture 10.6-megapixel still images.

Ease of Use

The Panasonic AG-HPX300 is a complex camcorder, even for pros. It isn't a prosumer model by any means—this device is meant to be used by someone who knows what they're doing. There's no special auto mode or large 'easy' button that is calling out for beginners. You really need to have a firm grasp on the equipment before you can jump in and shoot with the camcorder. That being said, the AG-HPX300 is still a highly functional tool that can be customized and handled with ease—as long as you know what you're doing.

Since many functions are difficult to access while you're shooting (like the menus), Panasonic designed the AG-HPX300 to be customized and preset with the options you want to use. The scene file system allows you to create your own shooting parameters, often settings you will use time and time again. This means you don't have to go into the menu every time you want to setup your favorite low light settings.

In comparison, the Canon XL H1A is a lot easier to use, especially if you're not familiar to pro equipment. Canon's XL H1 series of camcorders offer lots of auto features, including a dedicated auto mode, and places controls in an easy-to-access location with plenty of labels and information about what each button does. The Canon pro camcorders, however, don't offer nearly the amount of controls as the Panasonic AG-HPX300 and there design may be a bit too simplified for a professional user.

Handling

We were impressed with the feel of the Panasonic AG-HPX300. Carrying the device on your shoulder it really doesn't feel like it weighs 13 lbs. The shoulder mount is located in the middle of the camcorder body, which allows for very balanced control and places the weight exactly where it should be. It rests on your body much better than the Canon XL H1A and Sony PMW-EX3, both of which have shoulder mounts placed farther back on the camcorder.

Accessing buttons was not the easiest thing on the AG-HPX300, but we don't have too much experience with the camcorder. Once you get accustomed to the placement of all its controls, the camcorder is probably easier to work with. Still, we didn't like how all the controls are located in a large column near the front of the camcorder. Many buttons were hard to reach and it felt awkward to adjust them while looking through the viewfinder. We liked the spread-out, uncluttered array of controls on the Canon XL series better.

The preset switches near the bottom of the camcorder, however, were very easy to reach. Here you can adjust gain, white balance, and zebra controls. The focus ring on the lens was also very handy and well designed. Same goes with the zoom rocker on the right side of the camcorder. The audio controls are impossible to adjust while the camcorder is sitting on your shoulder, but we doubt anyone would be doing much audio adjustment while filming on the fly.

Portability

The AG-HPX300 is a big, professional camcorder. Its weight entirely depends on what battery pack and lens you have loaded, but it will likely weigh somewhere between 11 and 15 lbs. As we discussed in the handling section, the camcorder balances very well and the middle shoulder-mount design is excellent. Even though the camcorder looks gigantic compared to consumer models, it really isn't that big compared to high-end professional or broadcast equipment. This is definitely a camcorder you can take on the road with you to shoot a documentary or carry around in the news van.

The P2 recording media also aids the portability features of the camcorder. No large tapes or discs are needed with the device and data from P2 cards can quickly be transferred to a computer or editing station. With the purchase of additional workflow products, multiple P2 cards can be read and copied at once to speed up the editing process.

LCD & Viewfinder

The Panasonic AG-HPX300 has both an LCD screen and a viewfinder. The 0.45-inch viewfinder features a 1,226,000-pixel resolution and can be adjusted horizontally and vertically. The viewfinder also has a diopter adjustment dial. We found the viewfinder to fit well around our eye, with the rubber cup creating a comfortable seal—even if you happen to be wearing glasses.

The LCD screen is not meant for use while recording and is really a playback/video review device. The screen is 3.2-inches in size and has a 921,000-pixel resolution. It can rotate and tucks into the left side of the camcorder. While shooting with the AG-HPX300 mounted on your shoulder, the LCD cannot be used (as its position on the camcorder wouldn't enable you to see it). It can be useful, however, if the camcorder is mounted to a tripod or other holding device.

Panasonic didn't try to make pretty menus on the AG-HPX300. Everything is listed in a large, blocky font that is easy to read, but not very pleasing to the eye. The menu system is a bit difficult to navigate, mainly because there are so many features. We like the number system Panasonic uses on the main menu, as it makes things easier to access and read.

In our experience with the AG-HPX300 on the floor at NAB, we found the menus to be harder to use compared to other pro camcorders in the price range. Yes, the AG-HPX300 has more options than many pro models, but the menu system is so big and so complex that it definitely requires a good amount of time to get comfortable with. The design of the AG-HPX300 is really meant so you don't have to access the menus all that often. Scene files, as well as the numerous toggles and switches on the side of the camcorder, are there so you can preset the camcorder the way you need to use it for your shooting conditions.

Also, the menu system on the AG-HPX300 is very difficult to navigate while shooting. It really isn't designed for this function, which is the opposite from the Canon XL H1A and Sony HDR-FX1000.

Playback

Playback on the AG-HPX300 is similar to the system featured on consumer camcorders. A set of VCR controls is located in the audio control panel. There are hard buttons for rewind, stop, fast forward, and play/pause. There is also a set of directional buttons beneath the VCR controls that act as thumbnail navigation tools. Pressing the thumbnail button brings up small images of each stored clip on the camcorder's loaded P2 cards. The directional buttons allow you to sift through the thumbnails, while the VCR controls let you play back the footage.

 In thumbnail view mode, you have lots of control over the appearance of the video files on the AG-HPX300. You can change what thumbnail shows for a specific clip, you can organize them based on a variety of criteria, and you can add markers to specific points in each recorded clip. Text memos can even be added to video files to be used as reference or to keep track of important details. Read more about the text memo feature in the Other Features section of this review, 

Connectivity

The Panasonic AG-HPX300 has lots of professional connectivity options. In a cluster, near the back of the camcorder, are all the pro outputs. Located here is an SDI-out, Genlock-in, TC-in, TC-out, Video-out (via BNC) and Audio out (Ch1 and Ch2). Near the front of the camcorder, also on the right side is a microphone XLR input (designed for a front-mounted mic) and a 12-pin lens connector.

 More ports are located on the back of the camcorder, near the base. Going from left to right are: a DC-input, DC-output (12V), Ch1 XLR audio input, Ch2 XLR audio input, another SDI output, 10-pin remote connector, and the IEE 1394 port (firewire). There's also a 3.5mm headphone jack back here, located in the upper left corner (above the DC-input).

The camcorder's two USB inputs are located behind a rubber port cover, just above the collection of outputs on the right side of the camcorder. The first USB port is meant for a host connection, while the second is for connecting a device.

 

Other Features

 

 

There are a few other features on the camcorder that we didn't cover elsewhere in the review.

Pre-Record

This feature is just like the pre-record option found on many consumer camcorders. With the setting turned on, the camcorder continuously stores 3 seconds of footage (7 seconds in SD mode) in buffer memory. So, as soon as you start recording, you've already captured 3 seconds of footage. This feature, along with one-shot and interval record are only available when two P2 cards are loaded in the camcorder.

One-Shot Record

This is a frame-shooting mode that allows you to capture a single video image frame. It is good for producing stop-motion projects or animation.

Interval Record

You can set automatic recording based on a specific length of recording time.

Shot Marker and Text Memo

Text memos and markers can be set to recorded clips that are stored on the camcorder's P2 cards. Memos can be used to make specific instructions about how to edit a clip or what portion of the clip should be used. Shot marker follows a similar theme, except all it does is add a marking point to a recorded clip (i.e. you can mark where editing should begin). Adding markers and memos can be done while in thumbnail view mode during playback.

Conclusion

The Panasonic AG-HPX300 is a rugged camcorder. Its design may not look sleek and pretty, especially compared to the Canon XL H1 series or the Sony PMW-EX3, but it functions well and feels excellent when mounted on your shoulder. The long list of manual controls should satisfy most professional videographers, although the lack of many automated features could scare of some experienced shooters who aren't quite ready for such a complex device.

We like the connectivity options and port placement on the AG-HPX300, but some of the control buttons can be difficult to reach while you're shooting. The scene file option, which allow you to customize and save a collection of settings, is well designed and will save you from having to go into the complicated menu time after time.

The most intriguing aspect about the AG-HPX300 is its compression options and P2 card recording. The camcorder's AVC-Intra codec is still very new, although many professional users swear by its performance. It definitely has terrific specs (10-bit 4:2:2 recording, 100Mbps bit rate), but is it worth the extra money and headaches that may arise from editing complications? Tapeless recording isn't the future anymore, it is the present, and Panasonic's system seems to be fluidly designed and expertly orchestrated. We'll have to wait until we get one of these models into our labs to see if the performance is really as good as people claim it to be.

Meet the tester

Jeremy Stamas

Jeremy Stamas

Managing Editor, Video

@nematode9

Jeremy is the video expert of our imaging team and Reviewed.com's head of video production. Originally from Pennsylvania and upstate NY, he graduated from Bard college with a degree in film and electronic media. He has been living and working in New England since 2005.

See all of Jeremy Stamas's reviews

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