AG-CX350 Ver. 3.02 Firmware Update Brings P2 HD Codecs and V-Log
By Adam Noyes
The Panasonic AG-CX350 is a very popular camcorder from Panasonic that shoots in full 4K, and can utilize NDI technology to create a high quality 1080p stream as well. The camera is packed with features, and with the latest update, it is capable of even more!
Check out some highlights from this article from Panasonic’s blog to learn more about the update.
Panasonic just released a major firmware update (Ver. 3.02) for the AG-CX350 4K Handheld Camcorder that brings exciting versatility for both ENG and cinema-style shooters. The two key features of Ver 3.02 include the inclusion of P2 HD format recording for news shooters, and the addition of V-Log to capture wide dynamic range.
The CX350 is one of the lightest 4K 10-bit fixed-lens camcorders on the market. The full-featured camcorder contains a 1.0″ CMOS sensor and offers 4K image capture with 10-bit codecs such as ALL-I, 422LongG and HEVC LongG. The camcorder’s 20x optical zoom lens contains an impressive wide angle lens at 24.5mm (35mm equivalent) with 32x Intelligent Zoom and 5Axis Hybrid I.S. that makes handheld shooting smooth and natural. Another key feature is that the CX350 is equipped with the RTMPS/RTMP/RTSP/RTP protocol for livestreaming and contains an NDI ready IP connection. This feature is ideal for webcasters who want to broadcast their videos to live streaming platforms like Facebook, YouTube Live and Twitch.
P2 HD Formats
The inclusion of P2 HD AVC-Intra 50/100/200 to the CX350 is a welcome addition for news shooters. In the history of digital video, Panasonic has always been an innovator in file-based workflows, especially during the transition between tape and removable solid state memory cards. P2 HD codecs use the MXF (Material eXchange Format) wrapper, which is supported by all the major NLE programs. The files are immediately recognized and tagged by newsroom and digital archiving systems. Our P2 HD legacy codecs enable seamless integration into established news systems and workflows that are used by all major broadcasters.
“The Panasonic P2 HD format has been used by leading News, Field and Studio Production customers for almost 15 years,” explains Steve Cooperman, Senior Product Manager, News & Content Acquisition. “Many groups still actively use P2 formats, including AVC LongG, as well as AVC Intra. Now, the CX350, along with the AJ-CX4000 4K HDR ENG Shoulder Mount Camera, support AVC-Intra 50/100/200. Not only will this help make the CX350 more available for news groups, and international production, which supports this global format, but also for TV news stringers and production companies in local markets, who work with local stations and their partner partners.”
P2 HD legacy codecs enable seamless integration into established news systems and workflows that are used by all major broadcasters.
V-Log Is Here
The addition of V-Log adds a new dimension to the CX350, especially for documentaries. Documentaries will often use a multitude of cameras to capture a variety of shots that fit the story. For example, a cinema camera like the EVA1 with its 5.7K Super 35mm sensor can capture cinematic shallow depth of field while the CX350 might capture dynamic action shots from far in the distance with its 20x lens. With both cameras capturing in V-Log, it will be easier to match the look of both cameras in an NLE timeline.