Panasonic AG-UX180 | UX Series 50P UltraHD camcorder

The AG-UX180 is the "UX-series premium model" with professional functions and specifications for high-end users. This model is equipped with a newly designed compact lens featuring a wide 24mm angle and 20x optical zoom as well as a 1.0-type (effective size) high-sensitivity MOS sensor. Its evolved Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) and intelligent AF function are suitable for professional camera work.

The AG-UX180 supports 4K 24p, UHD 60p/50p, FHD 60p/50p multi-format recording and HD super slow-motion. Two SD memory card slots*1 are provided to enable relay/simultaneous/backup recording for enhanced reliability, and also support UHD/FHD dual codec recording for a more efficient workflow.

The controls of the AG-UX180, such as the manual three rings and user button, as well as interfaces, such as 3G-SDI/HDMI and XLR input, are engineered to meet the needs of professional video recording. Offering the same level of agility and mobility as the conventional HD handheld camcorder, the AG-UX180 provides powerful support for high-image-quality 4K video production.

Newly Developed, Industry’s Widest Angle 24mm*2 and 20x Optical Zoom Lens

• World’s First*3 20x Optical Zoom in a Camcorder with 1.0-type*4 Sensor
  The 20x optical zoom lens covers the range from 24 mm at the wideangle end to 480 mm at the telescopic end (35mm film equivalent at 4K 24p).
• 4-Drive Lens System
  Simultaneously and independently drives 4 lens groups (group 2, iris, group 3, group 4). The lens size and drive range for each of the 4 groups can be efficiently suppressed to optimize image quality/zoom power and achieve compact body.
• Industry's Widest Angle of 24 mm*5
  The integrated lens boasts the industry’s widest angle of 24 mm at the wide-angle setting. It enables wide-angle and minimal-distortion shooting without the use of a wide conversion lens and also allows video recording/production in a vehicle or room for example.
• Intelligent Zoom for Maximum 30x Zoom in Super-High Resolution
  In FHD shooting modes, the i.Zoom function increases the zooming capability to a maximum of approximately 30x while maintaining high resolution. When the zoom reaches the 20x optical zoom limit it switches seamlessly to i.Zoom.
• Digital Zoom (2x, 5x or 10x)
  The AG-UX180 is equipped with 2x, 5x and 10x digital zoom. Using the 20x optical zoom and i.Zoom together, it gives you supertelephoto magnification equivalent to a 300x zoom without dropping in light intensity.
• LEICA DICOMAR*6 Lens
  This lens has passed the stringent quality standards of Leica Camera AG. A multi-coating process minimizes ghosts and flaring, resulting in especially clear images.

*1 UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) SD memory card is required for a video recording mode of 100 Mbps or higher.
*2 35mm film camera equivalent in 4K 24p (aspect ratio 17:9) recording. The angle of 24 mm is the industry’s widest for a camcorder with integrated lens. (As of September 2016, according to Panasonic survey.)
*3 World’s first for a camcorder with integrated lens having a 1.0-type or larger sensor. (As of September 2016, according to Panasonic survey.
*4 Effective size
*5 35 mm film equivalent. Varies depending on the video recording format. 4K/24p: 24.0 mm (17:9 aspect ratio), UHD/FHD: 25.4 mm (16:9 aspect ratio).
*6 Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH. DICOMAR is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG. LEICA DICOMAR products are manufactured using Leica-certified measuring instruments and quality assurance systems based on rigorous quality standards approved by Leica Camera AG.

1.0-Type (Effective Size) MOS Sensor for High- Precision, High-Speed 4K 60p/50p*7 Recording

• High-Image-Quality, High-Sensitivity 1.0-type*4 4K Sensor
  The 1.0-type (effective size) MOS sensor (approx. 9,460,000 pixels in 4K 24p*8, approx. 8,790,000 pixels in UHD/FHD) provides an appropriate depth of field and excellent balance between image quality and sensitivity. Images can be recorded with a resolution of 4K (4096 x 2160) /24p, UHD (3840 x 2160) /60p/50p or FHD (1920 x 1080) /60p/50p
• VFR (2 fps to 60 fps)/Super-Slow Motion (120 fps/100 fps)
  VFR recording can be set in 10 steps*9 from 2 fps to 60 fps (60Hz) / 9 steps from 2 fps to 50 fps (50Hz). Super-Slow Motion effect can be achieved by highspeed HD recording at 120 fps (59.94 Hz) or 100 fps (50 Hz)
• IR (Infrared) Shooting in Dark Places
  The IR Cut Filter can be turned ON/OFF (allocated on the User button). When the filter is turned OFF, IR lights (commercially available) can be used for shooting in dark places
• 4K/UHD/FHD/SD Multi-Format Recording
  Versatile and easy-to-use MOV (QuickTime), MP4 and AVCHD file formats are supported. The variety of recording modes with selectable image quality, frame rate and bit rate settings respond to a wide range of applications, from cinema production to online distribution

Advanced Optical Image Stabilizer [4K/UHD/FHD] and High-Speed, High-Precision Intelligent AF

• Advanced Optical Image Stabilizer [4K/UHD/FHD]
  Provides powerful correction even in unstable shooting situations, such as low-angle or high-angle shots. The ball OIS system reduces wear on the drive section, and greatly improves correction for small amplitude hand-shake
• 5-Axis Hybrid Image Stabilizer [FHD]
  In HD shooting modes, by using hand-shake correction that combines the effects of both optical and electronic image stabilization, hand-shake in various directions, including the rotary direction, is detected and corrected
• Intelligent Auto Focus Offering High Speed, Excellent Tracking Performance and Stability
  Focus status judgment algorithm achieves accurate and quick transition to search operation. High-precision, highspeed Micro Drive Focus unit accurately tracks the subject even when a quick change in focal distance occurs. AF system accurately judges changes in the subject by actively using minute wobbling motions in the high-resolution 4K image
• Custom AF Function for Adjustment of AF Speed, Tracking Sensitivity and Area Settings
  Enables the AF to operate exactly as intended by the user in accordance with the subject type or application.

UHD/FHD Dual Codec Recording, Double SD Memory Card Slots

• 16-Axis Independent Color Correction Function
  Provides an independent effect to each of the 16 phases of video images. It enables color matching of multiple cameras under the same lighting conditions as well as creative image rendering.​
• Skin Detail
  Makes skin colors appear soft and beautiful. Especially effective when recording the person up close.
• 8-Mode Gamma
  The AG-UX180 is equipped with eight selectable gamma modes, including two Cine-Like Gammas, drawing on technologies developed for the VariCam
• Scene Files
  Six files preset with picture quality settings are provided as Scene Files (Standard, Shooting under fluorescent lights, Spark, Still like, Cine-like contrast, and Cine-like dynamic range). You can change any of the settings as desired and store one set as a Custom File in the AG-UX180, and up to eight sets on an SD memory card

*7 Actual recording is UHD (3840 x 2160) 59.94p/50p
*8 At 4K 24p (aspect ratio 17:9)
*9 When 1080/23.98p recording mode is selected.
*10 The maximum amount of data that can be recorded over multiple SD cards is 96 GB. Recording will not stop even when the data size exceeds 96 GB

Functions and Designs to Support Professional Camera Work

• Sliding 3.5-type Touch-panel LCD and High-Resolution OLED EVF
• HDMI OUT*11
  Outputs images up to 4K 24p, UHD 60p and UHD 50p*12
• VIDEO/AUDIO OUT
  Outputs analogue signals for video and audio monitoring
16-Bit PCM for High-Sound-Quality*13

Equipped with two channels of XLR audio input (with switchable 48 V phantom power supply, MIC and LINE) and manual audio volume
• iPad Remote Control
  The AG ROP app for iPad*14 is available free of charge from the Apple App Store. It enables wireless remote control of the AG-UX180, with installation of a wireless module (optional AJ-WM50/AJ-WM30). In addition to a multitude of control functions, such as camera settings, picture quality adjustment, REC start/stop and menu setting, the AG ROP app allows control of the AG-UX180's internal lens for remote operation of the i.Zoom, zoom and focus. It also displays a thumbnail view and preview*15 so recorded clips can be checked on an iPad.

*11 HDMI and SDI signals cannot be output simultaneously.
*12 Images output during UHD 60p and UHD 50p recording are FHD.
*13 When the MOV/MP4 recording mode is selected
*14 iOS 7.1, iOS 8.1, and iOS 9 are supported. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Apple, the Apple logo, and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries
*15 Only sub-recording (8 Mbps) of dual codec recording is supported with preview

Ver. 1.11

Improvements

1. On rare occasions, the operation of REC button on the unit or a wired remote control may no longer have any effect. This problem is fixed.
2. If the card is ejected from the main slot during the simultaneous recording, the recording in the sub-slot stops 10 hours after the start of recording. The indication shows the same as during recording, and the operations of REC button are refused. This problem is fixed.
3. LCD may not show anything when the camera is booted up. This problem is fixed.
4. A very few SD cards may have a write error. This problem is fixed.
5. If the network address is changed when WIRELESS SETUP is set to [DIRECT] and DHCP is set to [SERVER], it sometimes made the camera impossible to connect to the iPad. This problem is fixed.

Ver. 1.10

1. After a test tone is output, if you switch to camera mode and start recording, on rare occasions periodic noise is recorded or the delay of the sound of SDI output may increase. This problem is fixed.
2. For India area models (AG-UX180ED and AG-UX170ED) only
   Default setting values of LCD are changed again.

Ver. 1.08

1. The camera may freeze if you perform a Zoom operation while other menu settings are set after Focus Transition is set up.
   • “Focus Transition function”
   • A function to enable the Focus to shift to a pre-registered focus position It is assigned to a USER button before it is used, and can be cancelled by operating the Zoom.

Ver. 1.06

Audio Level Meter not working, etc.

A problem is fixed, which occurs in Recording Mode after the camera is operated under the following conditions.

Symptom

• Audio Level Meter not working
• No output of SDI-embedded audio
• No output into headphones

There is no problem with recorded audio or playing back videos.

Conditions

• Headphone Mode: LIVE
• When the output setting is SDI;
• Any of the following operations is performed.
• - REC CHECK
• - Pressing the REC button while a video is being played
• - Turning the power OFF -> ON again before LCD is off
• - Switching from the thumbnail screen (Playback Mode) to Recording mode while FHD format is selected

A reboot or changing the above-mentioned settings can bring the camera back to normal, but the problem will be back again if the above conditions are met.

Damaged clip deleted in repairing process. (MOV/MP4 file only)

If the recording is not completed correctly due to a power interruption or others, the clip will be repaired automatically by rebooting the camera.

But, if the card is in the different slot from the one used in this incomplete recording and the auto-repair process is started, the damaged clip (MOV/MP4 file) will be deleted.

This will not occur on files except MOV/MP4 mode. This problem is fixed.

Ver. 1.02

1. If ABB is executed while the recording format is 4K, a few vertical lines may appear at the left end of the screen. This is fixed.
2. The black level at "+7" setting of NR Control is corrected.
3. When GAMMA mode is set to CINE_LIKE_V or FILM_LIKE_2, coloring occurs on the contours of a high-brightness part. This is fixed.

Download the latest Firmware and Software

• Panasonic UX Handbook
• Instruction Manual
• Download HiRes Images

• 1 x AG-UX180
• 1 x Battery Pack
• 1 x Battery Charger
• 1 x AC Adapter
• 1 x AC Cable
• 1 x Microphone Holder
• 2 x 12mm Microphone Holder Mounting Screws
• 1 x Eye Cup
• 2 x INPUT terminal Caps
• 1 x Lens Hood