NAB2025 Booth Review
The most attention-grabbing item at the Panasonic NAB 2025 booth was the debut of the “AG-CX370,” the successor to the “AG-CX350.” Many visitors gathered to get a glimpse of the actual model, which was being shown to the public for the first time.
First, let’s explain where the AG-CX370 fits in the product lineup. The CX series lineup includes the AJ-CX4000GJ, a shoulder-type camera with a B4 lens mount for broadcasting, the AC-CX350, a handheld camera, and the recently announced AG-CX20. The Panasonic AG-CX370 is positioned as a successor to the AC-CX350 with enhanced functions, and with its arrival, the CX series lineup will consist of a total of four models. Panasonic also has models such as the HC-X2/X20, which are equipped with a triple ring, but these are sold as consumer devices.
Panasonic AG-CX370 Overview and Close-up Shots
12G-SDI output and GENLOCK for enhanced multi-camera live production
One of the major changes from the AC-CX350 to the AC-CX370 is support for 12G-SDI output. The SDI output of the AC-CX350 was compliant with 3G-SDI, and HD resolution was the upper limit of the output. Output at 4K resolution was limited to HDMI output. The AC-CX370 supports 12G-SDI, which can be said to be a natural evolution.
Panasonic is focusing on remote cameras, studio cameras, and live operations using multiple cameras. It is thought that there will be demand for the compact AC-CX370 to be used as one of the cameras in a live system. In response to this, the AC-CX370 has been enhanced with features such as 12G-SDI compatibility, a new GENLOCK input terminal that enables multi-camera synchronous recording, and compatibility with wired remote controllers from various manufacturers. All of these features make it a product well suited to system operations and multi-camera live performances.
4ch audio input meets on-site needs
Another noteworthy feature of the AC-CX370 is its 4ch audio input terminal and 4ch input volume, which can support recording from up to four microphones. The previous AC-CX350 also supported 4-channel recording, but this was configured by combining the built-in microphone and two external input channels.
In recent years, there has been a trend toward reducing staff numbers and downsizing equipment at many film locations. The pattern of a two-person team consisting of a sound engineer and a cameraman is becoming less common. There has been a growing demand from such locations for four-channel audio recording, including external input. In response to this demand, new 3-channel and 4-channel input terminals have been added to the AC-CX370 camera body.
In relation to this, with the addition of support for four-channel external audio input, it is now possible to adjust the audio volume for all four channels directly from the “AUDIO LEVEL CH knob.”
Previously, it was only possible to adjust the volume for two channels with the “AUDIO LEVEL CH1 knob” and “AUDIO LEVEL CH2 knob,” and adjustments for channels 3 and 4 had to be made on the menu screen. Now, since it is possible to input four channels of audio from an external source, it is possible to adjust the volume of all four channels with physical knobs.
Furthermore, in terms of details, support for shooting vertical videos has been added. When shooting vertical videos, the vertical video flag function is activated, and information that the video is vertical is recorded in the clip. This makes editing vertical videos more efficient.
Improved zoom ring responsiveness for improved operability
Finally, the basic features inherited from the AC-CX350 include the high image quality provided by the 1-inch sensor and the inclusion of a 20x optical motorized zoom lens that starts at a wide angle of 24.5mm in 35mm format equivalent. The combination of a 1-inch sensor and 20x zoom is still an excellent feature in the CX370.
Another feature of the Panasonic AG-CX370 is that it supports 4K60P 10-bit recording, which reflects the concept of the CX series, which is intended for use at the broadcasting station level.
Another feature unique to the CX series is the extensive IP-related functionality. While there are not many camcorders that support NDI, this model is equipped with NDI functionality.
In addition, it is equipped with three zoom rings. These three zoom rings have evolved slightly from the CX350, and the response of the zoom ring has improved. Although the basic structure of detecting the movement of the rings to drive the lens remains unchanged, this improvement is a welcome one. In terms of operation, it is thought to be almost the same as the consumer video camera “HC-X2”.
