JVC
GY-HC500U
Connected Cam 1-inch camcorder with 20x zoom, 4K60p ProRes 422 10-bit, HLG/J-Log1, 3G-SDI, weather sealing, and SRT streaming.
$3,395
Launch priceReleased Sep 2019
Panasonic
HC-X2
1-inch 15MP pro camcorder with 20x 24.5–490mm zoom, 4K60p 10-bit, 13-stop V-Log/HLG, triple manual rings, and RTMP streaming.
$3,399
Launch priceReleased Oct 2022
HC-X2 is 3.1 years newer.
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Wins
GY-HC500U
Wins
HC-X2
14 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BHC-X2 has higher AF points / zones (225 vs 0)
- BHC-X2 has higher AF frame coverage (90 % vs 0 %)
- BHC-X2 has higher Resolution (15 MP vs 9.35 MP)
- BHC-X2 has lower AF low-light limit (-4 EV vs -3 EV)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareGY-HC500U
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
HC-X2
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
GY-HC500U and HC-X2 share virtually identical body dimensions.
GY-HC500U and HC-X2 weigh the same.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm GY-HC500U · 72mm HC-X2
Sensor size, to scale
GY-HC500U
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
HC-X2
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
GY-HC500U
No major advantages on measured specs.
Reasons to choose
HC-X2
AF points / zones
225 vs 0 — higher is better
AF frame coverage
90 % vs 0 % — higher is better
AF low-light limit
-4 EV vs -3 EV — lower is better
Resolution
15 MP vs 9.35 MP — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Burst (mechanical) — Both 8 fps
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
GY-HC500U
Pros
- ✓1-inch sensor + 20x f/2.8–4.5 zoom
- ✓4K60p Apple ProRes 422 internal
- ✓HLG / J-Log1 HDR
- ✓3G-SDI + weather-resistant body
- ✓SRT / RTMP streaming
Cons
- –Heavy at 3.6 kg configured
- –SSD ProRes needs optional adapter
- –Premium over GY-HM250
- –9.35MP effective sensor
HC-X2
Pros
- ✓1-inch 15MP MOS sensor
- ✓4K60p 10-bit HEVC/LongG
- ✓13-stop V-Log + HLG HDR
- ✓Triple manual focus/zoom/iris rings
- ✓Ethernet RTMP + dual XLR handle
Cons
- –No SDI (HDMI only)
- –Premium over HC-X1600
- –Fixed lens only
- –Heavier than HC-X1200 series
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the GY-HC500U and HC-X2 at major authorized retailers.
JVC GY-HC500U
Panasonic HC-X2
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, GY-HC500U or HC-X2?
HC-X2 scores 7.5/10 versus 6.5/10 for GY-HC500U — 20fps burst — fast action ready.
What's the resolution difference between the GY-HC500U and HC-X2?
GY-HC500U is 9.35 MP and HC-X2 is 15 MP, so the HC-X2 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the GY-HC500U and HC-X2 have in-body image stabilization?
GY-HC500U has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while HC-X2 has 7-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the GY-HC500U or the HC-X2?
GY-HC500U reaches 20 fps electronic. HC-X2 reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the GY-HC500U and HC-X2?
Both bodies weigh roughly 580 g.
Do the GY-HC500U and HC-X2 record 4K video?
GY-HC500U: 4K up to 60p. HC-X2: 4K up to 60p.
Are the GY-HC500U and HC-X2 weather sealed?
GY-HC500U: Yes. HC-X2: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the GY-HC500U and 640 shots for the HC-X2, giving the HC-X2 the edge.
How much does each cost?
GY-HC500U launched at $3,395 and HC-X2 at $3,399. The GY-HC500U is $4 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way GY-HC500U vs HC-X2 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.