Panasonic
HC-X1200
Entry 4K60p camcorder with 1/2.5-inch MOS sensor, 24x 25–600mm zoom, face-detection AF, and compact run-and-gun design.
$1,299
Launch priceReleased Mar 2021
Sony
PXW-Z200
AI-powered XDCAM with 1-inch Exmor RS sensor, 20x G Lens zoom, 4K60/120p, 12G-SDI, XAVC MXF, variable ND, and RTMP/SRT streaming.
$3,999
Launch priceReleased Sep 2024
PXW-Z200 is 3.5 years newer.
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Wins
HC-X1200
Wins
PXW-Z200
8 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BPXW-Z200 has higher IBIS effectiveness (7 stops vs 0 stops)
- AHC-X1200 has lower Weight (580 g vs 1960 g)
- BPXW-Z200 has higher RAW buffer depth (120 frames vs 60 frames)
- BPXW-Z200 has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
- BPXW-Z200 has higher Burst (electronic) (20 fps vs 11 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareHC-X1200
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
PXW-Z200
176 × 201 × 371 mm
1960 g (4.32 lb / 69.14 oz)
HC-X1200 is 42mm narrower, 110mm shorter, and 299mm thinner than PXW-Z200.
HC-X1200 is 1380 g lighter than PXW-Z200.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm HC-X1200 · 371mm PXW-Z200
Sensor size, to scale
HC-X1200
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
PXW-Z200
13.2 × 8.8 mm · 1″
116 mm² area
1.9× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
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
HC-X1200
Codecs
Adds H.265, H.264, ProRes
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134, 91, 72
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II
Weight
580 g vs 1960 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
PXW-Z200
Codecs
Adds XAVC MXF, XAVC S-I, XAVC HS…
IBIS effectiveness
7 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 175.6, 201.3, 371.1
Card types
Adds SD, SDHC, SDXC
Animal / bird AF
Only PXW-Z200 supports it
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only PXW-Z200 supports it
RAW buffer depth
120 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
Card slots
2 vs 1 — 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
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓Max video bit rate — Both 200 Mbps
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
HC-X1200
Pros
- ✓4K 60p at accessible price
- ✓24x 25–600mm f/1.8–4.0 zoom
- ✓Face Detection AF/AE
- ✓5-axis HYBRID O.I.S.+
- ✓USB-PD charging
Cons
- –No SDI output
- –1/2.5-inch sensor
- –No pro XLR handle included
- –Entry-level codec options
PXW-Z200
Pros
- ✓12G-SDI + timecode in/out for broadcast
- ✓XAVC MXF / XAVC S-I / XAVC HS codecs
- ✓AI subject recognition AF + auto framing
- ✓4K up to 60p / 120p slow motion
- ✓Variable ND (1/4–1/128) + S-Cinetone
Cons
- –Premium over HXR-NX800
- –Heavy at 1.96 kg body-only
- –Some MXF features require firmware 2.0+
- –C3 Portal streaming is paid add-on
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the HC-X1200 and PXW-Z200 at major authorized retailers.
Panasonic HC-X1200
Sony PXW-Z200
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, HC-X1200 or PXW-Z200?
PXW-Z200 scores 7.0/10 versus 4.0/10 for HC-X1200 — 20fps burst — fast action ready.
What's the resolution difference between the HC-X1200 and PXW-Z200?
HC-X1200 is 8.29 MP and PXW-Z200 is 14 MP, so the PXW-Z200 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
How does stabilization compare between the HC-X1200 and PXW-Z200?
HC-X1200 does not have IBIS, while PXW-Z200 does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the HC-X1200 or the PXW-Z200?
HC-X1200 reaches 11 fps electronic. PXW-Z200 reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the HC-X1200 and PXW-Z200?
HC-X1200 weighs 580 g and PXW-Z200 weighs 1960 g, so the HC-X1200 is 1380 g lighter.
Do the HC-X1200 and PXW-Z200 record 4K video?
HC-X1200: 4K up to 60p. PXW-Z200: 4K up to 60p.
Are the HC-X1200 and PXW-Z200 weather sealed?
HC-X1200: No. PXW-Z200: No.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the HC-X1200 and 640 shots for the PXW-Z200, giving the PXW-Z200 the edge.
How much does each cost?
HC-X1200 launched at $1,299 and PXW-Z200 at $3,999. The HC-X1200 is $2,700 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way HC-X1200 vs PXW-Z200 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.