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-Z300
Flagship 3-CMOS XDCAM with 1/2-inch Exmor R sensors, 17x f/1.9 zoom, AI subject AF, 4K60p, flexible LCD arm, and content authentication.
$8,298
Launch priceReleased Oct 2025
PXW-Z300 is 4.6 years newer.
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Wins
HC-X1200
Wins
PXW-Z300
5 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BPXW-Z300 has higher IBIS effectiveness (8 stops vs 0 stops)
- BPXW-Z300 has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 225)
- BPXW-Z300 has higher RAW buffer depth (200 frames vs 60 frames)
- BPXW-Z300 has higher Max video bit rate (600 Mbps vs 200 Mbps)
- BPXW-Z300 has higher Burst (electronic) (30 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-Z300
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
HC-X1200 and PXW-Z300 share virtually identical body dimensions.
HC-X1200 and PXW-Z300 weigh the same.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm HC-X1200 · 72mm PXW-Z300
Sensor size, to scale
HC-X1200
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
PXW-Z300
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
HC-X1200
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 520 shots — higher is better
Reasons to choose
PXW-Z300
IBIS effectiveness
8 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
AF points / zones
759 vs 225 — higher is better
RAW buffer depth
200 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
Max video bit rate
600 Mbps vs 200 Mbps — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 11 fps — higher is better
EVF resolution
5,760,000 vs 2,360,000 — higher is better
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Animal / bird AF
Only PXW-Z300 supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Weight — Both 580 g
- ✓EVF magnification — Both 0.78 ×
- ✓EVF refresh rate — Both 120 Hz
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-Z300
Pros
- ✓3× 1/2-inch 4K Exmor R 3CMOS
- ✓17x f/1.9 constant aperture zoom
- ✓AI subject recognition + auto framing
- ✓4K60p XAVC Intra/Long + MPEG HD422
- ✓Electronic variable ND + 12G-SDI
Cons
- –Premium flagship pricing
- –3CMOS not single large sensor
- –Heavy at 2.6 kg body-only
- –New platform learning curve
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the HC-X1200 and PXW-Z300 at major authorized retailers.
Panasonic HC-X1200
Sony PXW-Z300
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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-Z300?
PXW-Z300 scores 10.0/10 versus 4.0/10 for HC-X1200 — 30fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the HC-X1200 and PXW-Z300?
HC-X1200 is 8.29 MP and PXW-Z300 is 8.3 MP, so the PXW-Z300 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the HC-X1200 and PXW-Z300 have in-body image stabilization?
HC-X1200 does not have IBIS, while PXW-Z300 has 8-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the HC-X1200 or the PXW-Z300?
HC-X1200 reaches 11 fps electronic. PXW-Z300 reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the HC-X1200 and PXW-Z300?
Both bodies weigh roughly 580 g.
Do the HC-X1200 and PXW-Z300 record 4K video?
HC-X1200: 4K up to 60p. PXW-Z300: 8K / 6K (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the HC-X1200 and PXW-Z300 weather sealed?
HC-X1200: No. PXW-Z300: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the HC-X1200 and 520 shots for the PXW-Z300, giving the HC-X1200 the edge.
How much does each cost?
HC-X1200 launched at $1,299 and PXW-Z300 at $8,298. The HC-X1200 is $6,999 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way HC-X1200 vs PXW-Z300 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.