Panasonic AW-UE50 PTZ camera review

Is Panasonic’s new 4K PTZ the best camera to operate a live broadcast with?

Panasonic AW-UE50
(Image: © Adam Juniper/Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

The AW-UE40 and -UE50 are excellent cameras well-suited to the needs of the modern broadcaster thanks to the inclusion of IP, USB-C and (if you go for the UE50) SDI video output. Its web control software could stand improvement, and it’s not very Mac-friendly, but it’s compact, quiet, manages 24x optical zoom and can even be operated via a single (PoE+) cable.

Pros

  • +

    4K Video

  • +

    Built-in web browser control system

  • +

    Can be used as a webcam

  • +

    Widest lens on a PTZ camera

  • +

    Optical image stabilization

Cons

  • -

    Most Panasonic software not Mac-friendly

  • -

    Enthusiasts may want to budget

  • -

    Audio Line-in is only 3.5mm

  • -

    No in-box remote control

  • -

    IP Streaming is 1080P maximum

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Broadcasting isn’t just the preserve of large organizations these days; colleges, churches and conference halls are all venues where cameras have found a home. That’s atop the other classic venue for PTZ (Pan, Tilt & Zoom) cameras – reality television! In either case, the device needs to be operated remotely without distracting the subjects so quiet operation is essential.

The AW-UE50 solves these problems well thanks to their subtle dome-like design, wide-angle field of view (74.1˚ horizontal at the wide end means smaller venues aren’t an issue) and variety of control systems. Its very similar sibling, the AW-UE40, lacks only 3G-SDI connector so might make a cheaper alternative for many.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Adam Juniper
Managing Editor

With over 20 years of expertise as a tech journalist, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge across a vast number of product categories, including timelapse cameras, home security cameras, NVR cameras, photography books, webcams, 3D printers and 3D scanners, borescopes, radar detectors… and, above all, drones. 

Adam is our resident expert on all aspects of camera drones and drone photography, from buying guides on the best choices for aerial photographers of all ability levels to the latest rules and regulations on piloting drones. 

He is the author of a number of books including The Complete Guide to Drones, The Smart Smart Home Handbook, 101 Tips for DSLR Video and The Drone Pilot's Handbook