Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Panasonic - HC-X2 | Sony - FX30 |
|---|---|---|
| XLR input | true | false |
| Max video | 4K60 | 4K120 |
| Sensor size | 1" | APS-C |
| Optical zoom | 24 | 0 |
Between the HC-X2 and FX30, the HC-X2 comes out ahead in xlr input / optical zoom, while the FX30 wins on max video / sensor size. Overall, the HC-X2 scores 62.6 and the FX30 scores 63.8 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
These two are nearly even on the Mars Score (62.6 vs 63.8). The decision is not about overall quality — both clear the bar — it is about which specific trade-offs fit your use.
Pick the HC-X2 if you care most about xlr input / optical zoom. The biggest gaps in its favor are xlr input, optical zoom. The single most decisive one: Has XLR input.
Pick the FX30 if you care most about max video / sensor size. Its strongest claims are max video, sensor size. The single most decisive one: Max video: 4K120 (vs 4K60).
There are no meaningful ties on the headline specs — every popular-comparison metric has a winner.
Bottom line: there is no wrong answer here — match the spec advantages to how you actually use the product. The Mars Score parity says both are well-rounded; the differences are about trade-offs, not quality.
Which should you buy: Panasonic - HC-X2 or Sony - FX30?
Sony - FX30 leads the current Mars Score by 1.2 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare max video, optical zoom, sensor size against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Panasonic - HC-X2 if…
Panasonic - HC-X2 has the measurable edge on has xlr input, optical zoom.
Choose Sony - FX30 if…
Sony - FX30 has the measurable edge on max video, sensor size.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Panasonic - HC-X2 wins
- ▲Has XLR input.
- ▲Optical zoom: 24 vs 0.
Why Sony - FX30 wins
- ▲Max video: 4K120 (vs 4K60).
- ▲Sensor size: APS-C (vs 1").
Spec comparison
Video
| Spec | Panasonic - HC-X2 | Sony - FX30 |
|---|---|---|
| Max video | 4K60 | 4K120lead |
| Optical zoom | 24lead | 0 |
| Sensor sizeⓘ | 1" | APS-Clead |
Audio
| Spec | Panasonic - HC-X2 | Sony - FX30 |
|---|---|---|
| XLR input | truelead | false |
| Headphone jack | true | true |
Design
| Spec | Panasonic - HC-X2 | Sony - FX30 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 2000 g | 646 glead |
| Articulating screen | true | true |