PR

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 5, 2015) - Panasonic has today enhanced its range of high-end consumer camcorders with three new models – the HC-WX970, HC-VX870, and HC-V770, the world’s first Full HD consumer camcorders to include High Dynamic Range (HDR) Movie function. The new line-up offers magnificent video recording capabilities, advanced shooting features and functionalities, and smart connected technology to give the amateur videographer all the tools they need to realize their own creative visions.

Professional results, high-class clarity - wherever you are

The HC-WX970 and HC-VX870 models are both equipped with 4K Video Recording and 4K Photo mode which delivers four times the resolution of Full HD, contained within a beautifully designed and compact body. Combining the premium Leica Dicomar Lens, an 8.29M back-illuminated sensor (BSI), and a Crystal Engine 4K processor, you are now able to capture your world with stunning cinematic image quality.

Panasonic’s HC-WX970, HC-VX870 and HC-V770 models include High Dynamic Range (HDR) Movie functionality which is a world’s first for Full HD consumer camcorders. HDR recording combines the best elements of two images taken with different exposures to create crisper, clearer videos. The result is a reduction in overexposure and underexposure enabling you to record beautiful videos with a more dynamic range of contrast between dark and light areas when played back.

Featuring a 4-Drive Lens System, the HC-WX970 and HC-VX870 models enable 20x optical zoom in 4K resolution; while the models’ high-speed, high precision Auto Focus (AF) technology means you can capture the action perfectly, even when a scene suddenly changes.

One movie, two perspectives

With a new Advanced Twin Camera function, the HC-WX970 allows you to shoot in different angles at the same time – meaning you could also film your own reaction to your momentous occasions as you film them. A sub camera placed on the edge of the LCD monitor captures the second feed in a picture-in-picture format, while also featuring ±20° tilt function and a 2x zoom.

To further boost the Advanced Twin Camera functionality, the HC-WX970 includes Narration Mode and a backup function. The Narration Mode emphasises the camera user’s voice so that a commentary can be added to the movie. The backup function enables the main camera image and the picture-in-picture video to be recorded as separate scenes so that each can be played back on their own, if required.

All models also feature the Wireless Twin Camera function, allowing you to use a Wi-Fi connected smartphone or tablet as a sub camera. This gives you the ability to remotely record from two angles at exactly the same time, providing a wide variety of ‘Picture-in-Picture’ videos.

Perfectly balanced, all the time

Panasonic’s original Level Shot function, which automatically detects tilting and levels the image, is available in all these models. The setting can be adjusted to one of three levels (OFF, Normal, Strong) depending on the shooting conditions. The HYBRID O.I.S.+ (Optical Image Stabilizer) uses five-axis correction to thoroughly suppress blurring, whether you’re shooting wide-angle or powerful zoom shots, making it possible to capture crisp, clear images in almost every shooting situation.

The widest connectivity options

The HC-WX970, HC-VX870 and HC-V770 camcorders also include a Baby Monitor feature, which enables you to check on a sleeping baby in another room with the camcorder connected to your home network with a smartphone. You can speak to the baby using your smartphone, or have notifications sent to your device when your baby's crying voice, or other sound, is detected. You can also provide live streaming of video over the internet using USTREAM.

More photos

http://www.cnet.com/products/panasonic-hc-wx970/

Incredible the HRD mode, we need that in the M4/3 cameras.

The floodgates open!

I wonder what the HDR mode is actually doing? Whether its like 'iDynamic' in that its 'smartly' raising or lowering ISO, or whether it is in some way actually taking different images simultaneously at different exposures and merging them. Interesting...

Hmm. I'm not really impressed with that HDR mode. Especially given this camera is more expensive than the LX100. I've taken 4k video shots with the LX100 under more extreme lighting conditions (dark indoor corner + directly sunlit area - but the sunlight being full mid day tropical sun, not some northern overcast sky) - and I liked the results better than what's shown in the sample video above. (Screenshot below downscaled from 4k to better fit attachment size limit.)

No evf ...again ! I was kinda hoping to see this in a fz250 !

No evf ...again ! I was kinda hoping to see this in a fz250 !

EVF cost money. This is business. So, higher prices (yet only firmware and LSI changed) and no EVF.

what I am interested in is stabilization performance in 4K, HC-x1000 stabilization in 4K is just like 2axis

...just noticed at 2 sites at least, nofilmschool and cinema5d, that they're announcing the new panys with 240 fps mode as something new !

I guess they missed last years announcement !

It doesn't make me confident that the video showing how great 4K is, is in 1080p. Hey, Panasonic, send me a camera and I will make you a video! Seriously!!! 4K! The real deal!!!

stuff this into a fz200 body

In stock at BHPhoto. Hmm should I buy one? Will I hate myself?