Just down the hall from Canon’s meager new camcorders announced at CES 2015 today, Panasonic revealed a pair of new camcorders, the HC-WX970 and HC-VX870, which capture 4K video for $999 and $899, respectively.
Additionally, the cameras are capable of capturing HDR video by combining two exposures in real-time. The cameras can also capture 120fps 1080p HD video and up to 240fps 1080p HD video using frame interpolation.
The WX970 model includes a second camera for capturing a second angle for picture-in-picture. A 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 as well.
These look like fantastic consumer camcorders and a solid price point to bring 4K to the masses. Next up is to see what Sony does later today in the 4K realm.
Stay tuned.
In the mean time, check out the full press release from Panasonic below.
Panasonic pushes the boundaries of home cinematography with 2015 line-up of 4K and Full HD camcorders
New features include world’s first HDR shooting possibilities and an advanced Twin Camera function
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.
HC-WX970, HC-VX870 and HC-V770 features
To learn more about Panasonic’s line of LUMIX Digital Cameras and other consumer electronic products please visit panasonic.com and www.lumixlounge.com. You can also follow Panasonic on Twitter (@PanasonicUSA) and Facebook.
Looks like a winner but I cannot find a “Hands On” review or even preview.
I am most interested in the 1080P120 to lessen motion blur not SloMo.
Wonder if a different battery can be used for more than one hour of recording,
also wonder why they used a 3.6 volt instead of higher?
I read about them in an earlier quick review, i am almost certain that the more expensive model does `not` have a viewfinder, this is a major failure from Panasonic, and for me, any manufacturer can claim their LCD`s are fantastic out there in bright sunlight, i strongly disagree, there are many, many times you will be begging for a viewfinderfinder in that type of light, i did VIDEO for 16 years, from 1986-2002, i had around 7-8 camcorders in that time and every one of em had the `superior` viewfinder system, i cannot understand Panasonic not including one (if true) even on their professional top range model here, i am more in to photography now, and have a Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 capable of 4K Video, now i have the best of both worlds, photography and Video, but more importantly for me, a magnificent 2.3 megapixels Viewfinder, Superb!
I’ve had my Panasonic NV-GS400 for about a 11 years and I can’t recall ever using the view finder, and I live North Queensland where the sun shines 95% of the year.
I am now looking at buying the Panasonic 4K HC-VX870 or the HC- WX970
I all most bought the HC-X920 it has great reviews,( I still may) and then they released these new ones, HC-WX970/HC-VX870 now I’m totally confused, as this may well be my last camcorder unless it fails it should out last me.
After hearing about how popular Canon was known for their cameras, I always believed in Panasonic. These new camcorders just mind blown me. They work just as good as professional cameras do and I am so ready to buy the vx870. Surprised how they managed make an epic win with HDR and making 4k this crisp clear. After all these searching of deciding to buy any camcorder, those days are finally over.
I’m a little disappointed they have left a few features out on these new cameras which they have in HC-X920.
1 zebras
2 Histogram
3 luminance spot metering
And maybe a few more I can’t remember off hand,however , in saying that they added a few more features in these new ones.
Maybe the three I have mentioned are not needed any more ??