Panasonic HC-VX981K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder

Combining Ultra HD 4K video recording with in-camera 4K cropping and editing tools, the Panasonic HC-VX981K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder offers simple yet powerful operation to enable users of all levels to capture high-quality UHD 4K and Full HD video. The camcorder is packed with advanced features including an HDR Movie Mode to retain more highlight and shadow information, and a Wireless Multicamera function that lets you add and record up to two picture-in-picture video feeds from mobile devices connected via Wi-Fi. This gives you the ability to capture multiple angles and viewpoints simultaneously for a unique video experience.

The camcorder features a 1/2.3" backside-illuminated (BSI) MOS sensor with an 8.29MP effective resolution that combines with a Crystal Engine 4K image processor to support UHD 4K video at 24/30 fps and 1080p video up to 60 fps. The camera is also able to take up to 25.9MP interpolated still images, and offers the ability to extract still photos directly from your 4K video frames using the 4K Photo Mode. It also adds 4K editing tools that allow you to perform in-camera cropping, zooming, panning, tracking, and stabilizing to your 4K footage. The edited video is saved in 1080p resolution.

Optically, the camcorder utilizes a Leica Dicomar lens that provides a 20x optical zoom range and a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 30.8mm at the wide end. Intelligent zoom boosts that range up to 40x for Full HD and 25x for 4K recording. To keep excessive image vibration to a minimum, for steadier handheld shooting, the HC-VX981K features Panasonic's HYBRID O.I.S.+ which combines optical and digital image stabilization to provide 5-axis correction. It can then be combined with Panasonic's Level Shot function to produce clearer, level, and more stable-looking handheld footage.

The camcorder's built-in Wi-Fi supports the Wireless Multicamera feature, along with other functionality through the Panasonic Image App. These functions include remote camera control, live image monitoring, and file uploading directly to social media sites. Once connected to your smartphone, you can even live stream video using USTREAM to share moments and events with your friends and family as they are being recorded. Additionally, there's a Baby Monitor function that lets you use your smartphone to quickly check in on a sleeping baby in another room when both the camcorder and mobile device are connected to the same home network.