And Panasonics are the most underrated of them all. I have a VX1. For $800, you can't buy more camera. I went from packing out a body & several lenses to just one small handheld device with great ergonomics and practically pushbutton control of the zoom which for hunting is REALLY important to not move so much. And the footage is damn good for 90% of the monitors it'd ever be displayed on.
You still use a 4K Camcorder???????????? Why wouldn't you? I use 4K camcorders for producing TV Commercials, company promos and documentary work. Remember that a video camera is meant for ..........video. Yeah I know people use mirrorless cameras but they aren't primarily made for continuous video. I can and have shot a very long interview in one take that a mirrorless camera would have shutdown to overheating.
Motorized zoom, integrated infrared, new models (2020) - dual memory slots, streaming, rock solid stabilizer like a gimbal. *Easy and FUN to use.* Most underrated cameras category today. SMALL. Integrated NDs (!)..... Good luck to bring with you 24-600mm for a trip for a whole day. People just do not understand what and how to use. You don't need to buy a big bus for everyday commute for a single person, or to buy a small car to drive 50 people at the same time. I had seen people using full frame $3K+ cameras with ZERO knowledge of basic things like what is ISO or shutter speed. Wrong tools for wrong things. For "family" camcoders are ideal.
+ no need to carry a bag full of lenses, crazy battery life, better ergonomics, autofocus before there was "autofocus" in photography cameras and the make soccer moms look like Kubrick! 😂 It's like an 80's infomercial: "Just set it and forget it!" LOL I've caught awesome footage (while hunting) by just flipping my screen forward and that's it. It does the rest once I've zoomed in & out as needed. They're idiot-proof.
Here in Japan camcorders are VERY popular to this day! Saying you don't see them much anymore, to me, sounds like nonsense! But its a regional difference. A difference that I 100% support. Phones aren't everything, and mirrorless/dslr are just too complicated.
I still use mine too well my HC-WXF991 auto focus drifts now and because my eye sight is not the best now I can't rely on my manual focusing skills so I got a HC-VX981 which doesn't have the eye cup viewer or 2nd lens which I never used anyways and I use the LCD screen with a hood to shield it from the suns glare. I love this cameras size and ease of use and use it for travel family videos, surf videos and my 2nd camera for stage shows and performances even in lowlight because the Panasonic camcorder sound is always better than my mirrorless Nikon Z6. Thank you for sharing!
Good coverage of the camera, I like it. On PROFESSIONAL USE, I actually made decent money using a Canon HF-R500 - yeah, that old! And right up until I moved far away from my primary location, it was making money... and even after! I am looking for a replacement for it, because they don't even make the HF-R800 anymore. The problem is that with the new technology, there are not enough NEW cameras being manufactured that I would want to use, that are affordable.
Hi Michael! I will never forget this video, I was thrilled with the quality of the images, the zoom, the look of the camera, I love it 😍😍. I was wondering if you think the Panasonic "VX981K" is inferior or equal to this camera because I've seen videotests of it on the internet and the footage doesn't look as great as your shots would it be the settings you used? The performance of the SD memory? or is this model better than the "VX981K"? I can only find the “VX981K” on Amazon and would love to know if there are any major differences between the one you show and this one. I would like to know your opinion, greetings from Argentina! 👋🏻✨
@FranCuri7 I thought I mentioned the differences at the beginning of this video, but maybe it's a different one that i made. It's the same camera except for viewfinder and the small camera built into the screen. As far as image quality, it is the same
Mr. Turner, another excellent video. I still use my Canon Vixia HF R82, which is excellent outdoors and indoors I still use my aging DVX200 for the show I produce. Unlike many mirrorless cameras, (except my trusty G85s) camcorders can usually be left on for hours with no issues, faster to set up and use and typically have more reach at a lower price than you can get from the bigger sensor mirrorless cameras.
Thank you Michael, you must have read my mind. Just put a search in for 4k equivalent of Panasonic SD900,(2011) which I love so much. Sold my previous SD900 and then remembered how good the footage is. Even though I have 2 x Osmo Pocket 2 cameras. There is nothing like a great camcorder for useability Point and Shoot Point and Shoot - You get my point?
I feel the same way man, for me I'm always going to prefer camcorders to cameras. The simplicity just does it for me and for my needs. I'm using a panasonic vx980, it's very similar to the one you're using but more of a budget version and without a viewfinder but the design and layout are so similar for a second I thought you were reviewing that camera.
Yeah they are pretty much the same. The viewfinder and the silly camera 2nd cam built into the lcd or the main differences. I only went wxf991 version because I got it used for a good deal
I'm glad I'm not the only one who loves camcorders, though right now I'm trying to balance taking pictures and taking video on family vacations. With that EVF, does the screen need to be open in order to be on? I'm a bit nostalgic to the big camcorders with the DV and VHS tapes in them which only use the viewfinder, plus I still only use the viewfinder on my DSLR instead of the live view.
Hey man, I just picked up 3 Panasonic VX981K and I'm praying they output 4K via the HDMI out. Am I right in assuming they do? I looked through the manual online and it states 4K 24p (I can live with 24p as long as I can control shutter speed), but I'm just wondering if it's true? I'm setting up a livestream/broadcast studio in my home and I picked these over the Sony A6100's, which are similarly priced, but require multiple lenses. I am a longtime DSLR user with glass investments in Canon system, but my Canon bodies are all 1080p and don't record longer than 15 minutes. The VX981K just seemed simpler for this setup.
Iv'e just bought a VXf1, had to get it imported from Japan as I wanted a new one, they can do things you can't get with other cameras, they being dedicated to video makes them ideal for making certain kind of vids you can't do with a normal camera or a DLSR that you need to change the lens all the time..
Thanks Michael for your time putting these amazing videos together. I would be lost without my camcorder. I am currently using Sony FDRAX53/B 4K HD Video Recording Camcorder and Sony HXR-NX80 4K HD NXCAM Camcorder. This camcorder Panasonic Wxf981 the video looks great. I like the fact that it is light to carry around too. Great to see other using camcorders. I have some wise guy come up to me while filming and telling me that camcorders are out of date and that his cell phone does a better job. I told him I like to hold a video camera and it gives me more options then a cell phone would. I also told him I don't like using my devices together as one. I like things seperated so if something goes bad you don't lose everything. I use a cell phone to film only if I don't have my camcorder with me. But I will always carry my camcorder with my on the go. Thanks Michael for your amazing work and look forward to more. Have a great camcorder day!
Nice camera, im looking to buy this camera but i have some questions if you can please tell me when it came out it will be good thank you awesome review video 🙏🏽
Currently using an Canon XF400 Camcorder in combo with a Lumix S5 for weddings. XF400 does best outdoors using the built in ND filters, but sucks in low light. S5 can only use screw on filters, but has excellent low light. So they work very well together and the footage matches up well. Watched the videos you made on the XF400 a while back and after a lot of going back and forth decided to get one used. One of my favorite cameras ever.
I use a Canon Vixia G20 to film rollerblading content. It does the job but its time to get something that can shoot higher frame rates and gets a better picture
Hey there.... I feel like you live/ hang out in or around Upstate NY, In particular a few areas you visited with your example footage is where I live and I frequent all the time. Maybe I am wrong but I thought I saw a park Colonie area you stopped at. Cool Video.
Michael, I am looking at buying a used WXF991. What equipment was included with the camera when it was new? Was there a stand alone battery charger for example? Thanks.
wishing I got the wx991 instead of the vx981. The viewfinder would be nice and the mic jack is located better. On my vx981 the mic jack is located beneath the screen so you can't close the screen all the way with the mic plugged in.
There's an option to link to cell in the camera, but whether that allows you to upload and/or control the camera, I really don't know. Best thing is to download the manual and check to be sure
Sorry for the slow reply. I have used an andycine ac-m1 for years. It's basic and small and doesn't use a battery, yet it sounds great. They don't make it anymore but it is similar to this : amzn.to/3U9qS2q
Do your recommendations have a display that can be swiveled all the way to the front? Is there a "night mode" when filming at dusk or in complete darkness?
I've been using my Galaxy s23 to film YT cooking and art videos, but I'm finding a lot of the time, though it's supposed to be filming in 4k, it doesn't seem to get it right, the videos end up weirdly lighted (is that a phrase?) or blurry even though I'm strict with the manual focus. Sigh. I thought about camcorders, never used them before. I used to have a Panasonic Lumix camera, it was my favourite until the cat knocked it over. I like the video you published here, I think I need to learn more about camcorders. Can you mount these on a tripod as you would a camera or a phone? Thanks so much!
I'm thinking of switching to camcoders due to cameras having 30 minute limit in EU. How does this one perform in the indoor shooting? I'm filming board game reviews and have 3 light boxes covering fronts and sides of the table I'm filming on. Is that enough to not get grainy footage due to low light compensation?
With 3 lights, I don't see there being a problem. Overall it is decent with standard lighting indoors, but 3 lights will more than likely remove grain.
My camcorder is a old cheap Sony cx405. It only makes 1080p. I keep it around because it has excellent built in stereo mic. And zooming in is something my action cameras cant do. Its at its best on a tripod. My pockets aren't deep enough for a 4k yet.
Is there firmware available for this camera above 1.0? So far I have not found one, although there are updates available for many other cameras. Thanks for the reply!
I doubt it. I can't get a clean display with it. You will see the date on the screen no matter what. I'm not familiar with Camlink, but I'm guessing that is a hdmi to usb adapter?
Hi Mr. Turner, Great video and very well explained, easy to understand! I am having some trouble understanding how to set my HC-WXF991 up, so that it shows a timestamp on the recorded video. Can you help me to undeerstand or even make a video on the Timestamp function? I would greatly appreaciate any help you can give. Thank you! Anthony
Hello we use a extenral mic thay we need mounted on top of the camera. Is that not possible with 981? The 991 is a little more expensive and has features not needed except for the mount.
I have just bought this last year and don't even know how to use it properly. Could you do some tutorials please. I have a ND for it but don't know how to set the camera to be working properly
What problems are you having? Do you feel the image is too dark, too grainy, wrong colors, bad sound, etc. If you are more specific, maybe I can make something to help.
Maybe, it's not something I pay much attention to with the camera because I pretty much only use it for family functions. Putting an ND filter on this camera will solve that. There are threads in front of the lens
Realistically, there is not much for that price. You say indoors but what are you shooting? Sports, plays, weddings, corporate, etc. Do you need to be able to zoom quickly because a good zoom lens will eat a lot of the budget even without a camera body
Music videos are very subjective. It could be depending on the look you are going for, but personally, I would not. That is only because I am use to interchangeable lens cameras with better image quality. To be very honest, a music video can be shot with a phone and still be very cool.
Both cameras will provide a sharper image than this one, but you lose the ability to zoom. It depends on what it is needed for, but I would probably prefer the osmo pocket overall
Plug it into your computer via USB and turn the camera on. Then hit the playback button or take the SD card out and connect to your computer with an SD card reader unless your computer has a built-in one
Do they have this shape as a IP ptz... If yes then please do a video .. but if noo.. then they shoystart making ip camcorder in this size with all its perks dont forget 4,and 8, K 🎉
Great question. I would like to get my hands on one to test. From reviews that I've seen the Sony looks a tad sharper, but the panasonic has a ton of features, so I have to see
It cannot be connected via usb to stream, and when using an hdmi to usb adapter, there doesn't seem to be an option to remove the date from the screen. There is an option to use ustream and lumix club to stream over wifi, but I have never used it.
I have the extended battery. Not the one it comes with. The extended one lasts forever when I take it on vacation. I feel like it is close to 4 hours or so. I can't comment on stock battery, but the info you can find in the manual if you go to panasonic's website
DSLR/Mirrorless - photography cameras that can shoot video Camcorders - video cameras (give me a camcorder all day everyday and twice on Sunday for shooting video)
I stop using camcorders like around 15 years ago. Using mirrorless instead as i dont need all that zoom range provided, but better quality with bigger sensors. Also mirrorless can take better pictures. Canon, Panasonic or Sony don’t want one inch consumer camcorders. They will die with their smartphone sensors.
For my work, I like my Sony fx30, but I have to admit a camcorder is just so much easier. I love them for family outings. It is looking like they are going to die, though. They rarely produce newer models anymore
I haven't used the ax53, but from footage that I've seen, it appears to be sharper than the panasonic. One of these days, I will try to get my hands on one
