By technical editor Matt Allard:
Panasonic launched 6 new camcorders at CES 2015. The two of most interest are the HC-VX870 and the HC-VX970 which both record 4K Ultra HD and up to 240fps in 1080p. Yes you read that right, 240fps in full 1080p for a camera that costs $899. There is a slight catch though. The cameras can record at up 120fps but they have to use frame interpolation to slow the video down further to emulate 240fps. The cameras also use a 5-Axis Hybrid OIS stabilising system for control of pan, tilt, and roll axes, plus horizontal and vertical directions.
The cameras feature a 35mm equivalent 30.8-626mm fixed lens. The aperture ramps from a respctable f1.8 to f3.6.
It is quite amazing to see the sort of technology that is now being implemented into small consumer camcorders. 4K recording and high frame rates are still not available in a lot of professional cameras. The HC-VX870 retails for $899US and the HC-VX970 will be $999US.
Here are the full details of the HC-VX970 below from B&H:
Record 4K picture-in-picture video with the Panasonic HC-WX970 4K Ultra-HD Camcorder. This camcorder can capture video at 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution at 30 frames-per-second, four times the resolution of full-HD video. With that resolution, you can us the 4K Photo Mode to extract individual frames from your videos and create high-quality photographs. Panasonic’s CrystalEngine 4K chipset reduces rolling shutter artifacts from the sensor by increasing readout speed. When stepping down to full HD resolution, the CrystalEngine 4K can record slow-motion video at up to 120 frames-per-second, with frame interpolation it can slow the video even further by emulating a 240 fps recording.
In order for a 4K camera to perform at its best, a sharp, high-quality lens is needed. Through their lens design partnership with Leica, Panasonic incorporated a Leica Dicomar 20x optical zoom lens with four separate optical groups and a maximum aperture of f/1.8. To keep excessive image vibration to a minimum, Panasonic included its HYBRID OIS system into this camcorder. The HYBRID OIS system is capable of compensating for five directions of vibration using both optical and electronic stabilization.
The WX970 camcorder is capable of recording two video streams simultaneously with its picture-in-picture mode. On the side of the articulating screen, there is a rotatable secondary camera to capture a self-portrait or another angle while recording 4K video with the main camera. The picture-in-picture mode is expandable using the built-in Wi-Fi. Instead of using the integrated secondary camera, you can use the camera on your smartphone for more flexibility.
Twin Camera Operation
The HC-WX970 features a secondary camera built into the edge of the LCD monitor. This additional camera provides 270° panning and ±20° tilting for recording two angles simultaneously. The twin camera operation also features a narration mode to record ongoing commentary while shooting. For more versatility, you can connect your smartphone via Wi-Fi and use that instead of the built-in secondary camera. With this functionality you can shoot from alternate distances or angles for a variety of picture-in-picture images.
HDR (High Dynamic Range) Movie Mode
By combining two images taken with different exposure times, the HDR Movie function suppresses blown highlights and blocked shadows for crisper, clearer videos. With HDR you can maintain gradation in your images in difficult shooting situations, like when your subject is back-lit.
Baby Calendar / Stop-Motion Animation Assist
Set the baby’s name and birthday to display thumbnail images of scenes recorded on and around that date, making it easy to find the scenes you want. By moving the subject slightly and shooting still images, you can create a unique animated slideshow. Previously taken photos are displayed with an onion skin effect for easy layering.
Creative Control
Built-in filter effects including Miniature, 8mm Movie, Silent Movie, and Time Lapse Recording let you match your video recordings to the shooting situation.
Full-HD Slow Motion Video
The HC-WX970 records Full-HD (1920 x 1080) video at 120 fps. For a more dramatic slow motion effect the of the Crystal Engine’s Intelligent Frame Creation interpolates frames to achieve an equivalent of 240 fps. You can easily switch to slow motion while recording with a simple touch on the LCD screen.
High-Speed Precision Autofocus
The image sensor has a 60 fps readout enabling quick focusing speed, stability, and tracking performance.
Level Shot Function
Level Shot automatically detects and corrects tilting in images. It can be adjusted to three different levels-OFF, Normal or Strong-depending on shooting conditions.
5-Axis HYBRID OIS
Stabilized on 5 axes (pan, tilt, and roll axes, plus horizontal and vertical directions), the HYBRID OIS suppresses blurring in your videos when not using a tripod or other stabilizer.
Multi-Manual Dial
Several in-camera functions can be controlled by the Multi-Manual Dial these features include:
Focus
White Balance
Shutter Speed
Iris
Sharpness
Color Saturation
Brightness
Wi-Fi Functionality
One-touch Connection – NFC lets you instantly connect a smartphone or tablet to the camcorder with just one touch. Even without an NFC phone, QR codes are provided to make Wi-Fi settings.
Remote Shooting / Remote View – The “Panasonic Image App” lets you use a smartphone or tablet as a real-time remote to control the camcorder from a distance. View photos and video directly from the camcorder on a smartphone or tablet, and upload to a social networking site.
Real-Time Broadcasting – You can live-stream events on USTREAM as they are being recorded in Full-HD resolution (requires a wireless access point).
Baby Monitor – Check on the baby anytime from anywhere with a smartphone or tablet. Push Notification sends an instant alert when the audio sensor detects the baby waking or crying (requires a wireless access point).
Home Monitoring – When you are away from home, your camcorder can record high-quality live video and you monitor and speak to your family or pets at home from your smartphone or tablet.
Auto Transfer (Wireless PC Copy) – Images are transferred from your camcorder to your PC via the wireless access point at home.
Highlight Playback and Easy Share – You can enjoy Highlight Playback with a smartphone or tablet right after shooting. Favorite scenes can be shared on SNS with simple drag and drop operation.
Wireless TV Playback – An access point at home can be used to transfer data wirelessly to the TV or a tablet in the living room, or other rooms in the house (requires a wireless access point).
