Panasonic HC-VX980EB-K Review

So, I recently got my hands on the Panasonic HC-VX980EB-K 4K Camcorder with LEICA Dicomar Lens – Black, and I’ve been super excited to share my thoughts with you. If you’re considering investing in a top-notch camcorder for capturing those special moments in stunning 4K quality, then you’re definitely in the right place. Stick around as I break down the pros and cons of this impressive piece of tech!

Pros and Cons

What We Liked

• The 4K video recording and 4K photo mode are absolutely stunning. I’ve been blown away by the level of detail and clarity in my footage.
• The cinema-like effect with 24p recording adds a whole new dimension to my videos, giving them a professional touch.
• The dolly zoom (vertigo effect) feature is so much fun to play around with, and it adds a creative twist to my recordings.
• The five-axis optical image stabilization has been a game-changer for me, as it ensures smooth and steady footage, even when I’m on the move.
• The compact size and discreet design make it incredibly convenient for travel, and the easy-to-use menu and instructions have been a real time-saver.

What Can Be Improved

• While the microphone is decent, I did find that it could be better in terms of picking up sound, especially in louder environments. An external microphone might be a worthwhile investment for enhanced audio quality.
• I found the positioning of the SD card socket on the base a bit inconvenient, as it requires removing the camera from the tripod to change the card.

Quick Verdict

Overall, the Panasonic HC-VX980EB-K 4K Camcorder with LEICA Dicomar Lens – Black has truly exceeded my expectations. It’s a fantastic piece of technology that delivers exceptional 4K video recording and photo capabilities, along with a range of impressive features that make it a joy to use. While there are a few minor drawbacks to consider, the benefits far outweigh them, making this camcorder a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to capture high-quality footage. If you’re ready to take your videography to the next level, I highly recommend checking out this gem here!

Unboxing – What’s Inside?

I recently purchased the Panasonic HC-VX980EB-K 4K Camcorder with LEICA Dicomar Lens – Black on Amazon to capture some special moments with my family. The delivery was super fast, and I received the product within 2 days of ordering. Inside the box, I found the camcorder along with a rechargeable battery pack, which was a pleasant surprise as it meant I could start using it right away without having to buy additional batteries.

Specifications

Model name: HCVX980EBK
Camcorder type: Video Camera
Photo sensor technology: MOS
Optical zoom: 20x
Screen size: 3 Inches
Special feature: Wireless
Colour: Black
Flash memory type: SDHC
Connectivity technology: USB
Brand: Panasonic
Guaranteed software updates until: ‎unknown
Style: ‎HC-VX980EB-K
Part number: ‎HC-VX980EB-K
Min Focal Length: ‎4.12 Millimetres
Max Focal Length: ‎98.9 Millimetres
Item Weight: ‎351 Grams
Package Weight: ‎0.82 Kilograms
Package Dimensions L x W x H: ‎22.4 x 15 x 10.4 centimetres

User-Guide

The user guide that came with the camcorder was extremely helpful in getting me started with all the features and settings. It provided clear instructions on how to use the wireless function, adjust the optical zoom, and navigate through the menu options. You can access the user guide here.

Features – What We Found

• 4K video recording and 4K photo mode

  The Panasonic HC-VX980EB-K 4K Camcorder allows for stunning 4K video recording, capturing details with incredible clarity. Additionally, the 4K photo mode enables users to extract high-resolution still images from their video footage, ensuring that no moment is missed.

  Pro-tip: Make sure to use a high-capacity memory card to fully utilize the 4K recording and photo mode capabilities of this camcorder.

• Cinema like effect with 24 p recording

  With 24p recording, this camcorder delivers a cinematic effect to your videos, making them look professional and polished. It adds a smooth and natural feel to the footage, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

  For more information, visit the product page on Amazon.

• Dolly zoom (vertigo effect)

  The dolly zoom, also known as the vertigo effect, creates a unique visual effect by adjusting the zoom while the camera physically moves toward or away from the subject. This feature adds a dramatic and captivating element to your video compositions, allowing you to unleash your creativity.

• Rechargeable Battery Pack

  The Panasonic HC-VX980EB-K comes with a rechargeable 1,940mAh battery pack, ensuring long-lasting power for extended shooting sessions. This eliminates the need to constantly replace disposable batteries, providing convenience and cost savings in the long run.

  Pro-tip: Consider purchasing an additional battery pack to ensure uninterrupted filming, especially during travel or events.

• Five axis optical image stabilisation

  The five-axis optical image stabilization feature minimizes the impact of camera shake, resulting in smooth and steady footage even when shooting on the move. This advanced technology is essential for capturing professional-quality videos, especially in dynamic or unpredictable shooting conditions.

Review and Scores

Our Score: 85.0

Having used the Panasonic HC-VX980EB-K 4K Camcorder with LEICA Dicomar Lens, I must say that I am thoroughly impressed with its performance. The 4K video recording and 4K photo mode are outstanding, delivering crisp and clear footage. The cinema-like effect with 24p recording adds a professional touch to the videos. The dolly zoom feature is also a fun addition, allowing for creative effects in my recordings. The five-axis optical image stabilization ensures that my footage is always steady, even when shooting on the move.

The compact size of the camcorder makes it easy to carry around, and the build quality feels robust and durable. The ease of use and intuitive menu system make it a great option for both beginners and experts. Additionally, the rechargeable battery pack provides long-lasting power for extended shooting sessions.

I highly recommend the Panasonic HC-VX980EB-K 4K Camcorder to anyone in need of a high-quality and versatile camcorder. Whether you’re capturing family moments, creating professional videos, or simply enjoying the 4K recording capabilities, this camcorder delivers exceptional performance. Check it out here and elevate your video recording experience.

Best combination

When you invest in the Panasonic HC-VX980EB-K 4K Camcorder with LEICA Dicomar Lens – Black, it’s essential to also consider the SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC card + RescuePRO Deluxe, up to 200MB/s, UHS-I, Class 10, U3, V30. This high-speed memory card is the perfect companion for your 4K camcorder, ensuring that you never miss a moment of important footage. With its Class 10, U3, V30 speed rating, you can capture and transfer data quickly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on capturing the perfect shot.

Additionally, the included RescuePRO Deluxe software provides advanced data recovery capabilities, giving you peace of mind knowing that your precious memories are always protected. By investing in this alternate product along with your camcorder, you can ensure that you have everything you need to start capturing high-quality videos right away. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your filming experience with this powerful combination.

Still Looking? Checkout These Alternatives

When considering a 4K camcorder, it’s important to weigh all your options. While the Panasonic HC-VX980EB-K is a great choice, there are a few alternative products that offer unique features and benefits that may better suit your needs.

1. Sony FDR-AX53 – Offers 4K recording, Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, and a Zeiss lens with 20x optical zoom. It’s well-suited for enthusiasts and professionals looking for high-quality video in a compact form factor.
2. Canon VIXIA HF G50 (known as Legria HF G50 in some regions) – Features 4K recording, a 20x optical zoom lens, and an advanced image stabilization system. It’s a strong contender for those prioritizing image quality and zoom capabilities.
3. JVC GY-HM180U – A professional 4K camcorder with a 12x optical zoom lens and full manual control, offering a compact solution for professional videographers.
4. Panasonic HC-WXF991K – Another model from Panasonic, offering 4K Ultra HD recording, in-camera editing features, and a twin-camera function. It’s a great alternative for those looking for creative flexibility in addition to high-quality recording.

When considering a camcorder, it’s important to weigh all your options and find the best fit for your needs. While the Panasonic HC-VX980EB-K offers impressive features for videography enthusiasts, there are alternative products that may better suit your requirements.

For instance, if you’re looking for a camera with advanced stabilization for handheld shooting, the Sony FDR-AX53 could be a more suitable option. Its Balanced Optical SteadyShot system ensures smooth footage, which is essential for dynamic shooting environments.

Alternatively, if you prioritize optical zoom and sensor size for diverse shooting conditions, the Canon VIXIA HF G50 offers a powerful zoom lens and advanced image stabilization, making it ideal for capturing high-quality video content.

For those interested in a compact design with professional features, the JVC GY-HM180U provides manual control options and professional audio inputs, enhancing production capabilities.

Lastly, for videographers seeking creative features such as a twin-camera function, the Panasonic HC-WXF991K offers unique in-camera editing and picture-in-picture effects, allowing for more creative storytelling.

Ultimately, each of these alternate products offers something unique, and by considering them, you can ensure that you find the perfect 4K camcorder that meets your specific needs and preferences.