Panasonic HC-VX981K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder

Combining 4K Ultra HD 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 4K UHD 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 Multi-Camera 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 8.29 megapixel effective resolution that combines with a Crystal Engine 4K image processor to support 4K UHD video at 24/30 fps and 1080p video up to 60 fps. The camera is also able to take up to 25.9 megapixel interpolated still images, and also 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, which can be combined with Panasonic's Level Shot function to produce clearer, level, and more stable looking hand-held footage.

The camcorder's built-in Wi-Fi supports the Wireless Multi-Camera 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 which 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.

Wireless Multi-Camera

Wireless Multi-Camera enables picture-in-picture recording using Wi-Fi connected mobile devices. You can connect up to three mobile devices at a time and use two of them to record picture-in-picture images. This makes it easy and fun to capture multiple angles and viewpoints at once.

In-Camera 4K Cropping and Editing Tools

Built-in editing tools allow you to crop your 4K video and add effects such as zooming, panning, tracking, and stabilizing. The edited videos are saved at 1080p resolution.

4K Photo Mode

Pause and extract 4K (8.29 megapixel) still images from 4K video frames using the 4K Photo Mode.

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.

5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+

Stabilized on 5 axes (pan, tilt, and roll axes, plus horizontal and vertical directions), the HYBRID O.I.S+ suppresses blurring and jitters in your videos when not using a tripod or other stabilizer.

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.

Wi-Fi Functionality

In addition to Wireless Multi-Camera, the camera is also able to take advantage of remote control and image sharing from a smartphone or tablet using Panasonic's mobile app. 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.

Built-in Wi-Fi also enables you to take advantage of the Baby Monitor feature, which 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. You also have the ability to speak to your baby via your smartphone or have a notification sent to you when the camera detects that your baby is crying.