Panasonic: New 4K Camcorders HC-WXF991and HC-VX981 Have In-Camera Editing and New Full-HD Camcorders HC-W580, HC-V380 and HC-V180 Have 5-Axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization

The following video gives an overview of the Panasonic WXF991 camcorder:

The Panasonic WXF991 is the pinnacle of hand-held 4K video capture, featuring several in-camera cinema creative and editing solutions that can enable anyone to capture and produce like a pro. For those without 4K display options, the WXF991 offers in-camera downsampling to 1080p Full HD displays. Enjoy multi-camera scene picture-in-picture recording via a second built-in camera, or add a WiFi link to a mobile device camera to increase creative possibilities.

Panasonic announced at 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) January 6 – 9, the following new 4K Ultra High Definition camcorders and Full-HD camcorders:

4K Ultra High Definition Camcorders

Panasonic HC-WXF991 features include:

Ultra-sharp 4K Ultra HD recording, plus in-camera editing for 1080p displays.
Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) emulates a semi-professional recording experience.
LEICA Dicomar Lens optical 20x zoom, 5-axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization.
Built-in Twin Camera, plus WiFi mobile features add multi-camera scene picture-in-picture recording.
4K Cinema in-camera editing and effects (Dolly Zoom, Slow/Quick motion, 4K Post Cropping, Stabilization and Zoom).
4K PHOTO captures high-quality photos from 4K video frames.
Exclusive High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode reduces the overly high-contrast look created by overexposed and underexposed shooting conditions.

Panasonic HC-VX981 features include:

Ultra-sharp 4K Ultra HD recording, plus in-camera editing for 1080p displays.
LEICA Dicomar Lens optical 20x zoom, 5-axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization.
4K in-camera post cropping, panning, zooming and subject tracking stabilization features eliminate the need for complex editing software.
WiFi connected mobile device Twin Camera feature adds multi-camera scene picture in picture recording.
4K PHOTO captures high-quality photos from 4K video frames.
Exclusive High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode reduces the overly high-contrast look created by overexposed and underexposed shooting conditions.

Full-HD Camcorders

Panasonic HC-W580 features include:

Full HD 1080p recording.
Intelligent 90x zoom and 5-axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization provide maximum handheld stability.
WiFi and NFC enabled for quickly sharing content and controlling camcorder features remotely.
Built in Twin Camera plus WiFi mobile device features add multi-camera scene picture-in-picture recording.
Exclusive High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode reduces the overly high-contrast look created by overexposed and underexposed shooting conditions.
High Precision AF mode improves focusing while zooming, panning and shooting moving subjects.

Panasonic HC-V380 features include:

Full HD 1080p recording.
Intelligent 90x zoom, with 5-axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization provides maximum handheld stability.
WiFi and NFC enabled for quickly sharing content and controlling camcorder features remotely.
WiFi mobile device Twin Camera feature adds multi-camera scene picture-in-picture recording.
In-camera Creative Control and Intelligent Auto Plus modes enhance creative possibilities.
3” touch-enabled LCD.

Panasonic HC-V180 features include:

Full HD 1080p recording.
Intelligent 90x zoom, with 5-axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization provides maximum handheld stability.
Responsive touch screen on 2.7” LCD.
2-channel zoom microphone for clear audio at any distance.

PRESS RELEASE

Panasonic’s New Camcorder Line-up Provides Videographers and Families with Everything They Need for Picture Perfect Recording

From full-fledged 4K video production to recording memorable family moments in high image quality

Las Vegas, NV 01/05/2016

Panasonic announced today at CES 2016 two new camcorders into its 4K Ultra High Definition line-up (HC-WXF991 and HC-VX981) and three into its Full-HD camcorder line-up (HC-W580, HC-V380 and HC-V180).

As a leader in 4K technology, Panasonic’s new 4K camcorders enable in camera 4K editing tools and the company’s innovative 4K PHOTO mode, alongside features unique to Panasonic such as Wireless Multi Camera and enhanced cinemagraphic functions to simplify ease of use for any user.

Overwhelming 4K Quality at the Touch of a Button HC-WXF991 and HC-VX981
These new 4K camcorders build on the success of Panasonic’s first 4K camcorders which were introduced to the market last year. By combining a wealth of advanced imaging technologies such as the LEICA DICOMAR Lens, BSI Sensor and Crystal Engine 4K, beautiful 4K images that boast four times the resolution of Full-HD can be captured for later viewing. In addition, high-speed, high-precision auto focus technologies, highly critical for 4K shooting, help to increase image quality further.

Also by recording in 4K PHOTO mode, the user can obtain 8-megapixel still images of decisive moments that even the burst shooting of a DSLR camera struggles to capture.

These 4K technologies are concentrated into a body that is almost as compact and lightweight as Panasonic Full-HD camcorders.

Features and Functions for Semi-Professional Video Production HC-WXF991
The HC-WXF991 is packed with advanced functions and features to satisfy the needs of both professionals and high-amateurs. With the new tiltable viewfinder¹, this model makes it easier to capture subjects more precisely. Cinema-Like Effects are new features that allow the use of shooting techniques seen in the movies, such as Slow & Quick Video, Slow Zoom, and Dolly Zoom.

This high-end compact 4K camcorder is a great tool for creating cinema style videos.

4K Cropping of Recorded Videos without Using Editing Software
HC-WXF991 and HC-VX981
New 4K Cropping cuts out Full-HD resolution video from 4K footage internally within the camcorder. It allows post edit effects to be added to a recorded video, such as zooming², panning³, tracking and stabilizing. The edited video is saved in Full-HD format. This function is especially appreciated by those who want to create high-quality Full-HD videos.

Capture everyone’s memorable moment with Simultaneous Recording
HC-WXF991 and HC-VX981, HC-W580 and HC-V380
Wireless Multi Camera is a new function evolved from Panasonic’s original Wireless Twin Camera, which enables picture-in-picture recording using a Wi-Fi-connected smartphone as a sub-camera.

While Wireless Twin Camera links to only one smartphone, Wireless Multi Camera connects to as many as three smartphones and records up to two sub-window images instead of one. This lets the user shoot from a variety of angles and viewpoints to capture a level of emotional impact that simply is not possible with a single camera.

Twin Camera Lets You Capture Alternate Shooting Scenes W580
The Twin Camera feature with a pan/tilt sub-camera on the edge of the LCD monitor allows simultaneous recording of images from two different angles. Also provided are a Narration mode that emphasizes the camera user’s voice in recording and a backup function that simultaneously records images without the sub-window giving great flexibility to the user.

5-Axis Level Shot Function for Blur and Tilt Free Images
HC-WXF991 and HC-VX981, HC-W580, HC-V380 and HC-V180
All new models feature Panasonic’s original Level Shot function, which detects and corrects the tilting of captured images, as well as 5-Axis Hybrid O.I.S.+. No matter which model is selected, these functions thoroughly suppress blurring caused by various types of hand-shake and automatically correct the tilting of captured images that may be unnoticed by the camera user while recording.

(Product Information)

	WXF991	VX981	W580	V380	V180
Electronic View Finder	x
4K Video Recording and 4K Photo Mode With LEICA Dicomar lens / 4K high-precision AF technology / 4K cropping	x	x
Wireless Multi Camera Recording multiple, simultaneous scenes	x	x	x	x
Twin Camera Picture-in-picture twin camera recording	x		x
High Picture Quality 20x Optical Zoom / Level Shot Function / 5-Axis Hand-Shake Detection / 8M BSI Sensor	x	x
HDR (High Dynamic Range) Movie	x	x	x
Intelligent 90x Zoom and 28mm Wide-Angle			x	x	x
Wi-Fi Function	x	x	x	x
Level Shot Function And 5-axis hand-shake detection	x	x	x	x	x

^[1] The Viewfinder and LCD　Monitor cannot be used simultaneously. Also, since the icons displayed in the Viewfinder cannot be operated, open the LCD　Monitor for touch operation.

^{^[2]} Length of Pan/Zoom approximately either 20 seconds or approximately 40 seconds.

^[3] Length of Pan/Zoom approximately either 20 seconds or approximately 40 seconds.
(Feature Information)

Cinema-Like Effect for Creating Cinema Style Videos
HC-WXF991 and HC-VX981
This model comes with four special functions that allow professional-like shooting techniques commonly used in cinema films.

Slow & Quick Video
The recording mode can be changed to Quick Video during slow motion shooting. By combining Slow Video and Quick Video, the user can add dramatic effects to motion-filled scenes.

Slow Zoom
Slow zooming, which is also often used in cinema films and difficult to do manually, is easy to operate. It lets the user add tension to otherwise simple scenes, and express emotional shifts in subjects.

Dolly Zoom
This technique zooms only the background while maintaining the subject’s size to express feelings such as confusion, distress, or surprise. The resulting footage can be thrilling and create suspense in the film.

Slow Motion Video
Smooth slow motion video turns everyday scenes into works of art.

Intelligent 90x Zoom/Optical 50x Zoom
W580, V380 and V180
When using Intelligent 90x Zoom, Intelligent Resolution technology lets you shoot at high zoom rates while preserving the image resolution. You get sharp images of highly detailed objects – without the blurry edges.

	WXF991	VXF981	W580	V380	V180
Wide-Angle	30.8mm*	30.8mm*	28mm	28mm	28mm
Intelligent Zoom	25x*	25x*	90x	90x	90x
Optical Zoom	20x	20x	50x	50x	50x

* 4K

Wi-Fi Function
HC-WXF991, HC-VX981, HC-W580 and HC-V380
The camcorders include the Baby Monitor feature which enables you to check on a sleeping baby in another room with the camcorder connected to home network with a smartphone. You can call out to the baby using your smartphone or have a notification sent to your smartphone when your baby’s crying voice or other sound is detected. You can also provide live streaming of video over the Internet using USTREAM.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Newark, NJ, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation. The company offers a wide range of consumer solutions in the U.S. including products from VIERA Life+ Screens, Blu-ray players, LUMIX Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Home Audio, Cordless Phones, Home Appliances, Beauty, Grooming, Wellness and Personal Care products and more. In Interbrand’s 2014 annual “Best Global Green Brands” report, Panasonic ranked number five overall and the top electronics brand in the report. To learn more about our products, visit panasonic.com. Follow Panasonic on Twitter @panasonicUSA; additional company information for journalists is also available at us.panasonic.com/news.

The following video presents Panasonic VX981 4K Camcorder Overview:

The Panasonic VX981 4K Ultra HD camcorder brings simplicity to the 4K recording experience. It adds in-camera editing solutions that can enable anyone to capture and produce content without complex software. An innovative HDR mode reclaims highlights and shadows often lost by most compact camcorders. For those without a 4K display option, the VX981 offers in-camera downsampling to 1080p displays. Plus the ability to create multi-camera scene picture-in-picture recordings simply by adding a WiFi link to a mobile device camera.