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Did a lot of research before buying a camcorder, which we primarily use to record workshops and work-related videos. The Panasonic HC-VX981 has a great balance of reasonable pricing and features. Check out the "4K cropping," for instance. Very cool.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Not very many detailed reviews on this camera so here goes... This is a really price friendly 4K camera that seems more geared for Youtube videos/pod casting and could be used in some simple simi pro video production such as an interview type setup. But again, this is a 4K camera under $1,000 USD so you can't expect too much outside of the very basic video shooting on a tripod. I used this camera for just a little bit and quickly found its weaknesses. The biggest problem I seen right off the bat is the zoom control is very touchy and can be challenging for a camera operator to perform a smooth zooming pan shot. To add to the issue this model does not have the option of a physical external zoom controller that can be mounted on a tripod handle, so in that a camera operator can only use the little top zoom control on the top of this camera; and I must say it can be very awkward to use in this manor with a fluidhead tripod depending on the position of the operator. This camera does have a app function that can be used for wireless zoom but when you use it projects the camera feed to the device and can only be viewed on that device even if you have the cam plugged into a video controller. HUGE ISSUE! The next issue is this camera is difficult to use for live broadcasting while running through a multicam selector board. it has the option to broadcast live to Ustream but it’s not controllable externally in that manor, its either on or off and in the camera inits raw form. so, if you have other cameras that don’t comply with this model the wireless multicam feature is totally useless, and if you connect this camera via HDMI to a professional control board so you can cross between other cameras live it outputs the time-code lines as the bottom out to the live broadcast! so for live use with multiple camera that are controllable this camera is also useless for that use. Next issue is the battery life is pretty bad, gets about 80 minutes of use and that’s it. Pros Good for punching in and out in Post for interviews and Youtube videos compact and light weight clear image okay up-close night vision Cons No external zoom controls Bad for external video multicam controller Battery life is terrible Not weather resistant Camera mounted zoom is not smooth and inconsistent Touchscreen is not sensitive Shoe mount is out the back of the body Electronic lens cover will cause a mechanical problem in the future as always with any camera the internal mic is terrible SD card slot is on the bottom of the camera, so if on a tripod have to remove the cam from tripod then remove tripod base plate from camera. Final thoughts: This is a 4K camera that is good for setting on a tripod and used as a basic simi wide angle fixed camera for interviews or Youtube videos or home video use. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I do a lot videography, and every camera I have used has drawbacks or shortcomings like SD placement and menu navigation issues. This camera overall is an excellent choice for a lot of family setting applications especially because it is lightweight and has good video quality. The model been out for several years, so I would not pay over $500.00 for a used one. if you are wanting to shell out $800+, go the next Panasonic model or two up.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I have all kinds of PRO camcorders from $3,000 to 15,000 per camera. I bought this 981 camera a few years ago and to keep in my car's trunk just in case I want to shoot some 4K video.... which I do nearly everyday. It turns out, after a few years all my PRO Canon camcorders are sitting at home and I am using this small frame camcorder for everything. I may get three more of the VX-981 model in a few months for a project. The image quality is stunning in 4K or even lower resolution. Shooting films for over 40 years and I am an experienced shooter with thousands of shorts, docs, nature and music video recordings. I am adding a few images for you to see what kind of rig I am using. It's from fotosafariproducts in the USA, search for it. The model is BlackWing It shows how it's mounted on this platform. One of the best rig or platform to mount other gear... see their webpages. One of the things I also do is grab frames from the video and it is clear and sharp. Who need a DSLR when this camera actually beats their quality. Look up all the YT examples. The only 'downside' for this small frame camcorder is limited manual settings. If you're not a PRO and need those settings for a specific reason, don't give it a second thought. It'll work well in all kinds of video shooting... day or night. What I missed is dual SD cards as with all PRO Canon cameras I have. Sometime you need two SD cards to make a copy in the field. What I don't need is a cheesy pic in pic by smart phone to be recorded the same image.... picture in a picture. It don't work well and you really don't need such a function. Read full review
Verified purchase: No
It was so great to the company give this amazing offer. so happy and blessed. We are using for our church services. It looks amazing... Blessings Arun John
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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