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Quick Specs
4K 3840 x 2160/25p
HD 1920 x 1080/50p
Has a second camera so you can record yourself
Wifi enabled with live streaming
Latest 4k sensor from Panasonic.
Panasonic HC-WX970 4K Camera Review
First announced at CES 2015, the Panasonic HC-WX970 is one of two 4K camcorders released for consumers. The other camcorder is the similarly featured Panasonic HC-WX870.
Panasonic has been rolling out 4K UHD for targeted for high-end camera users since 2014 – Luimix FZ1000, GH4 and LX100. With the release of both the HC-WX970 and the HC-WX870, Panasonic now has entries for 4K devices especially for the consumer camcorder market.
While the two cameras are aimed at regular users, Panasonic believes they are sophisticated enough to cater to the needs of professional users.
The HC-WX970 also comes with a “Twin Camera” feature, which is a secondary camera placed in the flip-out LCD. This can be used to shoot picture-in-picture, selfies and a whole lot more. For example, you can be at a football game with the game all tied up and all that is needed is a touchdown so your home team can walk away with a victory. As you’re filming this historic moment, you can also film your reaction. Another example the feature is good for is conducting an interview where you can film you and your subject together. Now, this isn’t exactly a novel idea, but the one that Panasonic has does allow you to pan and tilt.
Features & Capabilities
The Panasonic HC-WX970 4K camera is capable of shooting 4K video at 50p, as well as high dynamic range (HDR) capabilities. The HDR video capability works just like in photo where two videos are filmed using different exposures. These images are then combined to produce a better looking 60p video. Although it does offer HDR capability, this feature only works in Full HD Mode.
Anyone who’s ever played with 4K knows just how lifelike the captured moment is. And with the HC-WX970, Panasonic gives you what’s called a 4K Photo Mode where you can grab a high-quality 8-megapixel still from a 4K frame.
Fast and accurate autofocusing is also offered by the HC-WX970 4K camcorder thanks in part to its 4K sensor, as well as minimal handshake owed to a hybrid optical image stabilization system with 5-axis correction. Rolling shutter distortion is also reduced with the camera and is credited to the 4K sensor and high-speed signal processing
]Panasonic also teamed up with Leica to create a new lens for their 4K camcorders. This way, the cameras remain compact even when using a zoom up to 20x. The new lens also allows a more precise autofocus.
Panasonic HC-WX970 Test Footage
One of the biggest differences between the cameras is that the Panasonic HC-WX870 does not have the Twin Camera feature present. However, it is possible to mimic the same output. All you need is a smartphone that you connect to the camcorder through WiFi.
Other Notable Features:
Baby Calendar / Stop-Motion Animation Assist
Set the name and birthday of your baby to display thumbnail images of recorded scenes around the date. This makes it easier to find relevant images.
Creative Control
Built-in filter effects allow you to match video recordings to shooting situation.
Full-HD Slow Motion Video
The HC-WX970 can record Full-HD video at 120 fps, but a more dramatic slow motion effect can be achieved through Crystal Engine’s Intelligent Frame Creation.
Level Shot Function
Detects and corrects tilting in images automatically.
5-Axis HYBRID OIS
Reduces blurring in videos when shooting using your hands or when not using a tripod or any kind of stabilizer.
Multi-Manual Dial
Control several in-camera features such as Focus, White Balance, Shutter Speed, Iris, Sharpness, Color Saturation and Brightness.
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