Panasonic HC-WXF991K 4K

Panasonic HC-WXF991K Introduction Video

Panasonic HC-WXF991K Overview

At the CES event in 2016, Panasonic unveiled a series of 4K consumer camcorder models – their first. For this year’s event, they showcased updates to those models and one of those was the HC-WXF991K which replaces the WX970. New features of the model include a tiltable electronic viewfinder, 24p recording, slow-motion effects and dolly-zoom effects. Features that remain include Twin Video Camera and the rotating camera on the LCD door providing second HD feed for picture-in-picture video. Panasonic also added 4K Cropping, which allows users to extract a cropped area of an HD video.

The Panasonic HC-WXF991K offers 4K Ultra HD video recording as well as in-camera editing and creative effects. Along with wireless multi-camera functionality, the camera allows users to capture different angles and viewpoints at once. All of these combined make for a unique video experience, but is Panasonic’s camcorder worth the shot? 

Design & Features 

The HC-WXF991K from Panasonic comes with an array of features, including:

Twin Camera

This is a secondary camera that is built into the edge of the LCD monitor. What this does is provide 270-degree panning as well as +/- 20-degree tilting to enable users to record two angles at the same time. The video that is being recorded in the secondary camera appears in a sub-window for picture-in-picture recording. The secondary camera’s narration mode allows the voice of the user to be emphasized during a recording.

Wireless Multi-Camera 

While allowing users to record from different angles simultaneously, the HC-WXF991K also has another great feature: wireless multi-camera. This feature expands on the picture-in-picture recording offered by the Twin Camera feature and what it does is allow up to three mobile devices to be connected to the camera over WiFi and use two of those to record picture-in-picture images. This feature gives users more creativity on how they can shoot videos and make moments. In short, this feature makes it easier for users to capture multiple angles and viewpoints simultaneously.

In-Camera Editing 

Panasonic’s HC-WXF991K has a set of built-in editing tools that allow users to crop 4K video as well as add various effects such as panning, stabilizing, tracking and zooming. The videos that are cropped from 4K will be saved at 1080p resolution.

4K Photo Mode 

This feature allows users to pause a video at a certain moment and extract 4K images from those frames.

Video Effects 

The HC-WXF991K from Panasonic comes with a range of cinema-like effects that allow users to simulate shooting techniques seen in films. These effects include Slow Motion Video, Slow & Quick Video, Slow Zoom, and Dolly Zoom.

High Dynamic Range Movie Mode 

This comes in handy when a subject is back-lit as the HDR Movie Mode is able to maintain the gradation in the images. HDR works by combining two images that were taken using different exposure times. The blown highlights are suppressed and the shadows are blocked which creates videos that are crisper and clearer.

Tilting Electronic Viewfinder 

A tilting EVF comes in handy during bright daylight. Adjusting the 0.24” screen offers users a more comfortable recording.

5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S+ 

This prevents blurring and jitters in videos when users don’t use a tripod or any other kind of stabilizer. This feature stabilizes on the five axes: pan, roll and tilt as well as horizontal and vertical directions.

Level Shot Function 

When there is tilting in images, this feature automatically corrects it. Three options are provided: OFF, Normal or Strong. The choice users make will depend on the shooting conditions they are in.

WiFi Capabilities

Through the use of WiFi, users can control the camera remotely using their smartphones or tablets, as long as the Panasonic mobile app is installed. Users can live stream video using USTREAM so they can share moments as they happen with friends and family. WiFi also allows users to easily share recorded videos. 

Pros & Cons 

It’s always best to weight the good with the bad before making any major purchase. While the HC-WXF991K looks impressive from a feature standpoint, it definitely has some flaws. You will find a list of the camera’s most impressive features as well as its not-so-good side. Knowing these will allow you to determine whether the camera is the right one for you or not. 

Pros 

• Very good video quality
• Capturing video from different angle
• Provides 5-axis image stabilization
• Offers in-camera editing and cinema-like effects 

Cons 

• Background noise can be heard when recording in an empty room
• Color isn’t rendered faithfully when shooting in low-light conditions (purple becomes blue)
• Images become blurry when using the max zoom level

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Panasonic HC-WXF991K is a gem of a camera. In addition to being able to shoot 4K video, it offers users with in-camera cinema creative and editing solutions which allows the creation of more professional looking footage.

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