Panasonic's Newest Camcorders Come with Wi-Fi Support & Improved Toughness
2013 Panasonic Full HD Camcorder Lineup
Panasonic has announced its 2013 lineup of full HD camcorders, which consists of the flagship HC-X920M, HC-V720, HC-V520, and the entry-level HC-V210 and HC-V110. Two full HD active style camcorders are also introduced: the HX-WA30 and HX-DC3.
Equipped with the new 3MOS System PRO, the X920 series models utilize BSI (backside illuminated) sensor tech to enhance the three MOS sensors to deliver superb shooting performance even in dimly-lit environments, and this reduces noise as much as 50% compared to earlier models. In the Singapore market, Panasonic will be bringing in the HC-X920M (which comes with 32GB internal flash memory); this model is the successor to the excellent HC-X900M of 2012. Like the X900M, the X920M doesn't shoot 3D natively, though this can be solved by using a 3D conversion lens. The V720 series comes with a new 1/2.33-inch High Sensitivity Sensor, while the V520 series uses a single 1/5.8-inch type BSI sensor.
All models in these three series also come with a new Level Shot function, which automatically detects and adjusts tilting images. There's also a 5-Axis Correction Hybrid O.I.S that helps to suppress blurring due to handshake or when a long zoom range is used (the V520 comes with a super-long 50x optical zoom lens). With built-in Wi-Fi support, they also allow home monitoring, live view control from a smartphone, and Real Time Broadcasting (in addition to onboard recording for the X920M and V720) to family and friends who are located far away. The latter is done via the Ustream video service.
Also new on the V720 and V520 series is NFC support. This allows one-touch connection between the camcorder and the smartphone or tablet. The X920 series doesn't have NFC support; however, it can generate a QR code, and users can scan the code with their smart device to establish a connection between the two.
The two entry models from the V210 and V110 series are also full HD camcorders, but they lack some of the features in the higher-end models, such as Wi-Fi support, Level Shot function, and the 5-axis image stabilizer. But both sport 38x optical zoom.
Also announced are two active style MP4 camcorders, the HX-WA30 and HX-DC3. Thanks to their pistol-grip design, one-handed shooting with these camcorders is possible. The HX-WA30 is the premium model of the two, and sports some really tough specs, such as waterproof to a depth of 10m, shockproof from a height of 1.5m, freezeproof to temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius, and dustproof. It also has built-in Wi-Fi that allows you to connect it with a smartphone or tablet to enable easy live view control, recorded data browsing, and sharing on social networking services. Both camcorders supports 16MP still image recording, but only the HX-WA30 has a 28mm wide-angle lens (40mm for the HX-DC3).
Below is a summary of the key features of the seven new camcorders:
Models | Key Features | Pricing |
---|---|---|
HC-X920M |
|
TBC |
HC-V720 |
|
TBC |
HC-V520 |
|
TBC |
HC-V210 |
|
TBC |
HC-V110 |
|
TBC |
HX-WA30 |
|
TBC |
HX-DC3 |
|
TBC |
All camcorders are expected to arrive in stores starting early April.
Source: Panasonic Singapore.