Panasonic HC-WX970 Camera Hands On Features and Test

This is a bit longet than I expected but I tried to make it a short as I could without cutting out too much information. The first half of the video I show you some of the settings of the camera, and in the second half I put the camera under different situations for testing out how it can handle itslef.

[maiseekateyang]

I just purchased the Panasonic HC-VX870 4K and found this video to be extremely help. Thank you for the clear explanations of the features and test.

[FFcossag]

Excellent overview and test footage, I'm so happy to see someone actually dig into the menus.

[jefforing]

I know I'm getting to the "party" a year and a half late (!) but I just bought this camcorder to upgrade my Panasonic 3D HDC-TM900 (which I'm keeping to shoot 3D home movies), and I greatly enjoyed your very thorough review here! The menus of the two camcorders are very similar, which will make the learning curve easier for me with the new HC-WX970. Nicely done!

[KayakDIY]

Just got this camera on sale.  Amazon had best price i could find.  Loving the 4k and twin camera features.

[JoeGator]

I paid almost $1k (HC-WXF991K) when this camera first hit the market. If you're willing to watch tutorial vids and learn and practice the controls, there is currently no better value out there for the less-than-$800 range. Takes great vids/still images and is easy to carry, as well. But, the one with the eye piece, much better for tough conditions- worth every penny.

Thanks for the awesome vids.

[videoholicreturns]

Thanks for this in-depth look at this camcorder...I'm seriously thinking of getting one!!!

[osman]

I need a camera to film the places i go to, to vacation. what is a good relatively cheap option? i hope you'll have a suggestion.

Nice review as always, very informative!

[rtrain]

This was a really nice review. Touching on relevant points without being overwhelming in detail. I was hoping for some thoughts from the author at the end but I guess I can draw my own conclusions. What I have learned is that video cameras will get me to record much more video much more easily than if I try to do video from an ordinary DSLR/Mirrorless camera. That being said, I took some amazing video with clear indoor low light and great sound with my Canon 70D, it was impressive beyond what I have seen from camcorders but I got tired of holding it because it is not designed to be held and controlled with one hand. This is why I will buy a camcorder anyway. Off the topic, I think a decent pair of POV glasses would be a great way to capture even more video, imagine not having to hold anything at all??

[JAK_EDITS.]

Fantastic review, thanks a lot. Didn't know the zoom focus was so goddamn good that close.

[jariperho]

Hey, I really appreciate this test and your explanation of the cam's various features. These new 4K camcorders are pretty disappointing to be honest. Instead of focusing on easier things like good image quality and capture, eliminating severe rolling shutter or taking advantage of the camcorder's practical form factor for convenient video shooting, these camcorders still suffer from useless gimmicks, under performance and just bad design. There's just no reason to buy these things over something like an FZ1000 or RX10. You get a viewfinder for the same price along with the better image, higher bitrate and standard hot shoe with appropriate ports.

[Z-add]

Now this is a good review. too the point no nonsense. Looks like wireless camera feature is a gimmick. better to record the videos separately and mix them in post. The shoe mount is a concern as well. The on screen UI is just OK.
Also can you clarify whether the hdmi port is live or not. Can i see what I am recording by connecting a tv to the hdmi port?

[fdsdfsdfsdfsd]

Is it true that in auto mode the camera changes the shutter speed to even 1/1500 on a sunny day?

[cheapmister]

Is this camera better than the HC-V180? Man I didn’t realize I had a camera with no light or night vision

[IOSZKerrville]

I'm looking to get my YouTube channel fully up and running to match my company... would you recommend using this camera as an introduction camera for my channel; if not, which one would you recommend? Thank you for your time.

[danielzavala]

great review, thanks, do you know if you can extract 8 megapixel imaes from the 4k video? or if you can shoot high resolution images while recording in 4k without stoping the recordig. Thanks

[leokimvideo]

No sound in slowmo...sad
The controls seemed all too cramped on the LCD, I'm thinking this is not my next camera
Nice neighbourhood, looks interesting

[iyanlavanzant]

Dear Paul, I am using this camera to make videos for YouTube. I want to use a Lav mic because it makes the sound clearer in the space I am using yet, for some reason when I plug the mic in, I get no sound. I used it once and it worked but now, I get no sound. Any suggestions? Also, I am shooting in 4K but my picture is grey and fuzzy.

[stayfocus]

That camera stand you have, where can I get that same one and other accessories like camera bag etc what's the most memory card it can accommodate?

[sazopro]

Nice vid man, question: would you recommend this camera to use it as secondary camera for events like weddings?, to get the wide shots?

[simplydifferent]

But you don't need a phone to film or upload? I still have a desktop. I don't have a phone like that, just an old one of the 00's with no internet or apps. Can i use the camera without such a phone like that?

And i didn't know yet what O.I.S. is standing for, but it seems like stabilisation of less schocking mode?

And i woulkd like film day and night time thunderstorms, even a thunderstorm far away when the lightning is too weak for cheap camera's, but i want this camera even for weak lightning from a far distance. I think this is a camera who have the capacity.

So many thanks for your explanation. And sorry about my English, im not speaking THAT English very well but at least i can understand your messages :)