Camcorders Are Back with the Panasonic HC-VX3 and HC-V900

Filmmaker Fritz Bacon dives back into where his filmmaking career started: with Panasonic's HC-VX3 and HC-V900 camcorders. He walks us through his thinking on camcorders in today's age of modern cameras and where they fit into his kit.

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✘ GEAR USED:

Panasonic HC-VX3 4K UHD Camcorder

Panasonic HC-V900 Full HD Camcorder

LUMIX S5IIX

DJI Mic 2 2.4GHz 2-Person Digital Wireless Mic System/Recorder w/Charging Case

#panasonic #camcorder #adorama

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THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!

[mitchelljermaine]

98% of this video is footage from a DSLR and talk about camcorders in general.

[andr]

Why you showed so little and fragmented footage of the products you are reviewing?

[VideoGizmology]

Glad to see a review of these camcorders, but it would have been nice if you shot this entire review video on the VX3 itself, rather than just 60 seconds of test footage with no audio. I personally would have loved to see what the camcorder looks and sounds like the entire time. Thanks.

[NYCIndieFilmmakerSujewa]

Big fan of Adorama, but after using a similar cam and being very happy with it I think this video can be much better. The entire video should be shot with the camcorders being discussed. I used a Panasonic VX870 recently and was able to get amazing footage with it after post work. Sample footage on this video, from the cams being discussed, are not great.

[rafibenatar]

Where is the final video after color was graded ?

[NetvoTV]

First, big miss opportunities for each are 4k60p, night vision (essential for camcorder to make it attractive in the market), build in LED light, XAC S higher codec full HD and 4K file, and will be nice to have build in ND too and also I still don't know if. Panasonic camcorder has gimbal like hardware stabilisation Like the Sony B.O.S.S or its digital, these models which is blank looking on the outside too make it seem like the older models are more feature rich and just missing USB C, do they just recycle parts with these new models?

[juhaaavalaakso]

Nobody use these cameras for film making or grade anything. That is just youtube non sense. These are made for family cameras to store memories super simple features with excelent zoom and no limitations. Or for some worker with fixed camera positions to focus doing the thing and not focusing the camera. They just work out of the box and keep recording even if the world ends.

[sithichook]

Can your products be shipped to Thailand?

[AirborneMediaScotland]

I agree camcorders are fun to use, if I buy another one, one thing for sure is I’m not lending my daughter in law it as I’m still waiting years since I let her borrow my last one

[pennysteam]

Every filming device has its pro’s and cons, the camcorders advantage is you have full flexibility in a small package, instead of a fixed small lens like on a phone or go pro, or having to carry a dozen lenses. A camcorder advantage is filming sports events, life. Anything where you require variable zoom. Depends on the level of the camcorder, log profile actually comes from pro camcorder’s, so it a false assumption to imply they don’t have the option, true those one doesn’t, but thats not to say camcorders don’t have the option.

[gewglesux]

I think they never left.
I purposely purchased a Nikon D3 because it DIDN'T HAVE A CAMERA. Sadly, now in most if not all cameras you cannot escape it.
Wish NONE of my current camera bodies have that feature INCL Leica or Nikon. I'm right there with you. I think i need a new one! Thanks!
Thanks for the video.

[neilfilms]

2025 i still use panasonic tm900 camcorder

[iyason]

Different use cases

Camcorder for run and gun, vlogging

Mirrorless cam for 10 bit video and more control over your video, but also of course for taking pics of my ex 😂😂😂

Smartphone for quick selfie and social media uploads

Clip cam or action cam for kayaking and diving, also sky diving

[Zer]

Camcorders are excellent for capturing content like pranks and documentaries due to their ease of use and extended recording capabilities. However, for filmmaking or creating short cinematic videos, a mirrorless camera is a better choice because of its superior image quality and versatility.

[davefink]

Nice, but still needs electronic viewfinder to follow performance and sports action.

[oldtvnut]

I'd be interested if it had analog NTSC output to feed my antique TVs, but I'm sure it doesn't.

[SummerK]

1/2.5" image sensor ---> No problem with a small sensor
No mention of PDAF & PAL mode ---> What, Panasonic?
N/A in UHD 60p ---> This is 2024!
In conclusion, I'll pass it.

[pimverboon]

What a shock. Compare it with the vx870 from 2015. It is the same with still 25fps instead of 50. Limited to 72Mbps…not even na
Erica lens anymore. Poor..

[myringains]

Dude, for the love of Jesus, when making a review video, show actual footage of the camera you're reviewing! What in the name of god was this thing you did?!

[I_like_science]

Im waiting on a successor to the hc-x1500. That camcorder is MILES better than these. The only downside is the fact that their mic amps are cheap and noisy. If you plug in any mics into the 3.5 mic jack there will be a lot of audible HISS.

I WANT the Panasonic hcx2500! I WILL insta buy it !!!