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Panasonic

Panasonic 4K Ultra HD Video Camera Camcorder HC-VX981K, 20X Optical Zoom, 1/2.3-Inch BSI Sensor, HDR Capture, Wi-Fi Smartphone Multi Scene Video Capture (Black)

    • Based on 478 reviews
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$797.99 Why this price?

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Availability: In Stock.
Fulfilled by Adorama
Arrives Saturday, Jan 4
Order within 9 hours and 56 minutes
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Style: 4K – VX981K


Features

  • Get in Close and Detail: 18.91 Megapixel MOS sensor plus 20x Zoom LEICA Decomar Lens (4.08-81.6 millimeter), plus 5-axis Hybrid O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)
  • 1/2.3-Inch BSI Sensor: The Back Side Illumination Sensor has a large effective area with 8.29M effective pixels, suppressing noise even when shooting in dimly lit conditions. Image Sensor is 1/2.3-inch BSI MOS Sensor
  • 4K Recording and In-Camera Editing: Ultra-sharp 4K Ultra HD recording, plus in-camera editing for 1080p displays; Total Pixels 18.91 megapixels, still image 7.00 megapixels [3:2], 8.29 megapixels [16:9], 6.22 megapixels [4:3]
  • HDR Movie Feature: Exclusive high-dynamic range feature suppresses blown highlights and blocked shadows for crisper and clearer videos
  • Wireless Twin Camera: Wirelessly connect your smartphone's video camera as a sub-camera for a picture-in-picture video effect.Recording Format:JPEG (DCF/Exif2.2)

Description

Equipped with a 20x Optical Zoom LEICA Dicomar lens and 5-axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization function, the Panasonic 4K Ultra HD Camcorder HC-VX981K brings simplicity to the 4K recording experience. It adds in-camera editing solutions such as cropping, panning, zooming and subject tracking stabilization that can enable anyone to capture and produce content without the need for complex software. An innovative HDR mode captures clear shots with excellent detail in both bright and dark areas. The Wi-Fi functions make the camcorder competent in a variety of tasks: remote shooting and view via the Panasonic smartphone app, picture-in-picture style video recording with your smartphone as a sub camera. For those without a 4K display option, the HC-VX981K offers in-camera down sampling to 1080p displays for convenient playback. Connectivity technology: USB: 2.0 Hi-Speed, HDMI: Micro, Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11b/g/n. Motion Image 4K: 8.29 megapixels [16:9], Full-HD: 6.10 megapixels [16:9] (Level Shot Function OFF or Normal).

Brand: Panasonic


Photo Sensor Technology: CMOS


Video Capture Resolution: 4K


Maximum Focal Length: 81.6 Millimeters


Maximum Aperture: 2.8 f


Flash Memory Type: SDXC


Video Capture Format: JPEG (DCF/Exif2.2)


Screen Size: 3 Inches


Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi


Color: Black


Manufacturer: Panasonic


UPC: 885170266285


Global Trade Identification Number: 85


Built-In Media: Camcorder, Battery, AC Adaptor, DC Cable, HDMI Cable, USB Cable, Editing Software


Antenna Location: Camcorder


Are Batteries Included: Yes


Brand Name: Panasonic


Model Number: HC-VX981K


Camcorder Type: Video Camera


Model Name: HC-VX981K


Digital Zoom: 60


Optical Zoom: 20 x


Display Resolution Maximum: 4K


Screen Size: 3 Inches


Form Factor: Compact


Item Weight: 0.77 Pounds


Style: 4K – VX981K


Item Dimensions D x W x H: 5.5"D x 2.6"W x 2.9"H


Number of Batteries: 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included)


Wireless Compability: 802.11b


Has Image Stabilization: Yes


Image stabilization: HYBRID O.I.S.+ with Active Mode, O.I.S. Lock, Level Shot Function (Strong mode2K only)


Sensor Type: CMOS


Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi


Color: Black


Features: Wireless


Lens Type: Zoom


Minimum Aperture: 2.8 f


Maximum Aperture: 2.8 f


Minimum Focal Length: 4.1 Millimeters


Maximum Focal Length: 81.6 Millimeters


Flash Memory Type: SDXC


File Format: JPEG


Image Capture Speed: 60 fps


Shooting Modes: Movie


Video Resolution: 4K


Video Capture Format: JPEG (DCF/Exif2.2)


Effective Still Resolution: 7 MP


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Saturday, Jan 4

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

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Top Amazon Reviews

    • Works Great!
Style: 4K – VX981K
Great little 4K cameras for the price! We use these as extra b-roll cameras for various angle shots for weddings, live events, etc. - and the image quality is quite impressive. I do wish they had a true 4K video output of normal HDMI size and not a micro HDMI, as you can't record and output at the same time when set to 4K resolution. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2024 by Billy Griffin
    • Good Camera. Good Video Quality.
Style: 4K – VX981K
This is an all around great camera. Easy to use with great picture quality especially when shooting mp4 50mbps. 4K is good as well, but I mostly shoot in 1080p then upscale to 4K in post production. Battery life is pretty good. You can charge the battery as you use the camera. Open the flip out screen and it's ready to record. So convenient. The touch screen is not s responsive as I would like, but it is still good enough. Overall, great little camera. I read reviews and weighted my options over a month before I bought it. Best camera out of about 5 that I compared it to at about the same price. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2024 by Chris Holcombe
    • Quality in every area and ease of use
Style: 2K – V785K
Review Image by Va. Master Gardener Va. Master Gardener
Review Image by Va. Master Gardener Va. Master Gardener
Review Image by Va. Master Gardener Va. Master Gardener
Review Image by Va. Master Gardener Va. Master Gardener
Review Image by Va. Master Gardener Va. Master Gardener
Picture quality superb, zoom amazing, voice quality clear, ease of use with touch screen. Playback is so cool, you can add a variety of music if you don't use the voice. Also the lens cap opens when the view arm is opened and closes when the arm is closed, so no losing the lens cap. I have owned Panasonic products for years, stands up to the quality in this camcorder. The playback on my iMac is very good and clear with Quick Time Player. The only item that was not included was a scan disc but that was not a problem as I chose the 128 for my travels. I will purchase an additional battery for my trip. Over all a huge winner! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2023 by Va. Master Gardener Va. Master Gardener
    • Extremely Capable Video Camera; great value.
Style: 2K – V785K
I love this camera!!! It's small and light, and well made, and feature rich. With a Comica V10 Pro mic and standard battery attached, this thing weighs less than a pound. If you have big hands, I can see how this could be too small for you. But, the ergonomics of the form factor for shooting video on this thing versus a DSLR or... a phone, is just way better, and way more comfortable. Also, there's no big learning curve to using this thing, like there is with a DSLR. I bought the Panasonic HC-V785(K?) Camcorder as my main camera to create content. I was looking at the Panasonic HC-VX981, which is the 4K version of this camera, but I could not afford it at this time. Don't quote me on this, but it seems that the only major difference between HC-VX981 and this one (HC-V785), is that the -VX981 shoots in 4K and the -V785 shoots in 1080p. I don't ever make 4K content, so this wasn't a big deal. This camera allows you to manually control your shutter speed, ISO, aperture, and White Balance (setting White Balance on here is really simple). But the auto image mode (where the camera picks the settings) is actually pretty good, too. This camera shoots excellent video with ease, and I'm able to get great picture quality with blurry backgrounds. It has impressive Zoom that you just can't get on a DSLR without changing out lenses mid... thrust, and the built-in microphone is really good (aside from being out on a really windy day, when it's not). It's got an external mic input, so you can use whatever mic you want with this thing. And it's got an HDMI out, so you can record to an external source. This camera also has an audio out (3.5 mm) so you could monitor the sound coming in. This camera has a built-in light, that is surprisingly helpful. Transferring data from this camera to my computer is a breeze; as soon as you plug the camera into a computer, and click PC, it comes up as a read-only hard drive. So, you can drag and drop your files, but you can't delete anything off the camera via PC. If you wanna delete anything off your camera, you need to do it on the camera itself, in this configuration; minor gripe. You can shoot stills with this camera, but they're just.. okay. I don't really take pictures when making my content, so this feature isn't that important to me. Image stabilization is pretty decent, as well. This camera uses SDXC SD cards up to 128 GB (according to the manual), but I'm currently using a 256 GB SDXC SD card, with no issues. The battery it comes with lasts for about an hour and 40 minutes. If you're plugged into a wall, you can pretty much shoot all day and not overheat. There are some things I do not love about this camera. The biggest one is that when I completely face the screen in "selfie" Mode (screen facing the same direction as the camera is pointing), the ability to adjust any camera options via touchscreen disappears. This is frustrating when I am filming things, alone. I feel like this could be fixed with a software or firmware update. Which leads me to my next big issue with this camera: there is almost no support for this camera from Panasonic. Panasonic! -Can't ya spare A GUY?! -Just one? It seems like your menu and features on your camcorders have been using the same base software for the past 10 years (AND THAT IS NOT A BAD THING, it works! Panasonic surprisingly makes an excellent line of video cameras), can't ya just throw A guy or two at this to make minor product improvements on your existing product lines? ...Please?? -I love your stuff. The wifi feature is kinda hoky - I mean, being able to link your phone and use it as second camera is cool, but your phone app sucks, and I really feel like this camera should have a blue tooth option to be able to link... everything to this camera. Another minor issue I have, is that the audio from the audio out has a slight delay which, if you were monitoring your sound with some headphones, could really mess you up. I also wish there was a dedicated stop-motion setting on this thing; I have not figured out how do it with this camera, or if it's even capable. This camera is not perfect, but it is still extremely capable. With all its short-comings, I still love this thing. I love playing with it, I love using it, and I love the output and features it gives me. If you're looking for a dedicated camera for shooting video, and you don't have the money to spend on a DSLR -and/or you don't have the know-how to use a DSLR, this camera, or its 4K brother (HC-VX981), is not a bad option. This is a good video camera, guys. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2024 by Shaft of the Spear
    • Awesome
Style: 2K – V785K
I've only had this camera less than a day and I'm already impressed. Very stable and sharp focused. Auto-focus is fast and accurate! Color, exposure and zoom are phenomenal! I've tried two cheaper video cameras, and this puts them to shame. They were 4K and this 1080 camera is so much better. It's true. You get what you pay for! The app isn't great but the camera is amazing! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2024 by Gregory M. Ross
    • 16 yr old picky approved
Style: 2K – V785K
I spent hours in stores and online researching a new video camera for my daughter. She’s had them and wanted one with a laundry list of qualities. I couldn’t find one that matched or so I thought. She said this one (and she’s a no filter honest teen) that this is perfect. Perfect sound (I had to listen to a lot of examples :-), photo quality, durability, wi fi connectivity and picture. I asked if she should just use her iphone instead like many reviews said on cameras and she was like nope. She’s one happy, smart tech savvy teen right now. All I’d say is wait for the discounts because they can be huge. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2024 by Kristen Rosamilia
    • A Case for an Awesome Camcorder
Style: 4K – VX981K
Review Image by George Hooper George Hooper
This is a great camcorder many pros as well as for family home videos love as with the auto functions it turns on opening the monitor then with decent light will takes great videos. Going pro it has additional options per manual control and some many interesting pre-post editing effects before transferring the files to whatever video editing software on your computer. With cinematic effects Panasonic added the dolly zoom effect. Think the movie 'Jaws' with Brody on the beach seeing a kid on a raft getting eaten by a shark and the camera sees his face never changing in distance while the background is zooming in. This dolly shot is built into the camcorder. This is a sturdy hard case I'm using for the Panasonic HV-VX981K camcorder which is a little larger than many small camcorders so not easy to find a case that fits especially with the wider lens hood for 16:9 recording. It holds the camera and supplied accessories, a second fast wall charger with two of the larger 390 batteries, additional 128Gb SD cards, a case with three 49mm UV, CPL, ND filters and a lens cap to protect them. There is still room for the excellent Sony ICD-UX570 recorder for secondary audio when video recording. In place of filters one could store a Ulanzi RGB Video light for special effects. Overall a compact case offering options for your gear. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BY36RJNH?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2024 by George Hooper George Hooper

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