Panasonic 4K Cinema-Like Video Camera Camcorder HC-WXF991K, 20X Leica DICOMAR Lens, 1/2.3" BSI Sensor, 5-Axis Hybrid O.I.S, HDR Mode, EVF, WiFi, Multi Scene Video Recording (Black)
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Brand | Panasonic |
Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi |
Flash Memory Type | SDXC |
Color | Black |
Special Feature | Infrared, Night Vision, Anti-Shake, Time Lapse |
Screen Size | 3 Inches |
Optical Zoom | 20 x |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Camcorder type | Video Camera |
Included Components | Camcorder, Battery, AC Adaptor, DC Cable, HDMI Cable, USB Cable, Editing Software |
About this item
- Ultra sharp 4K ultra HD recording, plus in camera editing for 1080p displays
- Electronic Viewfinder EVF emulates a semi Professional recording experience; Dedicated HDR button enables quick mode changes; Exclusive high dynamic range (HDR) mode reduces the overly high contrast look created by overexposed and underexposed shooting conditions
- Leica Decoma Lens optical 20x zoom, 5 axis hybrid optical image stabilization; Image sensor 1/2.3 inch BSI MOS sensor; Total pixels 18.91 megapixels; Focal length 4.0 to 81.6 millimeter
- Built in Twin Camera, plus Wi Fi mobile features add multi camera scene picture in picture recording; Digital Zoom 60x / 1500x (The maximum value of zoom magnification can be set in 2 patterns)
- 4K cinema in camera editing and effects (Dolly zoom, slow/quick motion, 4K Post cropping, stabilization and zoom)
- 4K photo captures high quality photos from 4K video frames
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
- Panasonic PANASONIC HC-VX1 4K Camcorder, 24X LEICA DICOMAR Lens, 1/2.5" BSI Sensor, Three O.I.S. Stabilizer Systems, HDR Mode, Wireless Multi-Camera Capture (USA Black)FREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
- Canon VIXIA HF G70 Camcorder 1/2.3” 4K UHD CMOS Sensor 20x Optical Zoom, 800x Digital Zoom, Image Stabilization, HDMI, USB Live Streaming, Time Stamp On-Screen Display RecordingFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
- Panasonic Full HD Video Camera Camcorder, 20X Optical Zoom, 1/2.3 Inch BSI Sensor, HDR Capture, Wi-Fi Smartphone HC-V785 (Black)FREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
- Panasonic HC-WXF1 4K Cinema-like Camcorder, 24x Leica Dicomar Lens, 1/2.5" Bsi Sensor, Three O.I.S. Stabilizer SystemsFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1Only 19 left in stock (more on the way).
- Sony - HDRCX405 HD Video Recording Handycam Camcorder (black)Amazon's Choicein CamcordersFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
- Panasonic X2000 4K Professional Camcorder with 24x Optical Zoom, WiFi HD Live Streaming, 3G SDI Output and VW-HU1 Detachable Handle, HC-X2000 (USA Black)FREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
Compare with similar items
This Item Panasonic 4K Cinema-Like Video Camera Camcorder HC-WXF991K, 20X Leica DICOMAR Lens, 1/2.3" BSI Sensor, 5-Axis Hybrid O.I.S, HDR Mode, EVF, WiFi, Multi Scene Video Recording (Black) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | |
Price | $799.00$799.00 | $612.99$612.99 | $844.95$844.95 | -12% $1,099.00$1,099.00 List: $1,249.00 | -9% $353.40$353.40 List Price: $389.95 | $797.99$797.99 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Thursday, Mar 28 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Picture quality | 4.4 | 4.3 | — | 3.7 | — | 4.4 |
Zoom | 4.3 | 4.5 | — | 4.4 | — | 4.3 |
Image stabilization | 4.3 | 4.3 | — | 4.0 | — | 4.3 |
Touch Screen | 4.3 | 3.8 | — | — | — | 4.3 |
Battery life | 3.9 | 3.8 | — | — | — | 3.9 |
Sold By | Amazon Warehouse | Amazon.com | Web Offers | Amazon.com | Western Central | Amazon.com |
model name | — | HV-V785K | HC-VX1K | CNHFG70 | R600 | HC-VX981K |
display size | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3.5 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches |
digital zoom | — | 60 multiplier x | 24 multiplier x | 800 multiplier x | 57 multiplier x | — |
optical zoom | 20 multiplier x | 20 multiplier x | 24 multiplier x | 20 multiplier x | 32 multiplier x | 20 multiplier x |
video resolution | 4K | 1080p | 4K | 4K | — | 4K |
connectivity tech | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI | Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI | USB | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi |
From the manufacturer
Panasonic 4K Cinema-Like Video Camera Camcorder HC-WXF991K
The Panasonic WXF991 is the pinnacle of hand-held 4K video capture, featuring several in-camera cinema creative and editing solutions that can enable anyone to capture and produce like a pro.
For those without 4K display options, the WXF991 offers in-camera downsampling to 1080p Full HD displays. Enjoy multi-camera scene picture-in-picture recording via a second built-in camera, or add a WiFi link to a mobile device camera to increase creative possibilities.
Features
- Ultra-sharp 4K Ultra HD recording, plus in-camera editing for 1080p displays.
- Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) emulates a semi-professional recording experience.
- LEICA Dicomar Lens optical 20x zoom, 5-axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization.
- Built-in Twin Camera, plus WiFi mobile features add multi-camera scene picture-in-picture recording.
- 4K Cinema in-camera editing and effects (Dolly Zoom, Slow/Quick motion, 4K Post Cropping, Stabilization and Zoom).
- 4K PHOTO captures high-quality photos from 4K video frames.
- Exclusive High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode reduces the overly high-contrast look created by overexposed and underexposed shooting conditions.
What's in the box
Product guides and documents
Looking for specific info?
Product information
Product Dimensions | 3.07 x 2.68 x 6.42 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 14.2 ounces |
ASIN | B01A60T3R4 |
Item model number | HC-WXF991K |
Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #243,965 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #671 in Camcorders |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | January 5, 2016 |
Manufacturer | Panasonic |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Videos
Videos for this product
10:54
Click to play video
Customer Review: Shockingly subpar
Andrew D. Esquivel
Videos for this product
2:13
Click to play video
Customer Review: Excellent camcorder!
Mark W. Bednarczyk
Videos for this product
1:17
Click to play video
HONEST REVIEW of the Panasonic HC-VX981 4k Camcorder
UGC Luke
Product Description
The Panasonic WXF991 is the pinnacle of hand-held 4K video capture, featuring several in-camera cinema creative and editing solutions that can enable anyone to capture and produce like a pro. For those without 4K display options, the WXF991 offers in-camera down sampling to 1080p Full HD displays. Enjoy multi-camera scene picture-in-picture recording via a second built-in camera, or add a Wi-Fi link to a mobile device camera to increase creative possibilities.
Read about our customers' top-rated camcorders on our review page: Camcorders
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the picture quality and ease of use of the camcorder. For example, they mention that it takes wonderful video and pictures, and that the 4K video quality overall is excellent. That said, opinions are mixed on image quality, quality, and value.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the picture quality of the camcorder. They mention that the video quality looks great, clear, and crisp. The 4K video quality overall is excellent, even when viewing on a Full HD television. They also say that it takes wonderful video and pictures on vacation. Customers are impressed with the quality and clarity of the video, and say that the cam is great in filming 720p, 1080p, and 4K videos.
"This is an all around great camera. Easy to use with great picture quality especially when shooting mp4 50mbps...." Read more
"Works well, easily used, easily storedQuality friendly manufacturer" Read more
"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..." Read more
"...this for vacation and personal home use... delivered early and it looks awesome" Read more
Customers find the camcorder easy to use. They mention it's convenient, has a touch screen interface, and is great for beginners.
"...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...." Read more
"Works well, easily used, easily storedQuality friendly manufacturer" Read more
"I liked everything about this camera, great video, easy to navigate menue" Read more
"...It can work but is just too primitive and hard to get it right. There was no level that I set that would stop the audio from peaking and distorting...." Read more
Customers like the weight of the camcorder. They say it's very light, easy to carry, and has powerful features. Customers also appreciate the compact size and convenient pocket size. They mention that the camera is beautifully designed to look bulky.
"Works well, easily used, easily storedQuality friendly manufacturer" Read more
"...Overall a compact case offering options for your gear.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BY36RJNH?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1" Read more
"...It's very useful for much of my needs and the pocket size is convenient. But it can't be counted on during daylight, so I bought the SX 60...." Read more
"...However, I personally like how light it feels as it makes holding it in your hand easier and won't get tiring...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the image quality of the camcorder. Some mention that the 4K viewing quality is significantly better on the 1K screen than the 1C, and it keeps a very high definition of the image when zooming. They also appreciate the amazing picture clarity and resolution. However, others say that the videos are very poor quality, noisy, and jumpy. They mention that there is tons of video noise, and the live recording mono sound was terrible. Overall, opinions are mixed and the product is recommended for those looking for a high-quality camcorders.
"...4K is good as well, but I mostly shoot in 1080p then upscale to 4K in post production. Battery life is pretty good...." Read more
"...This camera cannot record in 4K and output video via HDMI at the same time (HDMI will go out when you start recording), it can output and record to..." Read more
"...What it offers over the SX 710 HS is: 4K resolution, TOUCH LCD screen, Electronic View Finder, much larger image sensor, better stabilization...." Read more
"...seems to be some sort of lag when panning which makes the image look choppy almost and not smooth at all...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the camcorder. Some mention that it works really well, has beautiful results, and does not disappoint. However, others say that it was not nearly as good, the low price tag means a low quality product, and that it stopped working in under 2 months.
"Works well, easily used, easily storedQuality friendly manufacturer" Read more
"...It's very useful for much of my needs and the pocket size is convenient. But it can't be counted on during daylight, so I bought the SX 60...." Read more
"...two of them and they, like most consumer cameras, are a little clunky out of the box...." Read more
"...(although the mics work pretty well for a camcorder.) you can create magic...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the value of the camcorder. Some mention that it's great for the value, has a built-in light, and is a high-end, feature rich video camera. However, others say that it is not worth the amount, is disappointed with the cheap quality, and that it was a waste of money.
"Just love this camcorder so many cool features great videos great pictures a bit pricey but worth it definitely a great buy...." Read more
"...At $700 it’s pricey and lacks some of the features of the HC-WXF991K that I probably would find useful...." Read more
"...It's great for all other things and truly think it's a great value...." Read more
"...CAMERA PERSON NEVERTHELESS I FIND THIS UNIT VERY CHEAPLY MADE AND OVERPRICED. THEN OF COURSE THIS IS A 5 YEAR OLD CAMERA.PROS:..." Read more
Reviews with images
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Quality friendly manufacturer
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
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2024
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
For about 3 years I've used a pair of Canon HD cameras, the SX 710 HS (pocket camera with 30X optical zoom) and the SX 60 HS Powershot Bridge camera (65X Optical zoom, resembles a small DSLR). I bought the SX 710 to be a complete replacement for a much earlier Canon slightly smaller in size to the SX 60. I learned quickly that the LCD screen on the 710 gets washed out in sunlight and can't be tilted. It's very useful for much of my needs and the pocket size is convenient. But it can't be counted on during daylight, so I bought the SX 60. I never thought I'd need two cameras but I'm very happy toting both when needed using each camera where it works best.
I say all this only to explain my environment as I began looking into upgrading to 4k video and photo technology. I’m very much a point and shooter generally using everything set to automatic. The Canons I own now and whatever I purchase will provide much more technology and capability that I will ever use.
As I got familiar with what's available today my desirable features became
1.) 4K video/photo technology
2.) better image stabilization although my Canons are very good at that
3.) 1.0 image sensor to get more detail and better low light results
4.) and at least 15X Optical Zoom (for my purposes anything over about 12X optical generates nothing more than bragging rights!).
Now, on to the HC-WXF991K. I rated the camera overall higher than my comment would suggest. That probably is fair as some of what made me return it had to with personal preference as opposed to product deficiencies. Here we go:
1. The owner’s manual drones on about the dangers of leaving the battery installed when the camera is not in use indicating that there is always a minimal battery drain that could result in permanent damage to the battery. I don’t know if there is anything unique about this camera that warrants the ominous warnings, and I get not leaving a battery in a camera long term unattended. But the way it was worded made me wonder if I should remove the battery when walking away from the camera overnight. If that’s the case then Panasonic needs to resolve that.
2. The camera has two low light technologies: Very Low Light and Infrared. Very Low Light mode produces a noticeably brighter image on the LCD and might be useable to take photos without a flash where one would expect to use a flash. But when taking movies in Very Low Light mode it produces movies with most of the frames missing creating very jerky (unuseable) movies. The owner’s manual describes this as missing a few frames, but that’s a great understatement. Infrared turns the image green as you would expect. But part of the lens hood is directly in front of the infrared lamp preventing the lamp from reaching part of what the camera can see. The resultant shadow is very obvious in the infrared image on the LCD screen.
3. The video light comes on as the ambient light gets lower REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE ACTUALLY RECORDING A VIDEO. Being behind the camera you may not know that it’s on wasting battery charge and irritating people in front of it. The video light can be set to ON/AUTO/OFF but that setting is not user friendly. First if you use the camera in Auto mode, as I would most of the time, the video light is forced to AUTO and can’t be changed! Second, the Owner’s Manual leads you through the menu screens to where this setting is SUPPOSED TO BE, but it isn’t there. I did stumble onto it while rummaging around through the menu structure, but it was nowhere near where the Manual sent me. I suspect this is a case of the manual not keeping up with changes made to the logic inside the camera.
4. I frequently use my SX 60 HS while walking holding it in front of me about belly button height with the LCD screen angled to avoid direct sunlight. When I try this with the HC-WXF991K I find that the wrist strap can’t be used because of the wrist angle that would be required if you held the camera as I just described. So I cradle the camera in my right hand, hold the LCD in my left hand to offer some stability. With my hands in these positions the record start stop button is impossible to reach. To me this says that I’m just not suited for a camera in a camcorder configuration as the record button is correctly positioned with the wrist strap in use and the camcorder held up to the eye. So this is a personal preference issue and not a product deficiency issue. Nonetheless, it’s part of the reason I returned the item.
5. The rotatable side camera built into the LCD screen was supposed to be a big plus for this camera. I envisioned being able to take candid photos or movies of people next to me. The amount of screen space on the LCD (and thus the recorded PIP video) can be set to two sizes…very small and very, very small. You can’t make the side camera image the main image on the screen, and you have no zoom in/out capability with it. When the side camera is pointed at the camera operator the camera needs to be held well forward of the operator (uncomfortably so) in order to get his entire face into the side camera image (no zoom out). When the side camera is pointed at the person next to you the camera needs to be move so close to that person as to invade his/her personal space (no zoom in). I’d suggest that if this is an important feature to prospective buyers they should experience the usability before buying, or at least be prepared to be disappointed. For my purposes the side camera added no value.
Along the way in making the purchase/return decisions I stumbled onto a YouTube video that was making the point that you probably can’t tell the difference between 1080P and 4K videos by watching them. The viewer didn’t know until later that pieces of the introduction to that video were shot in intermingled segments recorded at 1080P. 4K, and even 720P resolution. Armed with that knowledge the intro was replayed and the speaker identified which pieces were recorded at which resolution. I still couldn’t tell the difference! I’ll tell you that I watch football game replays using NFL GAMEPASS on a 75” television that is 4K capable. GAMEPASS streams games at 720P resolution. Those games to my eye look as good as the original HD broadcasts.
You may THINK you can tell the difference by looking… and maybe you can. In my case the value of 4K recording is that I can crop down to maybe 20% of a 4K video, zoom in to blow that crop up to full screen. That crop will have enough pixels to approach HD resolution.
Considering the downers noted above, and what little the HC-WXF991K added to my movie/photo tool bag, I felt that the $800 price tag was just too high to justify keeping it. Having returned it I bought the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 which I am currently evaluating. It is more or less pocket size but slightly larger than the Canon SX 710 HS I’ve been using. What it offers over the SX 710 HS is: 4K resolution, TOUCH LCD screen, Electronic View Finder, much larger image sensor, better stabilization. At $700 it’s pricey and lacks some of the features of the HC-WXF991K that I probably would find useful. But if it survives my evaluation I don’t mind paying for what I get. And with the EVF included I may be back to one camera. We’ll see.
Top reviews from other countries
Reviewed in Mexico on September 3, 2017
Panasonic make great quality products and one of my cameras is a Lumix. This 981 camcorder is no exception. It's light but does not feel cheap at all. It feels great and comes with everything you need. It's got great focus and the image stabilization is pretty good. Of course like any camera in the world, using a tripod is always your best bet but it still does a great job of handheld shot and if your uncle films the Christmas dinner with it, you won't feel sick watching it after.
This camera is borderline prosumer because while out of the box the settings are perfect including the colors and highest quality recording. You can take it out and start recording right away without a care in the world except to set the date but there is also a manual mode to adjust your white balance, shutter speed etc. which again is just great for those who want to control all this.
Some people complain about light They must have been filming in very dark places. Yes, this is a 1 over 2/3 sensor which is normal that you will need more light than a much bigger sensor. But I doubt you are comparing this to camcorders that are thousands of dollars, so this point is moot. The camera has a light integrated in it and if you leave everything on Auto it will work fine and turn on the light if you need it. If you want to use it on manual mode then it's expected that you know what you are doing and you will know how to set your shutter speed and light your scene so there is no reason in either case for it to be too dark. And of course outside you don't need light at all. On top of all that there is a Night Vision mode if you need to film at night or go on a Ghost hunt. It's all about the proper settings.
I saw another review complain about sound. First if you do anything serious you should have a good mic plugged in or sound recorded separate. However, again this 981 surprised me with it's sound quality that was better than my two cameras and you can certainly use it as a backup if you are doing something serious and something goes wrong. But for everyday use it's fine and has an integrated windscreen, and again, check the settings; there is a speech, music, etc. which is something I have not seen in other cameras I own.
Blurry backgrounds? Yes believe it or not. Just back up and zoom in to your subject. Of course you don't have the same control as a mirrorless or DSLR but you can still achieve this when you know what you are doing.
What I don't like? Not much except that it did not come with a charger, only a cable to charge the battery in the camera. At this high price point a $10 item should have been included and even an extra battery. One other small thing is the touch screen. Maybe we are used to smartphone screens that respond very well but this requires a tiny bit more pressing and not as smooth but it works. Either way I only removed 1 star for all this.
Only thing I cannot attest to is the editing features integrated because I like to edit in Adobe Premiere. However the features included are pretty amazing if you want to make something for home use and even has a fade in and fade out function for video.
As a small bonus I got it from Amazon Warehouse deals and was extremely surprised and happy getting a $500 rebate (at time of purchase as price was a little higher) and when I received it everything was original in the box and cables and manuals sealed by manufacturer. Only the box had been opened and camera had been taken out and put back. I mean wow! So look for those they are really worth it and it works perfectly and I registered the warranty with Panasonic.