Panasonic HC-WXF1 4K Cinema-like Camcorder, 24x Leica Dicomar Lens, 1/2.5" Bsi Sensor, Three O.I.S. Stabilizer Systems

I previously owned the WXF991 and was less than satisfied with the image stabilization at long focal lengths. I waited for the price on the WXF1 to come down for months and was hoping to see a wealth of reviews and user experiences. But apparently people aren't buying camcorders anymore, and only 10 of these have been sold in North America gauging by the scarcity of Amazon reviews. So I feel obligated to write something...I'm not writing this review from the stand point of someone seeking absolute image quality and recording studio performance from this singular device. I don't think it was designed for that honestly. Hence the audio delay mentioned in another review, which is very annoying and will preclude you from using this to record yourself speaking while monitoring the audio. No, I'm writing this as someone who uses this camcorder with its main design goals in mind, ease of use and the ability to quickly record anything in your field of view. In that vein, this camcorder is the best prosumer model I've used to date, better than its predecessor, the WXF-991, and far better than the Sony FDR AX-53 (which does everything it can to prevent you from nailing the critical shot with incredibly annoying pop-ups on the screen).Now, the image quality of 4k footage is good, better than decent, and it performs great in daylight. Low light is another story, and you probably know the drill. However, you can use the various night modes to obtain usable footage. The IR mode in particular is exceptionally useful for me, and you can even screw an IR filter onto the front threads to get IR footage in daylight.The main strength of this camera is its incredible stabilization. I don't mean that you can run with the camera and the footage looks like you're on a Segway. No, the stabilization works best when you're stationary. You can literally handhold the camcorder, and with enough practice, get stable footage all the way out to the limits of the digital zoom, 1500x. Now, all you're doing is looking at pixels at that point, but this means that using the camera at 125x or 300x is relatively simple. Its much better than any of its competitors in this regard.This stability is great when you're seated observing distant activities. This combined with the very smooth zoom lever makes for a fun day at the park or sporting event capturing great footage of your kids. Or, if you're a private investigator, its very useful to have at the ready in a vehicle combined with a small monopod.Another useful tidbit if you're using it professionally is that the power cable attaches to a usb port, making it relatively simple to keep charged while in a vehicle. The larger round 62mm diameter (roughly the size of a soda can) combined with the automatically retracting lens cover, means you can keep this in your vehicle's cupholder for easy access.Finally, I wouldn't find any use for a camcorder without a viewfinder, as they are to integral to the user experience, esp. when recording in direct sunlight. Plus, holding it to your eye gives extra stability. This model also has the focus ring, which works well in manual mode, if you need to focus on something obscured by tree branches. For my purposes, this is the best camcorder on the market, which is why I'm giving it 5 stars.

Has extra lens that puts a small window of who is taking picture onto the output. Finally grandpa can be in the video. Also swivels to allow grandma on couch to be included when mom is playing with baby on floor. We didn’t even know about this when we bought. It is a fantastic feature.Quality of image & audio, controls and battery life are all good. We still take clips from the iPhone, but the 4K camera clips will have longer life. Absolutely worth having.

Nice picture quality and video for all occasions

This camcorder can do a lot. I wish it would do HDR in 4k. And I wish it would do 5.1 sound in 4k. But even without these features the camera gives good quality video. The sound is slightly delayed when using headphones. For my uses it doesn't matter that much.The 1080 videos look and sound very good.There aren't very many 4k Camcorders being produced. This is a very good one. I recommend it.

I'm a huge Panasonic fan, and have two of their awesome HDC-HS900K camera's, one of which I purchased way back in 2012 and still use it every work day.That said, I was extremely disappointed that this $1,000 4K camera has less features than the 1080p one I bought for the same price six years ago.First Problem: The camera will not output video to a monitor while it is recording in 4k or in WiFi mode.This is a HUGE issue for anyone who has a home studio and needs to be sure "from the stage" that the camera is aligned correctly. This is not an issue with any other Camcorder I've even owned going back DECADES.Second problem: The camera has no remote control.For some this may not be an issue, but not even offering a remote accessory like other cameras is depressing. Oh, they do offer a free app - to enable it you want press a little button on the camera, then choose to enable it from the camera's touchscreen, and then if you'll be recording for a long time be sure you have a plug for your phone or tablet. The app also gives you a preview but it's a couple of seconds behind so it can't be used as a preview monitor, plus not many people have tablets big enough that they could see them from a stage several feet away.Dear Panasonic engineers - if you can build in wifi control with a live view, how hard could it have been to enable live video output. Oh, and add in a $.02 receiver for a remote?NOTE: I did contact Panasonic Tech Support the day I received the camera to see if there was any workarounds to either issue but they NEVER responded.In the end I wish I would have returned this camera for a refund, and just purchased two used 1080p HDC-HS900K. Not only do they come with remotes and output preview video when recording in 1080p, they also have built-in HDDs which store many hours of video.Epic Fail Panasonic: You lost a loyal customer and fan.

So far, no dislikes -I find that everything will come to knowledge in time. It's small but it feels like a powerhouse. The viewfinder is not great, but necessary for me. You use either that or the touch screen for viewing. You must close the touchscreen to use the viewfinder and you had to slide the viewfinder out to get a picture. I am ecstatic to learn all the features, and I feel good about my purchase, as I chose to spend a Little more on something a lot better. I will hopefully remember to come back and update this with footage! Happy shopping