Panasonic HC-VX870K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder

BH #PAHCVX870 • MFR #HC-VX870K
Panasonic HC-VX870K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder
Key Features
  • 4K Ultra HD Video and 25.9MP Stills
  • 1/2.3" Back-Illuminated MOS Sensor
  • 20x Optical Zoom / 40x Intelligent Zoom
  • HYBRID OIS 5-Axis Image Stabilization
Not only can you capture Ultra HD 4K (3840 x 2160) with the HC-VX870 4K Ultra HD Camcorder from Panasonic, but you can superimpose a secondary video image from your smartphone's camera via a Wi-Fi connection. In this way, covering two camera angles at once within a single recording becomes possible. Other notable features include a 20x optical zoom lens with a 29.5 to 626mm equivalent focal length - giving you a wide angle when zoomed out, a substantial amount of telephoto when zoomed in, and a lot to work with in between. For slowing fast action, the HC-VX870 captures 120 fps native slow-motion at 1080p resolution, which can be slowed down even further using in-camera interpolation - giving you a 240 fps final video.
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Panasonic HC-VX870 Overview

  • 1Description
  • 2Twin Camera Operation
  • 3HDR (High Dynamic Range) Movie Mode
  • 4Baby Calendar / Stop-Motion Animation Assist
  • 5Creative Control
  • 6Full-HD Slow Motion Video
  • 7High-Speed Precision Autofocus
  • 8Level Shot Function
  • 95-Axis HYBRID OIS
  • 10Multi-Manual Dial
  • 11Wi-Fi Functionality
By B&H Photo's

Not only can you capture Ultra HD 4K (3840 x 2160) with the HC-VX870 4K Ultra HD Camcorder from Panasonic, but you can superimpose a secondary video image from your smartphone's camera via a Wi-Fi connection. In this way, covering two camera angles at once within a single recording becomes possible. Other notable features include a 20x optical zoom lens with a 29.5 to 626mm equivalent focal length - giving you a wide angle when zoomed out, a substantial amount of telephoto when zoomed in, and a lot to work with in between. For slowing fast action, the HC-VX870 captures 120 fps native slow-motion at 1080p resolution, which can be slowed down even further using in-camera interpolation - giving you a 240 fps final video.

Through their lens design partnership with Leica, Panasonic incorporated a Leica Dicomar 20x optical zoom lens with four separate optical groups and a maximum aperture of f/1.8. To keep excessive image vibration to a minimum, for steadier handheld shooting, the HC-VX870K features Panasonic's HYBRID O.I.S.+, which combines optical and digital image stabilization to provide 5-axis correction. Adjustable settings allow you to find a stabilization mode most appropriate for the kind of shooting you are doing. From OFF for tripod work, to Normal for regular handheld work, all the way up to Strong for those times when things really get shaky.

The HC-VX870's Wi-Fi does more than let you capture video from your phone's camera as a secondary camera angle. You can preview a live image on your mobile device using the Panasonic Image App and change camera settings. If the camera has Internet access, you can even upload web-friendly copies of videos and photos directly to social media websites. Plus, there's a Baby Monitor function which lets you use the camera like an IP surveillance camera, viewing a remote feed across the Internet.

Twin Camera Operation
The HC-VX870 you can connect to your smartphone via Wi-Fi and use that as the secondary camera. With this functionality you can shoot from alternate distances or angles for a variety of picture-in-picture images.
HDR (High Dynamic Range) Movie Mode
By combining two images taken with different exposure times, the HDR Movie function suppresses blown highlights and blocked shadows for crisper, clearer videos. With HDR you can maintain gradation in your images in difficult shooting situations, like when your subject is back-lit.
Baby Calendar / Stop-Motion Animation Assist
Set the baby's name and birthday to display thumbnail images of scenes recorded on and around that date, making it easy to find the scenes you want. By moving the subject slightly and shooting still images, you can create a unique animated slideshow. Previously taken photos are displayed with an onion skin effect for easy layering.
Creative Control
Built-in filter effects including Miniature, 8mm Movie, Silent Movie, and Time Lapse Recording let you match your video recordings to the shooting situation.
Full-HD Slow Motion Video
The HC-VX870K records Full-HD (1920 x 1080) video at 120 fps. For a more dramatic slow motion effect the of the Crystal Engine's Intelligent Frame Creation interpolates frames to achieve an equivalent of 240 fps. You can easily switch to slow motion while recording with a simple touch on the LCD screen.
High-Speed Precision Autofocus
The image sensor has a 60 fps readout enabling quick focusing speed, stability, and tracking performance.
Level Shot Function
Level Shot automatically detects and corrects tilting in images. It can be adjusted to three different levels-OFF, Normal or Strong-depending on shooting conditions.
5-Axis HYBRID OIS
Stabilized on 5 axes (pan, tilt, and roll axes, plus horizontal and vertical directions), the HYBRID OIS suppresses blurring in your videos when not using a tripod or other stabilizer.
Multi-Manual Dial
Several in-camera functions can be controlled by the Multi-Manual Dial these features include:
  • Focus
  • White Balance
  • Shutter Speed
  • Iris
  • Sharpness
  • Color Saturation
  • Brightness
Wi-Fi Functionality
  • One-touch Connection - NFC lets you instantly connect a smartphone or tablet to the camcorder with just one touch. Even without an NFC phone, QR codes are provided to make Wi-Fi settings.
  • Remote Shooting / Remote View - The "Panasonic Image App" lets you use a smartphone or tablet as a real-time remote to control the camcorder from a distance. View photos and video directly from the camcorder on a smartphone or tablet, and upload to a social networking site.
  • Real-Time Broadcasting - You can live-stream events on USTREAM as they are being recorded in Full-HD resolution (requires a wireless access point).
  • Baby Monitor - Check on the baby anytime from anywhere with a smartphone or tablet. Push Notification sends an instant alert when the audio sensor detects the baby waking or crying (requires a wireless access point).
  • Home Monitoring - When you are away from home, your camcorder can record high-quality live video and you monitor and speak to your family or pets at home from your smartphone or tablet.
  • Auto Transfer (Wireless PC Copy) - Images are transferred from your camcorder to your PC via the wireless access point at home.
  • Highlight Playback and Easy Share - You can enjoy Highlight Playback with a smartphone or tablet right after shooting. Favorite scenes can be shared on SNS with simple drag and drop operation.
  • Wireless TV Playback - An access point at home can be used to transfer data wirelessly to the TV or a tablet in the living room, or other rooms in the house (requires a wireless access point).
UPC: 885170229464

Panasonic HC-VX870 Specs

Key Specs
Image Sensor
1/2.3"-Type CMOS
Sensor Resolution
Actual: 12.76 Megapixel
Effective: 6.03 Megapixel
Image Stabilization
Optical & Digital
Zoom
Optical: 20x
Intelligent: 25x 4K
Intelligent: 40x (in HD)
Digital: 60x
Digital: 1500x
Built-In Speaker
Yes
Audio I/O
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TS Mono Input
Wireless
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Built-In Light
Light - Yes
Flash - Yes
Imaging
Image Sensor
1/2.3"-Type CMOS
Sensor Resolution
Actual: 12.76 Megapixel
Effective: 6.03 Megapixel
Image Stabilization
Optical & Digital
Maximum Aperture
f/1.8 to 3.6
Zoom
Optical: 20x
Intelligent: 25x 4K
Intelligent: 40x (in HD)
Digital: 60x
Digital: 1500x
Recording
Internal Recording Modes
AVCHD
1920 x 1080p at 59.94 fps [28 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080i at 59.94 fps [5 to 24 Mb/s]
iFrame
960 x 540 at 29.97 fps [28 Mb/s]
MP4
3840 x 2160 at 29.97 fps [72 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080p at 59.94 fps [28 to 50 Mb/s]
1280 x 720 at 59.94 fps [9 Mb/s]
Still Image Support
JPEG
25.9 MP (6784 x 3816)
JPEG
14 MP (4992 x 2808)
JPEG
2.1 MP (1920 x 1080)
JPEG
20 MP (5472 x 3684)
JPEG
10.6 MP (3984 x 2656)
JPEG
2.0 MP (1728 x 1152)
JPEG
20.4 MP (5216 x 3912)
JPEG
10.9 MP (3808 x 2856)
JPEG
.3 MP (640 x 480)
Features
Scene Modes
Preset: Yes
Creative Effects
Yes
Built-In Speaker
Yes
Media/Memory Card Slot
Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC
Video I/O
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRRS A/V (Composite) Output
1x Mini-HDMI (Unspecified Signal) Output
Audio I/O
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TS Mono Input
Other I/O
1x Micro-USB (USB 2.0) Output
Wireless
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Power Consumption
Recording: 7.6 W
Charging: 7.7 W
General
Built-In Light
Light - Yes
Flash - Yes
Tripod Mounting Thread
1/4"-20 Female
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.9 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
8.8 x 5.9 x 4.1"

Panasonic HC-VX870 Reviews

See any errors on this page? Let us know

question

How good is the image quality up close ie 2-3 feet with a fast moving object?
Asked by: Greg S.
The image quality will be very good at any distance from approximately 2 from the lens to infinity. With regards to 2-3' and a fast moving object, it will do as good a job as any camera. This question really depends on the size of the object, what zoom setting the lens is at, how fast the object is moving and what your image quality standards are. If you wish to discuss further your application, please email us.provideo@<a href= http://bhphoto.com target= _blank >bhphoto.com.</a>
Answered by: Dennis A L.
Date published: 2018-08-26

Does this camcorder provide HDMI out while ...

Does this camcorder provide HDMI out while recording and if so, is it a Clean HDMI out? There are conflicting answers listed
Asked by: John
Yes. The Panasonic HC-VX870K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder will provide a clean HDMI out.
Answered by: Whitney H
Date published: 2024-09-05

question

I've owned 4 Panasonic camcorders in the past six years. Every single one had auto white balance problems (color shift during recording). Does anyone know if this camcorder has the same problem, or has it been fixed?
Asked by: Spencer L.
Hello, Spencer! When switching to Intelligent Auto Mode, the Automatic White Balance and Auto Focus operate and automatically adjust the color balance and focus. Depending on the subject's brightness, the aperture and shutter speed are automatically adjusted for optimum brightness. If the Automatic White Balance is not functioning normally, adjust the White Balance manually. If you experience technical issues with the product, we would be more than happy to assist you further. The best course of action would be to contact our support team via Live Chat on the Panasonic Website, Contact Us option, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm EST at your earliest convenience. -C
Answered by: Panasonic Team
Date published: 2023-02-03

question

How good is the in-built microphone quality?
Asked by: Anonymous
Hello! The microphone has very good quality, therefore using an external mic is not necessary. However, you do have the option. -M
Answered by: Panasonic Team
Date published: 2023-02-07

question

Can you use the Panasonic software to make a 1080P disk from a 4K file to share with those folks that don't have 4k TVs yet?
Asked by: Edward M.
Yes the camera can take 4K videos and scale them so they play back on a normal 1080p television.
Answered by: Graham N.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

What battery for this camcorder?
Asked by: Robert F.
Hello, Robert! The battery that can be used with this unit is VW-VBT190/VW-VBT380. The unit has a function for distinguishing batteries which can be used safely. The dedicated battery (VW-VBT190/VW-VBT380) supports this function. Also, the only batteries suitable for use with this unit are genuine Panasonic products and batteries manufactured by other companies and certified by Panasonic. We would like to inform you that Panasonic cannot in any way guarantee the quality, performance or safety of batteries which have been manufactured by other companies and are not genuine Panasonic products. -C
Answered by: Panasonic Team
Date published: 2023-02-03

question

Is 120 Frames pers second enough to film bees and insects in slowmotion or do I need 240 Frames per second .Can I see video samples on yourube ?
Asked by: Anonymous
I used the 120fps mode to shoot some fast-moving hockey and it was very smooth when edited in Adobe Premiere. You could see the puck fluttering on hard shots. It's on YouTube if you want to check it out. It seems the 240fps mode may be misleading in that it may only be available during playback in the camera (camera description on this website says using in-camera interpolation ), but not when the footage is exported. I wish I knew for sure, but the link Panasonic didn't include a thorough manual with the camera. It's essentially a quick-start guide which directs you to an online PDF manual, but all you get is an error when you try to access it.
Answered by: Kevin S.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

Does this have an IR light built in?
Asked by: Victor
Hi, Victor! Yes, the camcorder has a built-in infrared light. You can record images even in very low light situations (minimum required illumination: approx. 1 lx) or in the dark. -C
Answered by: Panasonic Team
Date published: 2023-02-03
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