Panasonic HC-VX981K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder

BH #PAHCVX981K • MFR #HC-VX981K
Panasonic HC-VX981K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder
Key Features
  • Ultra HD 4K Video at 24/30 fps
  • 1/2.3" BSI MOS Sensor
  • 20x Leica Dicomar Optical Zoom Lens
  • Wireless Multicamera Support
Combining Ultra HD 4K video recording with in-camera 4K cropping and editing tools, the Panasonic HC-VX981K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder offers simple yet powerful operation to enable users of all levels to capture high-quality UHD 4K and Full HD video. The camcorder is packed with advanced features including an HDR Movie Mode to retain more highlight and shadow information, and a Wireless Multicamera function that lets you add and record up to two picture-in-picture video feeds from mobile devices connected via Wi-Fi. This gives you the ability to capture multiple angles and viewpoints simultaneously for a unique video experience.
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Panasonic HC-VX981K Overview

  • 1Description
  • 2Wireless Multicamera
  • 3In-Camera 4K Cropping and Editing Tools
  • 44K Photo Mode
  • 5HDR (High Dynamic Range) Movie Mode
  • 65-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+
  • 7Level Shot Function
  • 8Wi-Fi Functionality
By B&H Photo's

Combining Ultra HD 4K video recording with in-camera 4K cropping and editing tools, the Panasonic HC-VX981K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder offers simple yet powerful operation to enable users of all levels to capture high-quality UHD 4K and Full HD video. The camcorder is packed with advanced features including an HDR Movie Mode to retain more highlight and shadow information, and a Wireless Multicamera function that lets you add and record up to two picture-in-picture video feeds from mobile devices connected via Wi-Fi. This gives you the ability to capture multiple angles and viewpoints simultaneously for a unique video experience.

The camcorder features a 1/2.3" backside-illuminated (BSI) MOS sensor with an 8.29MP effective resolution that combines with a Crystal Engine 4K image processor to support UHD 4K video at 24/30 fps and 1080p video up to 60 fps. The camera is also able to take up to 25.9MP interpolated still images, and offers the ability to extract still photos directly from your 4K video frames using the 4K Photo Mode. It also adds 4K editing tools that allow you to perform in-camera cropping, zooming, panning, tracking, and stabilizing to your 4K footage. The edited video is saved in 1080p resolution.

Optically, the camcorder utilizes a Leica Dicomar lens that provides a 20x optical zoom range and a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 30.8mm at the wide end. Intelligent zoom boosts that range up to 40x for Full HD and 25x for 4K recording. To keep excessive image vibration to a minimum, for steadier handheld shooting, the HC-VX981K features Panasonic's HYBRID O.I.S.+ which combines optical and digital image stabilization to provide 5-axis correction. It can then be combined with Panasonic's Level Shot function to produce clearer, level, and more stable-looking handheld footage.

The camcorder's built-in Wi-Fi supports the Wireless Multicamera feature, along with other functionality through the Panasonic Image App. These functions include remote camera control, live image monitoring, and file uploading directly to social media sites. Once connected to your smartphone, you can even live stream video using USTREAM to share moments and events with your friends and family as they are being recorded. Additionally, there's a Baby Monitor function that lets you use your smartphone to quickly check in on a sleeping baby in another room when both the camcorder and mobile device are connected to the same home network.

Wireless Multicamera
Wireless Multicamera enables picture-in-picture recording using Wi-Fi-connected mobile devices. You can connect up to three mobile devices at a time and use two of them to record picture-in-picture images. This makes it easy and fun to capture multiple angles and viewpoints at once.
In-Camera 4K Cropping and Editing Tools
Built-in editing tools allow you to crop your 4K video and add effects such as zooming, panning, tracking, and stabilizing. The edited videos are saved at 1080p resolution.
4K Photo Mode
Pause and extract 4K (8.29MP) still images from 4K video frames using the 4K Photo Mode.
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 backlit.
5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+
Stabilized on 5 axes (pan, tilt, and roll axes, plus horizontal and vertical directions), the HYBRID O.I.S+ suppresses blurring and jitters in your videos when not using a tripod or other stabilizer.
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.
Wi-Fi Functionality
In addition to Wireless Multicamera, the camera is also able to take advantage of remote control and image sharing from a smartphone or tablet using Panasonic's mobile app. Once connected to your smartphone, you can even live stream video using USTREAM to share moments and events with your friends and family as they are being recorded.

Built-in Wi-Fi also enables you to take advantage of the Baby Monitor feature, which lets you use your smartphone to quickly check in on a sleeping baby in another room when both the camcorder and mobile device are connected to the same home network. You also can speak to your baby via your smartphone or have a notification sent to you when the camera detects that your baby is crying.
UPC: 885170266285

Panasonic HC-VX981K Specs

Key Specs
Image Sensor
1/2.3"-Type CMOS
Sensor Resolution
Actual: 18.91 Megapixel
Effective: 8.3 Megapixel
Image Stabilization
Optical & Digital
Zoom
Optical: 20x
Intelligent: 25x 4K
Intelligent: 40x (in HD)
Digital: 60x
Digital: 1500x
Built-In Mic
Yes
Built-In Speaker
Yes
Built-In Light/Flash
Light - Yes
Flash - No
Audio I/O
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TS Mono Mic/Line Input
Mobile App Compatible
No
*As of January, 2023: Check with manufacturer for the most up-to-date compatibility
Battery
Rechargeable Battery Pack, 3.6 VDC, 1940 mAh
Max Runtime: 1 Hours per Charge
Sensor Resolution
Actual: 18.91 Megapixel
Effective: 8.3 Megapixel
Image Stabilization
Optical & Digital
Exposure Control
Shutter Speed
1/8000 to 1/24 Second in Video Mode
1/2000 to 1/2 Second in Photo Mode
White Balance Modes
Auto
Cloudy
Custom
Daylight
Indoor 1
Indoor 2
Focal Length
4.08 to 81.6mm
35mm-Equivalent Focal Length
30.8 to 626mm at 16:9 4K (Level Shot Function OFF)
37 to 752mm at 16:9 Full HD (Level Shot Function Off or Normal)
30.8 to 626mm at 16:9 Photo
34.5 to 690.3mm at 3:2 Photo
37.6 to 752.8mm at 4:3 Photo
Maximum Aperture
f/1.8 to 3.6
Zoom
Optical: 20x
Intelligent: 25x 4K
Intelligent: 40x (in HD)
Digital: 60x
Digital: 1500x
Filter Size
49 mm
Recording
System
NTSC
Media/Memory Card Slot
Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC
Video Format
3840 x 2160p at 24/30 fps (72 Mb/s MP4)
1920 x 1080p at 24/60 fps (50 Mb/s MP4)
1920 x 1080p at 60 fps (28 Mb/s MP4)
1280 x 720p at 30 fps (9 Mb/s MP4)
1920 x 1080p at 60 fps (28 Mb/s AVCHD)
1920 x 1080i at 60 fps (24 Mb/s AVCHD)
1920 x 1080i at 60 fps (17 Mb/s AVCHD)
1920 x 1080i at 60 fps (13 Mb/s AVCHD)
1920 x 1080i at 60 fps (5 Mb/s AVCHD)
960 x 540p at 30 fps (28 Mb/s iFrame)
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)
Audio Format
AAC
Dolby Digital 2ch
Dolby Digital 5.1
Display Type
Articulating LCD
Display Size
3.0"
Features
Scene Modes
Preset: Yes
Environmental Protection
No
Creative Effects
Yes
Built-In Mic
Yes
Built-In Speaker
Yes
Built-In Light/Flash
Light - Yes
Flash - No
Accessory Shoe
1 x Cold
Tripod Mounting Thread
1/4"-20 Female
Input/Output Connectors
Video I/O
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRRS A/V Output
1 x Micro-HDMI Output
Audio I/O
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TS Mono Mic/Line Input
Power I/O
1 x Proprietary Input
Other I/O
1 x Micro-USB (USB 2.0) Output
Wireless
No
Mobile App Compatible
No
*As of January, 2023: Check with manufacturer for the most up-to-date compatibility
General
Battery
Rechargeable Battery Pack, 3.6 VDC, 1940 mAh
Max Runtime: 1 Hours per Charge
Charging Method
AC Adapter
USB
Power Adapter
5 VDC
Power Consumption
Recording: 7.1 W
Charging: 7.7 W
Dimensions (W x H x D)
2.6 x 2.9 x 5.5" / 65 x 73 x 139 mm
Weight
12.38 oz / 351 g (Body Only)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.8 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
8.9 x 5.9 x 4.1"

Panasonic HC-VX981K Reviews

See any errors on this page? Let us know

question

can the video light be turned off?
Asked by: Anonymous
There is a setting in the set-up menu where you can set the light to OFF.
Answered by: Andrea O.
Date published: 2018-08-27

Can I connect a remote control to this camera for ...

Can I connect a remote control to this camera for zooming?
Asked by: reyson arturo
This camcorder does not have a port for a wired remote however you can download an app to control this camcorder wirelessly from a smart phone or tablet.
Answered by: Jabari
Date published: 2021-02-05

question

how can i make sure the light does not turn on(override)?
Asked by: Anonymous
There is a setting in the set-up menu to set the light to off. When light setting is set to AUTO, the camera will activate the light when it senses it is needed.
Answered by: Andrea O.
Date published: 2018-08-27

question

Does this camera has headphone out for monitoring? Line out over AV out will not do the job....Canon camcorders have that option.
Asked by: Hernan
I do not undestrand why the responses from William D. and Jon B. are marked Inaccurate . There is an 85 mv, 32 ohm stereo minijack entrance for headphones monitoring, and it is located exactly as they say, on the right side, closest from the front end (lens), just ahead of the hand strap. It has a cover and the cover is marked with the headphones sign !!
Answered by: Gustavo V.
Date published: 2022-11-30

question

What about the specs of the slow motion mode? Or has this feature been removed?
Asked by: Anonymous
The Camera's slow motion mode is a faux 60fps conformed to 24p in camera. It uses MP4 28mbps to do this. You would get better results to shoot in MP4 50mbps 60fps and then use editing software to conform the footage to 24p. The Slow motion mode is designed for consumers who don't know any better.
Answered by: Doug V.
Date published: 2018-08-26

Does this have a remote control, and if so does ...

Does this have a remote control, and if so does it have a zoom control? I'm looking to put this on a tripod up high for filming sports.
Asked by: Jason
The Panasonic HC-VX981K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder will not have a physical remote control. You will need to use the Panasonic Image App for remote control access to the VX981K.
Answered by: Whitney H
Date published: 2022-08-18

question

What's the difference between this model and last year's HC-VX870K model? They seem identical when using the Compare tool.
Asked by: Kareem
I think in-camera editing.
Answered by: Lewie B.
Date published: 2019-02-15

¿Can I do Facebook lives or recording using ...

¿Can I do Facebook lives or recording using programs like Xsplit connecting this camcorder by USB port? ¿full HD?
Asked by: Anonymous
You cannot connect this camcorder to a computer through USB for live streaming. However you can connect it to an HDMI Capture Device for streaming. The Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2 is even compatible with XSplit. https://bhpho.to/2bflouA
Answered by: Joseph
Date published: 2019-07-28
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