The star of Panasonic’s new camcorder range, the flagship HC-W850M, lets consumers capture the action and the reaction simultaneously, thanks to a secondary moveable camera located on the side of the LCD screen.
Unveiled today, Panasonic Australia’s new Full HD camcorder range for 2014 includes five new models varying in price from RRP $299 to RRP $1,199.
The twin recording technology can be used to capture two scenes at once, for example, a close up and widescreen shot from the same viewpoint, an object shot front-on and another side-on, or shots that incorporate both the subject and the person filming.
The features in the range are aim for improved performance and new versatile functions for a range of consumers.
Samantha Dawson, product marketing manager – camcorders, Panasonic Australia said: “The new camcorder range really has something for everyone. For those that want to document their life and special events with the best quality possible, the HC-W850M with Twin Camera has been engineered to fit a host of premium features within a compact package, making it the ultimate new videography tool.”
Four of the five new models (HC-W850M, HC-V750M, HC-V550M, and HC-V250) include the new baby monitoring feature and built-in Wi-Fi and one-touch connection using Near Field Communication (NFC). This enables a quick and easy connection to smartphones and allows for remote control through mobile devices. For example the baby monitor function can send notifications to a smartphone or tablet when a crying baby is detected. Parents can even speak to their baby using the device’s microphone.
The new Pan Tilt Cradle (sold separately) detects a moving subject when it’s connected to a compatible Panasonic Wi-Fi camcorder and automatically tracks the subject along a horizontal movement range of 180 degrees and a vertical range of 15 degrees.
The HC-W850M and HC-V750M models feature Full HD Slow Motion Video capabilities with smooth playback at 200fps, actual recording at 100fps. They both also include an all-new lens, sensor and engine which combine to allow powerful zooming, high sensitivity and excellent image quality.
The three camcorders at the premium end of the scale (HC-W850M, HC-V750M and HC V5500) have an advanced level shot function that automatically detects and corrects the tilting of images and the Hybrid OIS+ uses five-axis correction to suppress blurring in images.
All camcorders offer 1920 x 1080 Full HD video recording and built-in modes of Miniature Effect, 8mm Movie, Silent Movie and Time Lapse Recording.
Pricing and availability
HC-W850M, RRP $1,199 (April)
HC-V750M, RRP $849 (April)
HC-V550M, RRP $549 (April)
HC-V250, RRP $449 (May)
HC-V130, RRP $299 (April)