Panasonic HD & 4K Camcorder Model Lineup (2021-2022) * Comparison and Reviews

Low Light Lenses = Larger and faster lenses allow more light in for greater low light sensitivity. Lenses with low f stop specifications are considered fast lenses. The camcorders on this page all have fast low light lenses with an f stop of f1.8 or lower (lower is better). The Panasonic HC-X920 has a new f1.5 lens, which is the most light sensitive of any consumer camcorder lens.
Megapixels = This refers to the camera function in the camcorder. This is the amount of megapixels available to take a snapshot picture while using the camcorder. Canon for 2012 has reduced the megapixels (to 2 megapixels) on its CMOS Pro imagers for better low light performance and dynamic range.
1080p 720p 60i 24p 60p video = camcorders can record video at various resolutions. Many can record at several different rates. 1080p is the current highest (blu-ray quality). 720p has about half the resolution of 1080p. Also keep in mind the frame rate of the video. Normal video is shot at 30fps (frames per second). 1080@60i is 60 interlaced frames, which is roughly equivalent to 1080p@30fps. Movie film is shot at 24fps (24p). Some camcorders can shoot at 60fps (60p) which will make the movie silky smooth and can be used for slow motion as well. New for 2015 is the Panasonic Panasonic HC-WX970 and the Panasonic HC-V770 models which can shoot at Full HD at 120fps for slow motion effects.
Infrared NightShot/Night Vision = Some Sony and Canon camcorders allow shooting at night. They shoot in infrared. Some have a built-in IR illuminator to light up the area with invisible to the eye infrared light. You see these type of cameras being used in reality shows, such as ghost hunters.
External Mic Jack = This means that this camcorder is equipped with an external microphone jack or terminal to input an external microphone. There are a wide range of external microphones to choose from including wireless, surround sound, and others. An external microphone will improve the sound recording of your video. It bypasses the built in microphones.
Wide Angle Lens = The wider the lens, the better. A wider angle lens will allow you to get more of the scene in your videos than one that is not wide angle. This is important for indoor shots, when you want to get a whole group in the shot, or outdoors to get a panorama view of the landscape. So, for example, a 30mm lens is much wider than a 40mm lens.
EVF Viewfinder = Most camcorders today do not have a viewfinder, but use their LCD screen to compose video. However, some high end camcorders do have an Electronic Viewfinder (EVF). The advantage of having an EVF is to use the viewfinder in bright sun, where the LCD may be hard to see. The Panasonic HC-WXF991K has an EVF.
3D Ready = This camcorder can record in 3D with an optional 3D converter lens.
Built-in WIFI = Almost all Panasonic Camcorders listed here have WiFi, The Panasonic camcorders have WiFi and NFC (near field communications) to control your camcorder remotely or share contents. You will have the ability to stream video from your camcorder to a smart device such as an smartphone, tablet, or laptop and to the internet. You also can control these camcorders directly from your tablet, smartphone, or laptop. The 2016 models had an improved WiFi app that has many features including a Pet or Baby monitor, Home Monitoring and more.