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Panasonic

Panasonic 4K Ultra HD Video Camera Camcorder HC-VX981K, 20X Optical Zoom, 1/2.3-Inch BSI Sensor, HDR Capture, Wi-Fi Smartphone Multi Scene Video Capture (Black)

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Availability: Only 1 left in stock, order soon!
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Arrives Tuesday, Jul 28
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Style: 4K – VX981K


Features

  • Get in Close and Detail: 18.91 Megapixel MOS sensor plus 20x Zoom LEICA Decomar Lens (4.08-81.6 millimeter), plus 5-axis Hybrid O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)
  • 1/2.3-Inch BSI Sensor: The Back Side Illumination Sensor has a large effective area with 8.29M effective pixels, suppressing noise even when shooting in dimly lit conditions. Image Sensor is 1/2.3-inch BSI MOS Sensor
  • 4K Recording and In-Camera Editing: Ultra-sharp 4K Ultra HD recording, plus in-camera editing for 1080p displays; Total Pixels 18.91 megapixels, still image 7.00 megapixels [3:2], 8.29 megapixels [16:9], 6.22 megapixels [4:3]
  • HDR Movie Feature: Exclusive high-dynamic range feature suppresses blown highlights and blocked shadows for crisper and clearer videos
  • Wireless Twin Camera: Wirelessly connect your smartphone's video camera as a sub-camera for a picture-in-picture video effect.Recording Format:JPEG (DCF/Exif2.2)

Description

Equipped with a 20x Optical Zoom LEICA Dicomar lens and 5-axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization function, the Panasonic 4K Ultra HD Camcorder HC-VX981K brings simplicity to the 4K recording experience. It adds in-camera editing solutions such as cropping, panning, zooming and subject tracking stabilization that can enable anyone to capture and produce content without the need for complex software. An innovative HDR mode captures clear shots with excellent detail in both bright and dark areas. The Wi-Fi functions make the camcorder competent in a variety of tasks: remote shooting and view via the Panasonic smartphone app, picture-in-picture style video recording with your smartphone as a sub camera. For those without a 4K display option, the HC-VX981K offers in-camera down sampling to 1080p displays for convenient playback. Connectivity technology: USB: 2.0 Hi-Speed, HDMI: Micro, Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11b/g/n. Motion Image 4K: 8.29 megapixels [16:9], Full-HD: 6.10 megapixels [16:9] (Level Shot Function OFF or Normal).

Brand: Panasonic


Photo Sensor Technology: CMOS


Video Capture Resolution: 4K


Maximum Focal Length: 81.6 Millimeters


Maximum Aperture: 2.8 f


Flash Memory Type: SDXC


Video Capture Format: JPEG (DCF/Exif2.2)


Screen Size: 3 Inches


Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi


Color: Black


Sensor Type: CMOS


Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi


Color: Black


Features: Wireless


Water Resistance Level: Not Water Resistant


Has Image Stabilization: Yes


Image stabilization: HYBRID O.I.S.+ with Active Mode, O.I.S. Lock, Level Shot Function (Strong mode2K only)


Form Factor: Compact


Item Weight: 0.77 Pounds


Wireless Compability: 802.11b


Style Name: 4K – VX981K


Item Dimensions D x W x H: 5.5"D x 2.6"W x 2.9"H


Number of Batteries: 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included)


Maximum Focal Length: 81.6 Millimeters


Maximum Aperture: 2.8 f


Minimum Focal Length: 4.1 Millimeters


Lens Type: Zoom


Minimum Aperture: 2.8 f


Focus Type: Auto Focus


Screen Size: 3 Inches


Display Resolution Maximum: UHD


Flash Memory Type: SDXC


Flash Memory Speed Class: C10


Flash Memory UHS Speed Class: 3


Flash Memory Video Speed Class: V60


Compatible Devices: Smartphone, Tablet, Personal Computer, TV


Brand: Panasonic


Model Number: HC-VX981K


Camcorder Type: Video Camera


Model Name: HC-VX981K


Built-In Media: Camcorder, Battery, AC Adaptor, DC Cable, HDMI Cable, USB Cable, Editing Software


Antenna Location: Camcorder


Are Batteries Included: Yes


Manufacturer: Panasonic


UPC: 885170266285


Global Trade Identification Number: 85


Warranty Description: 1 year manufacturer


Unit Count: 1.0 Count


Video Resolution: 4K


Video Capture Format: JPEG (DCF/Exif2.2)


Effective Still Resolution: 7 MP


Image Capture Speed: 60 fps


Shooting Modes: Movie


Image Aspect Ratio: 169


Supported Image Format: JPEG


File Format: JPEG


Effective Video Resolution: 3840 Pixels


Optical Zoom: 20 x


Digital Zoom: 60


Zoom: Optical


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Tuesday, Jul 28

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

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Top Amazon Reviews

    • A Case for an Awesome Camcorder A Case for an Awesome Camcorder
Style: 4K – VX981K
Review Image by George Hooper
This is a great camcorder many pros as well as for family home videos love as with the auto functions it turns on opening the monitor then with decent light will takes great videos. Going pro it has additional options per manual control and some many interesting pre-post editing effects before transferring the files to whatever video editing software on your computer. With cinematic effects Panasonic added the dolly zoom effect. Think the movie 'Jaws' with Brody on the beach seeing a kid on a raft getting eaten by a shark and the camera sees his face never changing in distance while the background is zooming in. This dolly shot is built into the camcorder. This is a sturdy hard case I'm using for the Panasonic HV-VX981K camcorder which is a little larger than many small camcorders so not easy to find a case that fits especially with the wider lens hood for 16:9 recording. It holds the camera and supplied accessories, a second fast wall charger with two of the larger 390 batteries, additional 128Gb SD cards, a case with three 49mm UV, CPL, ND filters and a lens cap to protect them. There is still room for the excellent Sony ICD-UX570 recorder for secondary audio when video recording. In place of filters one could store a Ulanzi RGB Video light for special effects. Overall a compact case offering options for your gear. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BY36RJNH?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2024 Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2024 by George Hooper
    • I'm quite pleased with these cameras.
Style: 4K – VX981K
I'm pretty happy with this camcorder. We bought two of them and they, like most consumer cameras, are a little clunky out of the box. Features like auto light on/off, auto horizon level, and demo mode, can make it finicky to get your shot the way you want it, but a quick few minutes in the menu, got this camera in good working order. It has a great zoom lens with optics that allow the image to be sharp even at the tele end of the lens. I have noticed that the edges of the picture aren't super sharp when the camera is zoomed all the way out wide. For our application this isn't an issue as we'll be using this as a close up camera 99% of the time. This camera cannot record in 4K and output video via HDMI at the same time (HDMI will go out when you start recording), it can output and record to 1080P at the same time, however. The 4K is a little soft, as you would expect with a consumer camcorder, however the footage looks fantastic when scaled down to 1080p. The built in microphone is hands down the best quality I've ever heard from a built in camcorder mic. It sounds as if I'm using an external recorder. I'm also glad it has a built in video light and nightvision, however as I mentioned earlier, the built in light turns on and off constantly in auto mode, so I recommend disabling auto and switching it on/off manually when needed. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2017 by Cameron H.
    • Good Camera. Good Video Quality.
Style: 4K – VX981K
This is an all around great camera. Easy to use with great picture quality especially when shooting mp4 50mbps. 4K is good as well, but I mostly shoot in 1080p then upscale to 4K in post production. Battery life is pretty good. You can charge the battery as you use the camera. Open the flip out screen and it's ready to record. So convenient. The touch screen is not s responsive as I would like, but it is still good enough. Overall, great little camera. I read reviews and weighted my options over a month before I bought it. Best camera out of about 5 that I compared it to at about the same price. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2024 by Chris Holcombe
    • Great Camcorder but doesn't have a Physical Remote
Style: 4K – VX981K
Overall, I think this is a great camcorder, great size, easy to use and the video quality has been awesome (thus the 5-stars in the separate categories). I am definitely not a pro and really just use it for recreation, so please make sure you read other reviews which will give you a better assessment on the video quality. The main reason I am writing this review is to "give someone a heads up" on a couple of things which is the reason why I only gave it 4-stars. I mainly use this camcorder to record my daughter's soccer games. Again, the video quality looks great. The issue that I am dealing with has to do with my current setup which may or may not apply to you. I decided to purchase a Hague Camera Support Aerial Mast System that has a "manual pan & tilt head" and extends about 20' in height. This will help get a better angle & coverage of the soccer field but requires you to use either wireless camcorder which this is or a field monitor with physical remote or LANC jack. Unfortunately, this camcorder doesn't come or have the ability of using a physical remote. Nor does it have a LANC Jack. Thus, you have to use the wireless link to your cell phone for you to use it remotely, which is extremely lagging and the delay from the camera to the phone makes this camcorder useless to record sports. I thought I could use field monitors like the Atomos Ninja and Atomos Shinobi, some of which can cost just as much as the camcorder itself but it still doesn't solve the issue. That brings up another issue but it sounds like this maybe an issue with most camcorders that shoot 4k. If you plan on using an external field monitor, this camcorder will not record/output 4k and will only allow you to record/output HD or 1080p. Last issue....Panasonic hasn't updated the firmware since it's release and that's truly unfortunate. As I stated, this camcorder is only an issue when I record soccer games using the aerial mast. It's great for all other things and truly think it's a great value. However, if I knew about this before; I would have gone with another camcorder that comes with either a physical remote or LANC jack. I would also make sure this is a product that gets it firmware updated as well. Hope that helps, Glenn ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2021 by glennmatthew
    • Great Camcorder!
Style: 4K – VX981K
'You get what you pay for!' Before I was going the cheaper route buying two foreign cams which I sent both of them back. With those two foreign cams the film quality was good, but their zoom was jumpy, and their live recording mono sound was terrible! With this cam I have no problem except the battery life could be better than about an hour. In my music field I really wanted a remote to avoid keep getting up or reaching to turn the record button on & off but in trade with the fantastic stereo sound and awesome clear, sharp picture I will live with it! -Awesome camcorder! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2022 by Ezra Bufford
    • This is THE camera for shooting entire concerts
Style: 4K – VX981K
This is unbelievable. At first, I was a little annoyed that you have to pay so much for a camera that lets you set manual iris/focus/sound etc. But I finally but the bullet and paid 4x as much as a regular fully auto HD cam. I'm so glad I did. I just tested all of the fancy bells and whistles that I was skeptical about. Holy crap, they all work! I got this camera for recording my own concerts. The audio is on par with some of the field recorders out there. The 4k resolution means that I can leave this at a wide angle from across the venue and later in editing, zoom into my bandmates it as if it were a second and third camera. On top off all that, I don;t have to run out into the audience to press record right before the show and then run out after the show. I can control it from my phone (this is what I was sure wouldn't work properly but it did)! The wifi range isn't long enough for a large venue or festival, but you can tap into a wifi router which I already have on stage for our sound gear. I only got this camera because of it's manual control. Don't try shooting concerts with an automatic camera. The cameras don't understand stage lighting and it will look horrible unless it's a well lit outdoor show (of if the stage lights never change). Plus, they alway automatically focus on the stupid little toys and signs and beach balls that pop up from the audience. Manual settings solve all of that. You can get that with several different Cannon and sony cams for around the same price. But this camera absolutely CRUSHES it with the extra stuff. I am amazed. Tip: don't bother buying the expensive larger battery. Get a usb backup charger. The kind that you can use to power a phone or tablet. I have a heavy duty one that will outlast any camera battery. If you're using a tripod, you just rig up a place to put it and you're gold. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2016 by Amazon Customer
    • AMAZING
Style: 4K – VX981K
Phenomenal camera for the price. Filmed so much content with this thing
Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2026 by Paul
    • Great camera but look for vendor who can offer tech support.
Style: 4K – VX981K
Camera itself works great. Has far more capabilities than I will ever tap. Two areas that affect the rating of which one was has to to do with the camera itself. First the buying experience is a bit exasperating when the product is listed for $200 less today than 2 weeks ago when purchased. Word to the wise is shop around as Amazon likely does not have the best price on this if it is showing anything above $800. My fault for being loyal (blind) to PRIME. Issue about camera is, to date, I cannot locate any compatible remote zoom control that will mount on the tripod that was also purchased. After sifting thru the 300 page manual and some less than helpful interactions with Panasonic tech support chat reps it appears this does not have a compatible device. This conclusion was confirmed by working with a rep from Adorama who does sell thru Amazon but actually offers their own tech support directly. I contacted them after purchasing and retuning two control units from Amazon that had a generic description that they fit "Panasonic" camcorders. In the end I have a beautiful setup but I am reduced to zooming by using a second hand on top of the camera while I move the boom on the tripod. Not efficient of effective. Given the price issue I experienced I would not recommend making similar purchases via Amazon as other retailers appear to be more competitively priced and are far more knowledgeable on this unit right now. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2017 by KCASEY

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