I was using the panasonic UK chat earlier in the week, asking about the HD quality of the HC-VX1 in comparison to the Hc-v800 and directed them to this thread. I was told that the quality of HD was identical, guess this latest news hasn't filtered down to the help desk.
Looks like I won't be getting a new Panasonic camcorder after all, currently have the HC-V380.
Not many people seem to be speaking from experience. I do not know about the concerns regarding 4K to HD on the VX1 and VXF1 but I do know about the HD output of the 800.
I can say I am very pleased with the picture quality of the 800, I accept it is not as good as 4K but as we are all working down to a common factor of HD then the 800 video quality is exceptional (for HD). I suggest you try before you buy.
My comparison is through both my TV and my projector. The projector gives a sharp picture on a 60" screen with good colour rendition.
Is there any way of connecting a wired remote to my HC-VXF1 to operate the zoom and record without having to touch the camcorder whilst it’s on a tripod?
Not a wired remote but an App for your smartphone. The App controls start/stop, zoom, select video or stills and replay. I mount my smartphone on the handle of my tripod for convenience.
The App will work over a distance of a few metres and uses NFC to connect.
Such a shame to read this conclusion ( refund by Panasonic ! ) for their 4K camcorder. . . I guess all the effort is in the 4K department and HD is no-longer their concern.
However,most folks are happy enough with DVD-quality; so the Industry may have some trouble in shifting 4K gear ( and prices! ).Although one thinks of "Future-proofing"- but do we need it...?The problem comes in another 5-years, when our gear needs replacing and there are no HD-only models about.....Oh dear.
Terfyn, with yr 800 model: what definition do you achieve in "Stills-mode" ( i.e. a single still image, not taking one off a movie sequence ). My NEX5 is 14Mpx so I'm hoping the V800 is more.... I barely recall the old 700 boasted 20Mpx by shifting one of the 3 CMOS sensors. ( Good Ol' Days ). The PDF suggests 25Mpx for the V800-model... is this your experience?
Cheers.
Officially 25.9 megapixels. Yes it produces decent still pictures but I will test it more thoroughly and report back.