Panasonic HC-VXF1 Camcorder: HD Picture Resolution:

johnkm

Has the HC-VXF1 range HD Picture Resolution been downgraded deliberately?

I recently purchased a Panasonic HC-VXF1 4K camcorder and have been somewhat disappointed with a number of aspects of its performance and ergonomics.  While the 4K picture quality, wide angle zoom and low light performance are very good, HD resolution is very noticeably down on my 8/9 year old HDC-TM700, where 50i recording on that have noticeably better resolution than 50p recording on the VXF1.  Therefore, if the project is in HD and the best HD picture quality is required, you ‘have to’ record in 4K and downscale to be able to match the old TM700.  Which is not very impressive for a new improved ‘prosumer’ model after 8  years more development!

This also raises the question of the picture quality of the HD versions in the same range, the HC‑V800/V808, where Panasonic state “The new Panasonic Full-HD Camcorder HC-V800/V808 boasts high picture quality”, so I have to ask how high is ‘high’ and compared with ‘what’?

One further thought: I can’t help having a sneaking suspicion that Panasonic (and maybe others?) have deliberately downgraded HD camcorder picture resolution to make 4K look even better than it is!

chrishull3

Well i dont know about the latest Pana HD camcorders,but i do know the three Pana bridge cameras i have owned have had HD  resoulution every bit as good or better than than pevious HD Pana  camcorders i owned [i still have one]but personaly i rarely record HD now.But i never owned the TM700 which i think was a 3MOS cam and highly rated at the time.

Terfyn

One further thought: I can’t help having a sneaking suspicion that Panasonic (and maybe others?) have deliberately downgraded HD camcorder picture resolution to make 4K look even better than it is!

Not so, the 800 quality is as good, if not better than the earlier HC-V750. The Leica lens does help. The 750 came out in 2014 before 4K became more available so there was no attempt to downgrade HD for comparison with 4K.
I have noticed that when in HDR mode and low light the picture becomes grainy but in normal mode the picture is clear.

chrishull3

Op as you are asking about the HD quality of your HC-VXF1 4K camcorder compared to HD on a HDC-TM700 you owned Ask a Question, Get an Answer ASAP! may help you

Terfyn

Do you think we will get a honest assessment from a Panasonic employee? Live in hope.
I've compared the 800 with the 750 and really can see no difference.

chrishull3

You are comparing two HD camcorders the op is asking if there should be any difference in the HD Qaulity of his HC-VXF1 4K cam and HD on his previous TM300 HD cam which had a good reputation,and i have had good help from Panasonic UK in past times.

JabbaNut

Could you upload some of the problem video, so people can see?

Terfyn

That's as may be but Panasonic are not going to trash their own stuff - are they. OP commented about the HD on the 800/808 so I was comparing it to a pre 4K camera both of which I own so can put side by side.
It has been stated in a review of the VX1 that it is an 800 with 4K added and the VXF1 has an EVF incorporated. If you compare the three cameras, you will note that they are almost identical with lens, chip etc. being the same for all the cameras.
I would be interested in Panasonic's reply and in the video if johnkm puts any on the site. I suppose we should not rule out a faulty camera.

chrishull3

Ok the VXF1 may have similar specs to the 800 with 4K added but the 3mos TM700 was a completely different model that was highly regarded for its Sharp HD video,his new camera may not be up to standard but without trying another there is no knowing.
                                My bridge cameras are certainly as good as the TM700 in HD mode
finding a HC-VX1  youtube film filmed in HD mode is not likely sadly.
There are loads more TM700 reviews on youtube

JabbaNut

Does this fit the bill?