Panasonic HC-W850 Camcorder

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Panasonic's HC-W850 is a top of the line consumer camcorder that has a unique twin camera design and nice performance features. Mia McCormick takes a look.

[@ATPU555]

Best review in 6 minutes! Technically detailed, short sharp and good video and editing!!!!!

[@nogoogleplus]

Honestly that was a stellar review, thank you. Mia McCormick should get a raise. Very well done!

[@SavageScientist]

I have had this camcorder purchased it in 2014 its wonderful, my only problem is, I damaged it using a 3rd party ac adapter. Doing that destroyed the device. I will post video on my channel on this camera.

[@VGJ]

Does anyone know if this would be a good and worthy unpgrade for the Panasonic SD90 which I have found to be a brilliant point-and-shoot camera? Thanks :)

[@BandH]

The new Panasonic HC-W850 will perform a bit better in low-light and other challengoing shooting situations due to the back-side illumination and improvided image processing for up to 1.3 times better low-light performance compared to the previous generation, with image processing speeds that are approximately 1.5 times faster . It also offer Wi-Fi connectivity and a more refined OIS (5-Axis Optical Image Stabilizer). And of course it also captures two camera angles simultaneously. The real step-up from Panasonic would be their HC-X920 3MOS Ultrafine Full HD Camcorder, which features three back-illuminated MOS sensors (3MOS) with an effective size of approximately 1/4" each and records Full HD 1080/60p video in the AVCHD format. The 12x Leica Dicomar zoom lens has a fast max aperture of f/1.5 and a 35mm equivalent of approximately 29.8-399.2mm, and the optical zoom is supplemented by an 25x Intelligent Zoom. Built-in Wi-Fi enables real time streaming and remote control via a smartphone or tablet. Other features include a 3.5" LCD touchscreen monitor, Five Axis Hybrid OIS, 5.1-channel surround sound, and iA Plus Mode. B&H # PAHCX920K. bhpho.to/1fWhrYY Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail]>Mark

[@computerssuck93]

Hey Guys, i know this video is old so i'm can only pray that someone will still answer. I can't figure out what camera to buy, since they are literally 1$ apart in price. How does the older model of this camera (The HC-580K) stack up against the Sony HDR-CX455 in terms of video quality, especially in poorer lighting.

[@neegdubvwj2284]

i lovoe this is panasonic HC-w850

[@YKZA_TTV]

Please help me out! I just got that same camcorder and its been amazing. However I wanted to put it on the TV. I connected HDMI cable from the camera to the TV. The picture is there but there is not sound coming from the video ?

[@BandH]

Recheck the cable connections. Power down the camera and TV. Make sure that you have selected the correct INPUT on the TV and the internal speakers are active. re-connect the camera to the TV - use a different HDMI input if possible. >Mark

[@alkevinzmedia]

Wow this has the "NightShot" like feature ? Just like back in the days?

[@NycZooYork]

It has modes for miniture movie, silent movie, 8mm film and timelapse that can't be used with the MP4 50Mb set (only AVCHD) which make it even more appealing but I guess your average soccer mom wouldn't care for those either.

[@alkevinzmedia]

How unfortunately true though :/ . I would have taken advantage of those features.

[@bugsfish9419]

hi what is the IR like at distance .. say over 1/2 mile .. is this camcorder much good for night filming .. thanks pete

[@websitesthatneedanem]

Great, honest review!

[@cpocketts]

please could you say an good extension mic for this? Used for plane spotting

[@BandH]

Consider this small shotgun microphone: The VP83 LensHopper Shotgun Microphone from Shure is a compact camera-mount condenser that provides detailed, high-definition audio with DSLR cameras and camcorders. An integrated Rycote Lyre shock mounting system provides isolation from vibration and mechanical noise. bhpho.to/1bK6BEY Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail].>Mark

[@maxmustermann194]

Come on, Panasonic! Infrared is a cool feature to have but a second cam is completely unnecessary!

[@NycZooYork]

Look into the V750K, Same camera without those features.

[@charbelel-hani5199]

I read a commentary that if you are using the camcorder in IR night vision and by chance some normal light enter the camera, it will spoil or even impair the sensor. Is that right? If it yes, it would be harder for me to use it because I need to film at night in a condition where other people will be using torches and the light of a torch can inadvertently reach the camcorder while I am filming. This is important thus for my decision to buy a IR night vision camcorder.

[@BandH]

There is some truth to your comment. But typically the risk is from natural daylight and not flashlights or small LED light sources like flashlights or torches. That said - I wouldn't recommend subjecting this camcorder to prolonged direct exposure to very bright, visible light sources. Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail]>Mark

[@charbelel-hani5199]

B and H Thank you very much! The information solved my doubts.

[@montage2726]

Do any manufacturers make camcorders with a viewfinder?

[@BandH]

Canon, Panasonic and Sony offer viewfinders on the upper end of their consumer camcorder offerings: bhpho.to/1inRykQ Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail]. Mark S.

[@marcelodaniel3350]

Hi Mia!!!,I´m interested buying one of two PANASONICS,the PANASONIC HC-X920 or the PANASONIC HC-W850,i would like to know if this new "PANNY" is better than the older X920,since you have done a review from both.

[@BandH]

The current Panasonic HC-X920 3MOS Ultrafine Full HD Camcorder is an excellent choice in a topflight consumer camcorder. The 3-chip BSI sensors deliver outstanding clarity, color, and less video "noise" in low-light shooting situations. The fast f1.5 lens features a Nano Surface Coating that suppresses ghosting and flare when shooting moving pictures, and let you record bright images with very little noise even in dark places. Panasonic has done a nice job with their 5 Axis Hybrid OIS + as well. It thoroughly suppresses blurring over the entire shooting range. This makes it possible to capture crisp, clear images with reduced blur in almost every shooting situation. Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail]. bhpho.to/1fWhrYY >Mark

[@johnmscott4673]

Hi, I am looking to buy the HD Camcorder HC-W580M. I need to be able to have the Time and Date Stamp recorded when I record. Can you help with where I might find the setting for this?

[@BandH]

+John Marryatt Unfortunately this is not a function that the HC-W850 is capable of. This feature is usually found in more professional camcorders like the Panasonic AG-AC90A AVCCAM Handheld Camcorder bhpho.to/1pQ6sn3

[@throttlebird]

Hi team, I am not sure which to buy since i am mostly into both candid moment and video recording since thought about Sony a6000 or Panasonic W850. How long is a6000 video limit? and any disadvantages if you suggest? Kindly advise. How is the W850 photos taking moments.?

[@BandH]

+AnIsH jOsEpH This camcorder does a fair job with snapshots but not nearly as well as a SONY A6000. But the Panasonic camcorder does not put a 29 minute limit on continuous video recording as a still camera will. The camcorder also offers a 20X optical zoom. If you plan on taking short duration video only and do not want or need interchangeable lens capability - then the SONY a6000 is an excellent choice. You must determine what is most important for your project, applications, or lifestyle. >Mark

[@JimmyFloresEs]

Can the Panasonic HC-W850 connect via USB to a computer and act as a webcam?

[@BandH]

SoyJimmy This camcorder does not offer USB webcam functionality. Built-In Wi-FI and NFC allows you to connect the camcorder to a smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device that supports the Panasonic Imaging App so you can share your images through social media websites and stream live video using Ustream. With NFC (Near Field Connection) you will be able to configure the wireless connection simply by tapping your mobile device to the camcorder Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail] >Mark

[@fullfizk8545]

Would you not recommend the official Panasonic lens? I'm not too familiar with lenses, but would have guessed that the official lens would be better than the raynox. Please provide additional details, so i can make up my mind. Regards

[@BandH]

Although the Panasonic VW-W4907 ( B&H# PAVWW4907H) is recommended, Raynox is a high quality manufacturer that delivers equal or better quality. The Raynox HD-6600PRO-49 Wide Angle Conversion Lens is a highly rated and recommended high quality substitute that offers a wider field of view (FOV) at a lower price. Win-win with Raynox. Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail]. Mark S.

[@fullfizk8545]

Thank you for your suggestions. I have ordered the Raynox. A few last queries I have. Does this camera have a macro conversions lens on the market? Does it need one? Finally, which would be the best?

[@BandH]

***** The Raynox MSN-202 Super Macro/Close-Up Lens provides 9.3x magnification.B&H # RAMSN202. It requires this adapter: Raynox - Universal Adapter for Raynox CM-3500. B&H# RAUACM3500 Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail]. Mark S.

[@SotchinVideo]

Is this camera has one chip or three chips?

[@ATPU555]

Could you please recommend a good wireless microphone to use with this camcorder? I would like to record a stage performance of my daughter while sitting among the audience. Thank you!

[@BandH]

Not sure what type of performance your daughter is performing in, but if she is able to wear a bodypack transmitter and lavalier microphone: The Polsen CAM-2W is a 2-channel wireless microphone system that is designed for hands-free mobility in a wide variety of applications including video production, electronic news gathering (ENG), electronic field productions (EFP), and classroom and presentation applications. It is a reliable, easy-to-use solution for wireless sound transmission. The CAM-2W includes an omnidirectional microphone (PL-2W), which is ideal for ENG and EFP video applications since omnidirectional microphones are minimally susceptible to wind and handling noise. The PL-2W also provides flexible placement options and allows for head movement without affecting the sound. bhpho.to/1xX0zfb Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail].>Mark

[@ATPU555]

B and H Thanks for your kind reply. Very helpful. Regards, Atpu.

[@SuperEarther]

can you turn wifi off on this device?

[@BandH]

Wi-Fi is not required to operate this camera. WI-Fi can remain off for the duration of the camera's use. >Mark

[@SuperEarther]

@@BandH many thanks!

[@elektrovendetta506]

You rock!!! Exelent review

[@Sbensbeve]

How much will this cost?

[@BandH]

Unfortunately, the Panasonic HC-W850 is discontinued. A suitable replacement is the Panasonic HC-VX870K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder , B&H # PAHCVX870. bhpho.to/2tTGPAA

[@fullfizk8545]

Which wide angle lens would be best for this?

[@BandH]

I recommend the Raynox HD-6600PRO-49 Wide Angle Conversion Lens. Providing 0.66x magnification, this wide angle conversion lens helps you capture beautiful landscapes, large groups, and tight spaces. Utilizing the 72mm front thread, filters can be added for obtaining the just the look you desire. Touted by Raynox to be distortion free (-1.3%), the HD-6600PRO-49 has a 3 element/3 group construction. Featuring a high-resolution optical design that delivers 350 lines/mm, the lens also boasts an anti-reflective coating for enhanced light transmission. B&H # RAHD6600P49. bhpho.to/1z2B9Nr Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail] Thanks! Mark S.

[@Nipponing]

WTF, no it has 5.8" sensor...

[@TheSamuraiXX011]

This screams KZbin camcorder XD

[@Nipponing]

wat

[@ccnt89]

Yes Quese lol

[@dutyhole1734]

is their any extended battery for this or upgraded battery ?

[@BandH]

You can use B&H # PAVWVBT380 for an extended/upgraded battery. |Heather S|

[@dutyhole1734]

Ty I need to get one ! Whats the warranty on it ?

[@BandH]

Duty Raab The Panasonic VW-VBT380 has a 1-year Limited Warranty through Panasonic USA. The following link is for the battery's page on our site. You could order it by simply adding it to your cart and continuing on to checkout. *Christina* [e-mail] bhpho.to/1w3W7Xf