Panasonic WXF991/VX981 Camcorder review!

Full review and comparison of the Panasonic HC-WXF991K and HC-VX981K
camcorders and discussion of the models in the line. Comparison to Sony's FRD-AX-53 and other cameras. Basic and advanced features discussed along with many video and photo examples depicting image quality, low light performance, stabilization, autofocus and more. IMPORTANT NOTE: A difference between the 981 and 991 not mentioned in the video is that the 981 does NOT have an electronic viewfinder, only the LCD screen, while the 991 has both.

[@shawnsh]

Another genuine banger video. So glad to see you back on YT.

[@techtoremember8096]

Thanks so much for your support!

[@craigw.scribner6490]

Thanks for another informative and enjoyable video from a long-time camcorder user! I was impressed at the quality of the Panasonic's image stabilization.

[@techtoremember8096]

Hi and yes it surprised me too ! Thanks for your comment and support !

[@thepoormanspassportguide-pt9no]

Great Video. You revealed so many hidden featuresI just got this camcorder. Loving it!

[@techtoremember8096]

Thank you !

[@HanifAhmadFauzi]

Camcorders are the best camera for documentary.

[@productreviewstv812]

We love Camcorders. Subscribed!

[@ronaldippolito6785]

I have used the XC981 with a Rode Wireless external mic: it worked great. Thanks for the review...

[@techtoremember8096]

Great to know! Thanks for sharing

[@davidaltizer]

What do you think about the Panasonic HC-VX1? Isn't that camera technically newer than the 991 and 981? I don't see a lot of chatter about the VX1 and it seems people gravitate towards the 981 over it.

[@techtoremember8096]

Hi there, You are right. I think Panasonic has confused a lot of people with all these very similar camera models with little distinction among them. While I haven't tested the VX1 directly, I suspect the image out of it will be very similar to the 981/991. It technically has a slightly smaller image sensor, so it may even be a little worse. The features are also fairly similar. I may do a review if there is enough interest in the camera!

[@Bladeclaw00100]

One reason I still hold on to my Panasonic TM750 compared to my Sony A7IV. It's small, pocketable, lightweight, and has a zoom. My Sony is for quality projects and work. My Panasonic is for travel videos and vacations. Looking at the WXF1 as a future replacement in case my current one breaks. And it being plastic was not a problem as long as you don't hit it hard against anything.

[@jean-gabrielclermont-tonne2475]

TOP video ! You can adjust the sharpness and the color tone. This is excellent. Unfortunately, the Sony AX53 can't do that. :))

[@techtoremember8096]

Yes, I was kind of surprised about that!

[@rogerzubarik7326]

Does the 991's HDMI port provide a live streaming output for viewing else where? I need 4K live streaming.

[@techtoremember8096]

I have not tested this feature but users have reported that they have used it for streaming

[@s.chaubey8098]

Your humour is top notch

[@techtoremember8096]

Thank you !

[@bbpaintworks]

very interesting video! does the wxf991 have a built in grid?

[@techtoremember8096]

Hi there It does have a level indication in the display, but I did not find any way to activate a grid!

[@emilholmgrenmusic]

Any particular reason you picked the outdated VXF981/991/990 series over the current VX1/VXF1/WXF1 series? That's the true competition for the AX53. Wouldn't this be more equivalent to the AX33?

[@techtoremember8096]

Good point. I do actually plan on doing a review of the WXF1 series as well if there is enough interest in this line so that will be upcoming. I own the AX53 and recently reviewed it so therefore its much easier to do a side by side comparison (Yes, the AX33 is an earlier model but produces very similar video quality to the AX53 )

[@davefink2326]

⁠@@techtoremember8096hope you can pull that vx1 / wx1 story together! Plenty of resellers have it. I would opt for the W model, I need that viewfinder.

[@horsemoney]

The AX53 is also a 2016 Camcorder, that's when I bought my first one. And yes, I would love to see some video shot with the VX1/VXF1/WXF1 series. Maybe show the image stabilization panning while shooting a bird in flight. I haven't found anything that can do that better than the AX53.

[@mike_spotter_cr]

excellent review, still I am not sure if buy it for plane spotting, I need to test the stability.

[@techtoremember8096]

Not sure the zoom is quite strong enough for that. You may also want to consider the Nikon P950 or P1000 for that? I do have some reviews and tutorials on those..feel free to check.. Thanks for your comment.

[@mike_spotter_cr]

@@techtoremember8096 thanks for the suggestions! my intention is to hand held shots the zoom is fine for the purpose,I think this one could be more stable than those, am I right?

[@techtoremember8096]

Well all these cameras have good stabilizers. The reason I said is because the Nikons have longer reach than the Panasonic. I have taken hand held shots of planes with the Nikons at long zooms and they were fine but you can with the Panasonic too. if you want a camcorder design, then go with the Panasonic for sure because the Nikons are more like traditional cameras in their design!

[@mike_spotter_cr]

@@techtoremember8096 alright! I have good zoom range in mirrorless with lens for pictures, I didn’t mention that my purpose is video! Thanks for the recommendations! Nice channel!

[@TheReelport]

Panasonic seems like getting worse in time. After watching this video I dived into the world of camcorders again and found out (subjectively) the image quality of the 3MOS models were the peak IQ for small camcorders. The SD900, X900 and X920 have mind blowing details. They probably would look better than these newer 4K models after "super scale". Would you also test the 2012-2015 Panasonics? Trying to narrow down the perfect (1080p) camcorder from that era 3cmos/3ccd is clearly a superior tech for this size of sensors.

[@exclusivedigitalart]

Does the camera image stabilise all the time after pressing the button, or do you have to press and hold it. Basically can you select it and leave it on? If so will it then stay on every time you open the camera by default. I cant think of many reasons I wouldn't want image stabilisation on all the time with how I would use it, but don't want to have to go through a menu every time or hold a button constantly for it to work. Many thanks 😊👍

[@techtoremember8096]

Basic stabilization can be set to be on all the time. I think you are referring to the extra stabilization I showed in the video by pressing the button on the screen. For that, you have to keep your finger pressed on it. As soon as you release your finger from the screen, that extra stabilization boost goes off.

[@exclusivedigitalart]

@@techtoremember8096 Ah didn't realise was an extra thing. Thank you. Do you know if can connect a Bluetooth MIC? Many thanks 😊👍

[@pwolkowicki]

I've just watched(again) your Nikon P1000 to Sony RX10 IV comparison. A P950 to P1000 comparison would be very helpful as well.

[@techtoremember8096]

Interesting thought ! I will def consider that thanks

[@pwolkowicki]

@@techtoremember8096 I was thinking of m43 with 100-300 or 100-400, but both p950 and p1000 are cheaper than just a 100-400 lens and gives more range. I just wondered if P1000 gives better quality at 2000mm than p950 at it's max range.

[@techtoremember8096]

Hey there no it doesn’t The picture quality between the 2 are nearly identical !

[@Martyn500B]

Like The video. I use a camcorder for shooting wildlife videos. There was one thing you got wrong, it's not a hot shoe but a cold shoe. Any mike you use must have it's own power source.

[@techtoremember8096]

Good point !! Thanks for your comment

[@davidaltizer]

Honestly amazed how much better the stabilization was on the Panny compared to the Sony! It's so funny; the "gimbal" in the AX53, when held up against modern stabilization, doesn't seem to be much better! Do you feel the AX53 gimbal is not that good?

[@techtoremember8096]

Its funny you mentioned that and congrats for being the first person to pick this up...The gimbal in the AX53 is disappointing. If you watch my review of the AX53 it really works best in AVCHD mode which unfortunately is the lowest quality HD mode. In 4K I feel the Panasonic beat it out. Its weird but the images don't lie.

[@davidaltizer]

@@techtoremember8096 Thanks for the response! What do you think about the Panasonic HC-VX1? Isn't that camera technically newer than the 991 and 981? I don't see a lot of chatter about the VX1 and it seems people gravitate towards the 981 over it.

[@josephvando9014]

I like multi recording using smartphone for close up and pip using wifi.

[@ourfunhousekids]

Can either have a date and time stamp on them?

[@techtoremember8096]

Unfortunately not

[@tommyg4842]

Why the music you use sound like a disater is about to happen lol Its like I just went to Taco Bell and Im about to attend a all white wedding ceremony.

[@techtoremember8096]

Wow nothing like a constructive comment lol !! Enjoy your Taco Bell lol

[@ronaldippolito6785]

Another difference between the 991 and the 981: the 981 does not have a viewfinder

[@techtoremember8096]

Good catch ! I will add that point in the comments