Panasonic HC-V180K Review, Unboxing, User Manual
HIGHLIGHTS:
PANASONIC HC-V180K Professional 4k camcorder - OVERVIEW
Panasonic has been consistently proving that digital camcorders still have a place in that world. The Panasonic HC V180K introduced in 2016 was considered one of the most affordable video cameras on the market; that has all handy features. It boasts a 50X to 90X impressive magnification range; that ensures everything comes clearly in focus, no matter how far you are from the subjects.
The 1/5.8-inch BSI MOS image sensor and 5-axis hybrid optical image stabilization system achieve impressive optical performance in all shooting situations, regardless of your shaky hands and lighting condition in the area. The camera is perfect for BTS shooting or filming promotional videos, but let’s have a look at whether the HC V180K is offering price worthy specifications and functions or not -
PANASONIC HC-V180K REVIEW
Design & Features
The Panasonic HC V180K is surprisingly lightweight and easy-to-operate, fits perfectly in the palm, and beginners can adapt the functions in no time. It weighs only 7.5 ounces, making it easy to handle for most people without getting hand fatigue and strain. But, the model cuts down some regular manual control features and viewfinder; that could include difficulties during shooting.
The 2.7” touch-friendly LCD display screen could be tilted within 180° angle; it adds a few basic physical controls, making it easy to access the core features, focusing and recording.
The Panasonic v180 handy camcorder has a far superior camera lens than most budget digital cameras and smartphones. The 28mm wide-angle lens improves optical zoom capabilities; lets you optically zoom at up to 50x point. You could extend the zooming range to 90x, activating the Intelligent Zoom feature and the imagery still looks good at this extended level.
The 1/5.8-inch backside-illuminated MOS sensor allows you to shoot in lower light situations and high magnification range with reduced image noise. The hybrid O.I.S+ reduces blurring and jitters while not using a tripod or other stabilizer. It corrects those issues and stabilizes the frame from 5 axes, more precisely, during panning, tilting, rolling the axes, and moving the camera in horizontal or vertical directions.
The newly added Level Shot function keeps the view straight when you pose the camera slightly tilted. A dedicated button is also there; that lets you activate this function and adjust its’ intensity depending on shooting conditions.
It’s designed to allow doing little fun and showing extra creativity with additional filter effects. You’ll get a dedicated Creative Control mode, such as Time Lapse Recording, Miniature Effect, Silent Movie, 8mm Movie, and so on.
The video camera doesn’t support external microphone input but integrates a 2-channel zoom microphone; that automatically adjusts recording volume according to the active zooming capability, ensuring crisp and clear audio.
Image and video quality
The HC-V180K records 1080P / 28 Mbps and 1080i / 24 to 5 MBPS videos at 60 fps in MP4 and AVCHD format, 1080P / 60P 28 Mbps videos in MP4, and 28 MBPS 540P videos for iFrame. This better format lens with a BSI image sensor and hybrid image stabilizer always delivers good quality HD videos with better stability and clarity.
STORAGE
The Panasonic HC-V180K comes with a 3.6V 1940 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery; that lasts for 1 hour after a full charge. It is single-slotted and compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC media cards.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The camcorder has USB 2.0, Type-C Mini HDMI, and A/V Port, where you can connect the input-output device. But, it doesn’t support an external microphone and headphones for audio input and output.
BEST FEATURES OF PANASONIC HC-V180K CAMCORDER
The Panasonic V180 delivers great-sounding HD videos all the time without breaking the bank. You could expect better stability and better image stabilization from this digital video camera, thanks to the proven form factor, secure hand strap, and hybrid optical image stabilizer.
The Panasonic HC-180K is also a good choice if you're looking for :
PANASONIC HC-V180K SPECS
LENS SPECIFICATION
Focal Length | 2.06 to 103mm
|
Optical Zoom | Optical: 50x |
Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 - f/4.2 |
IMAGE SENSOR
Sensor Size | 1/5.8" |
Sensor Type | BSI MOS Sensor |
Sensor Resolution | Actual: 2.51 Megapixel |
CAMERA SPECIFICATION
Image Stabilization | 5-Axis HYBRID Optical Image Stabilization with Level Shot function |
Shutter Speed | 1/30 - 1/8000 Second (Video) |
Minimum Illumination | 4 Lux at 1/30 Shutter Speed |
VIDEO RECORDING
Recording Formats | MP4, AVCHD |
Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080p at 60 fps (28 Mb/s MP4) |
DISPLAY SCREEN
Screen Size | 2.7" |
Display Type | 180° Tilting Touch-Friendly LCD Screen |
Connectivity
Wired Connection | USB 2.0, Type-C Mini HDMI, A/V Port |
Mounting Feature
Accessory Mount | 1/4"-20 Tripod Mounting Thread |
Battery
Battery | 3.6V lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery |
Capacity | 1940 mAh |
PANASONIC HC-V180K TEST FOOTAGE
PANASONIC HC-V180K VIDEO CAMERA UNBOXING
PANASONIC HC-V180K USER MANUAL
You will be receiving a detailed user manual while purchasing a PANASONIC HC-V180K. But, you can also view the user manual from the Company's official website. The user manual will have a complete guide on the different camera settings, firmware, and safety precautions you will need to follow while using this camcorder.
If you wish to check the official user manual of this PANASONIC HC-V180K camcorder, click here.
PANASONIC HC-V180K ACCESSORIES
EXTRA SD CARDS AND BATTERIES
Keep in mind, when you record videos in the highest resolution, it will take much storage space, and the included battery provides only 1 hour of run time; so, try to keep extra batteries and memory cards.
External LED light with side-mount bracket
The BSI sensor brings out decent imagery from dimly light areas, but keeping an external light would be a wise decision. The camera doesn’t include a dedicated accessory mounting thread; so, check whether the chosen light has a side-mount bracket or not.
Video capture device
The HC-V180K doesn’t support direct live streaming from the camera but provides broad-cast compatible clean HDMI output. You could use a video capture device like Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 3G Recorder to stream video from your HDMI camera.
Conclusion
The camcorder world has been going through a lot of advancements in recent years. Most companies have been tending towards announcing new camcorder models every year with the latest imaging gear. On the other hand, a few brands like Panasonic still keep the low-end ones like the HC-V180K in their entire lineup of camcorders. This digital camera is perfect for those; who want reliable video cameras in a less expensive price range.
