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Panasonic HC-V700

G-Rating

Rating of 4

The basics

The Panasonic HC-V700 is a flash memory camcorder that takes SD memory cards. It weighs 270 grams, and features Panasonic’s High Sensitivity 1/2.33-inch CMOS sensor that Panasonic claims to perform well in all situations, a 28mm wide angle lens, 46x zoom, face recognition, full HD 1920 x 1080p video recording, an HDMI output for sharing video to a HD television

The good

The panasonic HC-V700 is a nice upgrade on previous models such as the Panasonic HC-V500. Examining footage: you have to look a lot closer to notice any kind of lack of detail compared to previous models. At a glance, image quality is really impressive and accurate even in low light conditions. Video quality is nearly on par with some of Panasonic’s pricier camcorder models. Panasonic’s image stabilisation technology also does a good job of reducing the shakes. Other neat features include a stunning 46x zoom. While it is unlikely that many will use this function, the feature is a neat one to have for scoping out scenes of interest. But for better videos the 26x telephoto zoom is still the best option. Scrolling through the options is easy using the HC-V700’s touchscreen. Video can be recorded in full HD, and there’s even support for 3D, although you will need to purchase an optical lens adapter to shoot in the third dimension. Again, the option to do so means the Panasonic HC-V700 doesn’t carry the extra cost associated with being able to shoot 3D out of the box, instead letting video-making fans make the decision to invest in the feature.

The bad

The ability to record in 3D with an optical lens adapter will be seen as welcome by some, others will bemoan having to invest to do so. Adding extra cost should you decide that you want to shoot in 3D. And while there’s a microphone jack, there is no headphone jack, which seems a strange thing to be missing given that you can attach a mic.

The bottom line

Overall the Panasonic HC-V700 is an impressive camcorder that stands up even to some of Panasonic's pricer camcorders. Performance across all conditions is very impressive and of high quality. 3D shooting doesn’t quite come out of the box, but what is inside the box is still great.
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Panasonic HC-V700 is tagged with Panasonic, HC-V700, review, camcorder, flash memory and 3D. Select a tag (Panasonic, for example) to find everything on The Gadget Show about the subject.

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