Summary of Customer Reviews
The Panasonic HC-VX870K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder has garnered a range of reviews from customers across different platforms. Overall, users appreciate the camera’s high-quality video output, ease of use, and features suitable for both amateur and more experienced videographers. However, there are also some recurring criticisms, particularly regarding its performance in low light and some design flaws.
PROS
- High-Quality Video: Many users praise the camcorder for its excellent video quality, particularly in 4K resolution. One user mentioned, “The video quality is awesome, especially viewed on my 4K computer.”
- User-Friendly: Several reviews highlight the camera’s ease of use, making it a good option for beginners. A user mentioned, “The camera was easy to setup and use and did everything we wanted it too.”
- Great Zoom: The camera’s zoom capability is often praised. A review stated, “The zoom is absolutely amazing on it.”
- Compact and Lightweight: Its compact size and lightweight build make it convenient for travel and extended use. One user noted, “It’s light in my hand and easy to use.”
- Good for Recording Events: Many users find the camcorder suitable for recording various events, including family gatherings and sports. “I use it for all my small beauty business shoots and promo videos.”
- Affordability: Users feel that the camera offers good value for its price. “Great camera for the price, easy setup.”
CONS
- Poor Low Light Performance: A common complaint is the camcorder’s subpar performance in low light conditions. One user mentioned, “Low light performance is a little bit worse than Sony ax33.”
- Audio Quality: Some users find the built-in microphone’s audio quality lacking, especially for distant sound sources. “The camcorder’s sound is tinny and slurred making it hard to understand.”
- Design Flaws: There are several design-related complaints, such as the placement of the microphone jack and the lack of a dedicated power button. “I would recommend Panasonic to install a turn-on/off button, but not to turn on the cam when I open a display.”
- Autofocus Issues: Multiple users report problems with the autofocus feature, especially in low light or complex scenes. “Camera would not focus properly especially with close up items.”
- Battery Life: Battery life is another concern for some users, especially during longer recording sessions. “The battery life after charged overnight was only about an hour.”
- Menu Navigation: Navigating the camera’s menu system can be cumbersome. “The menus were laborious. I had to go into the menus over and over to apply settings.”
Who Should Buy?
The Panasonic HC-VX870K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder is ideal for casual users and amateur videographers who are looking for an affordable, easy-to-use camcorder with excellent video quality. It is particularly suitable for recording family events, travel videos, and small business promotions. However, those who require high performance in low light or professional-grade audio might need to consider additional accessories or a different model.
Do Users Recommend This Product?
Most users recommend the Panasonic HC-VX870K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder for its video quality, ease of use, and value for money. They appreciate its compact design and versatile features suitable for a variety of recording scenarios. However, some users hesitate to recommend it due to its performance in low light and audio quality issues. Despite these drawbacks, the overall consensus is positive, especially among those who use it for everyday recording needs.