New camcorder features ‘selfiecam’

Panasonic Australia has presented its consumer camcorder range for 2014, with the entry-level model carrying an RRP of just $299.

At the other end of the scale, the flagship HC-W850M (RRP $1199 – pictured right) offers the ability to capture two scenes simultaneously using a secondary camera located on the side of the LCD screen.

Videographers can capture a close up and widescreen shot from the same viewpoint, an object shot front and another side-on, or – for the selfie generation – shots that incorporate both the subject and the person filming.

The HC-W850M and HC-V750M (RRP $899) both feature Full HD Slow Motion Video capabilities with smooth playback at 200fps – enabling users to capture high-quality, slow motion footage.

The HC-W850M, HC-V750M, HC-V550M, and HC-V250 camcorders include a new Baby Monitor feature, which enables users to monitor a sleeping baby in another room using a mobile device. This feature can send notifications to a smartphone or tablet when a crying baby is detected, and it even lets users speak to their baby using the mobile device’s microphone.

The new Pan Tilt Cradle (sold separately) detects a moving subject when it’s connected to a compatible Panasonic WiFi camcorder and automatically tracks the subject along a horizontal movement range of 180 degrees and a vertical range of 15 degrees.

All camcorders offer 1920 x 1080 Full HD video recording. They offer built-in creative control modes of Miniature Effect, 8mm Movie, Silent Movie and Time Lapse Recording.

HC-W850M
– New Twin Camera function;
– Premium Picture Quality: An all-new lens, sensor and engine combine for powerful zooming and high sensitivity;
– Advanced Level Shot Function and 5-Axis Hybrid OIS+ for minimising the effects of hand movement and tilting;
– Full HD Slow Motion Video for  enhancing key moments;
– Built-in Wi-Fi, NFC-compatible;
– Baby Monitor;
– RRP: $1199. Available now.

HC-V750M
– Premium Picture Quality: An all-new lens, sensor and engine combine for powerful zooming and high sensitivity;
– Advanced Level Shot Function and 5-Axis Hybrid O.I.S.+ (Optical Image Stabiliser) for minimising the effects of hand movement and tilting;
– Full HD Slow Motion Video for enhancing key moments;
– Built-in Wi-Fi, NFC-compatible;
– Baby Monitor
– RRP: $849. Available now.

HC-V550M
– 50x Optical Zoom and 90x digital zoom;
– Advanced Level Shot Function and 5-Axis Hybrid OIS+;
– Built-in Wi-Fi, NFC-compatible;
– Baby Monitor
– RRP: $549, available now.

HC-V250
– Optical 50x Zoom and 90x digital zoom;
– Power OIS;
– Built-in Wi-Fi, NFC-compatible;
– Baby Monitor
– RRP $449, available May.

HC-V130
– Creative Control effects for easily creating artistic video images;
– 38x Optical Zoom and 75x digital zoom;
– RRP: $299, available now.

COMMENT: Who sells camcorders these days? Who buys camcorders these days? Do they represent an opportunity for photo specialists? Please share any insights in Comments section below…