Panasonic V380 Review

Digital camcorders aren’t at the top of the list regarding rapidly developing technologies and consumer electronics. This is because there is typically little room for innovation, particularly in the intermediate category.

Nevertheless, manufacturers continue to launch brand-new midrange camcorders each year despite this reality. It seems that even consumers with limited financial resources who do not consider the video-capturing capabilities of their smartphones to be enough nevertheless opt to purchase genuine digital camcorders.

Additionally, the cost of technology continues to decrease, which is one reason why the specifications of these intermediate items continue to improve year after year even tho their initial prices are not changing. Sonic HC-VHowever, the K is a little bit distinct because it has a considerably different model number, which places it closer to the upper midrange part of the market. It also has a different pricing when it first goes on sale.

Concerning the Panasonic HC-V380K and Its Features

One of the many Panasonic camcorders that boast a more excellent zoom range than the entry-level and higher-end models is the Panasonic HC-V380K. This model is only one of the dozens available from Panasonic. One of the essential features that most smartphones are missing is optical zoom and even those that do exist pale in contrast to the Panasonic HC-V380K.

Smartphones excel in several categories, such as the size of their displays and the number of third-party applications available, but let’s face it: most people want to get as near to the action as possible. The HC-V380K enables users to accomplish just that, in addition to several unique features that should appeal to a specific audience that with particular requirements.

Even though the Panasonic HC-V380K has a higher launch price than the Panasonic HC-V270K the previous year, Panasonic still considers the V380K to be the successor. As a result, both models will be compared to determine what has changed.

When compared to the Panasonic HC-V270K

The same battery powers the Panasonic HC-V380K and HC-V270K; however, the newer model is a bit larger and weighs around a tenth of a pound more than the older model. The primary reason for this becomes immediately apparent as the side panel is opened, and the screen is seen for what it is.

It now has a screen that is 3 inches diagonally, making it comparable in size to the more modern Panasonic camcorders. It might seem like a trivial adjustment, but it makes a significant difference since it makes the live previews appear larger and broader and makes it simpler to navigate the menus because it relies on touch.

Tests have shown that the HC-V380K has a battery life of 10 minutes longer than the HCV270K, even though both are the same.

The optical zoom has been increased from 50 to 62 times, another feature that caused the Panasonic HC-V380K to be slightly larger. This feature could be the primary reason to consider upgrading from an older low-end model, as it forced the manufacturer to make the Camera a bit larger.

Because of the additional headroom on the optical front and both versions still have a 90x intelligent zoom, the video quality improves slightly beyond 50x when you zoom in farther than that. In addition, the Hybrid Image Stabilization technology continues to manage such high zoom levels and has not undergone any significant changes.

The final major update features an element that is a little bit more gimmicky but is unquestionably welcome since it uses the smartphone’s capabilities. The HC-V380K can connect to up to three smartphones simultaneously and access the camera lenses on those devices by using the Wi-Fi built into the camcorder.

While connected, you can activate the Camera on your smartphone, and the live preview will appear as a little overlay on top of the live footage captured in real time by the Panasonic HC-V380K. Picture-in-picture video eliminates the need for a separate camera unit, such as the one in the Panasonic HC-W580. It adds a great deal of flexibility to the recording process. Picture-in-picture video

Connecting three active cell phones is a more unusual scenario, but if you do, you can capture a scene and have three different perspectives on it all at once.

Features

The Panasonic HC-V380 built-in K’s Wi-Fi may also be used for various other fascinating purposes. For example, using the Panasonic Image App on your smartphone allows you to have direct control over the Camera and transmit the live image from the camcorder to your smartphone’s screen. Furthermore, because the essential features of the camcorder are easily accessible, you do not require the presence of another person if the Camera is installed in some location.

The vast majority of rival camcorders are also equipped with this capability; however, only the HC-V380K can connect to the Internet and transmit live footage straight to the live streaming service Ustream. Because of this mode, the Panasonic HC-V380K may also serve admirably as a camera for surveillance or a baby monitor.

The HC-V380K offers a “Level Shot” option in addition to its remarkable 5-axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilizer, a highlight of this Camera. This detects if the camcorder is tilted and corrects it for you automatically if it is. In addition, you may add artistic touches to your movies by utilizing one of the several in-camera Creative Controls. Alternatively, if you are a beginner and want excellent video quality, you can choose the Intelligent Auto Plus setting instead.

Performance

The performance of the Panasonic HC-V380K is virtually identical to that of the company’s midrange cameras from the previous year, except for a bit of enhancement to the Camera’s battery life and a discernible increase in the image quality at higher zoom levels.

Nothing can beat a comfortable camcorder that does not have an excellent optical image stabilization system, and the one that the HC-V380K uses is great. The 28mm wide-angle lens is still impressive, and while this camcorder cannot record 4K video like other smartphone models surprisingly can, nothing can beat that.

Panasonic V380 Specifications

Camera

Sensor Type1/5.8″-Type MOS Sensor
Sensor ResolutionActual: 2.51 Megapixel
Effective: 2.2 Megapixel

Optics

Focal Length2.06 to 103mm
35mm-Equivalent Focal Length28 to 1740mm at 16:9 Video; O.I.S. Standard Mode, Level Shot Function OFF
28 to 1740mm at 16:9 Photo
34 to 1766mm at 4:3 Photo
33.6 to 1714mm at 3:2 Photo
Maximum Aperturef/1.8 to 4.2
ZoomOptical: 50x
Intelligent: 90x
Digital: 150x
Digital: 3000x

Recording

SystemNTSC
Media/Memory Card SlotSingle Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC
Video Format1920 x 1080p at 60 fps (50 Mb/s MP4)
1920 x 1080p at 60 fps (28 Mb/s MP4)
1280 x 720p at 30 fps (9 Mb/s MP4)
1920 x 1080p at 60 fps (28 Mb/s AVCHD)
1920 x 1080i at 60 fps (24 Mb/s AVCHD)
1920 x 1080i at 60 fps (17 Mb/s AVCHD)
1920 x 1080i at 60 fps (13 Mb/s AVCHD)
1920 x 1080i at 60 fps (5 Mb/s AVCHD)
960 x 540p at 30 fps (28 Mb/s iFrame)
Still Image SupportJPEG
10 MP (4224 x 2376)
JPEG
2.1 MP (1920 x 1080)
JPEG
7.7 MP (3408 x 2272)
JPEG
2.0 MP (1728 x 1152)
JPEG
7.4 MP (3408 x 2272)
JPEG
.3 MP (640 x 480)
Audio FormatAAC
Dolby Digital 2ch

Display

Display TypeArticulating LCD
Size3.0″
Resolution460,800 Dot

Exposure Control

Shutter Speed1/8000 to 1/30 Second in Video Mode

Features

Image StabilizationOptical & Digital
Scene ModesPreset: Yes
White Balance ModesAuto
Cloudy
Custom
Daylight
Indoor 1
Indoor 2
Creative EffectsYes
Built-In MicYes
Built-In SpeakerYes
Built-In Light/FlashLight – No
Flash – No
Tripod Mounting Thread1/4″-20 Female

Input/Output Connectors

Video I/O1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRRS A/V Output
1 x Mini-HDMI Output
Other I/O1 x Micro-USB (USB 2.0) Output
WirelessWi-Fi 4 (802.11n)

General

BatteryRechargeable Battery Pack, 3.6 VDC, 1940 mAh
Max Runtime: 1 Hours per Charge
Charging MethodAC Adapter
USB
Power Adapter5 VDC
Power ConsumptionRecording: 5.4 W
Charging: 7.7 W
Dimensions (W x H x D)2.4 x 2.4 x 5.1″ / 60 x 62 x 129 mm
Weight8.89 oz / 252 g (Body Only)

Packaging Info

Package Weight1.4 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)7.5 x 5.55 x 3.65″

Conclusion

Although the Panasonic HC-V380K is no longer manufactured, you might still be able to locate it through independent dealers. Zoom enthusiasts should consider the price acceptable and may even discover that they prefer the more prominent display. Then, adding the Wireless Multi Camera is the cherry on top.

Panasonic V380 FAQs

What is the price of the Panasonic camera V380?

The price of the Panasonic digicam V380 differs from one retailer to the next and from location to location.

What brand is V380 Camera?

There is a variety of IP cameras known as V380 Camera.

What is the range of the V380 WiFi camera?

The V380 WiFi camera has a range that changes depending on the intensity of the Wi-Fi signal in the area in which it is being used.

How do you use V380 when away from home?

When you are gone from home, you can still use V380 so long as the Camera is connected to the internet and the V380 software is installed on your mobile device.

Does V380 have night vision?

There is a possibility that some models of the V380 Camera will come equipped with night vision capabilities.

Is a V380 an IP camera?

The V380 cameras are Internet Protocol (IP) cameras, meaning that users can access their footage online.

Does V380 have motion detection?

Depending on the particular model, some V380 cameras already have motion recognition skills.

Is V380 Pro indoor or outdoor?

Depending on the variant, the V380 cameras have the capability of being utilized either indoors or outdoors.

Is V380 waterproof?

It is essential to verify the product characteristics before purchasing because different models of the V380 Camera can be waterproof.

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