Panasonic V770 Review

If you combine the Panasonic HC-V770 Full HD Camcorder with your smartphone, you will be able to record from two different camera angles at the same time. A primary image is captured in full HD by the HC-sensor, V770, with a secondary image captured by the camera on your phone, shown as a picture-in-picture overlay.

However, the HC-V770 may also function on its own. It has a 20x optical zoom lens with a focal length equivalent of 29.5mm to 612mm, providing a broad perspective when you zoom out and a significant amount of telephoto when you zoom in. In addition, it can record slow motion in Full HD at up to 120 frames per second and conduct in-camera interpolation, bringing the maximum frame rate to 240 frames per second.

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Panasonic HC-V770 12.76 MP Camcorder - 1080P (HC-V770K) - Black - (Renewed)

Last update was on: January 18, 2024 6:16 pm

Can you tell me about the Panasonic HC-V770?

The HC-V770 is Panasonic’s premier camcorder that exclusively records in high definition (HD). It has upgraded its flagship models, the HC-VX870 and HC-WX970, to support 4K resolution.

However, if you don’t anticipate upgrading your shot to a higher resolution soon, the HC-V770 could be all you need. It is available at a far more affordable price than the 4K ones, yet it still has a significant number of high-end capabilities.

Specifications and Functions of the Panasonic HC-V770

The HC-V770 utilizes the same 1/2.3-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensor as the HC-W850 from the previous year. This sensor has 12.76 megapixels, a significant number for a camcorder but somewhat low compared to a DSLR.

Even though the camera only uses 6.03 megapixels for video or images, this number is about three times more than the minimum needed for Full HD. In addition, the 20x optical zoom is increased to 50x thanks to Panasonic’s Intelligent Zoom technology, which uses the additional resolution.

The other sensor resolution is utilized for traditional optical and hybrid visual image stabilization, blending in-body sensor stabilization with conventional OIS. This indicates that it can compensate for movement in the horizontal, vertical, and rotational directions along the axis in addition to the vertical and horizontal directions. According to our findings, combining these several strategies is one of the most efficient in the industry.

It has previously been established that the HC-V770 cannot shoot in 4K. As a result, the highest available resolution is 1080p Full HD, which operates at a progressive frame rate of 50 frames per second. In AVCHD mode, this records at 28Mbits/sec, while in MP4 mode, this records at 50Mbits/sec.

The MP4 option also can shoot in 720p an iFrame. iFrame has a resolution of 960 by 540 pixels (one-quarter of Full HD), and it can record at a rate of 25 progressive frames per second and 28Mbits per second. This one has the most gentle compression out of the whole bunch.

In addition, there is a choice to record in slow motion in Full HD at a rate of 100 frames per second. The Crystal Engine video processor then interpolates this up to 200 frames per second, which is twice as fast as possible with earlier generations, before playing it back at 50 frames per second.

You can leave it on all the time or provide a button that allows users to toggle it on and off at their convenience. When you press this button, the microphone will be turned off, and the video will begin playing slowly before you can release the button.

Even though it costs less than £500, the HC-V770 has comprehensive Wi-Fi features. You can use camcorder from a distant location, use it as a baby monitor or a security camera, transform the HC-V770 into a video storage source with DLNA, and even broadcast live content online with the service provided by USTREAM.

Another feature new to this generation is the Wireless Twin Camera option, which can be found in the menu for the Wi-Fi connection. If you choose this option, the Panasonic Image App will walk you through the process of connecting your smartphone, and after that is complete, it will switch to the Twin Camera mode. The video from your smartphone’s front or rear camera is then streamed into the camcorder, and a picture-in-picture effect is applied to it so that it appears within the main frame.

Additionally, this will work with any other Panasonic camera model equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity. During testing, it performed pretty well. Because the primary camera and the Twin Camera may be directed in entirely separate ways from one another, we believe this feature is more beneficial than the built-in secondary camera included in higher-end Panasonic models.

Design, Controls, and User-Friendliness of the Panasonic HC-V770

The chassis design of the HC-V770 is almost precisely the same as that of the HC-W850; the only difference is that the HC-V770 does not have a secondary camera, which is one of the features of the brand-new HC-WX970. It’s a great thing to have, but it’s not necessary for the primary function of filming video. Because it was omitted, the price was brought down to levels below £500; nevertheless, this resulted in an enormous expanse of plastic being left on the outside border of the flip-out LCD.

When shooting with both hands, the HC-V770 is exceptionally comfortable to use hands. The bulk of operations may be managed by the touchscreen LCD, which is standard practice in today’s technology. But in addition to that, there is a secondary function dial located close to the lens that allows fast access to the manual settings. While compared to using a lens ring, it is not nearly as simple to operate when doing operations such as focus pulling; yet, it is an excellent method for regulating the whole range of possibilities.

The manual mode may be activated with a single tap, which brings up a menu with options for focus, white balance, shutter speed, and iris. Another push brings up the manual adjustment menu for the picture. The white balance settings provide the standard indoor and outdoor presets selection and a manual tuning option.

Iris varies from F1.8 when the lens is fully open to F3.6 when zoomed in to F16, and shutter speeds range from 1/25 (slow auto shutter on) or 1/50 (slow auto shutter off) to 1/8000th. All of them may be changed independently, and a completely open shutter can apply up to 18 dB of video gain.

The image adjustments include a sharpness, color, and white balance bias. In addition, there is a general exposure control, although it can only be used if the iris and shutter have not been manually adjusted. Even while using the Intelligent Auto mode, a few picture modifications may be made; however, in this instance, you will need to use the touchscreen to make these adjustments because pushing the dial will convert to the manual mode.

In addition to the Manual, Intelligent Auto, and Intelligent Auto Plus shooting modes, the camera also has a section dedicated to special effects. This section includes the Miniature Effect, 8mm Movie, Silent Movie, and Time Lapse shooting modes, and the intervals range from one second to two minutes.

The previously stated Slow Motion option also has its distinct part; another section provides access to 11 different scene types. Last but not least, High Dynamic Range mode (HDR mode) is an evolution of Intelligent Contrast that brings out the details in dark situations without increasing the overall brightness through backlight adjustment. Therefore, many different options and customizations are available on the HC-V770.

Even though the HC-V770 lacks an accessory shoe on the actual chassis, there is a space in the back of the device for an adapter. An adapter is included in the package, and it simply slots into place to give this functionality whenever needed.

The camcorder can surround sound thanks to a multi-microphone array located in front of the device. However, if you wish to use an external microphone on the accessory shoe or a wireless microphone, there is a stereo mini-jack underneath the LCD screen. In addition, you may examine the audio quality and volumes by connecting your headphones to the additional mini-jack next to the lens.

Image Quality Captured by the Panasonic HC-V770

The high-end camcorders manufactured by Panasonic have provided us with an image quality that never fails to wow us. In this regard, the HC-V770 does not represent an advancement over the leading Full HD models of the previous year, such as the HC-W850, yet, it already provided exceptional performance. Under appropriate illumination, the colors are vibrant and true to life, and minute detail is abundant.

The HC-V770 shows no signs of struggle when picking up a bright picture in a room that is only moderately lit at night, which is likely the case when recording an indoor family event like a birthday party or holiday gathering. These qualities are maintained well as the illumination decreases. If the existing light is insufficient, there is a built-in video light comprised of a single LED with a reach of a few meters.

The Slow Motion option generates footage that is far more blurry and lacks the level of clarity that is accessible with the leading non-slow-motion alternatives. This most likely has something to do with the frame interpolation. However, the motion is not rough in any way.

Should I go ahead and get the Panasonic HC-V770?

The Panasonic HC-V770 is a high-end camcorder that is characteristically packed with many features. As a result, it’s an excellent option if you don’t need a 4K resolution. The image quality is high, and in addition to that, it has an extensive range of manual settings and a few entertaining features for those times when you feel like letting your imagination run wild.

If you have a further £200 to invest, we strongly recommend you go for the excellent 4K HC-VX870 that Panasonic offers. The Panasonic HC-V770 is a lot of camcorder for the money considering it can record in Full HD and costs less than £500.

Panasonic V770 Specifications

Camera

Sensor Type1/2.3″-Type CMOS Sensor
Sensor ResolutionActual: 12.76 Megapixel
Effective: 6.03 Megapixel

Optics

Focal Length4.08 to 81.6mm
35mm-Equivalent Focal Length29.5 to 612mm at 16:9 Video: Image stabilization OFF
29.5 to 612mm at 16:9 Photo
33.5 to 669.9mm at 3:2 Photo
36.2 to 724.6mm at 4:3 Photo
Maximum Aperturef/1.8 to 3.6
ZoomOptical: 20x
Intelligent: 25x 4K
Intelligent: 40x (in HD)
Digital: 60x
Digital: 1500x
Filter Size49 mm

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 60 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
24 MP (6528 x 3672)
JPEG
12.6 MP (4736 x 2664)
JPEG
2.1 MP (1920 x 1080)
JPEG
20 MP (5472 x 3684)
JPEG
10.6 MP (3984 x 2656)
JPEG
2.0 MP (1728 x 1152)
JPEG
18 MP (4896 x 3672)
JPEG
8 MP (3264 x 2448)
JPEG
.3 MP (649 x 480)
Channels5.1-Channel
Audio FormatAAC
Dolby Digital 2ch
Dolby Digital 5.1

Display

Size3.0″
Resolution460,800 Dot

Exposure Control

Shutter Speed1/30 – 1/8000 Second ()
Shooting ModesAuto
Low Light
M (Manual)
Miniature Effect
Night
Time-Lapse Movie

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 – Yes
Flash – Yes
Accessory Shoe1 x Cold
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

Supported LanguagesEnglish
French
Spanish
Traditional Chinese
BatteryRechargeable Battery Pack, 3.6 VDC, 1940 mAh
Max Runtime: 1 Hours per Charge
Charging MethodAC Adapter
USB
Power ConsumptionRecording: 7.6 W
Charging: 7.7 W
Dimensions (W x H x D)2.6 x 2.9 x 5.5″ / 65.0 x 73.0 x 139.0 mm
Weight12.45 oz / 353 g

Packaging Info

Package Weight1.695 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)8.2 x 5.85 x 4″

Conclusion

Suppose a 4K video is outside the scope of your financial resources. In that case, the Panasonic HC-V770 delivers Full HD video packed with features and of a high quality guaranteed to wow.

Panasonic V770 Price

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Panasonic HC-V770 12.76 MP Camcorder - 1080P (HC-V770K) - Black - (Renewed)

Last update was on: January 18, 2024 6:16 pm

Panasonic V770 FAQs

How long does the Panasonic HC V770 battery last?

The Panasonic HC-V770 camcorder utilizes a battery that has a capacity of 1940mAh and can last for up to 1 hour and 55 minutes of uninterrupted recording. The battery in question is the VW-VBT190. 

What is the frame rate of the Panasonic V770?

The frame rate of the Panasonic V770 can reach up to 60 frames per second when shooting in Full HD and up to 120 frames per second when shooting in slow motion mode.

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