Panasonic bets on 4K camcorders and smart phones

The digital-imaging world is being conquered by 4K, and Panasonic is introducing two new full-size camcorders with 4K video for 2015. The company also released details at CES about its new smart phone, the CM1, which will also capture ultra high-definition video.  

The two new wireless full-size camcorders, the HC-WX970 ($1000) and HC-VX870 ($900), both shoot in 4K.

The main difference between the two models is that the higher priced WX970 includes a second, swiveling lower-resolution camera located on the swiveling LCD door. Among other things this enables "picture-in-picture" recording, so you could record a group of people with the main lens and aim the sub-camera on yourself, for example.

Both models also come with a unique feature: HDR (high dynamic range) video. Like HDR for still photos (which is produced by compositing three or more photos at different exposures together), this feature is meant to reduce overexposed and underexposed sections in challenging shooting situations.

If it works as intended, the resulting video footage will have a wider dynamic range and a more accurate representation of the subjects and settings you shoot.  

Both models also have a 5-axis hybrid optical image stabilization system, which is important since the heightened detail in 4K video footage will make jittery video much more noticeable.

To find the best HD camcorder for your needs, check our buying guide and Ratings.

Panasonic unveiled the CM1 smart phone in Europe several months ago, but today the company announced that the smart phone will be available in the United States by this summer, on the T-Mobile network.

Like the new camcorders, this smart phone will be able to shoot 4K video. What sets it apart from many digital-imaging devices, particularly phones, is that it has a large 1-inch image sensor, which means it should perform well in low-light situations. (Most smart phone have significantly smaller image sensors.)

Although it doesn't have an optical zoom lens, it does have a high quality 28mm fixed lens. Plus, it has a very large 4.7-inch LCD.

—Terry Sullivan

Click on the image above to find all of Consumer Reports' coverage from CES 2015.