Excellent review, Marco! I have owned this camera for a little over a year now and I am quite happy with it. Yes, it is far from perfect but it still packs quite a punch for an entry level camcorder. Especially the fantastic zoom. You can get it here in the U.S. for under $200. And believe it or not, Panasonic is still producing this model. That says something to me.
Just got myself a hc v180. Great zoom, light weight, good batterylife. But can be a bit noisey in low light conditions. i have to clean it with noise reduction and re sharpen with shotcut editor. My 96led light and extension hotshoe bracket should arrive today so i hope that with the noise.
For a 200 dollar its is very good. 50x optical zoom and 90-500x digital zoom. Not many people would pay over 1000 for Dslr or mirror less camera and the lenses hundreds more. Iphone 12 and galaxy S21 are 1200 bucks each. 200 bucks for panosonic with a telescope built in is the best buy
I use the 180 in my Private Investigations business. The zoom is terrific and low light performance is deep. The 380 adds wifi and the 580 adds wifi and that (for me) useless second face cam, but the optics and the electronics are the same. And all in a small, tidy package. Unbeatable for my use.
I have 2 questions about the camera: 1) Is it possible to set a fixed exposure time or aperture so that the brightness in the shot does not always jump back and forth when the lighting conditions change? 2) Is it possible to set the focus manually to a certain distance without it jumping back and forth when a new object comes into the picture?
I have this camera for 2 years now, I am going to record a sketch with this camera is that good or do I need a better one? But what a nice name you have! :P
What kind of sketch? Is it a one off, or the beginning of something you want to dedicate time, effort and resources? Is it for a job, for social media or something else? Could you give me a rough idea? If it's just something you're going to do once, sure, this camera and your phone will do.
Well, obviously you can do anything with anything, and "the Blair witch project" was shot in a handycam style, so it would be possible, yes. You've owned the camera for two years, now, so you know what quality to expect, and you know it does really poorly in low light. If you have a bit of a budget, you might want to consider upgrading to a Lumix G7, or a Canon M50, or a Sony a63/64/64/6600 or the ZV-E10, a microphone (like the Rode videomicro or the movo equivalent) or even an external recorder like a zoom/tascam and one or two Samson c02 microphones (I have reviewed them 😉) and possibly a cheap prime lens, even adapt a vintage lens to save some money (I have showcased quite a few of them); and lights if you have anything left. Plan carefully, look up used items near you, watch plenty of reviews and how to's and don't buy anything just because someone told you so! (Not even me! 😁) But most importantly, shoot your movie and have fun!
@@MarcoAries wow that was a lot of information! But I will see how it goes, thank you Marco for this comment. Oh and thanks I am going to do my best shooting the sketch!
Thanks! helpfu! As you offer to answer questions: How would you rate the sound quality? Is it possible to record a couple of people talking to each other ins 3 to 5 meters away and have a clear sound of this discussion? Thanks in advance, Marco!
3 to 5 meters away is a challenging situation, even if the room is quiet and well sound treated, it could be clear enough to understand, but probably barely decent. In the sample shots with multiple people the audio was recorded separately on a Tascam DR60 and Samson C02 microphones and then synched in post. If you don't mind the extra editing, the cheapest alternative would be using your phones as hand held microphones and the build in voice recorder. Or lav mics made for phones like the Boya (don't remember the model) so you don't have to hold your phones all the time.
Hi! Could this camcorder connect to a Mac in order to edit the video or just save it? How would I go about doing this if it does work? Thank you so much!
It saves all files on a standard SD card, you can move them on your computer from there. You can also transfer files via the camera USB, but it is much slower, although I'm not 100% sure it works in Macs, you might want to find the manual online and check there.
@@MarcoAries ohhh okay I got it. Thank you so much for replying so fast. Also, I just want to start taking videos of my day , or week , just for memories. Would you recommend this camcorder?
I'd say start with your phone, so you can get an idea of what the workflow is for you, what you would like to achieve and what tools you might need. Camcorders can be an option if you need to record hours of uninterrupted footage, like events and such. If you just want to try vlogging a bit, make some social media content or, as you say, just for memories, start with your phone: it takes videos, it takes pictures, you always have it on hand and don't need to learn how to use a different tool. Focus on learning how to cut and edit first, then audio and light, the camera comes last. ;)
@@MarcoAries thank you so much for this! I do take loads and loads of videos on my phone, as well as pictures. I upload reels on Instagram too. I just thought trying a camcorder would be fun. Thank you so much for the advice 🥰
Thanks I would like to know if it is possible to broadcast live on a tv while shooting without writing on the screen and if it is possible to broadcast and record while it is being charged, sorry my english i am italian :)
Sì, è possibile connettere la camera ad un monitor o una TV esterna via HDMI e trasmettere solo il segnale video (clean HDMI). La batteria non si ricarica mentre la camera è attiva, ma l'alimentatore esterno è compreso e si può registrare e usare l'uscita HDMI contemporaneamente.
Here I come! Yes, it is possible to connect the camera to a monitor or a TV via HDMI and transmit the video signal only (clean HDMI). The battery does not charge while the camera is active, but the external power plug comes in the box and the camera can be powered while using the HDMI output.
I just got this camera and after 10 minutes, the screen shows the Panasonic logo over a white screen followed by showing features of the camera. This ends up on the zoom. How do I disable this?
So I am trying to record a kids basketball game with this camera. I usually would stop and pause during time outs. This camera appears to record in clips. Is there a way to stop and play and record in one clip???
Hi Marco, after this Video I bought this Camcorder for streaming live Miniature Painting and Tabletop. But I found no way to turn off the Ai Symbol when I stream... Can someone help me ?! Greetings from Germany
Great - where are you?? A little confusing - the image quality on close ups seems really good. Your arm length is really good. And the focus seems superb. But it's 1990's for wide shots. Care to make a recommendation for same but with better wide image? ALSO with mic-in?
Arm length and wide were at the same widest focal length, but it does better with a closer subject. If you need a better image quality and a microphone input, you will have to spend more. Like the Panasonic 770, which is already around 500€
love the video i normaly use my canon t3i but got damaged i have the v170 i use it as web cam now i have a capture card but it keeps turning off every 5 min any help pls.....
I noticed that on any Quick pans, either horizontal or vertical, there was a doubling of the image on a freeze of the video. This is very odd, because the Canon R800 and the Sony CX405 don't do this.
Yes, something went wrong during rendering with those clips, I don't understand what. They were shot in auto and looked fine, except after rendering, and it's the only time it happened. But I kept them in anyway, if it is something that can happen, people should see it 😉
Marco Aries It's interesting that someone else had the exact same issue with their comparison video of the Canon R800, Sony CX404, and the Panasonic. Only the Panasonic showed the odd artifact.
It's because he didn't de-interlace the videos as he shot them in 50i. This is what causes these ghostings. The camera can also shoot 50p where you would not have to use any de-interlacing.
Hello! I own this camera but the audio is very bad, Im like 1 meter away from it and I can't hear me when I play the video. I am very dissapointed. Can you give me some advice or what can I do? thank you
Have you already checked the microphone settings? I never had audio issues and as you can see from the samples, it doesn't sound terrible. There is a chance that your unit is faulty.
@@MarcoAries Thank you very much for your help, I connected it to my macbook and it sounds better, on the camara sounds very low. Can you tell me please your audio settings? thank you
I would advice investing a bit more, like a Canon M50 or a Sony a6600 or ZV-E10, a microphone like the Rode videomicro should suffice and, just as important, a couple lights, even just two cheap softboxes. With that you'll have all the quality and flexibility you need 😉 But if you are looking specifically for a camcorder, I would look at something like the Sony AX53 or Canon XA11 or XC10
Excellent review, Marco! I have owned this camera for a little over a year now and I am quite happy with it. Yes, it is far from perfect but it still packs quite a punch for an entry level camcorder. Especially the fantastic zoom. You can get it here in the U.S. for under $200. And believe it or not, Panasonic is still producing this model. That says something to me.
Thanks! Camcorders are often underestimated, but they are great tools
Just got myself a hc v180. Great zoom, light weight, good batterylife. But can be a bit noisey in low light conditions. i have to clean it with noise reduction and re sharpen with shotcut editor. My 96led light and extension hotshoe bracket should arrive today so i hope that with the noise.
Yeah, it's the problem with small sensor, they're fine in daylight, but get noisy quickly in shade
i own this camera. the quality is OK, but the main feature of this camera is definitely the zoom. Very useful to see far objects like birds
True
I love these cheap camcorders. They are quite difficult to get hold of now though.
Well, they are old, I guess most of them are out of production, now. But they are cool, I agree
For a 200 dollar its is very good. 50x optical zoom and 90-500x digital zoom. Not many people would pay over 1000 for Dslr or mirror less camera and the lenses hundreds more. Iphone 12 and galaxy S21 are 1200 bucks each. 200 bucks for panosonic with a telescope built in is the best buy
Yes, the zoom on camcorders is ridiculous! And for the price they are very versatile!
I use the 180 in my Private Investigations business. The zoom is terrific and low light performance is deep. The 380 adds wifi and the 580 adds wifi and that (for me) useless second face cam, but the optics and the electronics are the same. And all in a small, tidy package. Unbeatable for my use.
I imagine that the compact size comes in handy in your profession!
@@MarcoAries I can almost conceal it in my hand as I walk past parked recording (with low light) the license plates etc.
I have 2 questions about the camera:
1) Is it possible to set a fixed exposure time or aperture so that the brightness in the shot does not always jump back and forth when the lighting conditions change?
2) Is it possible to set the focus manually to a certain distance without it jumping back and forth when a new object comes into the picture?
Yes, it does have manual focus and exposure, although if I remember correctly the exposure control is quite rudimental, basically just gain/iso.
I'm going get a Panasonic camcorders HC V180 it looks fantastic
Have fun with it!
I have this camera for 2 years now, I am going to record a sketch with this camera is that good or do I need a better one? But what a nice name you have! :P
What kind of sketch? Is it a one off, or the beginning of something you want to dedicate time, effort and resources? Is it for a job, for social media or something else? Could you give me a rough idea?
If it's just something you're going to do once, sure, this camera and your phone will do.
@@MarcoAries It is going to be a mini horror movie
Well, obviously you can do anything with anything, and "the Blair witch project" was shot in a handycam style, so it would be possible, yes. You've owned the camera for two years, now, so you know what quality to expect, and you know it does really poorly in low light.
If you have a bit of a budget, you might want to consider upgrading to a Lumix G7, or a Canon M50, or a Sony a63/64/64/6600 or the ZV-E10, a microphone (like the Rode videomicro or the movo equivalent) or even an external recorder like a zoom/tascam and one or two Samson c02 microphones (I have reviewed them 😉) and possibly a cheap prime lens, even adapt a vintage lens to save some money (I have showcased quite a few of them); and lights if you have anything left.
Plan carefully, look up used items near you, watch plenty of reviews and how to's and don't buy anything just because someone told you so! (Not even me! 😁)
But most importantly, shoot your movie and have fun!
@@MarcoAries wow that was a lot of information! But I will see how it goes, thank you Marco for this comment. Oh and thanks I am going to do my best shooting the sketch!
Thanks! helpfu! As you offer to answer questions: How would you rate the sound quality? Is it possible to record a couple of people talking to each other ins 3 to 5 meters away and have a clear sound of this discussion? Thanks in advance, Marco!
3 to 5 meters away is a challenging situation, even if the room is quiet and well sound treated, it could be clear enough to understand, but probably barely decent.
In the sample shots with multiple people the audio was recorded separately on a Tascam DR60 and Samson C02 microphones and then synched in post.
If you don't mind the extra editing, the cheapest alternative would be using your phones as hand held microphones and the build in voice recorder. Or lav mics made for phones like the Boya (don't remember the model) so you don't have to hold your phones all the time.
Hi! Could this camcorder connect to a Mac in order to edit the video or just save it? How would I go about doing this if it does work? Thank you so much!
It saves all files on a standard SD card, you can move them on your computer from there. You can also transfer files via the camera USB, but it is much slower, although I'm not 100% sure it works in Macs, you might want to find the manual online and check there.
@@MarcoAries ohhh okay I got it. Thank you so much for replying so fast. Also, I just want to start taking videos of my day , or week , just for memories. Would you recommend this camcorder?
I'd say start with your phone, so you can get an idea of what the workflow is for you, what you would like to achieve and what tools you might need.
Camcorders can be an option if you need to record hours of uninterrupted footage, like events and such.
If you just want to try vlogging a bit, make some social media content or, as you say, just for memories, start with your phone: it takes videos, it takes pictures, you always have it on hand and don't need to learn how to use a different tool.
Focus on learning how to cut and edit first, then audio and light, the camera comes last. ;)
@@MarcoAries thank you so much for this! I do take loads and loads of videos on my phone, as well as pictures. I upload reels on Instagram too. I just thought trying a camcorder would be fun. Thank you so much for the advice 🥰
Thanks I would like to know if it is possible to broadcast live on a tv while shooting without writing on the screen and if it is possible to broadcast and record while it is being charged, sorry my english i am italian :)
Sì, è possibile connettere la camera ad un monitor o una TV esterna via HDMI e trasmettere solo il segnale video (clean HDMI). La batteria non si ricarica mentre la camera è attiva, ma l'alimentatore esterno è compreso e si può registrare e usare l'uscita HDMI contemporaneamente.
I need the same info (but in English)
Here I come! Yes, it is possible to connect the camera to a monitor or a TV via HDMI and transmit the video signal only (clean HDMI). The battery does not charge while the camera is active, but the external power plug comes in the box and the camera can be powered while using the HDMI output.
I found it in settings under external display. You can turn it completely off. Thanks
Great review Marco! Really helpful!
Thank you!
I just got this camera and after 10 minutes, the screen shows the Panasonic logo over a white screen followed by showing features of the camera. This ends up on the zoom. How do I disable this?
Never happened to me, does it say anything about it the manual?
So I am trying to record a kids basketball game with this camera. I usually would stop and pause during time outs. This camera appears to record in clips. Is there a way to stop and play and record in one clip???
Nope, there's no "pause recording" feature.
Hi Marco, after this Video I bought this Camcorder for streaming live Miniature Painting and Tabletop. But I found no way to turn off the Ai Symbol when I stream... Can someone help me ?! Greetings from Germany
It should be Menu - Settings - Ext Display - Off
@@MarcoAries thx... I found that 👍
Does anyone know the best 4k camcorder with equivalent zooming ability to the hc v180
I do not know of any, they usually have a 20x zoom, maybe 25x
@MarcoAries thanks my friend. I thought that
Wow the difference in the camera quality indoors is quite significant. Hmm I’m wondering if i should bother even buying this now.
Well, it depends on what you need the camera for and what budget do you have
The title says "Streaming". How can you live stream with the v180?
It has a clean HDMI output, so all you need is a capture card. The cheapest ones cost less than 50€/$
Great - where are you??
A little confusing - the image quality on close ups seems really good. Your arm length is really good. And the focus seems superb. But it's 1990's for wide shots.
Care to make a recommendation for same but with better wide image? ALSO with mic-in?
Arm length and wide were at the same widest focal length, but it does better with a closer subject.
If you need a better image quality and a microphone input, you will have to spend more. Like the Panasonic 770, which is already around 500€
love the video i normaly use my canon t3i but got damaged i have the v170 i use it as web cam now i have a capture card but it keeps turning off every 5 min any help pls.....
I don't have a V170, but it might just be the auto turn off feature, or energy saving, it's somewhere in the menus.
What modes were you using? I just got this camera
I was in manual most of the time, with autofocus. The vlog test was in full auto
@@MarcoAries Thanks! I was just using the manual mode last night!
I noticed that on any Quick pans, either horizontal or vertical, there was a doubling of the image on a freeze of the video. This is very odd, because the Canon R800 and the Sony CX405 don't do this.
Yes, something went wrong during rendering with those clips, I don't understand what. They were shot in auto and looked fine, except after rendering, and it's the only time it happened. But I kept them in anyway, if it is something that can happen, people should see it 😉
Marco Aries It's interesting that someone else had the exact same issue with their comparison video of the Canon R800, Sony CX404, and the Panasonic. Only the Panasonic showed the odd artifact.
I suspect it's a software issue, when in auto, in bright sunlight, somehow it messes with the fps, while still showing up as 25...
It's because he didn't de-interlace the videos as he shot them in 50i. This is what causes these ghostings. The camera can also shoot 50p where you would not have to use any de-interlacing.
Actually, that clip was shot in 25p
I have that Camcorder but I don’t know how can I stream with them ?
Just like any other camera, you have to use a capture card to connect it to your computer via HDMI
Hello! I own this camera but the audio is very bad, Im like 1 meter away from it and I can't hear me when I play the video. I am very dissapointed. Can you give me some advice or what can I do? thank you
Have you already checked the microphone settings?
I never had audio issues and as you can see from the samples, it doesn't sound terrible.
There is a chance that your unit is faulty.
@@MarcoAries Thank you very much for your help, I connected it to my macbook and it sounds better, on the camara sounds very low. Can you tell me please your audio settings? thank you
Actually, I've always left the mic level on auto...
The zoom is great!
It is!
thank you man !
Thank you for watching!
Q tal piensa de la panasonic v770 o la v777 en comparación con la v180 cual es más nítido
I've only used the 180, so I can't compare it to other models
Very helpful. thank you 👍
Glad it was helpful!
after watching this video, I felt redeemed, both spiritually and videographically (i made it up...i'm using a panasonic hc-v180 too):D
It's a neat little camera!
Good review, but there was NO price on the Amazon page!
Maybe it's not available in your country right now? I can see it both on .com and .it, but it goes from 140 to 170 euros, usually
@@MarcoAries NO idk Marco, but there was no price! DM, grazzi amico!
How max capacity memory card?
I doesn't specify in the instructions manual, but I've been using it with 64gb cards
128gb
Sounds good
you do be lookin like the lord my kind sir.
Yeah, I get it a lot 🙂
Who knew Jesus was a videographer? 🤷♂️😂🤣
Pays less than miracles, tho, let me tell you that 😅
@@MarcoAries You're doing Gods work. You'll have your UA-cam subscriber award in no time. 🤣🙏🏻👏🏻
Well, let's hope so! Thanks for the support!
I got the CX405 and it's crap, this is the second thing iv'e had from Sony and both been crap
Don't know about the CX405, but the more expensive models like the AX33, 43 and 53 are quite capable.
Is this ok for good quality home made porn?
I would advice investing a bit more, like a Canon M50 or a Sony a6600 or ZV-E10, a microphone like the Rode videomicro should suffice and, just as important, a couple lights, even just two cheap softboxes. With that you'll have all the quality and flexibility you need 😉
But if you are looking specifically for a camcorder, I would look at something like the Sony AX53 or Canon XA11 or XC10
1:04 Jesus has spoken, all bow down to the lord!✅
Uh, I forgot how long my beard was when I recorded this XD
sei italiano? ahahah
Sì