Panasonic HC-V770 and Panasonic HC-V800 are Full-HD handheld camcorders available in the same price range. These models are quite affordable and budget-friendly, great for documentation purposes as well as amateur video projects. In this article, we will see the differences between Panasonic HC-V770 vs HC-V800 to help you determine which one to get.
The discussion below will cover everything about:
– The size and weight of each camcorder
– The wired and wireless connections on each model
– The lens of Panasonic HC-V770 vs HC-V800
– The features of Panasonic HC-V770 & Panasonic HC-V800
– The comparison of their image and audio quality
– Which camcorder that gives the best value for the money
Dimensions
First, let’s take a look at the overall design and dimensions of each camcorder model. Unsurprisingly, they look quite similar to each other. Panasonic HC-V770 and Panasonic HC-V800 appear quite generic with a roughly rectangular shape and black finish, also a flip display screen on the left side. See also: Canon Vixia HF G20 vs G21.
The display screen of each camera is a 3.0-inch wide LCD touchscreen panel with a resolution of 460,800 dots. It can tilt and swivel around, so you can shoot from any angle while still having a good look over what the camera is shooting at. The touchscreen is quite responsive, also easy and intuitive to use.
Panasonic HC-V770 is slightly smaller and lighter. It measures 139 mm x 73 mm x 65 mm (5.472″ x 2.874″ x 2.559″), and weighs about 353 grams (0.778 lbs). Compared to is sibling, this camcorder is relatively easier to hold. It is also easier to carry around, as the weight is less taxing for your hand.
Panasonic HC-V800 is a little bit bigger and heavier. It measures 142 mm x 77 mm x 68 mm (5.591″ x 3.032″ x 2.677″), and weighs about 428 grams (0.944 lbs). Due to the larger dimensions, this camcorder is slightly less comfortable to hold. That said, the differences in the dimensions are not that dramatic. This camcorder is still quite portable nonetheless.
Connectivity
Next, we can find a notable difference in the connectivity aspect of Panasonic HC-V770 vs HC-V800. There is NFC in Panasonic HC-V770’s repertoire, whereas Panasonic HC-V800 doesn’t have this feature. This difference may matter a lot to some people, depending on whether you want to connect your mobile device with your camcorder or not.
On Panasonic HC-V770, you can find a Micro HDMI interface, an AV interface, a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface, a stereo mini mic input, and a stereo mini headphone output. In addition, there is a cold shoe for holding an external mic or flash, but keep in mind that, unlike a hot shoe, a cold shoe does not provide power or a direct signal path; it is simply only for holding an accessory.
Panasonic HC-V770 comes with built-in 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and NFC. These wireless connectivity options are really handy for connecting mobile devices. The NFC, in particular, will allow you to connect a compatible smartphone or tablet in a matter of seconds – it is very practical.
Besides for transferring files and remote control via the Panasonic Image mobile app, you can also utilize the wireless connectivity to connect a mobile device and use it as a sub camera. The camcorder will record the footage from the sub camera in a small window on top of the main footage. This is useful for showing two different points of view simultaneously.
On Panasonic HC-V800, you can also find a Micro HDMI interface, a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface, a stereo mini mic input, and a stereo mini headphone output. It also has a cold shoe for holding an external mic or flash. However, there is no AV interface.
Panasonic HC-V800 also has built-in 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, but it doesn’t have NFC. The lack of NFC is perhaps a minor inconvenience, but you can still use the Wi-Fi to transfer files wirelessly and to use your mobile device as a remote control or a sub camera.
Lens & Zoom
Despite the similar looks, Panasonic HC-V770 vs HC-V800 actually have different lenses. The one on HC-V770 is definitely good, but HC-V800 has a slightly more powerful lens.
Panasonic HC-V770 comes with an f/1.8-3.6 Panasonic Lens, which has a focal length of 4.08-81.6mm. This camcorder has a maximum optical zoom of 20X, which is pretty good already when you need to shoot a scene from a distance.
The camcorder does have Intelligent Zoom, which is an advanced digital zoom feature that will allow you to increase the magnification digitally without degrading the image quality too much. The maximum Intelligent Zoom is 50X. The plain digital zoom can magnify up to 1500X, but it will affect the image quality.
Panasonic HC-V800, on the other hand, comes with an f/1.8-4.0 Panasonic Lens. It has a focal length of 4.12-98.9mm and a maximum optical zoom of 24X. The higher maximum optical zoom can be quite useful if you often need to shoot from some distance.
However, the Intelligent Zoom on Panasonic HC-V800 only has a maximum level of 48X, which is slightly lower than the one on HC-V770. The plain digital zoom of HC-V800 also goes up to 1500X.
Control
Do you need quick and easy manual control? If yes is your answer, then choosing between Panasonic HC-V770 vs HC-V800 should be quite straightforward.
In addition to the touchscreen and a few buttons available on its body, Panasonic HC-V770 also comes with the Multi Manual Dial, which is located in front of the unit, just under the lens. You only need to push and rotate the dial in order to make adjustments. You can use it to adjust the focus, shutter speed, iris, sharpness, brightness, color saturation, and white balance.
The dial is very useful for some people. It enables quick access to essential settings, so that you don’t need to run through multiple menu screens.
Panasonic HC-V800 does not have this dial. For control, it relies on the touchscreen and physical buttons. Or, you can use your mobile device as a remote control. The lack of the manual control dial is not a big problem if you usually only use the automatic settings.
Image Stabilization
Panasonic HC-V770 is already equipped with the 5-axis Hybrid OIS, which is an impressive image stabilization technology for reducing blur. The image stabilization is highly effective in all conditions, from wide-angle shots to high-zoom tele shots. The camcorder consistently delivers sharp, clear images even if your hands are shaky during the recording.
Panasonic HC-V800 comes with a more advanced version of the image stabilization technology. It features a new 5-axis Hybrid OIS which combines ball-bearing OIS and adaptive OIS. The two new modes are useful in a variety of situations.
The Ball Bearing OIS Mode will keep the images steady and blur-free as long as your hand movements are kept at minimum levels. This way, the wear that the drive section experiences during use can be reduced, thereby increasing the lifetime of the unit. Meanwhile, the Adaptive OIS utilizes a special algorithm to automatically select the suitable mode according to the environment conditions, shooting position, and user characteristics – a safe choice when you aren’t sure about which mode to use.
Audio & Image Quality
Both Panasonic HC-V770 and Panasonic HC-V800 can record audio in Dolby Digital 5.1ch when recording in AVCHD, but they use stereo AAC audio when recording in MP4. They do have internal mics, but just like most other camcorders, the internal mics are not really reliable. The internal mics tend to be noisy and reach peak levels quickly.
Still, their internal mics are pretty good for casual use. But, if you need high-quality audio, using a good external microphone is highly recommended. Or, you can use a separate audio recorder, and combine the audio and video in post-production.
Both Panasonic HC-V770 and Panasonic HC-V800 can capture videos in Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 50fps with a maximum bitrate of 28Mbps. If we compare their videos, there is no real difference. Both camcorders deliver sharp and detailed images with excellent colors. However, the still images of HC-V770 are a little bit less sharp then HC-V800.
Indeed, Panasonic HC-V770 has a bigger image sensor. It is armed with a 1/2.3-inch BSI MOS sensor, which has 12.76MP total pixels. However, the effective pixels during video recording are only 6.03MP, and the effective pixels for shooting still images are only 5.21MP.
On the other hand, Panasonic HC-V800 has a 1/2.5-inch BSI MOS sensor with 8.57MP total pixels. It is smaller, but more efficient. It has 6.17MP total effective pixels for video recording and 8.29MP total effective pixels for still images. As the effect, this camcorder is actually able to capture sharper images, which is more noticeable when shooting still images.
Nevertheless, the difference in image quality between Panasonic HC-V770 and Panasonic HC-V800 is not too dramatic. They are still comparable to each other.
Panasonic HC-V770 vs HC-V800
Conclusion
In general, Panasonic HC-V770 is more recommended. It has more connectivity options, and it has a dial for manual control. The video quality is great, pretty much comparable to Panasonic HC-V800.
