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The Official Panasonic HC-V720 Owners Thread

post #1 of 127
1/23/13 at 5:03pm
Thread Starter 
Looks like the new HC-V720 will be out in February, so I'll go ahead and start us a thread on it.

Some new features

* Newly Developed High Sensitivity Sensor and Crystal Engine Pro
* 28mm Wide-Angle with Intelligent 50x Zoom and Optical 21x Zoom
* Real Time Broadcasting via Ustream with Simultaneous Full-HD Recording
* NFC (Near Field Communication) connect a smartphone or tablet to a camcorder in one touch
* 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+ and Level Shot Function
* 1080 Horizontal TV Lines Resolution
* 20.4 megapixel Still Image
* 5.1 surround sound recording
* Electronic level gauge

* Remote Shooting - By using the dedicated Panasonic Image App, you can remotely check audio recording, zoom IN/OUT and shutter ON/OFF, while viewing the live image on a smartphone or tablet.

* Home Monitoring - When you are away from home, you can monitor and record there with high-quality live video using your smartphone or tablet.

* Wireless TV Playback - An Access Point at home can be used to transfer data wirelessly to the TV or a tablet in the living room, kitchen or other rooms in the home and play back images on the large-screen TV.

* 5.1 Surround - The V720 Series is equipped with multiple electret condenser microphones. You get a realistic sound space that's a perfect match with the true-to-life HD images.


First "review" I could find - http://www.trustedreviews.com/panasonic-hc-v720_Camcorder_review#tr-review-summary


Info & Full Specs - http://panasonic.net/avc/camcorder/hd/v720/specifications.html

Spec highlights:

SENSOR SECTION
Image Sensor 1/2.33-type High Sensitivity MOS Sensor
Total Pixels 17.52 megapixels
Effective Pixels
Motion Image 4.14 megapixels [16:9] (Level Shot Function OFF)
Still Image 4.14 megapixels [16:9] / 3.24 megapixels [3:2] / 3.24 megapixels [4:3]
Wi-Fi
Standard IEEE 802.11b/g/n
Frequency 2.4GHz band

CAMERA SECTION
Standard Illumination 1400 lx
Minimum Illumination 3 lx (Scene Mode Low Light 1/25), 1 lx (Color Night View)
Focus Auto / Manual
Zoom
Intelligent Zoom OFF 26 x
Intelligent Zoom ON 50 x
Digital Zoom 60 x / 1500 x (The maximum value of zoom magnification)
White Balance Auto / Indoor1 / Indoor2 / Sunny / Cloudy / White set
Shutter Speed
Motion Image [50p / 50i] / Auto Slow Shutter ON : 1/25 - 1/8000 / Auto Slow Shutter OFF : 1/50 - 1/8000
Still Image 1/2 - 1/2000
Iris Auto / Manual
Image Stabilizer HYBRID O.I.S.+ with Active Mode, O.I.S. Lock, Level Shot Function
Creative Control Miniature Effect, Silent Movie, 8mm Movie, Time Lapse Rec

RECORDING SECTION
Recording Media SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card
Recording Format [AVCHD] AVCHD Progressive / [iFrame] MP4
Compression Method MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
Recording/ Playback Mode 1080/50p (28Mbps / VBR), (1920 x 1080) / PH (24Mbps / VBR), (1920 x 1080) / HA (17Mbps / VBR), (1920 x 1080) / HG (13Mbps / VBR), (1920 x 1080) / HE (5Mbps / VBR), (1920 x 1080) / iFrame (28Mbps / VBR), (960 x 540)
Audio Recording System 1080/50p, PH, HA, HG, HE: Dolby Digital (5.1ch / 2ch) / iFrame, MP4: AAC (2ch)
Microphone 5.1ch Surround, Zoom, Focus and Stereo Microphone


STILL IMAGE SECTION
Recording Image Size
Still Image [16:9] 20.4 megapixels (6016 x 3384), 9.4 megapixels (4096 x 2304), 2.1 megapixels (1920 x 1080) / [3:2] 15.1 megapixels (4752 x 3168), 8.0 megapixels (3456 x 2304), 2.0 megapixels (1728 x 1152) / [4:3] 15.1 megapixels (4480 x 3360), 5.8 megapixels (2784 x 2088), 0.3 megapixels (640 x 480)
Simultaneous Recording [16:9] 9.4 megapixels (4096 x 2304), 2.1 megapixels (1920 x 1080)
Recording Format JPEG (DCF/Exif2.2)
Flash Yes


Looks like a nice upgrade, bring on the reviews... Will most likely be getting one soon, 1st grandchild on the way in Feb, time for a new camera.biggrin.gif
Edited by Sabrewulf... - 2/4/13 at 6:40pm
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post #2 of 127
2/28/13 at 5:12pm
B&H Show this is stock now.
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post #3 of 127
3/1/13 at 6:42am
can someone explain the picture mp and how this would compare to a cheap ccd quality wise
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post #4 of 127
3/1/13 at 7:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by fishywishy View Post

can someone explain the picture mp and how this would compare to a cheap ccd quality wise
Can you provide a example of what you mean by a "cheap ccd"?
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post #5 of 127
3/1/13 at 8:31am
what you would expect from a sub $200 p&s
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post #6 of 127
3/1/13 at 8:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by fishywishy View Post

what you would expect from a sub $200 p&s

So assuming when you write "picture mp" you are asking about still photos.

I think that there are so many variables it may be impossible to reply intelligently!

Generally, I would think the .jpg photos from the V720 will be better because the lens is probably better. But, there have been a couple of long discussions here where members say they see traits like vibrance and color saturation in cheap cameras that are better than some video cameras.
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post #7 of 127
3/10/13 at 10:42pm
Ok so I went to the bathroom and came back after writing a long post, sat down and hit the back button on my wirless keyboard. Time to kick the stinking dog. Darnit, anyhow I just received the Hc-v720 a couple of days ago and really like the video but would like a comparison to the 700 . Im a little ticked so far the 720 has WIFI built in but has no compatibility with the PC only Android phones and Apple . Why the heck would they do that? Any help or comparisons to the 700 would be great. I want to keep this camcorder but want a reason to also. Thanks
This is my first post after being a member for years, Thanks for all the help and enjoyment you all have given me. I bought the Infocus X1 years ago because of AVS, I wasn't disappointed at all. I recently pulled the plug on the Benq W1070 and its great. No problems at all. This forum is awsome and Im now settled down abit , hope I can help someone else out also. So HI everyone. Hope this thread kicks off soon.
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post #8 of 127
3/11/13 at 7:01am
Got mine Friday after my daughter accidentally killed my TM90.

Some initial thoughts
I pulled it from the box and and slapped on the battery and put on a circular polarizer and put it on auto.The CP was on from beginning all the way through the bug.
The zoom range is amazing 21x optical and 50 intelligent zoom and the telemacro mode is crazy. I can zoom in at 50X at about 3 1/2ft, that will be insane for macro shots.
Overall I'm happy compared to my old TM90. I still got 1080 60p plus time lapse, pre-record, 50X, a standard filter thread 46mm, and a bigger newer sensor. I have to figure out the color setting and adjust to my liking.
I have not tried the wifi stuff yet.
I will try to post some more clips soon.
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post #9 of 127
3/12/13 at 7:53pm
Great clip, I agree the zoom and macro are incredible. I need to also figure out the color settings, indoors the video is definatly not that sharp but grain isnt bad.
I did try the ustream and it works but with alot of lag. I dont have a tablet and sure hope someone figures a way to network this through the PC. I dont want to shell out the money for a tablet and a better computer. My core I3 does fine with HD writer but Im sure it will struggle with any other program, I was thinking of getting the x920 but thats alot more money. I think I will just be happy with this one. I like the clip you put up It shows me what the camera will do this summer. Looks great. Its hard to get an idea of good video here with no greenery just snow.
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post #10 of 127
3/12/13 at 10:48pm
I just bought the hc v720 as we are expecting out first child. Last one I used was my parents old VHS circa 1990. I am having a problem with installing the software (HD Writer disk) I have windows 7

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post #11 of 127
3/13/13 at 7:06am
I haven't installed the disk and probably won't. I did download the app last night on my phone for the WiFi and hopefully I'll try it tonight.
I did try the time lapse mode and it works great. I wish it had a 5 sec mode along with the 1 sec and 10 sec.

It seems the manual only gives basic info. Do you guys know what the i button on the bottom of the lcd is ?
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post #12 of 127
3/13/13 at 4:36pm
Try installing using administrator status perhaps?

(right click on the setup program, and "run as administrator")
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post #13 of 127
3/13/13 at 6:51pm
If you press the i button before selecting an option it will tell you what the option does. For example if you press the i button then press hybrid Ois it will have a scrolling text displaying what the option does. I'm really curious on how the Panasonic image app works especially with direct connect and controlling the camera. I wounder how far it will work and video quality. I tried U stream and am not very impressed with that. Hope to see what you think about the WiFi capability.
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post #14 of 127
3/13/13 at 10:10pm
I just ordered 2 HC-V720's from B&H and before they get to me I'd like to buy an extra battery and a couple 64GB sd cards. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Regarding the battery: Panasonic's website is no help; B&H's info shows a VW-VBT190, but its only 1940mAh. Does anyone know if the battery is the same one used in HC-V700?

Regarding the sd card: Should I go with a sdxc class 10 30MB/s unit? Any suggestions on a good low priced vendor?
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post #15 of 127
3/14/13 at 6:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mdevoe View Post

If you press the i button before selecting an option it will tell you what the option does. For example if you press the i button then press hybrid Ois it will have a scrolling text displaying what the option does. I'm really curious on how the Panasonic image app works especially with direct connect and controlling the camera. I wounder how far it will work and video quality. I tried U stream and am not very impressed with that. Hope to see what you think about the WiFi capability.
Thanks

I tried my VBT-180 from my TM90 on it (had to cut off a tab on the back of the battery) and it said can not use this battery and turned off. Same thing for an aftermarket battery.
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post #16 of 127
3/14/13 at 12:06pm
Lucasberg,

Thanks for the response,

The battery for your TM90 is the VW-VBK series. From what you said, it appears that no other battery but the VW-VBT series will be acceptable to the camera's battery monitor. Unfortunately, no one is selling it yet.

What SD card are you using? B&H shows that recording at 1920 x 1080p / 60 fps uses 28Mbps. Are you using something like SanDisk's SDXC Extreme Class 10 which they says can do 45MB/s (some reviews show an actual rate of approx 36 MB/s)?
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post #17 of 127
3/14/13 at 12:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pmhanson View Post

The battery for your TM90 is the VW-VBK series. From what you said, it appears that no other battery but the VW-VBT series will be acceptable to the camera's battery monitor. Unfortunately, no one is selling it yet.
up to 2005 - CGA
2006-2010 - VBG
2011-2012- VBK/VBN
2013 - VBT ? New type again?

Panasonic must be boycotted for constant changing of battery types and for changing of power adapter connectors.
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post #18 of 127
3/14/13 at 12:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pmhanson View Post

B&H shows that recording at 1920 x 1080p / 60 fps uses 28Mbps. Are you using something like SanDisk's SDXC Extreme Class 10 which they says can do 45MB/s (some reviews show an actual rate of approx 36 MB/s)?
Mb, not MB.
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post #19 of 127
3/14/13 at 3:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ungermann View Post

up to 2005 - CGA
2006-2010 - VBG
2011-2012- VBK/VBN
2013 - VBT ? New type again?

Panasonic must be boycotted for constant changing of battery types and for changing of power adapter connectors.

Quick question: I have not yet ordered an extra battery for the V720 (which will arrive in a week or so). The well regarded Wasabi battery (as mentioned on the V720 thread)... will that work here?

Agree with you on Panasonic's annoying policy of changing battery types.
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post #20 of 127
3/14/13 at 6:43pm
I am also curious about the wasabi battery. Seems like a good deal if it will work.
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post #21 of 127
3/15/13 at 12:42pm
Ungermann,

WOW, how did I miss that. I even wrote it right.

By the way:
Panasonic responded to my query-

re: Camcorder HC-V720

Does the camcorder support UHS-I SDXC Class 10 memory cards?

with

Case: 30360593
Thank you for your inquiry. The unit should be able to utilize this memory card.
Thank you for contacting Panasonic
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post #22 of 127
3/15/13 at 3:32pm
Experience on this forum has suggested that the only possible advantage of the SDXC cards may be that the transfer of files from the card to a computer might be faster. But, the computer has to have a card reader that is capable of the faster speed. Few do. If you get the MBps and Mbps figured out, a Class 4 card will do the job. Class 10 SDHC cards seem to be the most common, are easy to find,should cost less than a $1 per GB and are about 3 times faster than the camera needs or can use.
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post #23 of 127
3/16/13 at 8:04am
Please forgive my lack of knowledge of mem cards. Would a Transcend 32 GB Class 10 SDHC card do the trick with the 720??
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post #24 of 127
3/16/13 at 8:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by matthewacamp View Post

Please forgive my lack of knowledge of mem cards. Would a Transcend 32 GB Class 10 SDHC card do the trick with the 720??
Welcome to the forum! The first time around, SD cards can be very confusing. There are many options and lots of advertising.

Yes, that card is perfect. In fact it accepts data about 3 times faster than your camera can produce it. I have one that is a couple years old, use it in 3 different cameras and have had perfect performance. You should not pay more than $25.

Some think SanDisk is a better brand. For a couple dollars extra you can get a SanDisk Ultra, Class 10.

If you're curious you can find software that will test your card for errors. I have a German one called "h2testw". It will read and write data to your card continuously and then give you a report including any flaws and the cards actual speed.

Bill
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post #25 of 127
3/18/13 at 8:58am
SO: I did the research and I want to order the HC-V720K Camcorder. Taking the grand kids to Disney World this spring. Big problem tho. (HUGE): Batteries. My research shows this original equipment battery is good for only 1+ hours. There are ONLY 2 batteries tghat are listed that will work with this model: The VW-VBT380 and the VW-VBT190. When I went to "ASK Questions on the Panasonic web site this was the question and their reply.

QUESTION:
I'm interested in ordering a HC-V720K. Due to the short battery life of the standard battery I must have a longer life power system. IC there is a VW-VBK360 available on Amazon but I'm not convinced it will fit the 720 model. Also I'd prefer an OEM battery if one is available. Your web site really does not seem to address batteries. only chargers etc. Need your help here.

ANSWER:
The Panasonic battery pack (VW-VBT380) is compatible with your Panasonic camcorder. You may purchase the battery via our website: http://www.pstc.panasonic.com/Epart... or directly from our Parts Department at 1-800-833-9626. Our hours of operation are Monday to Friday 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. Eastern Standard Time.

N.B. The only batteries suitable for use with this unit are genuine Panasonic products and batteries manufactured by other companies and certified by Panasonic. Panasonic cannot in any way guarantee the quality, performance or safety of batteries which have been manufactured by other companies and are not genuine Panasonic products.

HOWEVER:
I went to their parts department on line and by phone and they have no clue when either battery would come available to ship. They recommended I talk to sales. Sales has no clue either.

I cannot take the chance of not having a better power source than the 1 hour battery that comes with the camera. Yes I'm sure it will be available at some point but I must be sure that that point is prior to me/our once in a lifetime trip.

Panasonic should either stay with a battery that they already have or make sure they have at least a reasonable power supply solution available prior to releasing a new product.mad.gif
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post #26 of 127
3/18/13 at 9:32am
You are absolutely correct:

1. You need to have an extra battery. 2. Panasonic should make extra batteries available for it when they release a new camera.

Panasonic has always had this problem at release when a new camera uses a new battery type. So, if you need a Panasonic camera/camcorder for a trip right now, get a camera that did not just come out (and make sure you an get an extra battery for it at the same time).
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post #27 of 127
3/18/13 at 9:46am
hi all,

Got my hc-v720 a couple of days ago, and have had a bit of a play with it. So far it looks good. @lucasberg, that montage has some amazing stuff in it! The macro zoom stuff is incredible. You've got me thinking of a few things I might try already...

I'm glad I've found this thread, because I was going to order a v700 compatible battery, as I assumed they would be the same battery. Now I guess I'll have to wait until it becomes clearer what is going to be available in this regard. Oh well. I'm sure eventually there will be some reasonable choice.

I'm still reading the manual and finding my way around the menu and various settings. For my first video, I just let the automatic settings do their thing. I had expected the default to be 60p, so I was surprised to find it came recorded at 30fps. Video looked OK though (although it was improved by reducing the brightness a bit in the editing sw, as the colors looked a little washed out. Video taken indoors under artificial fluorescent lighting.) Video did not look grainy, but not particularly sharp either. Nothing as good as lucasberg's stuff! But I'm still learning...

For editing sw, I've decided that I'll go with Sony Movie Studio Platinum Suite 12 for now. I've had a quick play with the free trial install, and it looks like it will make the editing quite a lot of fun. It seems to be a good fit both for the hc-v720 and my computer hardware, which is an i5 laptop with 4GB and Win7x64. My laptop also has a nvidia gpu that this program can use to make rendering quicker (I had to update the video drivers, though). The price is right, too. Seems to be a lot of bang for the buck.

Anyway, not much of substance to say, really just thought I'd say hello to a few fellow hc-v720 owners (and would-be owners)! As things progress, I'll post to update my hc-v720 and related experiences.
Edited by plugger2 - 3/18/13 at 10:27am
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post #28 of 127
3/18/13 at 9:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Maverickx50 View Post

SO: I did the research and I want to order the HC-V720K Camcorder. Taking the grand kids to Disney World this spring. Big problem tho. (HUGE): Batteries. My research shows this original equipment battery is good for only 1+ hours. There are ONLY 2 batteries tghat are listed that will work with this model: The VW-VBT380 and the VW-VBT190.

If I were in your situation, I'd consider the hc-v700. Specs are very similar, except for a few bells and whistles like the wifi, and batteries are no problem. Plus, you can save $100 or so over the price of the hc-v720.

Are there any features of the v720 absent in the v700 that you consider important at all?
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post #29 of 127
3/18/13 at 10:06am
WiFi is one of the features I really like. Also the improved CMOS with a gross 17.52Mpixels and greater zoom to 50X. Wish I could find a competitor's model that came close to comparing to this model at a reasonable price point. Still looking tho. Ruled out Sony as their consumer ratings are not all that good. Maybe Cannon.

I'll Probably wait 3 weeks or so. Parts supply quoted a 3 week wait. I'm sure that was BS as they admitted they have yet to ship even one battery. and somebody was quoted the same 3 weeks 4 weeks ago. But I can afford to wait a few weeks before I go to plan B. I was in the manufacturing business for over 45 years. I know exactly what is going on a Panasonic Corp and I'm here to tell you it's SALES forcing product released ahead of any final detail plans for manufacturing processes and supplier delivery and tooling construction. The guy/gal at the top needs to learn how to run a business. Just focusing on sales with little concern over consumer happiness is the prescription for eventual disaster.
Edited by Maverickx50 - 3/18/13 at 10:32am
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post #30 of 127
3/18/13 at 10:36am
@lucasberg: Do you consider the CP important? Your outdoor shots look very good. What brand/model CP were you using?
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