Being using this little camera for a while now and it’s really good with great picture quality. Am not an expert on the area but I upgraded from my 10 year old camcorder and what was most important for me was a steady shot which this has and am very happy with it.

Chose Panasonic over Sony because my old hd recorder is Panasonic, and this works in very much the same way, with no steep learning curve. Lightweight and fragile feeling but then I'm always careful with my tech, so no prob. You'll quickly see why a dedicated camcorder is so much better for 4k than even the latest mobile handsets, which are hampered by low frame rates and high image compression, and slow internal memory. Yes, this outclasses even Apple and Samsung top end phone cameras, not even worth comparing. For highest frame rate use 180 Mbps SD card, for standard 50fps the cheaper 100 Mbps is more than adequate, though huge file sizes mean buying at least 256gb. You'll need a new backup harddrive to store your library on too, that old laptop or geriatric pc won't last five minutes. Always record in MP4 format for universal file compatibility, the Panasonic proprietary file types can't be edited in non Panasonic software, which is pretty basic, although they can still be viewed on most media player apps. Better optical zoom than Sony and a top end Leica lens mean you won't end up wishing you'd bought the next model up. The Panasonic phone app for remote viewing and very basic remote control isn't worth the bother. Supplied leads are short, invest in a 5 metre hdmi cable.

Between a rock and a hard place - that was the review in a mag. back in the 80's when I first bought a Panasonic camcorder - size of half your arm S-VHS-C tapes. Since then always veered towards Panasonic..i don't know why..and have used several camcorders since, my last being the tm700 must be 10yrs back. It stood me well for what I used it for - general stuff - nothing professional but often used. Over time the zoom on top of the camera gave up..and then a few knocks at themeparks...it didn't work at all. SO - onto today, purchased via amazon for £600 ( bit pricey really ) VXF1. SO - my thoughts. Well, its larger than the TM700...and it certainly isn't as well built. TM700 has - still has - a more solid finish, better molded, better grade materials. The VXF1 is all 'plastic' and feels it..the Shoe hinge looks like it wont last..and theres about 4 other slided doors on the thing.. ALSO, theres a rattle..yes, a rattle..you move the camera off or no and theres a rattle. I tried me the TM700 and there is a slight rattle coming from the doors that protect the lens...that's it. So..this one..has a rattle when you move it. Have very naff. Also, the touch screen, just doesn't seem very responsive..it works...but..a couple of touches everytime. Getting used to the screen..so far..must be said...no real difference to the TM700..obviously ( I trust ) there will be massive changes..some of the gimmicks - tilt etc are just that..gimmicks…typically I read in-depth on the camera after purchasing - watched youtube videos endlessly. Anyway, I cant really judge the quality...but I hope its excellent...I think it will be. 3 Stars because the price, the cheap type build ( it is slightly lighter than the TM700 to be honest )...the size...its bigger as I say..not massive..but TM700 was a nice size. Anyway, I have it now and hope to use it for a good few years to come. Ive looked at others, the Sony 53 I think - was comparable...hard to judge ..it will do fine im sure.

Very practical and light - the auto focus is very impressive and cannot fault the performance

I needed a camcorder to replace an old Panasonic VHS-C model (VZ-1) that served me very well for many years. I used it mainly for airshows/aircraft spotting and wildlife filming. The VXF-1 is worlds apart! Fantastic 4k footage, great camera ergonomics and handling plus having the option to take hi-res photos is another plus! The only minor gripe is the battery life - - - for sure, I will be needing another two come airshow season! Very highly recommended camcorder for a great price.

Used specifically to film Rugby games. Zoom is excellent, the Carl Zeiss lens provides a first class picture.Records in 4K and does slow motion recording too.

Nice to use, with high quality picture

It does the job with good picture quality

Good camera. Great in low light. Gonna be doing a You Tube video on this camcorder. Indoor picture quality is much better than a cheap camcorder but for best results add light for crispness. Autofocus isnt the best but is still very good. Image stabilisation is really good by comparison to my mirrorless cameras.April update ; I've had more time to play with this and it is indeed a very good camera. Good in low light for such a small sensor and I've since done several You Tube videos with it instead of using mirrorless cameras. I would give it 5 stars but I felt it is lacking in picture profiles and creative styles like on DSLR's and Mirrorless. Apparently it's better in low light than the Sony AX53, although I wouldn't know as Ive never owned the Sony.All in all I'm very pleased with what I have. Great zoom, good in low light, manual mode (full control) or aperture priority/shutter priority (partial manual in other words), slow motion....and if you want bokeh blur in selfie mode all you have to do is zoom out and stand back.

This was an upgrade camcorder against an older panasonic hd model that is still good but not as good as this one. I like the 4k mode, good and clear viewfinder, more megapixels, bigger wide angle, position of sd card slot, and a host of other features that I haven't used yet. Received well packed and on time as promised. So far I am very pleased and impressed.

very good digital video camera

Actually have not used it yet trying to locate a genuine battery extra power battery for it apparently new firmware on new cameras from Panasonic so u cannot use third party batteries

i bought this camcorder when it was on offer to replace an old one that i have had for years and wanted an upgradealthough i could write lots and lots about it but i will keep it relatively short as i am still learning about itthe image stabilising is very good , the image quality is outstanding ,especially in 4k mode which i use a loti also like using full HD in 50 frames a second as this is very good for faster moving events , it makes the video very smooththe only minor issues i have with it is a lot of fetchers do not work in 4k mode, and the touch screen could be a bit more responsive ,but the great image quality and stabilisation makes up for iti hope this basic review helps and may update it when i have learned more

i bought this camcorder when it was on offer to replace an old one that i have had for years and wanted an upgrade
although i could write lots and lots about it but i will keep it relatively short as i am still learning about it
the image stabilising is very good , the image quality is outstanding ,especially in 4k mode which i use a lot
i also like using full HD in 50 frames a second as this is very good for faster moving events , it makes the video very smooth
the only minor issues i have with it is a lot of fetchers do not work in 4k mode, and the touch screen could be a bit more responsive ,but the great image quality and stabilisation makes up for it
i hope this basic review helps and may update it when i have learned more

Good wide angel, and a 25 X zoom very usefall for long distance shots with the optical steady O.i.S.

Panasonic has been cutting corners with this. The mains cable is ridiculously short e.g. when on my tripod, the cable will not even reach the floor. The build quality feels insubstantial, and is not as good as my previous Canon video camera. However, the picture quality is good.

i upgraded to a HC-VXF1 from my old Panasonic HCV500 as it was showing signs of age after taking hundreds of hours video with it plus i wanted 4K capability which now seems to be the norm in some cases , the VXF1 is a quality Camera slightly larger than my old one but not too big like some 4 k cameras are , it feels a well built sturdy unit nicely balanced in the hand the picture qualiy is excellent with various settings from HD to 4K, even in 2KHD the images are very good, Notable improvements over my old Camcorder is excellent images in bright AND low light more important for me with my shaky hand is really good image stabilisation as well , i have been using my VXF1 for a few weeks now and so far i am very pleased with it so it deserves my 5 star rating on here , i am a panasonic fan owning other electonic devices they make such as DVD & TVs none have let me down , i am so pleased that Panasonic is still making quality products unknown brands may seem a good deal at the time but you pay for what you get its worth paying that extra ,I have still to learn the many advanced features with my VXF1 .extras i purchased to go with it is a 62mm U/V Filter to protect the lens ( although you dont really need it as automatic shutter closes over the lens when not in use but i like to make sure) a Sandisk Extreme pro SDXC Memory card 64GB and of course you will need a Camera bag ;

i upgraded to a HC-VXF1 from my old Panasonic HCV500 as it was showing signs of age after taking hundreds of hours video with it plus i wanted 4K capability which now seems to be the norm in some cases , the VXF1 is a quality Camera slightly larger than my old one but not too big like some 4 k cameras are , it feels a well built sturdy unit nicely balanced in the hand the picture qualiy is excellent with various settings from HD to 4K, even in 2KHD the images are very good, Notable improvements over my old Camcorder is excellent images in bright AND low light more important for me with my shaky hand is really good image stabilisation as well , i have been using my VXF1 for a few weeks now and so far i am very pleased with it so it deserves my 5 star rating on here , i am a panasonic fan owning other electonic devices they make such as DVD & TVs none have let me down , i am so pleased that Panasonic is still making quality products unknown brands may seem a good deal at the time but you pay for what you get its worth paying that extra ,I have still to learn the many advanced features with my VXF1 .extras i purchased to go with it is a 62mm U/V Filter to protect the lens ( although you dont really need it as automatic shutter closes over the lens when not in use but i like to make sure) a Sandisk Extreme pro SDXC Memory card 64GB and of course you will need a Camera bag ;

Make no mistake this is a brilliant camera. Match this with a Rode mic and you are in business for taking quality video at events such as music gigs (my hobby).I just have one complaint. Panasonic are obviously not making enough money on the camera itself and want to squeeze their customers for more. They have added a bit of software that detects what battery you are using. My 2 year old Panasonic HC 990 camera didn't have this and so I could buy the Panasonic VW-VBT 380 replica batteries for £20 or less. These give over three hours battery life and are therefore perfect for music gigs. I cannot use these replica batteries with the new camera and Panasonic charge a whopping £99 for their own battery - 5 TIMES the price. Protectionism in action people, be warned.

Make no mistake this is a brilliant camera. Match this with a Rode mic and you are in business for taking quality video at events such as music gigs (my hobby).

I just have one complaint. Panasonic are obviously not making enough money on the camera itself and want to squeeze their customers for more. They have added a bit of software that detects what battery you are using. My 2 year old Panasonic HC 990 camera didn't have this and so I could buy the Panasonic VW-VBT 380 replica batteries for £20 or less. These give over three hours battery life and are therefore perfect for music gigs. I cannot use these replica batteries with the new camera and Panasonic charge a whopping £99 for their own battery - 5 TIMES the price. Protectionism in action people, be warned.