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Looking for information on a Panasonic HC-V885K Camcorder

Started 6 months ago | Discussions
Moondoggy51 New Member • Posts: 7
Looking for information on a Panasonic HC-V885K Camcorder

I'm looking at purchasing a Panasonic HC-V785K camcorder and was wondering if anyone out there has one of these and can answer a few questions.  Specifically, I would like to know what size memory card is suggested and how much recording can you get on that card.  If I purchase the we want to use it inside of our church to record sermons for shut ins.  Sermons  will be shot from a stationary tripod about 25 ft from the pulpit using only the interior lighting in the church and each sermon will be about 15-20 minutes in length.  Here are my questions:

Given the length of the recording, what size memory card is recommended of each recording?

Given the distance of the camera from the pulpit will the built-in microphone be adequate at that distance or it is a case where we'll be required to get a remote wireless Mic?

From an interior setting perspective, how's the video quality?

Mark Wintle Junior Member • Posts: 28
Re: Looking for information on a Panasonic HC-V885K Camcorder

Given that HD is HD to a degree, I can get 2 hours 24 minutes of HD from a 64GB card in my Sony CX405. I wouldn't bother getting a card smaller than 64GB - I use 128GB cards in my Sony AX53 for 4K. Make sure you get a card with the correct write speed ratings - see Panasonic manual  The manual suggests well over an hour recording time for a battery charge.

I think you'll be OK for lighting though it may be a little grainy but I have videoed at dusk when it has been a lot darker than you will encounter.

I would recommend separate sound recording; no need for wireless just sync. it up.

John Koch Senior Member • Posts: 1,602
Re: Looking for information on a Panasonic HC-V885K Camcorder

A 32 GB SDXC memory card will give way more than enough space to record a typical 1-hour church service in full HD resolution.  Memory card prices are now quite low.

Audio quality will vary according to the acoustics of the church, the quality of any electronic amplification and speakers, plus how well the preacher or choir project their voices.  If these conditions are poor or absent, the on-board sound capture will be unsatisfactory.   In that case, you will definitely need to place a microphone at the pulpit.  Some inexpensive battery-fortified mics can connect to the camera via a 15-20' wire.  Just be aware that, there might be some "buzz" distortion if you use an AC adapter to power the camera.  An extended-life battery would skirt that potential issue.  Wireless mics are another option, but cost a bit more and must be tested properly.

If the space or surface behind or adjacent to the preacher is brightly illuminated, the preacher's face will be underexposed.   Best to dim the background and boost illumination of the face.

Stationary shots of a speaker will draw viewers only if the presentation is animated, charismatic, and has a clear and happy message.  Nowadays, a multi-camera approach, or even a camera that roams about on a boom or rail, are common, but obviously more expensive and complicated to pull-off.

In any case, record some rehearsals and review the results prior to any formal event.

A cheap Plan B might be to mount a smart phone on a selfie stick that can be attached to the front of the pulpit and then aimed at the presenter.  There are also wide-angle webcams, some of them smaller than the microphone a presenter will use, priced under $200, that could also be mounted on the pulpit and capture video and audio from a short distance.

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