Panasonic HX-A500 becomes world’s first 4K wearable camera

Panasonic has unveiled the first wearable camcorder in the world capable of recording videos at 4K resolution and 25 frames per second: the HX-A500.

Earlier in 2014, Panasonic has introduced world’s first mirrorless camera that shoots 4K videos. The Panasonic GH4 is now official, although it will be released sometime in late April for around $1,700.

Alongside the Lumix GH4, a tiny wearable camera has been spotted and the company has only announced its development at the time. Well, the so-called Panasonic HX-A500 has become official now along with its availability details.

Panasonic introduces world’s first 4K video recording wearable camcorder

Panasonic HX-A500 is the first 4K wearable camera in the world. Additionally, it’s waterproof and dustproof, while offering NFC and WiFi capabilities.

Right after the announcement of the Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 ASPH lens, Panasonic has also revealed the world’s first 4K video wearable camcorder. The Panasonic HX-A500 allows wearers to capture everything that is happening in their life at 4K quality.

The maximum frame rate at 4K resolution stands at 25 frames per second. However, it increases up to 50fps if the user choose to tune down the resolution to full HD. Other resolution and frame rate options are 1280 x 720 pixels at 100fps and 848 x 480 pixels at 200fps.

The new camcorder also comes with a 1.5-inch LCD screen, which allows users to input the shooting settings. Video recordings are not optically stabilized, but Panasonic has confirmed that the HX-A500 comes with electronic image stabilization technology, so shakes should be relatively kept under control.

Panasonic HX-A500 is a tiny but rugged 4K camera

One cool thing about the tiny Panasonic HX-A500 4K wearable camcorder is that it is rugged. This device, which consists of an operating unit and a camera unit, weighs only 150 grams in total, but it is both waterproof and dustproof.

The company has revealed that its new 4K video camera can stay underwater for up to 30 minutes at a time without breaking a sweat. The deepest depth that it can reach is 3 meters, so you cannot take it with you while visiting the Mariana Trench.

WiFi connection allows users to broadcast videos on the web via UStream

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlgeM4E0N9Q

Although it is a pretty compact camera, Panasonic has found enough room to add NFC and WiFi support. This means that the users can easily connect their device to a smartphone or tablet and share videos instantly.

Moreover, content can be broadcast live on the internet through UStream, which could prove to be a major selling point for a lot of videographers.

Panasonic will release several accessories for the HX-A500, allowing users to attach them to their body, head, or on helmets, bags. The prices of the accessories are unknown, but the Panasonic HX-A500 will cost £379.99 when it becomes available for purchase in May.