Panasonic's newest 4k camcorder range has reached all-new heights after its January release.

In an era where technology is advancing almost minute-by-minute, the 2016 release of the HC-VX980 provides a high-quality option with an expansive range of extra features.

4k Ultrahigh-definition is the obvious new feature - with in-built cropping, live streaming and tilt prevention - and the camera becomes a multi-functional device akin to a smartphone, though with overwhelmingly superior quality.

The slim, lightweight camcorder makes the perfect companion for events of any kind, and inbuilt Wi-fi suits those who are part of the ever-growing vlogger community.

Eye-catching quality

Being a regular camera-phone user, it is not until you use a camcorder that you quite realise what you are missing out on.

Don't get me wrong, the iPhone's quality is great, but specialised camcorders, somewhat predictably, blow it out of the water.

By combining a wealth of advanced imaging technologies such as the LEICA DICOMAR Lens, BSI Sensor and Crystal Engine 4K, beautiful images that boast four times the resolution of Full-HD can be captured for later viewing.

And the camera's new multi-capture features also help to solve an age-old question for eager camcorder users - still shot or moving footage?

Recording in photo mode enables the user to obtain 8-megapixel still images of decisive moments that even the burst shooting of an SLR camera struggles to capture.

These 4K technologies are concentrated into a body that is almost as compact and lightweight as Panasonic Full-HD camcorders.

Crafty cropping

Newly added 4K cropping cuts out full HD images from 4K footage using only the camcorder.

It allows effects to be added to a recorded video, such as zooming, panning, tracking and stabilising.

The edited video is saved in full-HD format. This function is especially appreciated by those who want to create high-quality full-HD videos.

Blur-free imagery

Panasonic's original level shot function detects and corrects the tilting of captured images.

No matter which model is selected, these functions thoroughly suppress blurring caused by various types of hand-shake and automatically correct the tilting of captured images that may be unnoticed by the camera user while recording.

It is subtle, but by reducing the likelihood of blurred images, the HC-VX980 has a secretly underrated feature.

Contrast that with using a smartphone camera, and how easily ruined pictures can be by the slightest movement.

Wi-fi function

Live streaming becomes embedded into the camera with the Wi-fi combining with USTREAM.

Family and friends can share in your adventure over the internet, and footage can be shared with subscribers for those with an online video presence.

Overall

The HC-VX980 is an expensive piece of gear but is slick, stylish and high-quality.

The steep outlay is worth every penny, and for technophiles who love high quality footage, they will be instantly in love with 2016's camcorder offering.

A lot of features seem subtle, possibly even unattractive from the outside, but once you use them it is difficult to live without them.

Combined, with an unbeatable and seamless quality of video, this camera is one of the best on the market.