14 DAY TRIAL // You might not think it, but there already are wearable cameras that can shoot video in 4K resolution, or at least there is one, the GoPro HERO3+ Black Edition, and Panasonic has just launched one that claims to be better than that.
GoPro HERO3+ Black Edition can record 4K media, sure enough, but only at a frame rate of 15 fps (frames per second).
Panasonic's new creation, however, called HS-500, claims to be able to record in a similar quality at a frame rate of 25 fps.
That's not really close enough to 38-39 fps, so you'll definitely see frame stuttering, but it's a lot better than 15 fps.
Besides, there is no wearable camera that can pull off the same performance, especially when you factor in the other assets of the thing.
For one, the camera is both waterproof and dustproof, and we're not talking about mere resistance to rain here either.
You can actually submerge the thing underwater at a depth of 10 feet, or 3 meters, and keep it there for 30 minutes without it suffering any harm.
So you could, say, go for a swim in shallow water and record what's happening down below, although the quality and clarity of the video probably won't be all that great, unless the water is clear and it's bright day outside.
This is not, after all, a piece of video equipment intended for submarine image and video recording.
Anyway, the HX-A500 has a 1.5-inch display where you can preview the video, plus Wi-Fi and NFC wireless connectivity.
The former wireless connection technology is obvious enough in purpose, but the NFC might surprise you, since it's also intended as a means to stream 4K video, instead of just pairing the camera with something else.
You can, of course, link the HX-A500 with an iPhone or smartphone of course. The company did, after all, create the Panasonic Image App in both iOS and Android incarnations.
Sales of the Panasonic HX-A500 wearable 4K camera should begin in May, so we still have a nice period of waiting to get through. The price will be of £379.99 / $626 / €455.08.
Until then, feel free to watch the “trailer” embedded above, or see the item in the photo above. Design-wise, nothing stands out, but that's okay. Wearable gadgets aren't necessarily fashion statements, and if you're setting out to document life in the wild or a bike stunt or some such things, something that blends in works better regardless.