Three new SD camcorders added to Panasonic’s 2010 range

Three new standard definition camcorder will soon be available from Panasonic. New features include 78x Enhanced Optical Zoom, a 33mm wide-angle lens and a new blur-sppressing Active mode for the Advanced O.I.S. If that’s not enough, the models have built-in SDXC card support for the first time.

Panasonic SDR-H85 Camcorder

The new range – which is claimed by Panasonic to be the only standard definition camcorders to include the superior Optical Image Stablisation – offers a choice of recording formats.

These are HDD (hard disc drive), SDXC, SDHC or SD Memory Card recording and twin memory recording (SDXC, SDHC or SD Memory Card and built in flash memory) – all of which further confirms the domination of flash memory recording and playback in today’s camcorders.

It’s interesting to note that HDD-based camcorders, which have maintained popularity until very recently, are now conceding to solid-state, flash-memory-based, camcorders – not only in the High Definition ranges but Standard Definition too. Does this mark the very end of HDD as a camcorder storage medium and is the SDR-H85 (pictured above) the last such model from Panasonic? We’ll just have to see!

Enhanced Optical 78x Zoom and Advanced O.I.S. with Active Mode

All models in this new range feature a 70x Optical Zoom lens with an Enhanced Optical 78x Zoom function that uses the effective area of the CCD to further extend the lens’ zooming power at the wide-angle setting.  Already one of the best technologies of its kind currently available, Panasonic’s Advanced OIS (optical image stabilisation) detects and corrects hand-shake at a rate of 4,000 times per second to provide stable images while zooming.

New 33mm Wide-Angle lens and Intelligent Auto

The 33mm wide-angle setting makes it possible to get in much closer to a subject whilst maintaining a wider field of view. It also leads to more stable recordings. The wide lens is also convenient when seeking to fill the picture with broad panoramic shots, such as landscapes or sea vistas.

The iA (Intelligent Auto) function now includes an AF/AE Tracking feature that tracks a moving subject to make sure that it continues to be recorded in optimal image quality. The normal Auto mode simply adjusts the focus and exposure for a subject at the center of the screen.  The user “locks on” to a subject at the centre of the screen by pressing the AF/AE button.  The new tracking function then automatically follows the subject even if it moves or turns to one side.  This is designed to keep the AF/AE settings constantly optimized for sharp, clear images of a moving subject.

Nice, clean looks - the Panasonic SDR-S50 Camcorder in white

A new Intelligent Contrast Control, which automatically adjusts brightness to maintain the best possible contrast, has also been added to the five advanced functions from previous models, including Face Detection,Advanced O.I.S., and Intelligent Scene Selector, and each is activated as required by simply pressing the iAbutton to capture beautiful images under virtually all shooting situations.

New Wind Noise Canceller

As with Panasonic’s newly-announced AVCHD camcorders, all the models in this range have been fitted with the much requested feature – the Wind Noise Canceller - which is designed to automatically detect and suppress unwanted wind noise whilst not degrading the quality of the required sound ambience. We were recently given a demonstration of this by Panasonic engineers and we’re very impressed with the results.

H.264/AVC codec provides up to 106 hours

In addition to the conventional MPEG-2 (XP/SP/LP mode) recording format conventionally used on standard definition tapeless camcorders, these new models use the H.264/AVC (LXP/LSP/LLP mode) compression format to maintain a higher quality at lower data rates.

The H.264/AVC format enables recording times up to 106 hours and 40 minutes of movie images (in LLP mode), which is nearly double that of the standard MPEG-2 format, whilst maintaining the same high image quality as MPEG-2. The H.264/AVC format’s excellent compatibility with PCs also allows video clips to be played and saved on a PC, or uploaded to websites such as YouTube.  Video clips can also be transferred to any Intel-based Apple Mac computer (running OS10.5 Leopard or OS10.6 Snow Leopard) when using iMovie, Final Cut Express or Final Cut Pro.  For Windows XP, Vista or 7 users the bundled VideoCam Suite and an optional USB-host DVD burner are all that’s needed to convert video clips to MPEG-2 and saved onto a DVD disc.

1.9-sec Quick Power-On Helps Catch Sudden Shooting Opportunities

The camcorder automatically turns on or off when the LCD is opened or closed. This enables recording to start in only 1.9 seconds from the time the LCD is opened. The Quick Start mode further sets the camcorder to ON or standby status when the LCD is opened or closed. When the Quick Start mode is used together with 1.9-sec Quick Power-On, the camcorder is able to start recording in only 0.8 second from the time the LCD is opened. This is especially handy when recording intermittently. Additionally, a new Eco mode automatically turns off the power when the camcorder is not operated for five minutes, reducing wasteful energy use and saving battery power.

YouTube Uploader

All new models come with VideoCam Suite software, which is designed to make it easy for users upload video clips to the YouTube website. By connecting the camcorder to a PC (not Mac) using the USB interface the software will automatically start, after which a clip or group of clips may be easily uploaded to YouTube using onscreen wizards.

Here’s the lowdown on what will soon be available:

Leading the pack – the “hybrid” HDD+Memory Card SDR-H85

Panasonic's SDR-H85 "Hybrid" Camcorder

As the flagship for the 2010 standard definition range, the Panasonic SDR-H85 is designed to offer the convenience of recording to both HDD and SDXC, SDHC or SD Memory Card (with SDXC being the new high-performance memory card format, and seen on Panasonic products for the first time).

The SDR-H85’s internal 80GB HDD (hard disc drive) is capable of storing up to 74 hours and 30 minutes of data (in LP mode), while a 64GB SDXC Memory Card (sold separately) can store up to approximately 60 hours and 30 minutes of data (in LP mode).

This confirms the SDR-H85′s suitability  for long-form recording (recording lengthy events) as well as for use on extended trips, for example. The camcorder’s HDD is protected by an Anti-Shock Shield that helps protect the built-in hard disk from the effects of external impact – always a concern among users of devices that rely on tiny hard disc drives.

What’s more, it’s very easy to copy recordings and photos from the hard disc to memory card or vice-versa in addition to users being able to very simply dub clips or whole sequences to DVD by simply connecting the camcorder to an optional Panasonic DVD burner via a USB cable. For this, no PC is required – and DVD discs created this way can be easily played on DVD players.

The SDR-T50 – Twin Memory recording

Panasonic's SDR-T50 Twin Memory model

Although Panasonic has featured Twin Memory camcorders in its high definition ranges for some time now, we’re seeing the feature for the first time in its standard definition line-up. The SDR-T50 provides the option of recording clips and images onto its built-in memory or an optional SDXC, SDHC, or SD Memory Card.

The built-in 4GB memory can hold approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes of movie images (in LP mode). The use of a 64GB SDXC Memory Card adds data storage for about 60 hours and 30 minutes of movies (in LP mode). This Twin Memory Camcorder is also equipped with a relay recording function that automatically changes the recording media to the SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card when the built-in memory becomes full, to ensure uninterrupted recording. The SDR-T50 is smaller than the HDD camcorders, so does not take up much space in travel luggage, and is highly resistant to impact. This makes the T50 ideal for bringing along on extended trips.

The “sleek and portable” SDR-S50

Panasonic SDR-S50 Camcorder - in red!

Building on the success of the company’s multiple award-winning SDR-S26, the SDR-S50 differs from the H85 by offering SDXC, SDHC or SD Memory Card recording only – allowing a slimmer and more compact design.

The S50 contains an Enhanced Optical 78x Zoom lens as welliA and easy-to-use YouTube Uploader.

The new range is primarily with cost-conscious users in mind – especially those looking to acquire their first camcorder but who do not wish to make the commitment to high definition.

Choose your colour: Panasonic SDR-T50 Camcorder in Black, Blue and White

Availability in the UK and Eire

The new models will be available from February 2010.

Colour Options

The SDR-H85 and SDR-T50 models are available in Black
The SDR-S50 is available in Black, Red, White and Blue variants

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