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Exclusive Review: Panasonic HDC-SD600 1080/50p cam
Apr 29th
Whilst we were all getting ourselves geared up for the company’s “700″ series flagship, Panasonic sneaked the new HDC-SD600 in under the radar. We managed to grab one the second it hit UK shores – and here’s what we think of it.
Panasonic HDC-SD600 1080p AVCHD Camcorder
The new Panasonic HDC-SD600 can, it’s fair to say, be considered as a slight cut-down of the HDC-SD700 model in that it offers just about everything that model has but lacks an external mic input or headphone output.
We can safely assume that Panasonic wishes to attract a market that’s positioned just below the so-called serious enthusiast who wishes to use external microphones and headphones yet seeks the same superb images, thanks to three CMOS imaging sensors. The company has also taken steps to provide users with the option of recording full 50 frame progressive-scan 1920×180 high definition image sequences.
What do we think of it? See our exclusive review of the Panasonic HDC-SD600 right here.
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Panasonic launches its HDC-SD600 Full-HD 1080p camcorder
Apr 13th
In response to the growing pressure for full 1080 Progressive Frame HD recording, Panasonic has now launched its HDC-SD600 AVCHD camcorder – similar to the HDC-SD700 but no viewfinder or manual controls.
Earlier this year, Panasonic introduced a series of 3MOS Full-HD camcorders with 1920×1080 image resolutions, which the company proudly boasted to be the highest standard resolution available in today’s HD camcorder market. Today, Panasonic has announced a further addition to its already impressive line-up of Full HD AVCHD camcorder models.
Panasonic HDC-SD600 1080p AVCHD Camcorder
Featuring full resolution 1920×1080, 50p (progressive scan) recording and playback, the new HDC-SD600 is claimed by its maker to render every shot “at a level of beauty that far exceeds conventional camcorders”.
The HDC-SD600 uses an advanced 3MOS (three CMOS image sensors), each of which is designed to handle one of the three primary red, green and blue image streams separately for better image rendering, and the camcorder boasts an ultra wide 35mm wide-angle lens with 12x optical zoom and 18 x intelligent zoom.
Panasonic’s signature POWER O.I.S (Optical Image Stabilisation) is a primary feature of this new model, in addition to iA (intelligent Auto) mode and Face Recognition. Also of note is the fact that, like models in the 700 series, the HDC-SD600 accepts not only SDHC memory cards but also the high-capacity SDXC cards, too. That gives the product the capability of recording to and reading from 64GB memory cards.
Same performance as “700″ models but less features
Panasonic has confirmed to us that the HDC-SD600 replaces the company’s hugely successful HDC-HS200 and HDC-SD200 AVCHD models, and is designed with a particular emphasis on compactness.
Virtually identical to the HDC-HS700/TM700/SD700 models in performance as well as in physical form-factor, the SD600 merely lacks their manual control functions and EVF (electronic viewfinder). This may prove to be a sensible move on the company’s part, given that lots of HD camera users are willing to sacrifice both manual controllability and the EVF in order to save money and benefit from a product that’s slightly smaller and more portable.
Availability
We’re told that the HDC-SD600 will be available to purchase in Europe from May 2010. We will, of course, post more info when we receive it.
Source: Panasonic UK Press Release. Additional text by Colin Barrett, SimplyDV. Image courtesy of Panasonic. Used by permission.
Review: Panasonic HDC-SD60
Mar 5th
Offering full-HD movies, SDXC card support, a good lens with 25x zoom and other commendable features designed to appeal to first-time users, does the SD60 set the benchmark for 2010?
Spring has sprung, the days are getting longer and folks are thinking of getting away for the Summer. One thing Summer demands is a good camcorder in order to capture all those golden moments.
Panasonic HDC-SD60 AVCHD Camcorder in Silver
Of course, 2010 is undoubtedly the year of High Definition, and to prove it we’re now at a situation where AVCHD has become the de-facto standard format for consumer (not to say professional in some instances) high definition video. Panasonic was the first company to introduce a camcorder that utilised AVCHD and today the company continues this onward march with some excellent HD camcorder products that are not just great for complete newbies but are offered at the right price.
To that end, the new HDC-SD60 is one of a family of four models that offer great pictures and sound, and which enables the recording of full resolution HD video to SD memory cards. More particularly, it makes use of the higher capacity SDHC and also SDXC memorys cards.
Improved quality image sensor and sleek, easy-to-use design is enough to guarantee the success of this new product in 2010. First-time video-makers looking for superb high definition video in a convenient and easy-to-use design coupled with great price aren’t going to be disappointed.
What do we think?
Panasonic unveils AVCHD “700″ series
Feb 10th
Celebrating the fact that it is now the UK’s leading brand for high definition camcorders*, Panasonic has announced three impressive new AVCHD models aimed at flying the flag for the brand in 2010.
The new flagship “700-series” models continue the trend for high specification HD camcorders that incorporate not one but three CMOS image sensors and choice of recording media as well as today’s must-have 1080p progressive scan recording and playback facility.
Panasonic HDC-TM700 3MOS AVCHD Camcorder
The Panasonic HDC-TM700, HDC-SD700 and HDC-HS700 models all share technical specifications that include full HD recording (1920 x 1080, 50i with a 50p progressive scan user-selectable option), an ultra wide 35mm wide-angle lens, Panasonic’s own advanced 3MOS system as well as a newly-developed Power O.I.S optical image stabilisation in addition to new-improved Face Recognition technology.
Three models – three recording format options
The 700 series models differ by their recording format only. The hybrid-type HDC-HS700 records full-HD movies and digital photos onto both its large 240GB (Gigabtye) Hard Disc Drive as well as to SDXC, SDHC, or SD Memory Cards.
The twin-memory HDC-TM700 offers a choice of recording onto its 32GB built-in memory as well as to an SDXC, SDHC, or SD Memory Card and – as such – offers a potential 64GB recording and playback capacity.
The HDC-SD700 offers SDXC, SDHC or SD Memory Card recording only – allowing a slimmer and more compact design. Users can select from the three camcorder types based on their preferred media – but in all other respects the camcorders offer similar features and identical performance.
Offering 1080p progressive scan recording
Whilst the default setting for all 700-series models is 1080/50i, users are provided with the option to record in full 1080p (1920×1080/50p Progressive Scan) mode (in Europe and PAL countries).
Panasonic, of course, is in the business of supplying some of the best large-screen HDTV displays, and is keen to point out the advantages of shooting full-HD video in a manner that looks good on its 1080p Viera TV displays when connecting a HDC-HS700, HDC-TM700 or HDC-SD700 to the display via an HDMI connection.
Newly-developed, advanced 3MOS system and improved optics
The newly-developed, high-sensitivity 3MOS system is designed to provide effective motion image pixel count of 9.15 million (3,050,000 pixels x 3).
This new triple image sensor separates the light received through the lens into the three primary colours – red, green and blue – and processes each colour independently. As a result, it offers images with significantly improved colour quality, detail and gradation than the 1MOS single-sensor system.
Panasonic HDC-SD700 3MOS AVCHD Camcorder
The newly developed Crystal Engine Pro large-diameter F1.5 lens combined with the high-sensitivity sensors are together reported to have improved the light collection rate, increased sensitivity, and reduced noise by one-half to provide users with bright, low-noise recording even in dim lighting.
The new models can shoot 14.2-megapixel still images (when shooting in Still Image mode) as well as facilitating 13.3-megapixel still images whilst a movie image is being recorded (known as simultaneous recording).
Semi-professional feature set on all three models
The three 700-series models are equipped with a 12x (12:1 ratio) optical zoom which can be controlled manually thanks to a large, knurled focus ring. Also in evidence are an Electronic Viewfinder (EVF), Hot Shoe and Microphone Input terminal as well as facilitating the monitoring of incoming sound via headphones thanks to a headphone jack.
5.1-channel surround sound
A further flagship feature in the 700 series models is the inclusion of a 5.1-channel sound system that uses five discretely-positioned microphone capsules.
When voices recorded from the front, right, left and back are played back on a 5.1-channel home cinema system, viewers are surrounded by what Panasonic assures us is a clear, detailed sound that makes them feel as if they are right in the middle of the action.
A Zoom Mic function is designed to link the microphone’s action to the camera’s action. When zooming in on a bird in the distance, for example, the microphones will also zoom in on the bird in link with the lens zooming operation and record the bird’s chirping accordingly.
The Focus Microphone function, which has been made possible by five highly directional microphones, picks up the sounds from sources in the area in front of the camcorder, regardless of whether the lens is focusing on a near or distant object.
Effective wind noise cancelling
One brand new feature that impressed SimplyDV is the new Wind Noise Canceller, which has evolved from Panasonic’s previous Wind Cut function. This clever utility automatically detects and suppresses intrusive wind noise by the use of audio filters to the extent that it effectively removes a lot of unwanted noise within the whole sound spectrum.
Panasonic HDC-HS700 3MOS AVCHD Camcorder
Optical charisteristics
The 46mm diameter F1.5 Leica Dicomar Lens on the HDC-HS700 and HDC-TM700 models is manufactured using measuring instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certified by Leica Camera AG based on that company’s quality standards. The 700-series lens is designed not only to suppress ghosting and flare, but will also minimise the distortion and degradation of contrast and resolution that tend to occur at the lens periphery.
Intelligent Zoom for intelligent zooming
The 12x optical zoom lens is further enhanced by Intelligent Resolution Technology in the Crystal Engine Pro image-processing circuit, to produce the new 18x Intelligent Zoom. All of the new 3MOS HD models are equipped with a 35mm wide-angle lens that Panasonic claims will be ideal for many different shooting situations, such as self-portraits and group photos indoors, and landscape shots outdoors.
Intelligent Auto now with Power O.I.S.
The iA (Intelligent Auto) function – highly popular on previous models, we’re told – is included in these models. Additionally, Panasonic’s new Power O.I.S. is said to employ approximately five times the corrective power of conventional systems to effectively suppress blurring from low-frequency vibration, which was previously difficult to achieve. The addition of Active mode, which minimizes the blurring and makes it easier for users to shoot while walking or whilst shooting from a moving vehicle.
New Face Recognition circuitry
The iA function, which automatically selects the most suitable shooting mode at the press of a button, has further evolved. In addition to the previous five functions, the new iA offers a Face Recognition function.
Flying the flag: Panasonic HDC-TM700 3MOS AVCHD
This increasingly-important utility, which allows a maximum of six faces to be registered, finds the registered faces of subjects and automatically optimizes the focus and exposure for them. It then continues to tracks and optimises the image detail relating to the subject as it moves around within the LCD frame.
High recognition accuracy can be ensured under various shooting conditions by registering facial images from different angles or with different expressions for each person. Names can also be displayed up to three on the LCD. Smile Shot is another handy function. It automatically records a still image during motion image recording when the camcorder detects a smiling face on the subject.
UK and Republic of Ireland Availability
We’re informed by Panasonic UK that the new models will be available from March 2010. We’ll do our best to bring the first online review of one or more of these models, of course!
*Statistical source: GFK Retail & Technology UK, Great Britain Camcorders Market (High Definition) Value share %, Sept-Oct 2009
Source: Panasonic UK Press Release. Images supplied by Panasonic, used by permission. Additional words by Colin Barrett.
SDXC card support on four new Panasonic AVCHD camcorders
Jan 6th
In another product announcement timed for this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, USA, Panasonic unveils the first of its new AVCHD format camcorders for 2010 – each of which includes support for the new SDXC memory cards.
Panasonic HDC-SD60 AVCHD Camcorders - Red and Silver
With each of four new slim and slender models featuring a 35.7mm wide lens, 35x Intelligent Zoom, newly developed Power O.I.S and Face Recognition – the new models are described by Panasonic as being ideal for users looking for ease of operation and portability at an affordable price.
The new 60 series models have all been furnished with a Full-HD 1MOS system producing 1920 x 1080i high definition picture output suitable for today’s HDTV displays.
The four compact base models are the HDC-HS60, TM60, TM55 and SD60 – with the latter being offered in three colour variants. The hybrid-type HS60 records onto an internal 120GB HDD (hard disc drive) as well as an SDXC, SDHC, or SD Memory Card. The twin-memory TM60/55 records onto its 16-GB/8GB built-in memory and an SDXC, SDHC, or SD Memory Card, and the SD60 records onto an SDXC, SDHC, or SD Memory Card.
25x Wide Angle Intelligent Zoom on all models
All models in this series feature a 25x optical zoom, which is further enhanced by Intelligent Resolution Technology in the Crystal Engine Pro image-processing circuit, to produce the new 35x Intelligent Zoom. All of the new 1MOS HD models are also equipped with a 35.7mm wide-angle lens which, according to the maker, is ideal for many different shooting situations, such as self-portraits and group photos indoors, and landscape shots outdoors. We’ve seen it in action and it’s a very welcome addition.
Panasonic HDC-HS60 AVCHD Camcorder - record to 120GB HDD or memory card
The iA (Intelligent Auto) function – undoubtedly a popular feature on previous models – is also included on the new models. iA provides a high degree of hand-holding for newcomers or those wishing to grab shots without too much fiddling in menus.
A new feature is Panasonic’s Power O.I.S. which employs approximately five times the corrective power of conventional systems to effectively suppress blurring from low-frequency vibration.
The addition of Active mode, which minimizes the blurring and lets users shoot while walking, is designed to enhance image clarity on the whole range of shooting situations, we’re assured.
Upgraded Face Recognition utility
The iA function, which automatically selects the most suitable shooting mode during recording, has been updated and improved, too. In addition to the previous five functions, the new iA offers a Face Recognition function – something that’s very useful for capturing properly resolved images of a specific person among a group of people within the frame.
Panasonic HDC-TM60 AVCHD Twin Memory Camcorder
Face Recognition identifies faces of subjects and automatically optimizes the focus and exposure for each one. It continues to track the subject as the person moves anywhere within the LCD frame, making it ideal for video shooting. A maximum of six faces can be registered. High recognition accuracy can be ensured under various shooting conditions by registering facial images from different angles or with different expressions for each person. Names can also be displayed on up to three of the subjects on the LCD.
According to information provided to us by Panasonic, the image sensor and engine – as well as the lenses that support them – have all evolved to achieve 30% higher resolution than conventional camcorders, with 2.1M effective motion image pixels and approximately 1000 TV lines of resolution. Intelligent Resolution Technology enables all three models to record 5-megapixel still images.
Panasonic HDC-T55 AVCHD Camcorder
Give us a smile
Smile Shot is another new and handy function which has been incorporated into the new models that automatically records a still image during motion image recording when the camcorder detects a smiling face on the subject. This is really useful for grabbing impromptu snapshots of people even as you’re recording video – you’re guaranteed to get smiling shots without really trying.
Impressive New Wind Noise Canceller
If you’ve ever recorded video footage in windy conditions you’ll know how disappointing the sound can be thanks to minimal wind-noise filtering on many camcorders. Panasonic has at last provided a solution which impressed us when being shown the new models early in December 2009 – namely the new Wind Noise Canceller. This has evolved from Panasonic’s previous Wind Cut function and automatically detects and suppresses only wind noise in a manner which manages to maintain natural sounds with lifelike ambience. It works!
Colour options
The HDC-HS60, HDC-TM60, HDC-TM55 models are available in Black
The HDC-SD60 is available in Black, Red and Silver
Availability in the UK and Eire
The new models will be available from February 2010.
Note: We hope to bring you reviews of at least one key model in this range ahead of release.
Story: Colin Barrett, SimplyDV. Images Copyright Panasonic Europe. Used by Permission January 2010.
Three new SD camcorders added to Panasonic’s 2010 range
Jan 6th
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
