News
Zooming in on Panasonic’s New Standard Definition Camcorders
Panasonic is pleased to expand on its award winning portfolio of standard definition camcorders with the introduction of three new models. With an impressive line up of features including the new Enhanced Optical Zoom for powerful 78x ultra zoom shooting, an impressive 33mm* wide-angle setting, and a new Active mode for the Advanced O.I.S that suppresses the blur and produces clear images even when zooming or walking – these compact models are set to be firm favourites.
With a choice of recording formats available – from hard disk drive, SDXC, SDHC or SD Memory Card recording and twin memory recording (SDXC, SDHC or SD Memory Card and built in flash memory) – there is a model to suit everyone.
*35mm lens equivalent
SDR-H85 – let no moment be missed!
The top of the range standard definition SDR-H85 offers the convenience of recording to both HDD and SDXC, SDHC or SD Memory Card. The H85’s internal 80-GB hard-disk drive (HDD) stores up to 74 hours and 30 minutes of data (in LP mode), while a 64 GB SDXC Memory Card (sold separately) stores about 60 hours and 30 minutes of data (in LP mode). This makes the H85 ideal for recording long events and for use on extended trips, for example.
Protecting your recordings is also a key focus for Panasonic – ensuring that those special moments are never lost. Panasonic offers exceptional reliability thanks to the super-reliable SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card, which requires no drive mechanism, together with an Anti-Shock Shield that helps protect the built-in hard disk from the effects of external impact.
To further add to its appeal, the SDR-H85 greatly simplifies the process of copying recordings from a memory card or hard disk to a DVD disc. Simply connect the camcorder to a DVD burner (optional). There is no PC required, and DVD discs created this way can be easily played on DVD players.
Enhanced Optical 78x Zoom and Advanced O.I.S. with Active Mode
These compact camcorders all feature a powerful 70x optical zoom lens with an Enhanced Optical 78x Zoom function that uses the effective area of the CCD to further extend their zooming power at the wide-angle setting. This makes it possible to capture beautiful images of sweeping landscapes and pull in distant subjects for truly dynamic close-ups. However, because hand-shake becomes increasingly noticeable with more powerful zooming, an optical image stabilizing function is essential for suppressing hand-shake and providing clear zoom shots without degradation. This is where Advanced O.I.S. comes in. It detects and corrects hand-shake at a rate of 4,000 times per second, to provide stable images while zooming. Plus, the addition of a new Active mode produces clear, blur-resistant images even when shooting while walking.
33mm Wide-Angle for the Bigger Picture
The 33mm* wide-angle setting is especially convenient when shooting video indoors or in tight spaces. It makes it possible to shoot at a close distance from the subject while fitting both the subject and the surrounding area into the frame. This has the added benefit of allowing the voice of the subject to be clearly recorded, which is an important element in video recordings.
The new wide-angle setting captures beautiful images of wide landscapes and allows large groups of people to fit into the frame, making it highly versatile for use in all kinds of situations.
*35mm-lens equivalent
iA (Intelligent Auto) with AF/AE Tracking
The iA function*, which automatically selects the most suitable shooting mode, has evolved even further. It 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 simply "locks on" to a subject at the center 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 keeps the AF/AE settings constantly optimized for sharp, clear images of a moving subject.
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 iA button to capture beautiful images under virtually all shooting situations.
*The functions included in iA may not be applied when conditions do not call for them
New Wind Noise Canceller
Not one to rest on its laurels, the new Wind Noise Canceller, which has evolved from Panasonic’s previous Wind Cut function, automatically detects and suppresses only wind noise, to maintain natural sounds with lifelike ambience.
Long Recording Mode （H.264/AVC）
In addition to the conventional MPEG-2 (XP/SP/LP mode) recording format, the new models support the H.264/AVC (LXP/LSP/LLP mode) format with its higher compression ratio. The H.264/AVC format records up to 106 hours and 40 minutes of movie images (in LLP mode)*, which is nearly double that of the MPEG-2 format, while maintaining the same high image quality as MPEG-2. This eliminates worries of running out of recording space when using a small-capacity SD Memory Card. 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 Apple's Mac computer with the iMovie application. By using the VideoCam Suite software that is supplied with the camcorder and a DVD burner (optional), video clips can be converted to MPEG-2 and saved onto a DVD disc.
*When a 64-GB SD Memory Card is used
1.9-sec Quick Power-On Helps Catch Sudden Shooting Opportunities
The camcorder 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 camcorder's quick start-up ability helps to capture those spur-of-the-moment shots, while also saving energy by allowing the user to keep the LCD closed and the power off when not shooting. 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. Plus, 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.
*When the LCD is opened, with the lens cover detached from the lens. Depending on the recording conditions, the start time may be longer than 1.9 seconds in still picture recording mode
^Recording onto an SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card or built-in memory only. This mode can be selected from the menu
`Set to ON when shipped from the factory
YouTube Uploader
All new models come with VideoCam Suite software, which makes it easy to upload video clips to the YouTube website*. You simply connect the camcorder to the PC using the USB interface and the software automatically starts up. Then, the user just follows the specified procedure to upload a video clip to YouTube^. Once again, Panasonic camcorders have come up with a truly unique style to expand the fun of video shooting even more.
*YouTube and the YouTube logo are the registered trademarks or trademarks of YouTube LLC
^Video clips must be recorded in Web mode in order to be uploaded to YouTube
Introducing the SDR-S50 – sleek and portable
Building on the success of the multiple award winning SDR-S26, the S50 differs from the H85 by offering SDXC, SDHC or SD Memory Card recording only – allowing a slimmer and more compact design. The S50 still manages to pack an Enhanced Optical 78x Zoom lens within its compact body, as well iA and easy to use YouTube Uploader.
Designed with users in mind, Panasonic’s 2010 range of standard definition camcorders are feature packed, fun and a must have purchase! The only manufacturer to offer Optical Image Stabiliser in standard definition models – the new additions achieve real time stabilisation, assuring sharp and crisp images. The new models will be available from February 2010.