News
Panasonic Announces Five New SD Camcorders
With an impressive line up of features including Intelligent Auto (iA) 1 function that detects shooting conditions and automatically selects the most suitable shooting mode, 70x ultra zoom lens 2 to capture faraway subjects with ease, and new easy YouTube 3 uploader making it fast and easy to upload video clips to the YouTube website – the new range is feature packed!
Leading the Pack – the SDR-H90 and SDR-H80
The top of the range SDR-H90 and SDR-H80 hybrid models offer the convenience of recording to both HDD and SD/SDHC Memory Card. The H90's internal 80-GB hard-disk drive (HDD) stores up to 72 hours of recording (in LP mode), while the H80's 60-GB internal HDD can record up to 54 hours (in LP mode). When a 32-GB SDHC Memory Card (optional) is used, it provides an additional storage capacity of up to 26 hours and 40 minutes (in LP mode) of video recording.
The two models protect data well too, thanks to their exceptional reliability. This is made possible by the super-reliable SDHC/SD Memory Card, which does not require any kind of drive mechanism, together with an Anti-Shock Shield that helps protect the built-in hard disk from the effects of external impact. With their extended recording times and rugged designs, these models are ideal for shooting lengthy events or for taking on the road.
Intelligent Auto Function (SDR-S26, SDR-H90/H80 and SDR-S15 4)
Panasonic’s highly acclaimed Intelligent Auto (iA) function detects shooting conditions and automatically selects the most suitable shooting mode, to record stunning images without the hassle of adjusting settings. Activated functions include Advanced O.I.S., which compensates for hand-shake to eliminate blurring, and Face Detection, which adjusts the exposure so faces are captured perfectly.
Also included is the Intelligent Scene Selector, which determines the shooting conditions and automatically selects the Scene mode that will provide optimal results. For example, it can determine and choose the proper Scene mode from the following four patterns: when the user is shooting ocean or mountain landscapes, people's faces, low-light scenes (indoors or out), and scenes such as stages illuminated with spotlights where bright and dark areas both exist.
Zoom in…
Featuring a powerful 70x ultra zoom lens – the H90, H80 and S26 are streets ahead of their competitors, allowing you to capture faraway subjects as if they were right up close. The powerful optical 70x ultra zoom lens was made possible by the Advanced O.I.S system. The optical correction of the Advanced O.I.S. reliably eliminates the effect of hand-shake even when subjects are zoomed to maximum magnification. Together, they provide clear, dynamic images of distant subjects in both still and motion images.
YouTube Uploader5
All new models come with VideoCam Suite software, which makes it easy to upload video clips to the YouTube website 6. 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.
Take Me On Your Travels (all models)
Convenient for travellers, the new World Timer function eliminates the need to manually reset the camcorder time when crossing time zones. The user simply selects the destination from the displayed map, and the time is adjusted automatically. Time can be set for two different locations, such as home and a destination. The user can switch between them by simply pressing a button.
Introducing the SDR-S26
The SDR-S26 differs from the H90 and H80 by offering SD/SDHC card recording only – allowing a slimmer and more compact design. The S26 still manages to pack a 70x ultra zoom lens within its compact body, as well iA and easy to use YouTube Uploader.
SDR-S15 Offers Ultimate Portability
Don’t let the size fool you. The ultra-compact S15 is packed full of technological features to give you clear, sharp true-to-life video and still images every time. This SD card camcorder features iA, easy-to-use YouTube Uploader and a 10x optical zoom and still fits easily into your pocket – impressive!
The S15 also offers quick start for capturing spur-of-the-moment images. After turning on the camcorder, recording can begin in just 0.6 seconds (0.8 seconds for the S26, H90, and H80).
SDR-SW21 – Triple Tough Design
Catering for those looking for a versatile and durable camcorder that can confidentially take action shots under pressure, Panasonic is pleased to introduce the SDR-SW21.
Get Me Wet
A waterproof design that takes advantage of the SDHC/SD Memory Card's water resistance lets users operate the SW21 underwater to a depth of 2 meters 7. The SW21 can even be used in seawater, so users can take moving images of friends snorkelling or tropical fish darting in and out of coral reefs.
The waterproof design greatly expands video shooting possibilities. The SW21 can be used at a beach, ski resort, and in a host of other active, outdoor situations where nobody would dare use a conventional camcorder.
Dust? Not a problem
A dustproof design 8 shuts out airborne dust particles that can lead to malfunction. This enables worry-free shooting in places like the beach, or any place with a lot of dust.
Drop Me
Unlike recording media such as hard disk drives or DVD discs, SDHC/SD Memory Cards require no drive mechanism. This gives the SW21 sufficient shockproof 9 performance to prevent malfunction when dropped from up to 1.2 meters. Combined with its dustproof and waterproof performance, this makes it the ideal camera for anytime use outdoors, in active situations, and for casual everyday video shooting.
The SW21 will be available in 3 colour options – sleek silver, vibrant orange or lime green.
Archiving Made Simple
All new models offer a function that simplifies the process of copying recordings from the SD Memory Card or hard disk to a DVD disc. Simply connect the camcorder to a VW-BN1 DVD Burner (optional). No PC is required. A DVD disc created this way can be easily played on DVD players.
Whatever your shooting needs, whatever your budget – Panasonic has a model to suit. The SDR-H90 and SDR-H80 will be available from April and the SDR-S26, SDR-S15 and SDR-SW21 will be available from February – so there’s not long to wait!
1 Excluding SDR-SW21
2 SDR-H80, SDR-H90 and SDR-S26 only
3 All models
4 S15 features Face Detection and Scene Selector only
5 YouTube and the YouTube logo are the registered trademarks or trademarks of YouTube LLC
6 Video clips must be recorded in Web mode in order to be uploaded to YouTube
7 IEC60529 IPX8 “Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)”
8 IEC60529 IP5X “Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)”
9 MIL-STD-810F METHOD 516.5 SHOCK