Panasonic HDC-SD1 Camcorder
Panasonic HDC-SD1 Press Release
The HDC-SD1 records onto high capacity, solid-state SDHC Memory Cards. This tough, compact model debuts as the world’s smallest and lightest 3CCD High Definition video camcorder1. Because there are no moving parts in the recording section, the HDC-SD1 is also exceptionally resistant to impact. The user can count on reliable, virtually error-free recording.
The HDC-DX1 records onto convenient DVD discs. There is never a need to rewind or fast-forward, so users can play back a scene immediately after recording. The video image and sound data are recorded directly onto the disc for easy storage.
Both models use the high-resolution AVCHD format and feature the kind of 3CCD video recording system used in many professional broadcast cameras. The HDC-SD1 provides about 1 hour of High Definition recording on a 4GB SDHC Memory Card and the HDC-DX1 provides about 40 minutes of High Definition recording on a dual-layer DVD-R disc.
We’re excited to introduce Panasonic’s first consumer High Definition video camcorders, said Rudy Vitti, national marketing manager, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. Weve implemented our black box technologies, such as our 3CCD camera system and Optical Image Stabilization to deliver the best image quality to consumers. These two camcorders offer quality and accessibility, with the scalability of SD memory with the HDC-SD1 or the convenience of recording to DVD discs with the HDC-DX1.
Panasonic, which has devoted extensive research and development to improving the image and sound quality of home-use video cameras, believes that the 3CCD camera system is essential to creating High Definition video cameras with the level of image quality demanded by consumers today. In a 3CCD camera system, the light received through the lens is split into its three primary color components (red, green and blue), and the signal from each is processed by one of the three CCDs (charge-coupled devices or chips). Compared with conventional 1CCD camera systems, Panasonic’s 3CCD system provides more vivid, true-to-life colors, greater detail and richer gradation.
These two new models also incorporate Panasonic revolutionary Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) that minimizes the effect of the slightest shake of the hands, resulting in crisp, clear images that are beautiful on a large screen. Because this system is optical and not digital, there is no loss of quality and images are captured in all of their original beauty. O.I.S. is truly necessary in the age of large-screen, high-resolution TVs, when every image imperfection is easily visible.
The HDC-SD1 and HDC-DX1 feature the world’s first 5.1-channel surround sound system with 5 microphones2. When recordings made with these models are played on a 5.1-channel home theater system, viewers are surrounded by a clear, detailed sound that makes them feel as if they are right in the middle of the action. A Zoom Mic function links the microphone’s action to the camera’s action. When zooming in on a subject in the distance, for example, the microphones also zoom in and record the sounds specific to that subject. When recordings made with the HDC-SD1 and HDC-DX1 are viewed on a large-screen, high-resolution TV with 5.1-channel surround sound, the result is the kind of detailed, vibrant images and acoustic performance that make High Definition a truly revolutionary technology.
The Leica Dicomar lens featured in the HDC-SD1 and HDC-DX1 has 13 lens elements in 10 groups, with 21 multi-coated surfaces, and uses low-dispersion optical glass to reduce chromatic aberration3. This advanced lens also minimizes harmful reflections, so images are crisp, clear and free of flare and ghosting.
With the HDC-SD1 and HDC-DX1, Panasonic has set new image and sound quality standards for today’s video cameras, while giving home users a tool for making their own High Definition recordings.
Both high definition camcorders will be available in March, the HDC-SD1 for a suggested price of $1,499.95 and the HDC-DX1 for a suggested price of $1,399.95.
1 As of Dec. 6, 2006
2 For Video Camera, as of Dec. 6, 2006.
3 Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH, and Dicomar is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.
Panasonic HDC-SD1 Reviews
CamcorderInfo has a review of the Panasonic HDC-SD1 and writes, “Skin tones are very real and colors are accurate. This is not surprising since Panasonic 3CCD camcorders are known for having excellent color reproduction. There seems to be some tendency for the camcorder to overexpose bright whites. You can see the whites are blooming a bit in the yellow and white striped towel behind the male model’s head. Interestingly enough, the zebra feature did not indicate the bright white areas were too bright. Also, the image resolution (picture detail) is not what I expected. … There is some distracting jitter in the image as the camcorder is panned. … If you travel in high society and want to make a statement, then this is the camcorder for you. It looks like a camcorder that millionaires would choose – small, sleek and stylish — and the video is not bad if you don’t look at it closely. I suspect it is targeted for society moms who can appreciate a designer camcorder. However, video enthusiasts would be better off sticking with HDV for a recording format. The video quality is better and the prices are lower.” Link.
Digital Trends has a review of the Panasonic HDC-SD1 and writes, “This camcorder is amazing. I’m not given to hyperbole but the HDC-SD1 is at the top of the pack for consumer camcorders circa early 2007. Given its size, design—and most important—the quality of its high-def video, anyone looking to be on home video’s razor edge, should check this baby out. Yes, it’s expensive but Porsches tend to cost more than Chryslers. And once you start recording in high-def, standard definition memories will be a thing of the past.” Link.
SimplyDV has a review of the Panasonic HDC-SD1 and writes, ” The HDC-SD1 is an excellent solid-state 3CCD device that currently sets the benchmark for tapeless high definition video camera technology in the consumer market. When tested alongside the Sony HDR-SR1 (and pointing at exactly the same subject whilst viewing on identical HD monitor screens), the pictures were markedly better than the Sony’s - especially in the more lowly lit sectors of the screen. The Sony’s images featured quite high levels of rectangular blockiness whereas the SD1’s (and DX1’s) equivalent images were beautifully clear and well rendered. The differences weren’t just mildly worthy of note, they were immediately apparent - even to the untrained eye.” Link.
PCWorld has a review of the Panasonic HDC-SD1 and writes, “When we tested the HDC-SD1, no video editing software supported the format, but Sony says it will offer a free update this spring to allow its Vegas video editor to import such files. You’ll also need a very powerful computer to edit the video once the apps to do so are available, as well as an HD-DVD or Blu-ray drive if you want to export it from your computer in HD. Forget about using the software included with the camcorder; though you can use it to export standard-definition video to a DVD, it’s nearly useless beyond that. You can’t even use it to watch your footage full-screen on your computer. … Video I captured in well-lit settings looked gorgeous, and even video taken in relatively dim, indoor rooms looked surprisingly good–and much better than footage from the standard-definition camcorders I’ve seen.” Link.
CNET Australia has a review of the Panasonic HDC-SD1 and writes, “The image quality was excellent with no visible compression artefacts during playback, with the only blemish we could find being a slight fringing on the edges of some red objects. Zooming in and out is slower than in most other consumer camcorders we’ve tried, and that suits us just fine because faster electric zooms usually require you to have the fine touch to zoom without causing viewers to suffer nausea. … Great image quality from this SDHC-based high-definition camcorder but its petite size makes it hard to hold still.” Link.
CamcorderInfo has a review of the Panasonic HDC-SD1 and writes, “The HDC-SD1 looks great, has an earthquake-beating OIS system, and produces decent HD video (more so when compared to standard definition camcorders rather than HDV camcorders). It’s also a Panasonic that point-and-shooters won’t be intimidated by, with a friendlier joystick menu than we’ve seen in the past. It’s also the first consumer camcorder to record HD footage to durable and convenient SD/SDHC memory cards. Yet despite the promise of AVCHD to bring HD video to the cassette-averse masses, the codec just isn’t ready for prime time, with few editing options available and no DVD player support. … The SD1 does include some features we like to see, especially on a $1300 camcorder, including zebras, MF Assist, a microphone jack, and manual audio levels, but the company didn’t exactly nail them … The SD1 could have been an excellent camcorder if Panasonic had invested as much time in getting the feature set right as making it look sexy. As it is, the HDC-SD1 like its AVCHD codec isn’t ready for prime time.” Link.
Akhabara News has a review of the Panasonic HDC-SD1 and writes, “The SD1 camcorder is a good product as a whole, if you take it out when the weather is on your side you can obtain a great result in terms of visual quality. The AVCHD is a very good codec but it is not widely used and supported. If you have a limited knowledge of this type of product you might have a hard time to use it at its full potential. Last but not least keep in mind that, even though HD recording sure looks very attractive and interesting, it will require more skills and dedication to make good quality videos.” Link.
Trusted Reviews has a review of the Panasonic HDC-SD1 and writes, “There’s no doubt that the HDC-SD1 is the pinnacle of consumer level video capture devices that are that are available today. It’s small, light, easy to use and capable of producing some wonderful quality images with impressive sound quality, that’s free from motor noise. … The HDC-SD1 is a fantastic cutting edge piece of technology that finally does away with the need for tapes. It’s small and light, delightfully easy to use and most of all takes superb high definition images. The AVCHD codec means that few editing applications will handle it, but there are already two packages on the market on the way and more to follow. If you like being at the cutting edge, the HDC-SD1 is highly recommended.” Link.
