If you are looking for a new high-definition camcorder, then
maybe you should consider one of the two models announced by Panasonic, HDC-SD5
and HDC-SX5.
Both camcorders can record full-HD video in AVCHD format with
1920 x 1080 pixels and feature the Panasonic’s original 3CCD camera system.
The video data can be saved in either the AVCHD or DVD-VIDEO
format, depending on how it will be played back. Recordings saved in the
full-HD AVCHD format are suitable for playback with a Blu-Ray Player, while
DVD-VIDEO (standard definition) recordings can be played back with a DVD
player.
In order to eliminate even a slight bit of movement, HDC-SD5
and HDC-SX5 include Advanced O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) which uses
gyro-sensors to detect hand-shake, then shifts a lens and adjusts its optical
axis to compensate.
Panasonic claims that whilst previous systems checked and
compensated for hand-shake around 500 times per second, the new Advanced O.I.S.
works around 4,000 times per second.
The HDC-SD5 model is promoted by Panasonic as the world's
smallest and lightest 3CCD High Definition video camera and it uses SDHC Memory
Cards as storage. The recorded videos can be easily transferred to a DVD thanks
to a new USB function.
The second model, Panasonic HDC-SX5 uses for storing videos
and images SDHC/SD Memory Cards and DVD discs. The SX5 can record in HE mode up
to 180 minutes of video on an 8GB SDHC Memory Card (available from September
2007), and up to 60 minutes on a DVD-R dual-layer disc. Combining both media
means you can capture up to 240 minutes of full-HD recording.
The videos stored on the SDHC/SD Memory Card can be easily
transferred to an 8 cm DVD disc internally with the touch of a single button.
The lens systems on the HDC-SD5 and HDC-SX5 are identical.
Each feature a Leica Dicomar 10x optical zoom (700x digital zoom), f/1.8 –
f/2.8, with a focal length of 3.0 – 30.0mm (35mm equiv = 42.9 – 429mm), and a
37mm filter diameter.
Ports on the camcorders include AV-out, component-out, HDMI,
USB, and an SD/SDHC card slot.
Both models are delivered with the new "HD writer
2.0" software include AVCHD playback drivers, MPEG-2 conversion, and the
ability to export frame grabs.
Panasonic will ship its new models in September and the HD-SD5
will have a suggested retail price of $999.95, while HD-SX5 is only $899.95.
