Digital Camera News and Reviews

Panasonic SDR-SW21

At CES 2009 Panasonic a wide range of new camcorders. Among them we find the Panasonic HDC-HS300 camcorder, a HD camcorder with 120GB built-in hard drive that can store up to 50 hours of video.

Some key features for the Panasonic HDC-HS300:
-Full HD 1920×1080 Recording
-120GB HDD and SD card slot
-Manual ring
-Electrical viewfinder
-10.6 Megapixel Still Images

The Panasonic HDC-HS300 camcorder will be available from 2009 for about $1,399.95.

Information from Panasonic:
120GB Full HD SD/HDD Hybrid Camcorder with 3MOS Sensor System and Manual Operation

The HDC-HS300 is a hybrid camcorder that records Full HD images either on an SD (or SDHC) Memory Card or the built-in 120GB hard disk drive. A 32-GB SDHC Memory Card can hold around 12 hours of recorded video clips (in HE mode). The HDC-HS300 camcorder can copy recorded video images from the SD Memory Card to the hard disk, or vice versa, with easy operation.

The HDC-HS300 camcorder features the Full HD 3MOS sensor, developed by Panasonic based on its proven 3CCD technology. The Panasonic 3MOS sensor system captures more vibrant, true-to-life colours, greater detail and richer gradation.

The iA function automatically activates several convenient shooting functions. These include Advanced O.I.S., which compensates for hand-shake to eliminate blurring; Face Detection, which adjusts the exposure so faces are captured perfectly; and Intelligent Contrast Control, which helps ensure proper contrast. Also included is the Intelligent Scene Selector, which determines the shooting conditions and automatically selects the scene setting that will provide optimal results.

The Manual Ring is provided for users who want more creative freedom in their image production. with the HDC-HS300 camcorder users can enjoy precise, responsive fingertip control over five key settings — zoom, focus, iris, shutter speed, and white balance.

Image sensor size has been increased from previous 1/6 inch to 1/4.1 inch. 3MOS system with 3 full-HD sensors has total pixel count of 9,150,000 pixels* (3,050,000-pixel x 3). While higher pixel count tends to make noise more noticeable when shooting under dim light conditions, HDC-HS300 solves this problem by using 3 high-sensitivity MOS sensors. It records beautiful images even under dim lighting while maintaining high pixel count, thus making it possible to shoot under minimum luminance of 1.6 lx. * Effective motion image pixels: 6,210,000

Panasonic SDR-SW21

Panasonic has announced the new SDR-SW21 camcorder which is waterproof and shockproof. Should be a great camcorder for people who like to go trekking in the nature or are known to be a bit careless with their equipment.

Some key features for the Panasonic SDR-SW21:
-Waterproof up to 2 metres
-Dustproof
-Shockproof up to 1.2 metres
-MPEG2 Recording (DVD Quality)

The Panasonic SDR-SW21 will cost about $399.95 and hit the marked in April 2009.

Information from Panasonic:
Rugged Compact SD Card Camcorder

The SDR-SW21 camcorder combines a rugged, compact body with waterproofing that allows use in seawater to a depth of 2 metres, shockproofing that protects against falls from up to 1.2 metres, and dustproofing. This camcorder, offering its small size, light weight and superb mobility made possible by SD/SDHC Memory Cards, let users shoot videoa with the same casual ease and carry-about convenience they enjoy with small digital still camcorders.

A waterproof design, taking advantage of the water resistance of an SD/SDHC Memory Card, lets you use the SDR-SW21 camcorder underwater to a depth of 2 metres. The SDR-SW21 camcorder 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. You can use the SDR-SW21 camcorder at the beach, a ski resort, or a host of other active, outdoor situations where you wouldn’t dare use a conventional camcorder.

Unlike recording media such as hard disk drives or DVD discs, SD/SDHC Memory Cards require no drive mechanism. This gives the SDR-SW21 camcorder sufficient impact resistance to prevent malfunction when dropped from up to 1.2 metres. Combined with its dustproof and waterproof features, this makes it the ideal camcorder for anytime use outdoors, in active situations, and for casual everyday video shooting.

The SDR-SW21 camcorder features the new YouTube Uploader function that makes video uploading super easy! Simply set the camcorder to “Web Mode” and it will record the movie in a YouTube compatible format. After shooting connect the camcorder via USB to a PC and the YouTube Uploader automatically starts. Simply follow the procedure to upload your video clips to the YouTube video-sharing site.

The SDR-SW21 camcorder offers a function that simplifies the process of copying recordings from the Memory Card or hard disk drive to a DVD. Simply connect the camcorder to a VW-BN1 DVD Burner (optional) and press the button. No PC is required. A DVD disc created this way can be easily played directly from a DVD player.

Panasonic SDR-H80 camcorder

Pansonic has announced many new camcorders at CES 2009. Among them we find 3 SD camcorders with an incredible 70x optical zoom. The camcorders are called Panasonic SDR-H80, SDR-H90 and SDR-S26, and should fit most needs when it comes to zoom reach.

Some key features for the Panasonic SDR-H80:
-70x optical zoom
-Image stabilization
-60GB HD and SD slot
-Available from April

Some key features for the Panasonic SDR-H90:
-70x optical zoom
-Image stabilization
-80GB HD and SD slot
-Available from April

Some key features for the Panasonic SDR-S26:
-70x optical zoom
-Image stabilization
-MPEG2 Recording (DVD Quality)
-Available from February

Sony MHS-CM1 digital camcorder

Sony announced two new HD camcorders called MHS-CM1 and MHS-PM1 Webbie HD. These camcorders can capture 1440×1080/30p videos and 5-megapixel still photos. The Webbie HD camcorders are designed for a younger audience that often upload videos and photos to Youtube and other social networking sites.

The Sony MHS-CM1 camcorder is available now for about $200 and the Sony MHS-PM1 model will be available in April 2009 for about $170.

Press release:
Share Fun Moments Online With Sony “Webbie HD” Cameras

Two Stylish Devices Provide Quick Video and Photo Uploads to the Web

LAS VEGAS (CES BOOTH #14200), Jan. 7, 2009 – Social networking is all the rage with Sony’s new stylish cameras that make it easy to capture and upload MP4 video and still photos directly to the Web.

The MHS-CM1 and MHS-PM1 Webbie HD™ cameras capture daily events in high definition video (1440×1080/30p) and 5-megapixel still photos. Embedded software makes it possible to quickly upload content online in a few simple clicks. Two portable designs in three stylish colors—eggplant, orange and silver—reflect your personal style while capturing every wish-you-were-here moment.

“Webbie HD cameras are perfect for youth culture, who love to share moments on social networks as they happen,” said Kelly Davis, director of camcorder marketing at Sony Electronics. “It’s exciting to see these new customers embracing video to share their experiences and we’ve expanded our camcorder line to meet their needs.”

Sony MHS-CM1 digital camcorder. Photo provided by Sony Electronics. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony MHS-CM1 digital camcorder.
Photo provided by Sony Electronics.

The MHS-CM1 camera sports a slim horizontal design that fits naturally in your palm with a large 2.5-inch (measured diagonally) LCD screen that swivels up to 270 degrees. It also has 5X optical zoom to snap a detailed close-up of your subject.

The four-ounce MHS-PM1 camera is lightweight and can be taken virtually everywhere—just stash the vertical chassis in a pocket or purse to catch that once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. A rotating swivel lens with 4X digital zoom flips over so you can see yourself while shooting video and taking photos.

By connecting the camera to your computer via the supplied USB cable, the embedded PMB Portable software quickly transfers content to video and photo sharing websites. It includes direct upload to Shutterfly™ and Picasa™ Web Albums photo sharing sites, YouTube™ and Dailymotion™ video sharing sites and Photobucket™ video and photo sharing site. You can also simply drag and drop video files from the camera to your personal computer folders.

Five scene selection modes—such as low light, sports and landscape— help you capture the best picture possible in any situation. Both cameras record directly to Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media (sold separately).

The MHS-CM1 camera is available today for about $200 and the MHS-PM1 model will be available in April for about $170. The Webbie HD cameras will be sold at Sony Style® retail stores, online at www.sonystyle.com/webbiehd and through authorized dealers nationwide.