Panasonic launches high-def camcorder duo

Introducing the HDC-SD100 and HDC-HS100

23 July 2008 12:24 GMT / By Katie Scott

Panasonic has added two HD camcorders to its line-up.

Both the HDC-SD100 and HDC-HS100 have a 3MOS sensor array to record red, green, and blue separately, which results in greater sensitivity and a higher dynamic range when recording, claims the manufacturer.

The camcorders also feature Panasonic's iA (intelligent Auto) mode, which comprises optical image stabilisation, face detection, contrast control and scene selection.

The HDC-SD100 records to SD memory cards, and comes packaged with a 8GB SDHC card while the HDC-HS100 records to both SD Memory Card and to its internal 60GB hard drive.

Both models include manual functions for control over zoom, focus, iris, shutter speed and white balance.

Panasonic has also built in its HD Advanced Pure Color Engine and a new Leica Dicomar lens (with 12x zoom) to deliver images in full-HD 1920 x 1080 recording.

Both camcorders come packaged with HD Writer 2.6 software for Windows, and also support iMovie '08 for Apple, which let users directly edit the high-quality full-HD moving pictures they capture with their camcorders.

The SD100 and HS100 are compatible with Panasonic's Viera Link, allowing users to connect the camcorder to a Viera HDTV via an HDMI cable, and operate the camcorder using the TV remote control, and following on-screen prompts.

Furthermore, users can also take the SD memory cards from the camcorders and slip it into the SD card slot on a Panasonic PZ850 series Viera HDTV, or a Panasonic BD50 or BD30 Blu-ray Disc Player.

The Pansonic HDC-SD100 and HDC-HS100 camcorders will be available in August.

The HS100 will retail for £899 and the SD100 for £799.

Full tags

Cameras, Camcorders, Panasonic, Home Cinema, Televisions, Viera