Archive notice: This article was originally published on July 22, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Videographers are changing direction. Ambitious users in particular want not only outstanding high-definition image quality, but also features that go well beyond the conventional. For this group of consumers, Panasonic is introducing the new HDC-SD100 and HDC-HS100 Full HD 3MOS camcorders. Thanks to a new manual control ring, videographers can now more easily create recordings with their own creative signature.
Both the HDC-SD100 and HDC-HS100 record in AVCHD format at Full HD quality with 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. Both camcorders use Panasonic’s newly developed 3MOS camera system, which is based on the company’s renowned 3CCD technology. The 3MOS system uses separate sensors to process the primary colors red, green and blue, producing significantly more natural colors than single-chip camera systems. The light-sensitive area of each MOS sensor is approximately twice* as large as that of CCD sensors, particularly benefiting recordings made in low-light conditions. (* compared with Panasonic HDC-SD9/HDC-HS9 3CCD camcorders)
In addition to outstanding image quality, both camcorders offer features that will especially appeal to advanced videographers. For greater creative flexibility, focus, zoom, aperture and shutter speed can be adjusted manually using the new control ring. A color viewfinder provides a clear view in every situation, while an accessory shoe plus microphone and headphone connections allow the use of a wide range of optional accessories.
Because the SD100 records to SDHC/SD memory cards, it requires no drive and, with no moving parts, is completely resistant to shocks. Low power consumption and high storage capacity are further advantages of the SDHC/SD memory card. Working with the SD100 also remains straightforward after shooting. Videographers can simply remove the SD memory card from the camcorder and insert it into the card slot of a suitably equipped Panasonic VIERA television or Panasonic Blu-ray Disc™ player to enjoy impressive high-definition footage on a large screen.
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As a hybrid model, the HS100 records to an SDHC/SD memory card or its integrated 60GB hard drive, which holds up to 23 hours of HD footage. Users can easily copy recorded sequences from the memory card to the hard drive and vice versa, giving them the freedom to choose the medium best suited to subsequent use.
With the world’s first* iA (Intelligent Auto) function, videographers using the SD100 and HS100 can capture beautiful, error-free images in any situation. (* for camcorders, as of June 18, 2008)
For cinematic sound, both camcorders feature a 5.1-channel sound system with five separate microphones. Each captures ambient sound so realistically that viewers feel immersed in the action when the footage is played back. Both models also include zoom microphone and center microphone functions.
Users can not only shoot their own high-definition videos easily with the SD100 and HS100, but can also copy the footage to DVD just as simply for convenient playback. Panasonic offers the optional VW-BN1 DVD burner for this purpose, which writes high-definition material to DVD in its original AVCHD format without requiring a PC. The resulting DVD can then be played on a Blu-ray Disc™ player or through the VW-BN1.
The SD100 and HS100 also make it easier than ever for users to edit high-definition video on a PC. Both camcorders ship with HD Writer 2.6 software for Windows and are supported by Apple Macintosh iMovie 08.
The new Panasonic SD100 and HS100 Full HD camcorders will be available in Germany from September 2008, both in an elegant black finish. Recommended retail prices have not yet been set.
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