New Panasonic HD camcorders launched

[skywalker1010]

Just seen that two new Panasonic HD camcorders are being launch in December. The HDC-SD1 which records to a SD 4Gb card and the HDC-DX1 which records to DVD, both are using AVCHD.

Link http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content...nd-HDC-DX1.htm

Both feature Panasonics acclaimed 3-CCD array, which should better the single CMOS sensor the new Sony HDR-SR1 is using.

Release is December in Japan, here's hoping the UK will get to see these soon also. I am in the market for my first HD cam, was going to go with the Sony HDR-SR1, but I may hold fire now.

[redsox_mark]

Thanks for spotting that... I had heard that these were coming...

Good to see some additional models and competition. Having three 1/4" CCDs should be a good thing. Interesting that the max compression is lower than the Sony SR1 (13 Mbps vs. 15). Records 40 minutes to a 4 GB card in best quality mode. (the article quotes 90 minutes, but that is in 6 Mbps setting).

[Mr.Nice.Guy]

Good, this increases the pressure on sw-editing companies to support the AVCHD file format.

[skywalker1010]

Quick update, here is a first impression of this cam here

[Davidgilmour]

This seems to be the best camera out on the market right now for under $1200 !

http://www.simplydv.co.uk/Reviews/pa...c_hdc-sd1.html

Anyone gonna buy one?

[massimo]

Until reading the review on the Panasonic HDC-SD1 I hadn't even considered solid state memory card HD camcorders, but now I am thinking about holding off on my purchase of a Sony DV HD camcorder.

Is the picture quality really better than Sony's tape recorders? I always assumed a compressed file on an SD card was pointless. Acorrding to the reviewer though, its way better.

[Davidgilmour]

Yeah, he is a professional reviewer from a pro site. 5 stars out of 5 is hard to beat. This is gonna be a very good bargain for 800 quid (600 quid through ebay, japan, hong kong)

[massimo]

My only concern is uploading the footage to a PC/Apple iMac.
Originally I intended on using iMovie HD to edit my HD footage stored on DV tape, so I guess I'll have to hold off on getting one of these gorgeous little machines right away.
Anyone know when they're available in the UK and how much?

[CineManno]

There's one thing I don't understand. 4GB of SD memory or a DVD will last for ~20 minutes of footage. Woohee

Do I miss something or is it the idea that you carry 10 -20 of these SD cards with you on holiday. They aren't particularly cheap, aren't they?

[redsox_mark]

Originally Posted by massimo

Is the picture quality really better than Sony's tape recorders? I always assumed a compressed file on an SD card was pointless. Acorrding to the reviewer though, its way better.

I've read the article and I can't see any comparison against any of Sony's HDV (tape) based camcorders. The only comparison I see is against the AVCHD/HDD SR1, and yes in that comparison he likes the Panasonic better.

I'm sure this Panasonic is going to be a great camcorder; I just can't conclude from that article that it is better than Sony's HDV models.

[senu]

Im sure that for AVCHD.. the camcorders can only get better. The technology is in evolution and better results will be the goal of current models

The Tape based HDV camcorders are somwhat more mainstream ( in the world of HD recording) and even if a comparison on PQ suggested as good ( but not better PQ), there is still the issue of editng for AVCHD, and a portable output format for both formats.
While its nice to know that progress is being made, Im a bit cautious of the long term
Ie: What is the target market for AVCHD: people who just wish to video in Hi Def in a tapeless way for whom watching it off the camcorder is the norm or for whom editing isnt impt?.
Even playing the video streams on an "average" PC is near impossible for now

[massimo]

Originally Posted by redsox_mark

I've read the article and I can't see any comparison against any of Sony's HDV (tape) based camcorders. The only comparison I see is against the AVCHD/HDD SR1, and yes in that comparison he likes the Panasonic better.

I'm sure this Panasonic is going to be a great camcorder; I just can't conclude from that article that it is better than Sony's HDV models.

Ah sorry, didn't read it properly.
I think I'll probably end up plumping for the Sony HDR-HC3.

I am very interested in HDC-SD1's surround sound also. It's a great idea sticking 5 speakers on top of the camera. Hopefully they'll sound great.
Just think, this time next year we'll all be watching our holiday videos in HD with surround sound. AWESOME!
I am a little confused how the 5 channel audio gets from the camera to your receiver though.

[redsox_mark]

Originally Posted by massimo

I am a little confused how the 5 channel audio gets from the camera to your receiver though.

Not sure with the Panasonic, but with the Sony SR1 it doesn't - it is converted to 2 ch stereo if played from the camcorder. To get 5.1 sound you would need to create a DVD with 5.1 sound.

[senu]

Sonys DCR HC 1000 did have 5.1 support but you had to buy Sonys special "5.1" mic( 4 way) ($200 )) and plug it into the stereo mic jack

Im guessing 5.1 sound for domestic or semi pro DVD is ( as a selling point for camcorders) a Marketing gimmick

[Davidgilmour]

This thread has a lot of downloadable samples from the Panny HD camera. -->

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/sho...2&page=1&pp=15

I can't play them on my brand new MacBook Core Duo but everybody is enthoustiastic about them. I will buy one of these babies soon