In addition to their compact size, these new camcorders feature, among other things, an enhanced 78x ultra-optical zoom, which, in addition to the active function of the optical image stabilizer, allows you to take sharp, blur-free shots while zooming or walking.
Three cameras are expected to be available in mid-March: the SDR-H85 model will have an 80GB hard drive and Records to an SDXC / SDHC / SD memory card; the SDR-T50 records videos to 4GB of built-in memory or a memory card; and the SDR-S50 uses an SDXC / SDHC / SD memory card to store recordings. The devices will be available in the following colors in the countries of the region: H85 (black / silver / red), T50 (black), S50 (black, champagne, red, white).
All four models feature 70x optical zoom with an enhanced 78x optical zoom function, which takes full advantage of the CCD's capturing surface to enhance zoom performance at wide angle. Thanks to this, you can take both large-scale landscapes and dynamic close-ups with a strong zoom. The new active mode setting is complemented by Panasonic's hand-shake correction function, the enhanced Optical Image Stabilizer. This setting effectively eliminates hand-shake during zooming as well as increased hand-shake while walking.
A new AF / AE tracking function is added to the popular iA function. You can easily lock the focus and exposure on the subject or person right in the center of the screen by pressing the AF / AE button. This ensures that the subject / person is always shot with the optimal AF / AE setting.
The new wind noise filter, further developed by Panasonic from its previous wind noise reduction function, automatically filters out wind noise and also provides lifelike recording of natural sounds.
In addition to the MPEG-2 (XP / SP / LP mode) recording format, the new models also support the higher compression ratio H.264 / AVC (LXP / LSP / LLP mode) format. The H.264 / AVC format allows you to record 106 hours and 40 minutes of footage (in LLP mode) *, which is close to twice the recording time in MPEG-2 format, while the picture quality is almost identical to that provided by MPEG-2. This way, you don't have to worry about filling up storage capacity, even with a low-capacity SD memory card. The excellent compatibility of the H.264 / AVC format with computers allows video clips to be played on a PC, recorded on a PC or uploaded to websites (eg YouTube). You can also record video clips to Apple Macs using iMovie. Using the VideoCam Suite software included with camcorders and a DVD burner (optional), video clips can be converted to MPEG-2 format and recorded on DVD.
* When using a 64 GB SD memory card
Each camcorder comes with “VideoCamSuite 3.0” computer editing software (for Windows). This includes the “Smart Wizard”, which loads as soon as the camcorder is connected to a USB port on a personal computer. By following the on-screen instructions, a video user who has never used the software before can easily copy the scenes to a computer or burn them to a DVD. The software allows you to quickly upload clips to YouTube, making it easier than ever to share your experiences online. The program is compatible with the newly developed Long Recording mode when writing to a computer or DVD *.
* DVD-RAM / DVD-R / DVD-RW
- AVC / H.264 is converted to MPEG2 when copying video.
- YouTube and the YouTube logo are trademarks of YouTube Ltd.
Hard disk drive (HDD) / SD card camcorder
(SDR-H85)
The SDR-H85 is capable of recording large amounts of movies on its hard disk or Store on an SDXC / SDHC / SD memory card. The built-in (80 GB) hard disk can store approximately 74 hours and 30 minutes (recorded in LP mode), while the optional 64GB SDXC memory card can record 60 hours and 30 minutes (recorded in LP mode). The H85 is the ideal companion for longer events or trips. It provides exceptional reliability and a high level of data protection. This is due to the use of a memory card, which is resistant to external environmental influences (eg vibration, shock) in the absence of moving parts, and to the shock-absorbing jacket that protects the built-in hard disk.
Camcorder with internal memory / SD card
(SDR-T50)
The SDR-T50 records images to internal flash memory or an SDXC / SDHC / SD memory card (optional). The built-in 4 GB memory can store 3 hours and 20 minutes (recorded in LP mode) of movies. The optional 64GB SDXC memory card can store an additional 60 hours and 30 minutes (recorded in LP mode). The “Continuous Recording” function of the dual-memory camcorder automatically resumes recording to the memory card inserted in the unit when the internal memory becomes full. Thus, the T50 model (4GB of built-in memory) with a 64GB SDXC memory card offers a total storage capacity of 68GB, resulting in 64 hours 10 minutes of continuous (shot in LP mode) and 128 hours (recorded in LLP mode) possible. The size of the T50 is smaller than that of hard disk camcorders, so it takes up less space. This model is particularly resistant to external influences, making it an ideal choice for longer trips.
Camcorder with SD memory card
(SDR-S50)
With an SDXC / SDHC / SD memory card, the compact SDR-S50 is ideal for everyday use. Its exceptional protection against external influences and its easy portability make it a versatile model that you should take with you everywhere.
