We checked out Panasonic's new high-end Zirconia headphones at CES 2009. Brand new HD camcorders were also on display, as well as an SD camcorder featuring 70x optical zoom.
Panasonic HDC-HS300 camcorder
 While stellar video quality can really turn us on, so can an architecturally sound camcorder. The Panasonic HDC-HS300 is the best example of what a top-of-the-line HD camcorder should look like, featuring a customizable lens ring, electronic viewfinder and a built-in 5.1 channel Surround Sound mic with oodles of settings. Panasonic also introduced a new touch-screen LCD and pumped up the hand strap for a more comfortable grip. Aside from a prosumer-styled design, the Panasonic HDC-HS300 contains an extensive set of manual controls and records to a 120GB HDD. Perhaps the most exciting news is that the Panasonic HDC-HS300 is packed with three individual CMOS sensors, collectively totaling to a 9-megapixel resolution. This is the highest we've seen on a consumer camcorder, and we can't wait to run the HDC-HS300 through the gauntlet. Oh, and the Panasonic HDC-HS300 can capture 10MP native still images, which is another consumer first. Price: $1400. Release: April 2009.
Headphones with artificial bling
 The zirconia on the Panasonic RP-HJE900 Zirconia headphones isn't used as a fake substitute for diamond adornments. In fact, Panasonic points out that Zirconia is a super-hard substance that is used in jet engines. In the HJE900 headphones, Panasonic is using a zirconia chamber for the benefits they claim the substance has over plastic or aluminum. The HJE900 headphones provide a deep frequency response of 6Hz - 26kHz, and will resist at 26ohm impedance, which seems a little high for portable headphones, though not for studio quality buds. The headphones will also boast 100dB/mW sensitivity. Like the Super Audio SA6 headphones, the Panasonic RP-HJE900 feature detachable earbuds, though we'll have to try them out to determine the benefit of more removable pieces. Price: $230. Release: May 2009.
Panasonic SDR-H80 camcorder
 Since most 2009 standard-definition Panasonic camcorders have built-in uploading software, in addition to a YouTube shooting mode to cap users at the magic 10 minute mark, we're going to blow your minds with something else. The Panasonic SDR-H80 is equipped with an absurd 70x optical zoom, which beats the pants off of any other zoom in the camcorder world at the moment. This should be illegal. We were able to reach the other end of the convention hall with one of these bad boys. The Panasonic SDR-H80 is certainly one device that will not fare well in the wrong hands.
The Panasonic SDR-H80 has a 60GB HDD and a tiny 0.8-megapixel 1/8" sensor, perfect for YouTube quality. This zoom machine is also exceedingly compact and comes in Silver, Black, Blue and Red. 70x optical zoom…what is this world coming to? Price: $450. Release: April 2009.
Panasonic SDR-S26 camcorder
 2009 appears to be the year of color within the camcorder world, but we feel that the Panasonic SDR-S26 represents the crème de la crème of color schemes. There's just something about the three-tone blue, matte black and chrome concoction that resonates awesomeness for miles. Our images do not do the Panasonic SDR-S26 justice, for in person these camcorders stand out amongst the crowd. The Panasonic SDR-S26 also comes in red, which is even hotter. Price: $330. Release: April 2009.
Panasonic SDR-SW21 camcorder
 It's waterproof up to 6.5 feet, shockproof up to 4 feet and dustproof. The Panasonic SDR-SW21 is the badass of this lot, flaunting a rugged, compact body and advanced gasketed port enclosures. We had fun with the first-generation Panasonic SDR-SW20, but the Panasonic SDR-SW21 looks like a day of unbridled marathon testing that we can't wait to take on. We loved the new lime green color and compact body, and the Panasonic SDR-SW21 is gearing up to be the ultimate Bahamas cam. Price: $400. Release: April 2009.
Mike Perlman and Philip Berne contributed to this CES 2009 story.
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