A portable high-definition webcam? The Panasonic HDC-SDX1 hits the scene. Check out our full story here.
We've got another mid-level compact camcorder and this one's called the Panasonic HDC-SDX1. This is interesting, after having just reviewed the Canon Vixia HF M32, which falls within a very popular trend of highly portable, vacation-friendly high-definition camcorders. However, the Panasonic HDC-SDX1 brings web video chatting to the table, allowing users to connect the camcorder to a computer and use it as a webcam. Also, size seems to be one of the Panasonic HDC-SDX1's driving forces, for the camcorder is far from giant. This year has really hit home for us as the official death of bulk and lust for smallness, to an extent that Panasonic has deliberately left features off of the new HDC-SDX1 to compensate for the downsizing.
"With the addition of the SDX1, Panasonic has given consumers a versatile camcorder that can be used not only for high-quality video shooting, but also sharing these precious recorded moments with family and friends who may be far away," said Chris Rice, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "We do our best to provide products that adapt to the ever-changing world of technology and this model does just that – it's a camcorder that shoots high-quality video, using its incredible zooming capabilities and advanced optical technology – while providing consumers with the ability to make video calls from a computer."
Panasonic HDC-SDX1 Specifications
The Panasonic HDC-SDX1 is equipped with a single 1/4.1-inch MOS sensor with 3.32 total Megapixels, however Video mode will only see 1.44 of those Megapixels while Still Image mode will only get a 2.08–megapixel slice of the pie. We have a nice, bright f/1.8 aperture to aid in low light, and Panasonic claims the new HDC-SDX1 has a low light tolerance of 4 lux in the Low Light Scene mode. Video is recorded in the AVCHD format at 1080/60i or 480/60i. The max bitrate offered by the Panasonic HDC-SDX1 is 17Mbps, which used to be the ceiling last year, until 24Mbps giants inhabited the camcorder earth. However, the Panasonic HDC-SDX1 can record in iFrame mode at an impressive 28Mbps (960 x 540/30p), as well as MPEG-4 (H.264). Audio is recording in the Dolby Digital two-channel format for AVCHD and two-channel AAC for MPEG-4.
Now for lens and stabilization, the Pansonic HDC-SDX1 has a 16.8x optical zoom with 23x Intelligent zoom, which works by sacrificing pixels around the border of the recorded frame. The Panasonic HDC-SDX1 employs Hybrid OIS and OIS lock to keep things steady behind the glass, and Manual Iris control for enhanced exposure control. The only monitor in sight is the HDC-SDX1's 2.7-inch LCD with a 230,400-pixel resolution that offers touchscreen operation. However, the HDC-SDX1 is equipped with a side panel that accompanies the touch screen. Here, we can access the Menu, adjust the zoom, and toggle recording on or off. One nifty fact about the Panasonic HDC-SDX1 is that it records to SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, so you can dig up that old SD card and put it to goods use.
Externally, the Panasonic HDC-SDX1 is about as compact as you can get for a Full HD camcorder with a significant zoom. The battery is tucked discretely in the back, the SD card slot is concealed with a hinged door, and controls are limited to Auto/Manual, OIS, Video Light, Power, and Photo buttons. Panasonic left the camcorder's HDMI, USB, and AV Multi jacks out in the open, opting not to cover them with anything but the LCD panel. We get a nice textured zoom rocker on top of the camcorder, along with a grippy right side pattern for advanced security. We're not too sure about Panasonic's hand strap—it looks less than acceptable, and the fact that we have to manually close the lens is a testament to the camcorder's entry-level status. Other clues include the Panasonic HDC-SDX1's lack of a microphone jack and included stylus for the touchscreen.
Panasonic HDC-SDX1 Photo Gallery
     
Price and Release Date
The Panasonic HDC-SDX1 will ship this September for $500.
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