Panasonic HDC-DX1 Camcorder Reviewby John NeelyPublished on Apr 4, 2007 7:00 PM
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Comparison
Panasonic HDC-SD1
The DX1 looks like a monstrously mutated HDC-SD1 ($1299 MSRP). Both camcorders crank out the same 1680K gross pixels, thanks to their three 1/4” CCDs. The DX1 and SD1 also share the same 5.1 channel Dolby Digital built-in microphone, nearly identical menu interfaces, and handy rear-mounted joystick. Aside from the fact that both of these AVCHD camcorders record to different media—the DX1 uses DVDs while the SD1 uses primarily SD cards—there is one major differential trait shared between the both of them: size. The DX1’s preposterously large battery, encroaching tape hatch, and boulder-like weight make it difficult to haul around. Also, this camcorder just looks plain ugly. The structural divergence between the DX1 and SD1 is the definitive characteristic that will separate the minivans from the SUVs. Sony HDR-UX7
The Sony HDR-UX7 ($1299 MSRP) holds its own with a 1/2.9” ClearVid CMOS sensor that spews out 3.2MP. Not bad for a lone chip up against the three menacing 1/4” CCDs found on the DX1. Since the HDR-HC7 shares the same sensor with the UX7, it is no question that high quality video is the main entrée on this menu. A couple appetizers include a headphone jack, HDMI terminal, and manual function dial located underneath the lens. For dessert, the UX7 is more compact and comes with a battery that juts out, but not to the hilarious extent as the one found on the DX1. The UX7 looks a lot more stylish than the DX1, but then again so would an 18 year-old Hi8 camcorder. The best part is the bill. Both camcorders are the same price, but you get to take home a lot more doggie bags with the UX7. Check, please! Panasonic VDR-D300
Here’s another 3 CCD DVD camcorder from Panasonic. The VDR-D300 ($999 MSRP) produces 800K gross pixels while the DX1 is capable of 1680K. We’d have to give the edge to the DX1 here in terms of video quality, but let’s see if the rest of the D300 can step up to the plate. Both have rear-mounted joysticks, mic jacks, and an extensive number of manual controls. The DX1 has a bigger LCD screen with a higher 250K resolution. The D300 is notably more compact and easier to carry around (what isn’t compared to the DX1). Both camcorders compress at significantly lower bit rates than DV and HDV models, so quality is bound to go downhill at some point. Hmm. Two no-frills DVD models from Panasonic. Don’t spend a dime until you read the next comparison. Canon HV20
The titan of titans. The chosen one. The big cheese. Yes, the Canon HV20 will delight you with stunning video quality, 24p mode, and a high 25mbps compression rate. Although the HV20’s handling is not ideal, it will blast the tape hatch off the DX1 any day. The HV20’s HDV and DV formats are compatible with a robust slew of different editing programs and will not vex you to the nines like AVCHD’s tormenting post options will. The HV20 has a headphone jack, one-touch volume and exposure adjustment, and a deep battery chamber. The best part is that the HV20 is $300 cheaper than the DX1. There should be no contest here, and anyone who opts for a DX1 most likely attends Rotary club meetings and talks to their cats. Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
Point-and-shooters will dig the DVD aspect of the DX1, but might be bogged down by its thunderous weight and wonky handling. Then again, the average cul-de-sac dweller will not know the difference.
Budget Consumers
This is hardly a budget. No editing, no headphone jack, ghastly handling, low compression rate, high price. The DX1 is a multi-layered sandwich of ill-fated ideas. Panasonic should have called it quits after the SD1.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
The maximum still resolution on the DX1 is 1920x1080, which is not bad, but not monumental. The HV20’s stills are the same size, and the HC7’s are an even bigger 6.1 MP. Both of those camcorders store to an SD card, just like the DX1. They’re also cheaper. Not worth it, hybrid fans.
Gadget Freaks
Gadget freaks will scoff at the DX1’s colossal size, maximum still resolution, and tape hatch that opens at a speed that rivals molasses in wintertime. Gadget freaks are done with DVD camcorders. It’s over.
Manual Control Freaks
The DX1 does provide a nice array of manual controls operated by the handy rear-mounted joystick. Panasonic is usually very keen on providing more than the essentials in this department including white balance, iris, and shutter speed at the tip of your thumb.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists
No way. No how. Just a glance at the DX1’s sad, sad profile is enough to send any pro into a raging fit of hysterical laughter.
Conclusion
Before assessing any AVCHD camcorder, we are forced to consider the state of the format. The new codec was announced jointly by its developers, Panasonic and Sony, about a year ago, and on paper it looked like a winner. Utilizing H.264 MPEG-4 compression, AVCHD would offer consumers their first real high definition alternative to HDV. AVCHD’s lower bit rates would make it compatible with the random access media home videographers were flocking to, like HDDs, DVDs, and SD/SDHC flash memory cards – but it would still produce stunningly sharp video. We were impressed with the first AVCHD camcorders – Sony’s HDR-UX1, a DVD camcorder that has been replaced by the UX5 and UX7, and the still available HDR-SR1 HDD camcorder. We also like much about the HDC-SD1, a camcorder that shares the DX1’s core specs but makes use of fast and compact SD/SDHC flash media rather than DVDs.
Ahh, those pesky DVDs… Casual videographers love them because standard definition video recorded to disc can be readily played on just about any home DVD player, and they are random access to boot. AVCHD DVDs cannot be played on the vast majority of home players, however, so the prime attraction of disc media doesn’t apply to the DX1. In other words, the only way to play back DX1 footage, short of investing in third party authoring and conversion software, is using the camcorder itself. Add in the fact that the DX1’s tape access speeds are mind-numbingly slow, and you’ve got a very problematic camcorder. If you simply want to shoot HD video, a comparably priced HDV camcorder will give you better performance and editability than any AVCHD camcorder for the same price. If you absolutely can’t stand the idea of linear media but still want to shoot HD, any AVCHD camcorder on the market is a better bet than the DX1.
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