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Panasonic HDC-DX1

First Impressions Review

This review is organized into 10 pages

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Performance

January 17, 2007 By Guy Bruner

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Introduction

The Panasonic HDC-DX1 is a new, high-definition camcorder that uses the Advanced Video Codec High Definition (AVCHD) recording format and records video to DVD disk and still pictures to SD and SDHC cards. Like its more expensive sibling — the HDC-SD1 — the HDC-DX1 records in 1440 x 1080 interlaced, anamorphic video that is compressed using the H.264 AVC codec. Unlike its more diminutive sibling, the HDC-DX1 is a more bulky camcorder because of the DVD mechanism and electronic viewfinder (EVF). The HDC-DX1 weighs 800 grams (1 lb. 12 oz.) with the battery installed which is almost twice the weight of the HDC-SD1. Even though it is priced less than the HDC-SD1 at $1399, the HDC-DX1 has more features that video enthusiasts are looking for — like the EVF and accessory shoe. It is truly unfortunate that these desirable features were invested in a camcorder that only records maximum quality AVCHD for 13 minutes on a single-sided DVD, requires a minute to format a new disk and 6-8 minutes to finalize a disk, which can only be done when on AC power by the way.