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Panasonic HDC-HS9 Camcorder Reviewby Michael PerlmanPublished on Apr 7, 2008 3:28 PM 
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Comparison
Panasonic HDC-SD9 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $0.00)Size, media, and price are the only borders between the Panasonic HDC-HS9 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $0.00) and the HDC-SD9 ($799 MSRP). The HDC-HS9 has the added benefit of a 60GB HDD in addition to SDHC card recording. Aside from that, video quality, Manual Controls, and still features are identical. The HDC-HS9 is easier to handle, thanks to its bulkier frame, but both camcorders really failed to make the grade this year. The three 1/6-inch CCDs contribute to a decent bright light performance, but low light is mediocre. The 24P Digital Cinema feature is cool, but you can’t use 24P without the Digital Cinema effect (xvYCC color), which is totally bogus. There are almost no ports – no mic jack, no headphone jack, and no accessory shoe – and the ports you do get are poorly placed. The HDD on the Panasonic HDC-HS9 provide you with an alternative to memory card recording, but it’s just not worth it. Neither of these camcorders are justifiable purchases when pinned against the Canon HF10 or Sony HDR-SR11 (Specs, $0.00).
Sony HDR-SR11
If you don’t want the gargantuan 120GB storage capacity of the Sony HDR-SR12 (Review, Specs, $1399.00) ($1,399 MSRP), there’s the 60GB Sony HDR-SR11 ($1,199 MSRP). Other than HDD size, these Sonys are identical. This means the HDR-SR11 offers stellar video in bright and low light, intuitively designed ports, and smooth, buttery handling. Sony’s new BIONZ processing really worked wonders in conjunction with the HDR-SR12’s 1/3.13-inch CMOS chip. You can’t go wrong with a massive 3.2-inch LCD, pivoting viewfinder, and classic Sony Auto response. The HDR-SR11’s Manual Controls are no slouch either, utilizing a Cam Control dial for up to four instant adjustments. The HDR-SR11 also has some of the best still features in its class. All the HDC-HS9 can answer with is a slew of onboard audio options and a more compact size. So far, 2008 is not Panasonic’s year, and the HDC-HS9 cowers in the titanic HDR-SR11’s shadow.
JVC-GZHD5
In a similar situation to Sony, JVC released two HD models that are essentially identical aside from storage capacity. The JVC GZ-HD5 ($1,199 MSRP) contains a 60GB HDD, while its bigger sibling, the GZ-HD6 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $0.00), harbors a hulking 120GB HDD (it also comes with lens hood and headphone jack that the HD5 does not have). The GZ-HD5 is silver, rather than the stealthy black scheme that’s exploding all over the HD market this year. Video from the GZ-HD6 is fair in bright light, but low light just can't handle, due to its three 1/5-inch CCDs. You can expect the same from the GZ-HD5. Ports and connectivity are plentiful on the GZ-HD5, and the Focus Assist function is excellent. The GZ-HD5 also plays back 60P video, but only through the HDMI cable, and only on a TV that supports 60P playback. This is a tough call, but we’re going to have to side with JVC on this one. The HDC-HS9 just isn’t cutting it.
Canon HF10
Few camcorders can match the overall greatness of the Canon HF10 ($1099 MSRP), though the Sony HDR-SR11/SR12 is also very good. With beautiful video in bright and low light, mic and headphone jacks, a hot accessory shoe (diminished by its new proprietary fit), and 60i/24P/30P frame rates, the HDC-HS9 doesn’t even have a chance. Canon’s extensive manual controls, Priority modes, and convenient LCD Joystick are just a few reasons to opt for the HF10. All for the same price as the HDC-HS9? Panasonic has a lot of revamping to do.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
Without Mic or Headphone jacks, an accessory shoe, or any form of advanced external Manual control, the HDC-HS9 definitely does not appeal to serious shooters. However, the full palette of manual controls may intimidate beginners. Also, AVCHD editing is not for the faint of heart, as it often requires finding creative ways to import into editing programs. The HDC-HS9 is between a rock and a hard place, but it’s more consumer-driven than anything.
Budget Consumers
The HDC-HS9 is the cheapest AVCHD HDD/SDHC hybrid out there, but at $1,099, the HDC-SD9 seems more enticing with its $799 price tag. The Canon HF10 is also $1,099. At least you won’t have to buy SDHC cards.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
The HDC-HS9’s still features are lacking in many dimensions. Canon and Sony offer mountains more in this corner.
Gadget Freaks
There’s really nothing enticing aside from Face Detection and 24P/Digital Cinema Mode—which does not function as well as we’d like it to. Sorry nerds, the HDC-HS9 is a dud in this category.
Manual Control Freaks
All of Panasonic’s classic manual control action is here, but Canon’s HF10 has surpassed the HDC-HS9 with Aperture Priority and Focus Assist. Panasonic really needs to revamp many things—manual controls being one of them.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists
Sorry, but not this camcorder.
Conclusion
In the camcorder world, less is not always more. Ah, we grow misty-eyed reflecting on the glorious days when MiniDV giants roamed the Earth – focus rings, every port you could ask for, external Aperture and Shutter Speed buttons, killer handling, and more. Today, the market is flooded with ultra compact HD models that certainly look flashy, but lack the efficacy of a fully-stocked camcorder. The Panasonic HDC-HS9 ($1,099 MSRP) is among the most compact AVCHD camcorders in its class, but that’s about the best it can claim. The chief competitors, the Sony HDR-SR12 and Canon HF10, offer better image quality, more features, and better handling.
There are no mic and headphone jacks on the Panasonic HDC-HS9. It also lacks an accessory shoe – all of which are found on the Canon HF10 and Sony HDR-SR11. True, the HDC-HS9 is equipped with the most comprehensive onboard audio options, including AGC, level control, and a Zoom capability. However, any intermediate shooter or beyond knows that built-in consumer camcorder microphones—5.1 Surround Sound or not—are inadequate for anything beyond a family barbeque. Panasonic also relocated the Joystick to the LCD cavity in this year’s models, which is about as useful and comfortable as wearing your pants backward.
Most importantly, the third-generation AVCHD camcorder from Panasonic produced a video performance that left a lot to be desired. Low light faltered, in large part due to the HDC-HS9’s three small 1/6-inch CCDs. Motion trailing and ghosting, while significantly reduced since the first-generation HDC-SD1 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1119.99), were still present in most indoor shooting. The Canon HF10 and Sony HDR-SR12 blows the HDC-HS9 out of the water with killer video quality in bright and low light. We found the video to be sharper, richer, and less prone to artifacting.
The bottom line is there’s just nothing exciting about this camcorder. Unless Panasonic gets its act together soon, the future of its camcorder dynasty could be up a creek without a paddle. Now is the time to dust off those old MiniDV blueprints from the past for inspiration, Panasonic. The competition is just too fierce. Focusing on compact size instead of a quality user experience is a losing battle.