Panasonic HDC-SD1 Camcorder Review

The HDC-SD1 ($1299 MSRP) and HDC-DX1 camcorders from Panasonic mark the company’s first foray into consumer high definition video. They join a burgeoning niche of $1000 - $1300 HD camcorders. Unlike the DX1, which records to DVD, the HDC-SD1 is the first of its kind – a camcorder that records AVCHD video to SD/SDHC flash memory cards. In addition to planting the consumer HD flag in the realm of flash media, the HDC-SD1 is a looker: sleek, compact, and sexy. It also boasts some impressive features, including the best optical image stabilization system we’ve seen this year. In other ways, this model left us wanting more: a mic jack but no headphone jack, a single “mystery” zebra setting, and a mediocre focus assist. What’s more, AVCHD support remains scarce, begging the question of whether this is the time to buy the HDC-SD1…or any AVCHD camcorder, for that matter.

The Front (7.25)
The SD1 is probably the hottest looking camcorder this year. It’s basically a giant lens barrel with a hand strap, or an alternative fist cannon attachment for Megatron. Up front, the SD1 is all lens. The 12x optical zoom lens has a massive 43mm filter diameter and a focal length of 4mm-48mm.

The HDC-SD1 has an automatic lens cover that activates when the camcorder is switched on and off. This is a blessing for those who are devoid of an elephant’s memory when it comes to flipping a manual lens cover switch. Also, it eliminates the need for an external lens cover and all of its dangling-related clinking. Still, with an automatic lens enclosure, manufacturers give too much credit to its delicate inner mechanics, and discount the fact that it could break easily over time or through rough handling

The lens threads allow for add-ons like a fish eye or telephoto lens, which are vital options for the serious videographer (though the very look of the SD1 indicates that it’s not going to be the first choice for the “serious” crowd). Beneath the all-encompassing lens is the white balance/remote sensor with an embedded recording lamp. To the left of the lens is a flash for digital still recording. We know that Panasonic was trying to save space and maintain sleek lines on the SD1, but a side-mounted flash is more likely to create uneven lighting. We highly doubt the placement of the flash will distract you from the hotness of the SD1.

The Right Side (5.5)
Sinuous, lithe lines carve a masterful sight, for the SD1’s right side is an artful vision. The body is crafted so that the palm of the hand fits like a glove, reveling in ergonomic bliss. Tucked into a curve toward the lens end lies a rigid plastic port cover housing a USB terminal and HDMI connection. The port cover is equipped with a rudimentary plastic tension spring, and extends about 1/3” from the body. The playback speaker is located on the gray patch where the palm meets plastic. This is not the best representation of camcorder architecture because the hand obscures the playback speaker, muffling the playback sound. The SD1’s hand strap is thin and low strung, requiring the shooter to make use of the top-mounted finger grip in order to keep the camcorder upright. Otherwise, it falls to the side, flopping about like a lethargic hunk of pristine machinery.

The Back (6.0)
The back of the HDC-SD1 looks like the detonation end of a bomb. Smack dab in the middle sits the SD1’s hefty mode dial. Here you can juggle between video/picture recording, playback, and PC connection modes. In the center lies a prominent sliver record button that is impossible to miss. To the right of the mode dial, Panasonic has placed a joystick that is easily accessible via the thumb. We love the rear-mounted joystick for its conduciveness to one-hand menu operation. Below the mode dial is the menu button and trash button.

Rather than place the shooter in a whirlwind of preposterous menu operations, Panasonic has implemented a quick delete process. Beneath all controls, at the base of the SD1, is the battery chamber. This is actually located under the camcorder, but the lip of the battery door floats up into the back. Unfortunately, a bigger battery is not an option with the SD1 due to the limited size of the battery compartment, and with an average 25 minute life span for a typical recording session, you’d better have an arsenal of backup VW-VBG130s in your bag. A swift gander at the rear of the SD1 will clue you into the fact that Panasonic stressed simplicity and ergonomic friendliness with this year’s innovative ACVHD model.

The Left Side (7.25)
Panasonic continues to wow us with a 3” LCD screen boasting 250K pixels. The fact that they slapped such a mammoth (for the camcorder’s size) LCD screen on the SD1 means the development team aimed to reach a refined consumer crowd who would take into account the larger monitoring pane. Nevertheless, it’s the only monitor on the SD1, as there is no viewfinder. Once flipped open, the LCD screen can be rotated a full 270 degrees and provides a sharp, balanced image. The exceedingly shallow LCD cavity houses numerous ports and controls.

Up top there is a power LCD button and auto/manual/focus switch. An SD/SDHC card slot is located above an L-shaped plastic port cover. Inside you’ll find an AV jack, component jack, mic input, and DC jack. Unfortunately, the LCD screen must be opened in order to power the SD1, which means an annoying cord will hamper your viewing space. It’s just an awkward design. The port cover flops uncomfortably around the LCD cavity, so keep it closed every chance you get. The good thing about the SD card slot door is that the camcorder will not operate unless it is closed, barring dust and debris from polluting its fragile innards.

The Top (5.5)
One of the greatest features on this camcorder is the 5 channel Dolby surround zoom microphone. While most manufacturers leave audio on the back burner, Panasonic (along with Sony) has taken into account the price/quality ratio and given the SD1 an upgraded built-in microphone. Along the back is a grey, rubberized grip strip that will become your best friend in order to keep the camcorder upright. If it wasn’t for this strip, the SD1 would be flopping about like a fish out of water. The petit zoom toggle and photo button rest behind the strip, and they are easy to access and operate.