Panasonic HDC-SD1

The Panasonic HDC-SD1 is one of the first consumer high-definition camcorders to use the Advanced Video Codec High Definition (AVCHD) recording format. The HDC-SD1 records 1440 x 1080 interlaced, anamorphic video that is compressed using the H.264 AVC codec to SD card flash memory. Priced at $1499, the HDC-SD1 is the most expensive in the new lineup of Panasonic consumer camcorders. It certainly looks expensive, with its diminutive, eye-candy design. Since the video is high definition, a buyer should expect to get top dollar performance from its top dollar price. Surprisingly, the HDC-SD1 is missing some top dollar features — like an electronic viewfinder and accessory shoe — that its cheaper sibling, the HDC-DX1 includes. Does the HDC-SD1 provide top high definition performance? We’ll know better when we can get a unit for more in-depth testing and comparison with other manufacturer’s models. I can say that the video I was able to shoot with it in the Panasonic booth looks very good on the camcorder’s LCD display but not so good on my widescreen laptop’s screen.