Panasonic HDC-SD60 First Impressions Camcorder Review

by Jeremy Stamas
Published on Jan 8, 2010 10:51 AM

 
Intro
Product Tour
Compression & Media Manual Controls
Still Features Handling & Use
Playback & Connectivity Audio & Other Features
Conclusion Photo Gallery
Specs


Product Tour Summary
The Panasonic HDC-SD60 • The HDC-SD60 features a new 1/4.1-inch CMOS sensor and a 25x optical zoom lens.
• The lens also features a built-in cover.
• The HDC-SD60 comes in black or silver.
previous Introduction (Page 2 of 11) Compression & Media

 

Lens & Imaging System

The lens of the Panasonic HDC-SD60
The new 25x optical zoom lens is one of the most
impressive features of the HDC-SD60.

 

The HDC-SD60 has most of the same features as Panasonic's mid-range HD models from last year, but Panasonic has done a lot of tinkering under the hood. The SD60 has a new 1/4.1-inch CMOS sensor and it is equipped with a 25x optical zoom lens—both significant improvements over last year's models.

Lens   Sensor
Filter Diameter None   Type CMOS
Focal Range 3.02 - 75.5mm   Size 1/4.1 inches
Focal Range (35mm equiv.) 35.7 - 893mm   Pixel Count (Gross) 3.32 megapixels
Aperture f/1.8 - f/3.3   Pixel Count (Effective) 2.11 megapixels (video)
2.32 megapixel (stills)

 

Front

 
The front of the camcorder has a flash and video light.


The HDC-SD60 looks pretty standard from the front, although the new LED video light worked surprisingly well. There's also a built-in flash above the lens and a built-in speaker below. The new wide-angle, 25x optical zoom lens is quite impressive for a mid-range HD camcorder.

Right

 

 
The right side is mostly plastic, but it is very comfortable to hold.

 

The right side of the camcorder is mostly plastic, but it does have a comfortable, textured feel. The DC port is also rather hidden at the top left and is covered by a plastic protector.

Back

 

 

The battery pack loads in the back of the camcorder.

 


On the back of the camcorder is the battery compartment, a mode dial switch, and the start/stop record button.

Left

 

The HDC-SD60 isn't overly populated with buttons.

Inside the LCD cavity are a number of ports—HDMI terminal, USB port, and the AV-multi connector (works with Panasonic's combo AV and Component cable). The SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot is also located inside the LCD cavity along with the power button. The 2.7-inch LCD flips out on the left side and has a number of buttons on the base of the panel.

Top

 

The top of the HDC-SD60 has a few controls.

 

The top of the camcorder has the zoom toggle, photo shutter button, and a grooved area to place your fingertips. There are also two small buttons—the OIS (image stabilization) and iA/Manual button—on the top side of the camcorder.

Bottom

 

The bottom has a tripod mount and battery release.
  



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