Panasonic Makes Major Upgrades with New HDC-HS100 and HDC-SD100 Camcorders by David Kender Published on Jun 17, 2008 1:40 AM

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Panasonic HDC-HS100

June 17, 2008 – Panasonic appears to be returning to its roots today with two new HD camcorders that take a strong liking to celebrated MiniDV camcorders form its past. The HDC-HS100 ($1299.95 MSRP) and HDC-SD100 ($1099.95 MSRP) are upgrades, but not replacements, for the HDC-HS9 and HDC-SD9. They retain a relatively small size, but add a full-size multi-function ring to the front, and a viewfinder to the back. For the first time, Panasonic will feature a three-CMOS imaging system, which is reported to increase sensitivity in low light. Both are expected to become available in September 2008.

The HDC-SD100 records full 1920 x 1080 video in the AVCHD format to SD and SDHC memory cards. The HDC-HS100 is similar, but adds a 60GB hard disk drive as a second recording option.

The new HDC-HS100 and HDC-SD100 feature a number of improvements over the previous generations of Panasonic HD camcorders. In addition to the 3-CMOS array, they include a new Leica Dicomar lens system, with 12 lenses in 9 groups. Panasonic reports that this adds a 30% increase in resolution and 20% increase in contrast. The aspheric lens has an aperture range of F/1.8 – 2.8. The optical zoom has also been increased from 10x to 12x.

In previous generations, Panasonic used either single or three-chip CCDs. The switch to CMOS is clearly a trend that manufacturers are following. Sony and Canon began installing CMOS chips in their HD camcorders for the last few years. Just this week, JVC announced that its upcoming Everio camcorders, the GZ-HD10, GZ-HD30, and GZ-HD40, would all make the switch from CCD to CMOS. The new CMOS chips in the HDC-SD100 and HDC-HS100 measure 1/6-inch and have gross pixel count of 560,000 (effective pixel count of 520,00).

To round out the imaging system overhaul, the new camcorders are also equipped with the new HD Crystal Engine II processor, with an improved input level of 300%, which improves the ability to prevent blowouts while still retaining detail in the shadows.

Panasonic HDC-SD100

One of the biggest changes to the new HDC-HS100 and HDC-SD100 is actually reminiscent of a throwback to the popular and long-retired PV-GS400 (Review, Specs, $1099.00) (Review, Specs, $1099) – a full-sized ring around the lens that controls zoom, focus, white balance, shutter speed, and iris. The functions are selected via a set of buttons on the left side of the body. The new models also mark the return of the viewfinder, an increasingly rare item for camcorders. Further pro-like features include a live histogram, zebra patterns, and brightness level. The accessory shoe on top is cold, but a microphone jack and headphone jack have been added.

In order to cater to the beginner crowd as well as the hobbyist, Panasonic has carried over the iA automatic scene mode detection system from its digital still camera line. When activated, the camcorders are supposed to making shooting easier by auto-engaging the Face recognition, Scenery, Spotlight, Low light, and iA Normal modes based on the information in the shot.

The optical image stabilization system, or Advanced OIS, has also been upgraded. The figures Panasonic provided indicated that the previous system was capable of a 75% correction for handheld shake when extended to its full 10x zoom. The HDC-HS100 and HDC-SD100 are reported to increase that correction to 95%. These numbers cannot, of course, be verified yet, but CamcorderInfo.com testing showed very strong results for stabilization with the HDC-SD9 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $0.00) and HDC-HS9.

Start-up times have been increased on the new camcorders, as well. From completely powered off to record-ready, the camcorders take two seconds when the SD/SDHC card is the selected media, and about five seconds when the hard disk drive is selected (HDC-HS100 only).

The HDC-HS100 will retail for $1299.95 and HDC-SD100 for $1099.95 and available in September.

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