Panasonic SDR-H60 Camcorder Review

by David Kender
Published on Nov 18, 2008 1:20 PM

 
Intro Performance
Format Auto / Manual Controls
Still Features Handling and Use
Audio / Playback / Connectivity Other Features
Conclusion & Comparisons
 Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings


Conclusion
The Panasonic SDR-H60 ($499 MSRP) has enough winning features to make it a viable choice for some consumers, but is definitely not the best overall in its class. It's hard not to be impressed with a 50x optical zoom and 60GB of capacity on a camcorder that sells on the street for less than $350. Throw in an excellent set of manual controls, and that may be enough to sway the right audience.

The performance, however, was only passable. In bright to moderate light, the SDR-H60 was about the same or less impressive than its competition (detailed below "Comparisons"). In low light, it performed poorly, producing a fuzzy image and unsatisfactory sensitivity. 

Overall, the Panasonic SDR-H60 left us wishing for a little more.

Comparisons

Panasonic SDR-H200 (Review)
The SDR-H200 ($699 MSRP) is the step-up model from the SDR-H60. It features three CCD sensors rather than one, which is meant to create more accurate color. However, we did not find a huge difference between the two. The H200 was generally sparer, but those extra sensors do nothing to help in low light performance. Considering that the SDR-H60 has a much larger 50x optical zoom and 60GB hard drive, versus 10x zoom and 30GB hard drive on the SDR-H200, the H60 is definitely the better buy. Both have optical image stabilization and the same great handling. The H200 has a faster, f/1.8 lens (versus f/2.0 on the H60), but it did not seem to garner it any advantages in our testing.
   

JVC Everio GZ-MG330 (Review)
This entry-level Everio is a great little camcorder for its price. Featuring a 35x zoom and 30GB hard drive, it can't match the Panasonic SDR-H60 on paper, but we found the JVC's low light performance to be much better. Outdoor shooting was a draw. The GZ-MG330 ($449 MSRP) tended to produce more vibrant colors, but the Panasonic's were more accurate – take your pick on what's more important to you. The GZ-MG330 is definitely slicker and smaller, available in three different colors and sporting a unique "Laser Touch"operation that will excite newbies and frustrate power users. The JVC GZ-MG330 is better suited to beginners.
   

Canon FS10 and Canon FS11 (Review)
Three camcorders from Canon all offer roughly the same performance, and differ only in recording media. Take your pick based on need and value: Canon FS100 (card-only, $399 MSRP), Canon FS10 (card plus 8GB internal, $499 MSRP), and Canon FS11 (card plus 16GB internal, $599 MSRP). All feature a slimmer, taller body than the Panasonic SDR-H60. The question of comfort is entirely based on hand size and personal preference; we recommend you try them both before you buy. The Canons have a 37x zoom, extended to 48x with some optical/digital trickery. The menu navigation is a little more complicated than the Panasonic's, but it's easy to master both with some time. Overall, the Canons dominated in performance, which is the most convincing argument to opt for them over the Panasonic SDR-H60. Just be aware that the construction of the Canons feels particularly cheap.
   

Sony DCR-SR85 (Review)
The Sony DCR-SR85 ($549 MSRP) is the better choice for ease of use, no doubt. While Sony's menus have gotten far more complicated over the last few years, they're operation in "Easy mode" is still excellent and straightforward. The touch screen interface is a drag for power users, but newbies will take to it well. As always, Sony pales next to Panasonic for manual controls. And while we saw some of Sony's top-end models produce excellent results, the DCR-SR85 tested very poorly for color accuracy and low light. For a good balance of ease of use and performance, check out the JVC GZ-MG330.


Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
The Panasonic SDR-H60 is not a great choice for point-and-shooters because the manual controls have a pretty steep learning curve. If you want strictly point and hit the record button, however, almost any camcorder will do.

Budget Consumers
The 50x zoom of 60GB hard drive capacity are great for a camcorder in this price range, but due to the performance, is may not be the best value overall.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
The still photo size is limited to a paltry 640 x 480, knocking it off this list.

Gadget Freaks
Gadget freaks who like tons of optical zoom may dig the Panasonic SDR-H60, but there's little else about this standard definition to excite.

Manual Control Freaks
Panasonic always has enthusiasts covered with independent shutter and aperture, gain, focus, white balance, and more.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists
The video quality simply isn't there.



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