Panasonic SDR-SW20 Camcorder Review

by Michael Perlman

Published on Apr 23, 2008 1:53 PM
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Audio (3.0)
Audio options on the SDR-SW20 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $0.00) are slim, as to be expected. You won’t find Mic or Headphone jacks, and you certainly won’t find an accessory shoe—the camcorder is too small and consumer-oriented. The onboard Mic does in fact have a Zoom function, which is becoming a new standard in the camcorder world. Underwater, there is not much that can salvage your audio. When the camcorder is put into its special Underwater mode, the sensitivity of the mic is reduced to cut down on the recording of the motor hum.

Playback (3.0)
Just like any other Panasonic, Playback is accessed by shifting the Mode dial to either Video Playback or Photo Playback. A screen filled with icons will appear. The icons can be browsed through using the Directional pad (d-pad) and the Select button cues a particular video clip or photo. The video clip or photo will then begin playing within the entirety of the LCD screen. Playback controls are governed by the d-pad and clip volume is controlled by the Zoom toggle.


The playback mode in action

In Video Playback mode, the Administrative menu contains the following options:

Video Playback Menu
Edit Scene Lock Set, Delete
Setup Resume Play, Display, Date/Time, Date Format, Format Card, Power Save, Beep Sound, Power LCD, LCD Set, TV Aspect, External Display
Language English, Espanol, Francais

 

Connectivity (5.0)
Ports are scarce on the SDR-SW20, but well-guarded from water infiltration. On the right side, toward the rear, is a burly hatch that swings down to reveal the A/V, USB, and DC jacks. The port cover has a rubber gasket that sits flush with the slightly raised panel that contains the connections. In order to assure the post cover is closed entirely, a red mark will appear within the door’s latch until it is completely closed.

Along the bottom of the SDR-SW20 you’ll find another rugged hatch with a gasket that contains the battery chamber and SD/SDHC card slot. With an enclosed battery design, you can’t upgrade to a larger pack, so stock up before Disney World. The bottom hatch also displays a red mark until the door is shut tight and locked in place.


All the ports - AV-out, USB, and DC power -
are located on the right side

 

 

 

 



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