Panasonic SDR-SW20 First Impressions Camcorder Review by Michael Perlman Published on Jan 21, 2008 7:00 AM
Related Articles News: Panasonic SDR-SW20 underwater cam first impressions review posted

 

	The ports on the Panasonic SDR-SW20: AV-out, USB, DC-in on the right (above); Battery, SD/SDHD card slot on the back (below)

Audio
The SDR-SW20 (Review, Specs, Recent News, ) has a built-in stereo microphone mounted below the lens. The microphone has a Wind Cut feature, which will not really help you out underwater, and Zoom capability. The Zoom Microphone function is gaining popularity. It works in tandem with the camcorder’s actual zoom. When the camcorder zooms in, so does the sound pickup. If a subject is far away, their audio will be salvaged, at least to a reasonable degree. Again, we’re not seeing this function working well underwater, either. Based on our experience with the SDR-SW20’s recorded footage, bubbles seemed to be the most dominant sound.

Playback
Playing back footage on the SDR-SW20 is not unlike any other Panasonic. Just shift the Mode Dial to Playback—Video or Image. A screen with individual icons will appear. You can navigate through the icons using the directional pad. In order to select an icon, press the center button of the directional pad. The clip will begin playing within the entirety of the LCD screen. The same goes for Still Images, only you can set Still Image playback to work like a slideshow.

Connectivity
The SDR-SW20’s ports are hidden inconspicuously by a burly plastic shield on the right side of the camcorder. After unlatching the shield, you’ll find the A/V out, USB, and DC-in terminals. This is a good location, since the LCD cavity has been consumed by most of the controls. At least Panasonic didn’t stuff the ports behind the battery—but where is the battery? And how about the SD/SDHC card slot?

The secret lies at the bottom of the SDR-SW20. A covert hatch swings open to reveal a thin battery chamber and SD/SDHC card slot right above. Unfortunately, you can’t upgrade to a larger battery pack because the battery chamber is a fixed size, so stock up before you hit the Bahamas.

Both port covers are rugged and constructed with gaskets to prevent any leakage. One of the most important tasks for the shooter is to double check that these covers are CLOSED. TIGHT. Just a friendly little reminder.