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

Other Features
Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) – Like most budget camcorders, the SDR-SW20 (Review, Specs, Recent News, ) features Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), which is inferior to Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). EIS creates a border around the sensor, removing pixels from their normal light-capturing duties, and relegating them to shake correction. This reduces the total number of “effective pixels,” thus reducing overall image quality. OIS, on the other hand, isolates the lens element from the body of the camcorder and corrects with an gyroscope, keeping resolution intact. All three standard definition SD-based camcorders are stuck with EIS this year, which is a shame. Equipping all of its camcorders with OIS used to be one of Panasonic’s trademarks. However, shooting underwater might actually damper normal shake caused by a jittery human hand.

MagicPix – When the lights dim and all grows silent, there’s MagicPix, Panasonic’s version of Night Mode. MagicPix functions by variably lowering the shutter speed to accommodate dark areas.

Backlight Compensation (BLC) – When a subject is underexposed amidst an overexposed background, Backlight Compensation boosts the overall exposure to bring the subject into light.

Underwater Mode – Though the SDR-SW20 is categorized primarily as an “Underwater Camcorder,” you must engage Underwater mode before embarking on a Jaws hunt. If not, serious problems could arise, according to the Panasonic reps. A button is located in the LCD cavity labeled “Underwater.” Once you press it, the camcorder is ready be submerged.

Soft Skin Detail – A slight in-camera blur can be activated to mask minor imperfections on subjects or to give a soft, cinematic vibe to recorded footage. Panasonic’s Soft Skin Detail is very difficult to detect when pinned up against normal footage.

Fades – For an in-camera cinematic effect, Fades allow you to fade in and out of shots. Choose between black and white.

Quick Start – The SDR-SW20’s Quick Start function is amongst the fastest in Panasonic’s new lot, springing into action in a mere 0.6 seconds. The SDR-SW20 remains in standby mode, consuming half the power of normal record mode when not in use.

Conclusion
Over the years, the tide has washed many camcorders ashore. Many of them deserve to be tossed back into the water due to poor imaging, limited manual controls, or inadequate design. The SDR-SW20 would be one of the many to walk the plank, but we have to cut it some slack. This is Panasonic’s first attempt at underwater video. The company has hit home on a couple of crucial traits that make the SDR-SW20 worthwhile for those who are going to take advantage of its unique features. It’s rugged, shock and dust-proof body and waterproof to five feet. Is this the all-in-one camcorder for ballgames and birthday parties? No. Is this the camcorder for people who travel to the islands twice a year for snorkeling? Yes, perhaps.

So what if the video quality will most likely be subpar? So what if the controls are stuffed within the LCD cavity? We gripe throughout this review because we know Panasonic can do better, but for a first attempt at under $400, the SDR-SW20 should be able to find a home in the niche market.

(Watch an exclusive underwater demo video)