Camcorder News

July 27, 2010 – Panasonic has joined the fray, as it announced today its own entry into the ultracompact toy camcorder market: the HM-TA1. This would-be competitor to the popular Flip series of camcorders offers a simple interface and diminutive size, but adds two exclusive features to try to capture some of the Flip market share: compatibility with Skype and iFrame. The TA1 is joined by the HDC-SDX1, a more traditional style of camcorder that also offers Skype and iFrame functionality.

Panasonic hopes that the partnerships with Skype and Apple will give the TA1 and SDX1 a unique edge over the competition. As Skype cams, both models seemed to work flawlessly with the popular video calling software. To make the camcorders more readily compatible with Apple editing software, Panasonic has introduced an iFrame recording mode, which will capture 960 x 540 30p video in the iFrame format. These small files are simple to edit within iMovie and upload to video sharing sites like YouTube. You can also use the TA1's built-in version of HD Writer PE to edit and share your videos.

The HM-TA1 records 1080/30p video to SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards. Data is captured at a 12Mbps bitrate in the MPEG-4 format (or iFrame, when recording using that setting). The 5.33-megapixel 1/4.1' CMOS sensor is paired with a 4.1mm F2.8 fixed lens. The built-in microphone provides one-channel monoaural audio and there is no input for an external microphone. There is also no HDMI output, but the TA1 does ship with a standard AV cable and USB extension cable. You can also choose to use the built-in USB arm, for exporting your videos or for charging the TA1's internal battery. There is a 2-inch LCD, digital image stabilization, and video light.

The HM-TA1 represents a new design style from the company. Panasonic now joins JVC, Sony, and Samsung among the major camcorder manufacturers to produce a slim, upright, ultracompact camcorder. This easy-to-use 'shoot and share' paradigm has proved most successful with Pure Digital's Flip cams, but Panasonic would certainly like to ride the coattails of that success.

The other model announced this evening was the HDC-SDX1. This small, lightweight model has a more traditional horizontal configuration, upgrading many of the elements of the Panasonic HDC-HS60, which we reviewed earlier this year. The SDX1 features a new Hybrid O.I.S., which combines optical and electronic stabilization technology. You can capture 1080/60i AVCHD video, 720/30p MPEG-4 video, or 540/30p iFrame video. Unlike the TA1, the SDX1 does offer two-channel audio recording, HDMI output, and 20x optical zoom.

The HDC-SDX1 does have the same lens and sensor as the HDC-HS60. Optics include 3.32-megapixel 1/4.1-inch CMOS sensor and 2.9mm F1.8 lens. In addition to the 20x optical zoom, there is a 23x intelligent zoom. The 2.7-inch LCD has a resolution of 230,400 pixels.

Both the HM-TA1 and HDC-SDX1 are due to be released in mid-August. The TA1 will be available in black, red, and violet for an estimated MSRP of $169.99. The SDX1 will be available in black for an estimated MSRP of $499.99.