New Panasonic camcorders

Panasonic has announced a new pair of 3CCD camcorders that use the AVCHD format, according to Electronista. The HDC-SD1 is purportedly the smallest and lightest 3CCD HD camera in the world, using SDHC cards for storage as opposed to discs or a hard drive. The included 4GB card stores an hour of 1080p video, while the HDC-DX1 foregoes this convenience in favor of dual-layer DVDs, permitting users to record a maximum of 40 minutes of HD to a mini-DVD. Both cameras can record in 5.1 surround sound, since each is equipped with five separate microphones. Recording angles are adjusted automatically as users change focus and subject. Lenses on the cameras are 13-element Leicas, with image stabilizers built-in to reduce blur. The DX1 is priced at $1,400, while the SD1 will ship for $1,500. Both models are due to launch in March.

by MacNN Staff