Panasonic HDC-SD100 Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom

Friday, August 21st, 2009 at 12:31 pm

Manufacturer: Panasonic
Customer Rating:
List Price: $1,722.62
Sale Price: $1,987.55
Availibility: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

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Product Description

The HDC-SD100 is one of the world's first AVCHD camcorder with a 3MOS system which provides superb video image quality. The HDC-SD100 records to SD Memory Card. HDC-SD100 includes manual functions for the user wanting more precise control over zoom, focus, iris, shutter speed and white balance. SD100 also includes Panasonic’s new Intelligent Auto (iA) mode, an intuitive set of technologies that automatically activate, making video shooting an easy, seamless process.

FEATURES:

Panasonic's first AVCHD camcorder with 3MOS system -- provides improved color reproduction
Comes with Advanced O.I.S -- HD advanced pure color engine
Includes a new Leica Dicomar lens with improved resolution and contrast
"iA" mode enables image stabilization, contrast correction and face detection to be automatically activated
12x optical zoom
Records to SD Memory Cards

Product Details

Panasonic's first AVCHD camcorder with 3MOS system -- provides improved color reproduction
Comes with Advanced O.I.S.; HD advanced pure color engine
Includes a new Leica Dicomar lens -- with improved resolution and contrast
'iA' mode enables image stabilization, contrast correction and face detection to be automatically activated
12x optical zoom; Records to SD Memory Card

Video Reviews

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Customer Reviews

Here's the problem with this ...

Review Date: July 1, 2010

Reviewer: Steffan Piper, Palm Desert, CA

Having shot a lot of footage with this camera, I'll just come right out and say up front that you really get what you pay for. In this instance, you're getting an incredible image -- as is -- and amazing sound without having to use an external sound kit. This camera sets the bar high for image and sound and as a straight-forward point-and-shoot video camera for a consumer or even the everyday beginner who has the money to drop. But several things kill this camera in its tracks and really drag it down potentially creating a lot of buyer's remorse because of the high cost.

Here's the problem:

1. This camera utilizes a USB cable/power pack/proprietary cable to connect the camera to the computer. Lose this proprietary cable -- and good luck getting the images off your camera, especially as time passes. People often lose things and a cable is usually one of the first, especially when you have so many laying around that look similar. The connection of these cables to the camera is also a bit tricky and awkward to make happen. It seems like it was a good idea when they designed it, but it's just not when using the camera.

2. The camera stores your footage on an SD card in a proprietary format so you can't just drag your footage off and start editing. NO. You must use their HD Writer software to pull it off first, which then allows you to save or convert the files. It's a drag on resources and also a waste of time. The risk of 'generation loss' with this method seems high.

3. After shooting for days and doing a lot of product close-ups, I was horrified to discover a very staccato and jerky zooming motion when utilizing the slowest pan out. What a shame.

4. The manual zoom lens that is advertised with this is a bit misleading as it's not very good and only works, if you can call it that, on this particular lens and not on all other lenses attached. It's a function of the lens and not the camera. Don't be mislead.

5. The remote needs to have more function and control over the camera instead of the very basic remote that comes with this. The camera is very sensitive (being HD) and a minor amount of touching the buttons like zoom and record cause problems with your image even with image stabilization on.

6. The overall user function of this camera is poorly designed. Most of the buttons are awkwardly placed, especially the on/off/file button. Horrible for shooting on the fly and doing more than one thing at a time difficult.

7. A definite lack of built in features which would make this a better camera. Overall personal programming of this camera beyond the basics is absent.

8. On-the-fly file deletion of bad takes would be a plus, too. Having to switch back and forth from File Mode to Shooting Mode, which turns the camera off every time, is a real pain. Being able to delete false starts and bad takes should've been considered and addded as a feature to the shooting mode.

9. A lot of money for what you're getting. Yes, the price has dropped on this, but even still, someone will pay that price somewhere.

I'm sure plenty of people will come out and say how wonderful this camera is, but when you start putting it through its paces, the camera starts to quickly fall short.

Overall, there's not much to this camera beyond the image and the sound. You can get much better these days for much less. The price-point and the very limited features with this camera really drag down the star rating.

...

Very Good Flashcam!!!

Review Date: July 7, 2009

Reviewer: S. Chinn,

This handy flash camera does everything advertised. The video is smooth with vivid colors. Although not as small as the Canon SF200, this camera is large enough for the average sized hand to get a good grip and keep a steady shot. This Panasonic is one of the few camcorders in this price range with an EVF, a feature which I prefer to use. For those who like a bit of manual control, Panasonic's implementation is very intuitive. Like any other AVCHD camcorder, you will need good software to render the video. The HD writer software that came with the camera is adequate, but Apple's iMovie, or products from Pinnacle and Adobe are better.

panasonic sd100

Review Date: June 19, 2009

Reviewer: James A. Geiman,

I own this and recorded music video using the panasonic and a sony ex1 you can see the results [...] (When sonny gets Blue) The ex1 is a [...] camera the hdc sd100 was not as good but for the 10xless price it held its own. I needed to tweek the final video with sony vegas but I was pleased. I love the manual settings. the color is very good, the only downside was low light performance so I purchased some sima 20xls.

Great HD on a budget

Review Date: April 9, 2009

Reviewer: LIGHT Dad, Mesa, AZ

I was worried about having to convert the compressed files from the memory card into editable files for FCP. Using Voltaic, I was able to make the conversion easily. The camera is so light, you hardly know its in your hand. The deciding factor in chosing this camera is that it has a view finder - an important feature for close work. I love being able to shoot for long periods and not having to worry about changing tapes. It may not be the best (technically) HD camcorder out there, but for the price, it is great for most every situation.

Impossible Format

Review Date: April 6, 2009

Reviewer: Meredith A. Campbell,

I had to return this item, because the format it records in is just too difficult. You can get a converter, but it's such a hassle. The main reason I purchased this item was the focus ring. If you are willing to spend a little more money for the focus ring, I suggest you purchse the JVC GZ HD7. It's the camera I have now. The focus ring is like butter, and it records in a format that my computer can recognize.

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