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Panasonic’s new High Definition Camcorders – a Range of Models Ensures There’s One for Everyone!
 Panasonic’s new High Definition Camcorders – a Range of Models Ensures There’s One for Everyone! Panasonic is pleased to expand its award winning portfolio of High Definition Camcorders with the addition of 7 new models in 2009. Offering various features and price points - from the simple and sophisticated leader models, to the high end models for semi professionals – you can be sure there is a model for everyone. All Singing, All Dancing – the HDC-HS300 and HDC-TM300Belying their slim and compact size, Panasonic’s top of the range HS300 and TM300 semi professional models with a 12 x optical zoom include a multitude of technical features. With a manual focus ring, Electronic Viewfinder (EVF), Hot Shoe and mic terminal – these camcorders are fully equipped to handle your shooting needs. Image Sensor TechnologyThe Sensor in detail (HS300, TM300, HS200 and SD200)The image sensor size has been increased from the previous 1/6 inch to 1/4 inch. Featuring the newly developed 3MOS sensor system, which is commonly used in professional camcorders - high image quality for both motion and still images is assured. The 3MOS system with three full-HD sensors has the world’s highest total pixel count of 9,150,000 pixels (3,050,000 pixel x 3). While a higher pixel count tends to make noise more noticeable when shooting under dim light conditions, Panasonic's new models solve this problem by using three high-sensitivity CMOS sensors to reduce noise. They record beautiful images even under dim lighting while maintaining a high pixel count, thus making it possible to shoot under minimum luminance of 1.6 lx, the best performance in the industry Record on your chosen format The HS300 and TM300 differ only by their recording format – the HS300 records onto HDD (120GB internal memory) with SD card recording, while the TM300 offers 32GB built in flash with SD card recording, offering extra compactness and portability. To further add to its appeal, the TM300 with twin memory recording (SD/SDHC card and flash) features a Relay Recording function. When the built-in memory being used to record footage becomes full, this function automatically switches the recording media to the SDHC/SD Memory Card to provide uninterrupted recording.For example, when the TM300 with a 32-GB built-in memory is mounted with a 32-GB SDHC Memory Card, it has a total storage capacity of 64 GB to allow extended recording without interruption. When a video clip is recorded continuously by being split onto two media types, the data in two different locations can be merged in the camcorder and saved to an SDHC/SD Memory Card . Data can also be automatically merged when saved onto a DVD using a PC/DVD burner, thus allowing seamless playback. Also, because the camcorders with a built-in memory are lighter and smaller than the HDD models, they are easier and more comfortable to take on long trips. Intelligent Auto TechnologyIntelligently Speaking (all HD line up) The iA (Intelligent Auto) function that automatically sets the most suitable scene mode according to shooting conditions is now even further advanced. The new iA is provided with separate modes for motion images and still images, and features an AF Tracking function, which is an enhanced version of the popular face detection function in the iA mode of previous models. Once the user touches a selected subject on the new touch-screen - the subject can be at the centre of the screen or at an edge - and locks the focus on the subject, AF Tracking keeps the subject in focus even if it moves or turns to one side. This records the subject with the optimal AF/AE (auto focus/auto exposure) settings. Shoot Still The special still-image mode records with resolution up to 10.6 megapixels , and also allows simultaneous recording of motion images and still images with 8.3 megapixels. To ensure beautiful results in still-image shooting, the camcorders are equipped with separate iA and O.I.S. (optical image stabiliser) functions that are dedicated to still images. The iA automatically selects the most suitable mode from among the same five modes that are found in Panasonic LUMIX digital still cameras. The O.I.S. has two modes (Mode1/Mode2). Mode 1 continuously adjusts the optical axis. And Mode2 corrects the optical axis at the instant the shutter button is pressed, to provide even higher image stabilisation performance especially for still image shooting.Touch Panel OperationTouch Me! All models feature a touch-screen that allows icons displayed on the LCD to be easily operated by touching them with a fingertip. The touch-screen lets users operate a variety of functions intuitively without taking their eyes off of the subject on the LCD.Time Lapse at your LeisureFast-forward playback is used in some TV programs to show the setting of the sun or the blossoming of a flower in an abnormally short period of time as a special effect. Time Lapse Recording is able to record unique scenes like these. By setting the recording interval to 1 sec, 10 sec, 30 sec, 1 min or 2 min, the user can view an otherwise long recording in a reduced time period. For example, when a scene is recorded at the 1-sec interval setting, a 10-minute sunset scene can be played back in 24 seconds, making the slow change in the subject appear as if it were taking place in a very short time. Introducing the HDC-HS200 and HDC-SD200 Replacing the hugely successful HS9 and SD9 models, the HS200 and SD200 were designed with a particular emphasis on compactness. Virtually identical to the HS300/TM300 models in performance, but without the manual functions and electronic viewfinder – the HS200 and SD200 enjoy smaller dimensions and are perfect for those looking for an easy to operate model with superb image quality and extra portability. The HS200 features an 80GB HDD with SD card recording, while the SD200 offers extra compactness by using SD card recording only. HDC-SD20Simple and Sophisticated – the HDC-HS20, HDC-TM20 and HDC-SD20 For those looking for full-HD quality at an affordable price, look no further than the HS20, TM20 and SD20. Effortlessly easy to use, these slim and stylish models are designed with the user in mind. As seen with the new 200 and 300 series, the HS20, TM20 and SD20 feature iA with AF tracking, touch panel screen and 1.9 second quick power on (in SD card recording only). The 20 series feature the 1MOS system for excellent picture quality – offering an affordable solution to full-HD images. To further add to their appeal, the HS20, TM20 and SD20 feature a new 16x optical zoom allowing dynamic zooming in full HD image quality. All of Panasonic’s seven new models are equipped with Advanced O.I.S and the Leica Dicomar lens to produce clear, beautiful results in full-HD quality. All models also support the AVCHD format for 1920 x 1080p full-HD recording - the highest HD image quality possible. Again, the 20 series models are defined by their recording format; the HS20 is a hybrid model featuring a 80GB HDD and SDHC/SD memory card (optional) recording, the TM20 is a twin memory model offering 16GB flash and SDHC/SD card recording, and the SD20 uses the SDHC/SD Memory card as a recording media offering extra compactness and portability. All seven new models are elegantly finished in sleek black, while the SD20 is also available in red or silver – perfect for those who like to colour co-ordinate! All models will be available from February 2009.1 For home use camcorders, as of 7th January 2009. 2 Effective motion image pixels: 6,210,000 (2,070,000 pixels x 3). 3 For an HD camcorder, as of 7th January 2009. In Low Light mode and 1/25 shutter speed. 4 The SDHC/SD Memory Card must have memory space available that is larger than the data in the built-in memory to be merged. 5 Automatic merging is possible only when data is saved in AVCHD format. 6 300 and 200 series only 7 Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Night Portrait and Night Scenery modes 8 300 series only 9 ‘Full-HD video with 1920 x 1080 pixels’ in Panasonic home-use camcorders refers to video recordings with 1920 pixels in horizontal direction and 1080 pixels in vertical direction
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