Panasonic last week introduced the word’s first 3 CCD camcoder that records MPEG-2 video directly to SD card. It is also the smallest 3 CCD camera yet as it uses SD card for storage instead of MiniDV tape or DVD-R, which really saved a lot of space for the design of this camcoder.
You don’t have a large capacity SD card to be used with it? Don’t worry, the SDR-S100’s retail package also comes with a 2GB SD card, which yields about 25 minutes of video in highest quality mode. That is less than what you’ll get from a MiniDV tape (30-80 minutes), but more than what you’ll get from a DVD-R (around 20 minutes). Panasonic has plan for producing SD memory cards that far surpass the capacities now available, targetting to achieve 16GB and 32GB capacities by year 2007.
With a totally redesigned compression system, the video is unbelievably sharp, but that doesn’t mean its video quality is above average. Let’s check out some specifications of the SDR-S100:
- Weight: 8.5 ounces
- Dimensions: 2” x 3.8” x 3.2”
- LCD Size: 2.8”
- CCD Resolution: 3.1 Megapixels
- CCDType: 3 CCD
- Minimum Illumination: 1 lux
- Video Recording Format: Secure Digital
- Still Image Recording Format: Secure Digital type / MB
- Optical Zoom: 10x
- Lens aperture: F1.8 (Wide), F2.8 (Tele)
- Image Stabilization: Optical
- Focal Length (Wide): 3 mm
- Focal Length (Telephoto): 30 mm
There is no official detail of battery life given. According to CamcorderInfo.com, the SDR-S100 was tested for battery life by continuously recording in its highest quality mode with the LCD open and none of manual controls touched, and it lasted 90 minutes and 20 seconds.
The Panasonic SDR-S100 costs around US$1,200. If you intend to buy it, I would recommend you to read CamcorderInfo.com’s comprehensive review of this camcoder.
