Panasonic HDC-SD20

The Panasonic HDC-SD20 is a high-definition camcorder recommended for new or intermediate users who desire an easy-to-use camcorder that can still produce top-notch, vivid video worthy of sharing with friends and family.

The third of six Panasonic HDC-HS models, the Panasonic HDC-SD20 is a downgrade from the Panasonic HDC-HS20 and HDC-TM20 in that it does not feature either an HDD or internal flash memory. Instead, the HDC-SD20 relies on just an SDHC/SC memory card to store 1920 x 1080 HD video content. In all other ways, however, the HDC-SD20 is practically a duplicate of its upgraded peers. For instance, the HDC-SD20 is also equipped with a 5.1 channel surround sound system with a 5 microphones and a zoom microphone feature. In addition, the HDC-SD20 offers full support for Apple Macintosh computers, and in fact allows easy file transferring so that files may be edited in iMovie. Furthermore, the HDC-SD20 features touch-screen controls with icon-based menus, an auto power LCD, and a quick 1.9 second power-up so that users can more easily catch spontaneous moments on video. The HDC-SD20 also boasts a Leica Dicomar lens with a 16x optical zoom, a 40x digital zoom, auto focus tracking, a 2.7” wide LCD, and automatic LCD brightness adjustments. The HDC-SD20 retails for a fairly affordable $599.95 (versus >$600) and comes with a 1 year limited warranty.