Smallest, Lightest Video Camera Launched

Panasonic has unveiled two 3CCD high-definition (HD) consumer digital video cameras that record 1080i HD images in the new AVCHD format. Available in Japan from December 1, the HDC-SD1 is the world's first video camera that captures 1080i HD images onto SD/SDHC Memory Cards. The HDC-DX1 that uses 8-cm DVD discs for recording will be on store shelves in Japan on December 15.

Panasonic believes SD/SDHC Memory Cards are ideal for video recording. The postage-size cards do not require any moving parts for recording, making the HDC-SD1 the world’s smallest and lightest HD video camera to date. The SD/SDHC Memory Cards also promise a 1.7 second quick start-up, and skip-free, reliable recording. The HDC-SD1 records up to 90 minutes of HD images on a 4 GB SDHC Memory Card in HE mode.

The HDC-DX1 model uses 8-cm DVD discs, providing multi-format compatibility supporting DVD-RAM/-R/-RW and DVD-R double-layer (DL) discs. The HDC-DX1 records up to 60 minutes of HD images on an 8-cm DVD-R DL disc in HE mode.

Both models support the AVCHD format, an HD digital video camera recording format Panasonic developed with Sony to let consumers enjoy high-resolution home videos easily in the living rooms. This new format enables recording and playback of high-resolution digital images and 5.1-channel surround sound.