Panasonic SDR-S100 3CCD SD pocket camcorder
posted September 2nd 2005 12:05PM
It may not be an Everio, but we're pretty sure it's no DN-HDDV8000 either, but Panasonic's new SDR-S100 is the first SD-based pocket camcorder we've seen to use 3 CCDs. And this is definitely a pocket camcorder with 2 x 3.8 x 3.2-inch dimensions and a weight of just 8.5 ounces. The SDR-100 also includes 10x optical zoom and image stabilization, and can capture up to 25 minutes of MPEG-2 video to its included 2GB SD card—but that SD card is the real issue with this. While Panasonic's price on this is about $1,200—about $400 less than the 3CCD Everio GZ-MC500—the JVC model has a 4GB removable microdrive. Do the math on adding storage to either unit, and it may seem like a wash since bumping this up to 4GB still keeps the price at under $1,400. But you can add microdrives in larger capacities, with 6GB versions going for under $300, while for now SD cards top out at 2GB, meaning you'll be doing a lot of card-swapping if you need to shoot anything longer than a half hour.
Looks like I could shave with it, too.
Since this article is current, let me update your facts:
- 4GB SD cards are out first of all (although they are about $700), and
-you can get a 2GB card for $131 (far less than the $400 you speak of.. see www.dealmac.com for current prices)
This make a difference because although you still have to swap cards, this is a (in my opinion) better and cheaper device than the microdrive crap.
Nice, but I'd rather buy an Xacti C4 for me and 3 of my friends.
Whats the point of these tpype of devices anyway? Isn't is much better to get a miniDV with firewire? Much longer content, easy to transfer, cheaper overall....
#4
It is just smaller than miniDV, but this is in fact the first non-miniDV Camcorder that seems interesting to me. I like the Panasonic 3CCD camcorders, and SD cards are much more reliable and robust ?comparison to microdrives. Should also improve battery-life, I am going to check this one out in Japan next year, since I wanted to buy a camcorder there anyway and I.
i like a 3ccd camcorder but would not like to record onto tape as heads need cleaning. So what is best? Removable microdrive, 2 gb card, or?
This is the replacement for the older Panasonic SV-AV100. I own the SV-AV100 and love it. The best camera is the one you take with you...and with the tiny footprint of the camera I take it everywhere. Will definately start saving up for this camera.
Good info on this line/type of camera can be found at http://zyvid.com/smf/index.php
The best choice for someone looking for a lightweight, portable camcorder.
I owned a miniDV camcorder and I find the SDR-S100 much easier and faster to transfer the footage to PC, especially for someone who doesn't do a lot of editing. Why bother with a stack of miniDV tapes when you won't take them out and watch or edit them again, even though the quality is better?
However, I admit that it is a bit pricey, reckon the fair value at US$800. And it should be able to take SD card with larger capacity, I think the limitation come from the FAT12/FAT16 file system.