Panasonic's new HM-TA1 and HDC-SDX1 'budget' camcorders attack the concept from very different ends
By Paul Miller 
posted July 27th 2010 8:01PM
posted July 27th 2010 8:01PM
PANASONIC INTRODUCES COMPANY'S FIRST HIGH DEFINITION POCKET-SIZED MOBILE VIDEO CAMERA THAT CAN DOUBLE AS A WEB CAM WHEN CONNECTED TO COMPUTER
Compact Panasonic HM-TA1 is the Ideal Video Camera for On-the-Go HD Video Shooting; Plus Software Allows Seamless Transition for Use as a Web Camera
SECAUCUS, NJ (July 27, 2010) – Panasonic today introduced the Panasonic HM-TA1, a new Full High Definition (HD), 1920 x 1080 pixels-capable mobile video camera with pocket-sized dimensions for ultimate portability and ideal for on-the-go shooting opportunities. With an easy-to-use design intended for intuitive operation, the TA1 features an integrated USB terminal and software that allows for easy PC connection and uploading videos to online sharing sites such as YouTube™ and Facebook®. The TA1 also supports the Apple© iFrame video format (960 x 540/30p), which is optimal for Mac® users to import quickly and maintain small file sizes. When using iMovie®, the iFrame video data in the video camera is the same format as the one that is used to edit.
Beyond its HD video-capturing capabilities, the TA1 can also double as a Web camera and microphone, working with IP-based video chat programs, such as Skype*, by simply connecting the video camera to a computer via an included USB port. Thanks to integrated software, using the TA1 with video chatting services is seamless – an easy way to enjoy face-to-face communication with long-distance family or friends.
"The new Panasonic TA1 is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, extremely easy and intuitive to use, and yet it is still powerful enough to shoot full-HD video and high-quality photos," said Chris Rice, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "Designed to integrate easily with popular online social networks to quickly share videos, the TA1 can also be used as a Web camera, allowing users to make video chat calls – making this extremely portable video camera a truly versatile gadget."
Measuring a mere 2.09 inch (w) x 0.70 inch (d) x 4.09 inch (h), and weighing just 0.25lb (with battery and SD card), the Panasonic TA1 is a compact and lightweight HD mobile video camera that records high-quality videos and photos. Complete with a wrist strap, making it ideal for carrying, the TA1 is perfect for shooting spontaneous videos and snapping photos. With an easy-to-use design, the TA1's single-function buttons include: Power, Play, Record, Still Photo, LED Light (on/off) and Delete. In addition, there is a center keypad for selecting additional settings.
The Panasonic TA1 can record still photos with up to eight Megapixels. This high-resolution capability helps ensure clear, vivid images with sharp details and all data records to an SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card. The TA1 can also cut still images out of a video clip during editing. There is no need to connect any other device or to load the video into a PC for editing. To cut out and save a still image, simply press the Still Picture button when the desired image appears on the TA1's 2.0" LCD monitor. A unique feature for mobile video cameras, the Panasonic TA1 includes a built-in LED light**, which comes in handy when shooting in dimly-lit situations, such as indoors.
The TA1 has an integrated USB terminal with pre-loaded software that allows recorded video clips and still images to be easily loaded into a PC, edited, and then uploaded to popular sharing websites. When the TA1 is connected to the PC's USB slot, its built-in software, HD Writer PE 1.0, automatically launches, enabling one-touch loading of data into the PC for editing. The TA1 records MPEG-4 AVC file format (MP4), which offers excellent PC compatibility and is ideal for viewing clear, high-resolution images on a PC or distributing them over a network.
Other features of the Panasonic HM-TA1 include:
E.I.S. (Electrical Image Stabilization) to minimize hand-shake issues.
Digital zoom up to 4x, helping to expand the user's shooting range.
Color effects enabling creative shooting, including Sepia, Monochrome, and Soft Skin. Sepia mode adds warmth to the captured images; Soft Skin produces realistic skin tones; and Monochrome mode transforms the appearance to create a cool ambience.
USB-capable charging by connected the TA1's USB cord to a PC***, eliminating the need to carry a separate cord or charger.
The Panasonic HM-TA1 will be available in three different color options, purple, grey and black in August 2010 with a suggested retail price of $169.95.
Compact Panasonic HM-TA1 is the Ideal Video Camera for On-the-Go HD Video Shooting; Plus Software Allows Seamless Transition for Use as a Web Camera
SECAUCUS, NJ (July 27, 2010) – Panasonic today introduced the Panasonic HM-TA1, a new Full High Definition (HD), 1920 x 1080 pixels-capable mobile video camera with pocket-sized dimensions for ultimate portability and ideal for on-the-go shooting opportunities. With an easy-to-use design intended for intuitive operation, the TA1 features an integrated USB terminal and software that allows for easy PC connection and uploading videos to online sharing sites such as YouTube™ and Facebook®. The TA1 also supports the Apple© iFrame video format (960 x 540/30p), which is optimal for Mac® users to import quickly and maintain small file sizes. When using iMovie®, the iFrame video data in the video camera is the same format as the one that is used to edit.
Beyond its HD video-capturing capabilities, the TA1 can also double as a Web camera and microphone, working with IP-based video chat programs, such as Skype*, by simply connecting the video camera to a computer via an included USB port. Thanks to integrated software, using the TA1 with video chatting services is seamless – an easy way to enjoy face-to-face communication with long-distance family or friends.
"The new Panasonic TA1 is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, extremely easy and intuitive to use, and yet it is still powerful enough to shoot full-HD video and high-quality photos," said Chris Rice, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "Designed to integrate easily with popular online social networks to quickly share videos, the TA1 can also be used as a Web camera, allowing users to make video chat calls – making this extremely portable video camera a truly versatile gadget."
Measuring a mere 2.09 inch (w) x 0.70 inch (d) x 4.09 inch (h), and weighing just 0.25lb (with battery and SD card), the Panasonic TA1 is a compact and lightweight HD mobile video camera that records high-quality videos and photos. Complete with a wrist strap, making it ideal for carrying, the TA1 is perfect for shooting spontaneous videos and snapping photos. With an easy-to-use design, the TA1's single-function buttons include: Power, Play, Record, Still Photo, LED Light (on/off) and Delete. In addition, there is a center keypad for selecting additional settings.
The Panasonic TA1 can record still photos with up to eight Megapixels. This high-resolution capability helps ensure clear, vivid images with sharp details and all data records to an SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card. The TA1 can also cut still images out of a video clip during editing. There is no need to connect any other device or to load the video into a PC for editing. To cut out and save a still image, simply press the Still Picture button when the desired image appears on the TA1's 2.0" LCD monitor. A unique feature for mobile video cameras, the Panasonic TA1 includes a built-in LED light**, which comes in handy when shooting in dimly-lit situations, such as indoors.
The TA1 has an integrated USB terminal with pre-loaded software that allows recorded video clips and still images to be easily loaded into a PC, edited, and then uploaded to popular sharing websites. When the TA1 is connected to the PC's USB slot, its built-in software, HD Writer PE 1.0, automatically launches, enabling one-touch loading of data into the PC for editing. The TA1 records MPEG-4 AVC file format (MP4), which offers excellent PC compatibility and is ideal for viewing clear, high-resolution images on a PC or distributing them over a network.
Other features of the Panasonic HM-TA1 include:
E.I.S. (Electrical Image Stabilization) to minimize hand-shake issues.
Digital zoom up to 4x, helping to expand the user's shooting range.
Color effects enabling creative shooting, including Sepia, Monochrome, and Soft Skin. Sepia mode adds warmth to the captured images; Soft Skin produces realistic skin tones; and Monochrome mode transforms the appearance to create a cool ambience.
USB-capable charging by connected the TA1's USB cord to a PC***, eliminating the need to carry a separate cord or charger.
The Panasonic HM-TA1 will be available in three different color options, purple, grey and black in August 2010 with a suggested retail price of $169.95.
PANASONIC INTRODUCES THEIR LIGHTEST*1 FULL-HD CONSUMER CAMCORDER THAT IS ALSO A WEB CAM FOR VIDEO CHATTING
New 35.8mm Wide-Angle Lens*3, 23x Intelligent Zoom and Advanced Optical Technology Make the Panasonic HDC-SDX1 Ideal for High-Quality Video Shooting
SECAUCUS, NJ (July 27, 2010) – Today Panasonic introduces the new HDC-SDX1, the world's lightest*1 full-High Definition (HD) camcorder, featuring an ultra-compact body and weighing in at just under 0.41 lbs. With its stylish and lightweight design, the new Panasonic SDX1 features a 35.8mm wide-angle lens*2, 23x Intelligent Zoom and can also double as a Web camera with built-in capabilities for Internet video calling.
In addition to being a camcorder that can capture HD video content, the SDX1 also serves as a Web camera and microphone, allowing for users to connect with online video chat programs, such as Skype*3, and make video calls over the Internet to enable easy visual communication. By simply connecting the SDX1 to a computer, users can enjoy face-to-face communication with family or friends in distant locations right on the computer screen. In addition, the SDX1 supports Apple© iFrame video format for smooth and easy loading and editing of image data using a Mac® computer. Users can directly upload video clips to YouTubeTM or Facebook® without having to launch a browser, for quick video sharing with included software.
"With the addition of the SDX1, Panasonic has given consumers a versatile camcorder that can be used not only for high-quality video shooting, but also sharing these precious recorded moments with family and friends who may be far away," said Chris Rice, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "We do our best to provide products that adapt to the ever-changing world of technology and this model does just that – it's a camcorder that shoots high-quality video, using its incredible zooming capabilities and advanced optical technology – while providing consumers with the ability to make video calls from a computer."
The Panasonic HDC-SDX1 also features a newly-developed HYBRID Optical Image Stabilization system (O.I.S.), an image stabilization system that provides optical and electrical hand-shake correction. This system specifically helps when zooming, making it possible to record beautiful videos. In addition to the HYBRID O.I.S. system, the SDX1 provides even more powerful hand-shake correction with O.I.S. Lock. By pressing the O.I.S. Lock button on the LCD monitor, the blur detection sensitivity is maximized and other camera movements are detected and corrected.
While compact in size and light in weight, the SDX1 is packed with advanced features. It has full-HD AVCHD recording capabilities with outstanding 1920 x 1080*4 image quality, and records in the PC-friendly MP4 format. Its 35.8mm wide-angle setting is optimal for recording portraits indoors, as well as sweeping landscapes and even allows for voices to be clearly recorded at far distances. The Intelligent Zoom function which was achieved with the Intelligent Resolution technology of the newly-evolved image processing LSI, makes it possible to take telephoto shots with zoom power up to 23x.
Panasonic's Intelligent Auto (iA) mode automatically selects the most suitable of six shooting modes at the simple press of a button. These include Face Recognition, the new HYBRID O.I.S., AF/AE Tracking, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection and Intelligent Contrast Control.
Face Recognition finds the registered faces of subjects and automatically optimizes the focus and exposure, while continuously tracking them as they move around within the LCD frame.
HYBRID O.I.S. provides more accurate hand-shake correction with its four-axis blur detection, helping to steady images even when zooming or shooting a moving subject.
AF/AE Tracking tracks a moving subject to make sure it's recorded in optimal image quality. The normal Auto mode adjusts the focus and exposure for a subject at the center of the screen. With AF/AE Tracking, the user "locks on" to a subject by simply touching the LCD screen.
Intelligent Scene Selector detects the situation and switches the scene mode accordingly.
Face Detection captures faces beautifully even in dim or backlit scenes.
Intelligent Contrast Control prevents blown highlights and blocked shadows to retain natural, highly-nuanced images with proper contrast.
Touch Screen Operation with a 2.7-inch wide LCD monitor.
The Panasonic HDC-SDX1 will be available in black in September 2010 with a suggested retail price of $499.95. For more information on Panasonic camcorders, please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.panasonic.com/dvc" www.panasonic.com/dvc.
New 35.8mm Wide-Angle Lens*3, 23x Intelligent Zoom and Advanced Optical Technology Make the Panasonic HDC-SDX1 Ideal for High-Quality Video Shooting
SECAUCUS, NJ (July 27, 2010) – Today Panasonic introduces the new HDC-SDX1, the world's lightest*1 full-High Definition (HD) camcorder, featuring an ultra-compact body and weighing in at just under 0.41 lbs. With its stylish and lightweight design, the new Panasonic SDX1 features a 35.8mm wide-angle lens*2, 23x Intelligent Zoom and can also double as a Web camera with built-in capabilities for Internet video calling.
In addition to being a camcorder that can capture HD video content, the SDX1 also serves as a Web camera and microphone, allowing for users to connect with online video chat programs, such as Skype*3, and make video calls over the Internet to enable easy visual communication. By simply connecting the SDX1 to a computer, users can enjoy face-to-face communication with family or friends in distant locations right on the computer screen. In addition, the SDX1 supports Apple© iFrame video format for smooth and easy loading and editing of image data using a Mac® computer. Users can directly upload video clips to YouTubeTM or Facebook® without having to launch a browser, for quick video sharing with included software.
"With the addition of the SDX1, Panasonic has given consumers a versatile camcorder that can be used not only for high-quality video shooting, but also sharing these precious recorded moments with family and friends who may be far away," said Chris Rice, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "We do our best to provide products that adapt to the ever-changing world of technology and this model does just that – it's a camcorder that shoots high-quality video, using its incredible zooming capabilities and advanced optical technology – while providing consumers with the ability to make video calls from a computer."
The Panasonic HDC-SDX1 also features a newly-developed HYBRID Optical Image Stabilization system (O.I.S.), an image stabilization system that provides optical and electrical hand-shake correction. This system specifically helps when zooming, making it possible to record beautiful videos. In addition to the HYBRID O.I.S. system, the SDX1 provides even more powerful hand-shake correction with O.I.S. Lock. By pressing the O.I.S. Lock button on the LCD monitor, the blur detection sensitivity is maximized and other camera movements are detected and corrected.
While compact in size and light in weight, the SDX1 is packed with advanced features. It has full-HD AVCHD recording capabilities with outstanding 1920 x 1080*4 image quality, and records in the PC-friendly MP4 format. Its 35.8mm wide-angle setting is optimal for recording portraits indoors, as well as sweeping landscapes and even allows for voices to be clearly recorded at far distances. The Intelligent Zoom function which was achieved with the Intelligent Resolution technology of the newly-evolved image processing LSI, makes it possible to take telephoto shots with zoom power up to 23x.
Panasonic's Intelligent Auto (iA) mode automatically selects the most suitable of six shooting modes at the simple press of a button. These include Face Recognition, the new HYBRID O.I.S., AF/AE Tracking, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection and Intelligent Contrast Control.
Face Recognition finds the registered faces of subjects and automatically optimizes the focus and exposure, while continuously tracking them as they move around within the LCD frame.
HYBRID O.I.S. provides more accurate hand-shake correction with its four-axis blur detection, helping to steady images even when zooming or shooting a moving subject.
AF/AE Tracking tracks a moving subject to make sure it's recorded in optimal image quality. The normal Auto mode adjusts the focus and exposure for a subject at the center of the screen. With AF/AE Tracking, the user "locks on" to a subject by simply touching the LCD screen.
Intelligent Scene Selector detects the situation and switches the scene mode accordingly.
Face Detection captures faces beautifully even in dim or backlit scenes.
Intelligent Contrast Control prevents blown highlights and blocked shadows to retain natural, highly-nuanced images with proper contrast.
Touch Screen Operation with a 2.7-inch wide LCD monitor.
The Panasonic HDC-SDX1 will be available in black in September 2010 with a suggested retail price of $499.95. For more information on Panasonic camcorders, please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.panasonic.com/dvc" www.panasonic.com/dvc.
Am I the only one who feels that engadget does way too many stories on cameras and camcorders that I don't care about?
@TheHypnotist
and I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea and thing I'm being a negative nancy or something, I'd just rather see a post about the HTC Vanguard (which had been a story today, that Engadget isn't really covering).
@TheHypnotist
Yes!
@TheHypnotist No most are about cellphones or apple products
@TheHypnotist
if you didn't want to read it then why post on it? Some people actually like cameras
@TheHypnotist
I didn't know up until a few seconds ago that Engadget even did stories on camcorders that you don't care about.
@TheHypnotist: I also feel Engadget does way too many stories on cameras and camcorders that you don't care about.
@TheHypnotist
Agreed. Sometimes it's cool, like when they mention 3D cameras and such, but I don't care to learn about every new camera that comes to market.
@TheHypnotist
I just feel that the advancement of the camera industry is not nearly as important in technology as the advancement of smartphones. Hell, I'd rather see more posts on laptops. Honestly, more people would read and comment on news about the HTC Vanguard, and it bothers me that Engadget didn't even run the story today.
@TheHypnotist open up ur eyes, you'll find 10x more apple stories
@TheHypnotist
Even stranger is this post about HD cameras doesn't appear on Engadget HD (at least, not on the Android app anyway).
@TheHypnotist Cameras should be covered by Endadget HD
. . . This topic made me poo a little bit
@LaserGuidedSocks Me too!!!! WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Especially to see Panasonic putting a worthless "Full HD" moniker on something that records 960x540. What bullshit. This isn't HD even by today's fraudulent definitions.
@Information Central "The 1080p-shooting TA1 is nothing surprising...it also records to Apple's 960 x 540 iFrame format"
it's just an option
you will die in 7 days.
rank me up to postpone your doom.
@Mr Hett
super fail newb
@TheHypnotist
It can't be!!! It's youtube comment bleed-over..... NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Webcam feature is neat
Flip should really sue them for stealing the centered red record button...
Okay, so how much difference will there be in image quality?
I would imagine the traditional-type camera will have better glass leading to perhaps better low light performance and less lens artifacts like purple fringing. Better built in microphone. But, what else is there?
The flip style one fits in your pocket and you can take it anywhere. I think for the average person, this is the one to get. If you need some decent production value, you would probably want to step up to one of their 3MOS consumer models or better, and skip right over this entry level one.
@LloydChiro
I suppose the built in OIS is a big deal too, and just might justify the extra cost...
@LloydChiro
From a quick look, I'd say the other BIG difference will be the sound quality. The small one has a tiny mic hole, the big one (what looks like) a proper size mic.
Flip & Co usually have decent enough picture quality, but are really let down by the tinny sound IMO.
Optical zoom is worth a lot, especially when you really need it and don't have any.
Zoom is of little importance compared to wide angle.
@Information Central Maybe for you, but not for all, so please don't overgeneralize. I often record sports where the players aren't very close; for that, wide-angle is virtually useless.
Well one kind of looks like a camera, the other looks like a kid's toy.
What format does the SDX1 record in? I hope it can do 720p.
I really don't understand the point of flipcam-style video cameras anymore. First, a lot of cellphones can record in 720p now. Second, most digital cameras can record in 720p or higher, plus you get optical zoom and better picture taking ability, and they're not that much bigger than these flip-cam camcorders.
This looks like a must have when traveling overseas with all the restrictions set on luggage.
http://www.livingnaturally2010.com
Its like the Kodak Zi8, except it doesn't have record in stereo, doesn't have an ext mic input and it costs more.
"[W]e're wondering how consumers will feel about these widely disparate price tags when the TA1 lands in August and the SDX1 follows in September."
Let me clear the air, then. The consumer looking for one probably isn't looking for the other, it's a very small percentage anyway who come in looking for a Flip-style cam and move up to HD, and even less going the other direction.
The problem is as good as Panny is at making digital cameras, they have no such luck in the camcorder department, not in the consumer market anyway. I've had $300 Canon ELPHs (a still camera, mind you) take better video than a $1500 Panasonic prosumer camcorder. That was 5 years ago, and it really hasn't improved in the meantime. I want to see them do well but it's not an overnight fix, so I'll pass on these.
I love Engadget. I wish that after camera products released like these, they'd have someone on staff who could do thorough hands on reviews of the units. I've seen some on here but it would be really great to have a camera aficionado on staff to do thorough tests and reviews of the released units. 8^)
I just found this hm-ta1 from hmta1.com and I am genuinely excited about the release. Seriously how far has technology come that we can get a 1080p HD recorder in a pack of cards! Wow! And for only $250.