Panasonic unveils a suite of camcorders of all shapes, sizes, and depths
Well now, leave it to Panasonic to dump a pile of camcorders at once, ensuring every domestic niche is covered. We have five separate models, so bear with us as we break out some bullets:
HM-TA20 - This is a Flip-style upright design with a lens on one side and, on the other, an LCD with a big red button beneath it. But, it's durable, offering three meters of waterproof protection and a durable, dust-proof case. It'll do 1080p footage, offers no optical zooming, but does have a night mode that drops it down to 15fps to help it perform well when the lights go out. It can be used as a webcam, too.
HM-TA2 - This is basically the TA20 minus the heavy-duty bits. Best to keep it dry. Comes with a tripod for self-portraits. Perfect for your new MySpace profile pic!
HX-WA10 - Another durable one, waterproof to three meters, dust and shockproof, captures 16 megapixel stills and records 1080p footage, too. It offers a pistol-style grip and a flip-out, three-inch touchscreen. It's pictured after the break.
HX-DC10 - This is basically a WA10 that doesn't like the water, or the dust, or being dropped.
HX-DC1 - Another step down the cost ladder, this one backing down to 14 megapixel stills and losing some of the high-tech trickery of the others. Its three-inch LCD isn't touchable.
Panasonic didn't grace us with prices for any of these, nor release dates. But, hey, who needs details like that?
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New Waterproof Full-HD Camcorder HX-WA10 enables users to shoot both photos and videos in high quality.
February 15, 2010: Panasonic today announced the release of the new waterproof Full-HD Camcorder HX-WA10, which allows easy, effortless photo and video shooting. The WA10 is also optimized for shooting outdoors and in rainy weather. It captures stunning, detailed images with Full-HD 1920 x 1080 resolution, thanks to Backside Illumination (BSI) technology for shooting in dimly lit conditions, and 16-megapixel still image recording with top-class digital camera quality. This lets users easily enjoy authentic HD shooting in a wide range of situations.
The MPEG-4 AVC file format (MP4) is convenient for uploading and editing images with a PC or the Internet. Blog and SNS handles are also easily used. Operation of the WA10 is very very easy thanks to the included HD Writer VE 1.0 software, which is compatible with both YouTube and Facebook, With the release of this new multi functional camcorder, Panasonic offers users the ability to shoot Full-HD videos and high-resolution photos, even during rugged outdoor, recreational and everyday activities.
Some of the new video features of the new HX-WA10 include:
Waterproof for Active Shooting
The WA10 can be used to a depth of 3 meters underwater for up to 60 minutes complying with IPX8 standards.
Bright and Stunning Full-HD Video Shooting with BSI Sensor
The BSI (Backside Illumination) sensor technology has improved the sensitivity of the CMOS sensor, making it possible to shoot images with high-resolution Full-HD quality even in dimly lit areas. Full-HD video (1920 x 1080 pixels) can also be captured in all kinds of year-round outdoor conditions, not only in the rain or while swimming in a pool or the ocean, but also during marine sports6 such as snorkelling and surfing, and winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. The PC-friendly MPEG-4 AVC file format (MP4) makes it super easy to load and edit data with a PC. It's also hassle-free to directly upload video clips to YouTube or Facebook with the included application after editing.
16-Megapixel Still Image Recording – Highest Class Resolution among Compact Digital Cameras
The WA10 captures 16-megapixel photos, in addition to Full-HD video shooting. By separating photo and video capture buttons: images can be captured by using only the thumb to press the desired button, without having to change modes. By pressing the still image button, even while shooting a movie will produce a photo with resolution of up to 2 megapixels.
Other features of the WA10 include:
Stylish, easy-to-hold vertical design
2.7 -inch wide TFT LCD monitor
Capable of shooting faraway subjects with an optical 5x zoom/12x Advanced zoom for movie recording.
Blur-free shooting with E.I.S (Electrical Image Stabilizer)
Automatic optimal settings with iA (Intelligent Auto) mode
Captures faces beautifully with Face Detection
Clearly records sound with stereo microphones
MP4 recording for easy PC networking
Mini HDMI Terminal for enjoying even more beautiful Full-HD resolution
Compatible with large-capacity recording media SDXC memory card
Rechargeable via USB port: High-power mode
Along with the WA10, Panasonic will also be releasing the HX-DC10 and the HX-DC1. The HX-DC10 features bright and stunning Full-HD video shooting with BSI Sensor, 16-Megapixel still picture recording and the highest class resolution among compact digital cameras. With the iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode optimal settings can be always in use. The HX-DC1 features Full HD Recording in MP4 Format, 14-megapixel Still Picture Recording and a 3.0-inch Wide TFT LCD Monitor.
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The new Panasonic HM-TA20 HD Mobile Camera has a tough design and provides great performance even in dim lighting, so anyone can capture beautiful images easily - anywhere and anytime.
February 15, 2010: Panasonic today announced the release of the tough designed new HD Mobile Camera HM-TA20. The TA20 features a triple tough design that is waterproof, shockproof and dustproof, and Night View mode for shooting in dim lighting. These features greatly expand shooting possibilities -- for both movies and photos -- and allow users to enjoy active movie shooting during all kinds of sports and recreational activities. In addition, a large 3.0-inch Touch LCD enables easy and intuitive operation anywhere and anytime. The TA20 features the MPEG-4 AVC file format (MP4), which is convenient for uploading and editing images with a PC or the Internet.
The TA20 includes an integrated USB terminal in its compact body. After editing images inside the camera, the user simply connects the camera to a PC and the built-in software launches automatically. This makes it easy to upload movies online, such as to Facebook or YouTube. The new model can also be used as a web camera.
Panasonic introduces the new HD Mobile Camera especially for use in active lifestyles, making it possible to capture Full-HD movies and high-resolution photos as you like.
Some of the other new features of the new HM-TA20 include:
Full-HD Shooting with a 3-Meter Waterproof, 1.5-Meter Shockproof and Dustproof Design
The TA20 can be used underwater at depths down to 3 meters. The TA20 is dustproof for use in sandy or dusty places, and shockproof against drops from up to 1.5 meters for active movie shooting fun in various situations. The TA20 features high picture quality with Full-HD recording in MP4 format making it ideal for clear, high-resolution viewing both on a large-screen TV and a PC.
Night View Mode for Bright Movie Shooting
When shooting in dim lighting, the TA20 will automatically prompt the use of Night View Mode. This new function enables shooting at a frame rate of 1/15 with a single operation, which makes it possible to shoot bright images even in dimly lit conditions, such as a birthday party scene where someone is blowing out candles or a party at night.
Large 3.0-inch LCD with Touch Operation
The TA20 features a large 3.0-inch LCD with Touch Operation providing smooth, intuitive operation for anyone. The Touch Operation controls not only essential operations such as play, record, stop and zoom, but also enables users to edit, upload and configure settings with one finger. By holding the camera horizontally, images that were taken can be immediately viewed on the large LCD screen.
Other features of the HM-TA20 include:
Tripod stand included for self-portraits
Shooting faraway subjects with 4x Digital Zoom
8-megapixel still picture recording
Blur-free shooting with E.I.S (Electrical Image Stabilizer)
Automatic optimal settings with iA (Intelligent Auto) mode
Captures faces beautifully with Face Detection
button simple operation for easy recording
Simultaneous linear PCM sound recording with still pictures
Still image cut out from video clips
Three playback effects: sepia/monochrome/soft skin
Use as webcam with Skype
Direct connection to high-definition TVs with a single HDMI cable
In addition to the TA20, Panasonic will also introduce the TA2 HD Mobile Camera which features Night View Mode for Bright Movie Shooting, a larger 3.0-inch LCD with Touch Operation and a bundled tripod stand for self-portraits.
