The world's smallest and lightest* SDHC/SD Memory Card model, and a hybrid model that can record motion images onto both SDHC/SD Memory Cards and DVD discs.

As the consumer trend toward large, high-image-quality screens is still growing and more broadcasters are increasingly switching to high definition, video products are evolving along with this trend. As a manufacturer of industry-leading video equipment, Panasonic is proud to introduce two new High Definition 3CCD Camcorders, the new HDC-SD5 and HDC-SX5, designed to keep pace with the continued evolution towards high definition, recording beautiful images with clear, high-quality sound that makes for exceptional viewing on today's most advanced home theatres.

Both the HDC-SD5 and HDC-SX5 can record full-HD video with 1920 x 1080 pixels**  plus feature Panasonic's original 3CCD camera system and Advanced O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), which let users record clear, beautiful, blur-free images with vibrant colours and when viewed on a high-quality big-screen TV are simply breathtaking in quality.

The Panasonic HDC-SD5 debuts as the world's smallest and lightest 3CCD High Definition video camera*, even smaller than its predecessor model, the HDC- SD1.  Recording direct to SDHC Memory Cards and with no moving parts in the recording section, the compact camcorder is exceptionally resistant to impact and tough conditions. The SD5 also introduces a new USB Host function that significantly improves data storage and playback ease. Using a DVD burner VW-BN1 (released at the same time), you can copy or play back video recordings in the original AVCHD format, and enjoy easy high-definition viewing on a large-screen TV.

Alternatively, the Panasonic HDC-SX5 records full-HD motion images onto both SDHC/SD Memory Cards and DVD discs for easy storage which also means there is no need to rewind or fast-forward enabling you to play a recorded scene immediately. The SX5 can record up to 180 minutes*** of video on an 8GB SDHC Memory Card (available from September 2007), and up to 60 minutes*** on a DVD-R dual-layer disc. Combining both media means you can capture up to 240 minutes of full-HD recording.

Playback once again is made simple as the SX5 can copy recorded video from an SDHC/SD Memory Card to an 8 cm DVD disc internally with the touch of a single button; there's no need to use a PC. The recording format can be selected everytime you start recording which allows you to record the video on DVD disc in standard definition (MPEG2) to play it back with your DVD recorder/player. 

Both models use the high-resolution AVCHD format and feature the 3CCD camera system featured in many professional broadcast cameras. Panasonic, which has devoted extensive research and development to improving the image quality of home-use camcorders, believes that the 3CCD camera system and the 1920 x 1080 Full HD recording is essential to creating High Definition Camcorders with the high level of image quality demanded today.

To match the newly developed full-HD CCD, Panasonic has further enhanced its acclaimed Crystal Engine image processor. A new noise reduction circuit is combined with the new Intelligent Contrast Control circuit to boost image quality while reducing power consumption, offering superior images and longer battery life, the HD Crystal Engine takes camcorder performance to new heights.

The new models also incorporate Panasonic's new image-stabilization system, Advanced O.I.S.. This system performs the compensation operation eight times more frequently than the previous system, achieving greater precision and accuracy. The new O.I.S. system also uses gyro-sensors to detect hand-shake, then shifts a lens and adjusts its optical axis to compensate. Whilst previous systems checked and compensated for hand-shake around 500 times per second, the new Advanced O.I.S. works around 4,000 times per second. Because this is an optical system, there is no loss of quality resulting in images that are captured in all of their original beauty. Advanced O.I.S. prevents the subtle blurring that can be caused by even a slight bit of movement and helps produce crisp, clear images that are beautiful on a large screen.

Full-HD video clips from both Camcorders can be easily edited with the new "HD writer 2.0"  software provided or copied onto a DVD disc. The video data can be saved in either the AVCHD or DVD-VIDEO format, depending on how it will be played back. Recordings saved in the full-HD AVCHD format are suitable for playback with a Blu-Ray Player, while DVD-VIDEO (standard definition) recordings can be played back with a DVD player.

Setting the standard for today’s camcorders with their leading-edge imaging technologies and full 1920 x 1080-pixel definition, the SD5 and SX5 make it easy to capture video recordings that are simply stunning when viewed on a large-screen HD TV

Available from September 2007

*As of July 30, 2007
** In HG mode.  'Full-HD video with 1920 x 1080 pixels' in Panasonic home-use camcorders refers       to video recordings with 1,920 pixels in the horizontal direction and 1,080 pixels in the vertical direction.
*** In HE mode.

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