Panasonic HDC-SD100

A compact, high-definition Panasonic camcorder with a 3-chip sensor.

A compact, high-definition Panasonic camcorder with a 3-chip sensor.

The Panasonic HDC-SD100 HD camcorder provides a great set of well-implemented tools that are in the right place at the right price. Unfortunately, poor connection placement and poor imaging make it hard to recommend this camera.

Having reviewed Panasonic\'s highly anticipated HDC-HS100, we thought it only fair to give equal treatment to their slightly less expensive model, the Panasonic HDC-SD100 ($1099.95 MSRP). Without the large hard drive bulking up the right side of the body, the SD100 is slimmer and lighter. Relying entirely on external SD/SDHC memory cards, the SD100 doesn\'t have the capacity of its hard drive cousin, but the differences really end there. Nearly everything we experienced with the HS100 in terms of performance, user interface, and features still holds true.

Panasonic HDC-SD100

You’ve longed to document your fascinating life for some time now, but you just haven’t found the right lightweight HD camcorder. Well, here’s the perfect tool for it: The Panasonic HDC-SD100 3CMOS camcorder can shoot 1080i HD video or 2.1-megapixel stills, all in a light, easily toted package. Panasonic HDC-SD100 6/10 Learn How We Rate

Sony and Canon have adopted CMOS technology with open arms in their camcorders. But Panasonic has resolutely stuck with CCDs. At least, it did until the latest generation. The HDC-SD100 finally makes the switch to CMOS, although it still