Panasonic SDR-SW20

Panasonic SDR-SW20

The ocean is home to a plethora of organisms, lost treasures, and abandoned shipwrecks. Panasonic is now adding camcorders to the list. The company’s first dive into underwater video is a valiant attempt. The SDR-SW20 ($399 MSRP) is extremely compact, recording to SD and SDHC cards, and is coated in an easily grippable surface. Bright colors help it from getting lost, but with a depth safety of only 5 feet, you’ll have to stick to shallow waters. Will this be enough to win over land lovers?

For a first-time attempt at an underwater camcorder, the SDR-SW20 is a fairly solid performer. If you already own a camcorder, it will suit perfectly well as a secondary unit for oceanic holidays.