The Panasonic HDC-SD900 is a powerful camcorder that, along with the HDC-TM900 and HDC-HS900, is currently the flagship consumer camera from Panasonic.
At a suggested retail price of £650, this camera is 3D capable and can record video in full 1080p high definition at 50 frames per second, displaying images in real time on its 460,000-pixel LCD panel. In order to utilize the 3D filming technology you’ll need to purchase an additional 3-D conversion lens, which typically costs around £200. While shooting in 2D the camera is capable of capturing images at a bit rate of 17 Mbps, providing stunning clarity and brilliant colors. If you’d like to increase the bit rate to 28 Mbps you can switch the camera to 1080/50p mode with the click of a button.
Being lightweight and having a foldout display of only 3.5 inches, the Panasonic HDC-SD900 is compact, effective, and comfortable to use. The display is not only large, it is also a touch sensitive screen, giving the user complete control over all functions in a simplified manner. Perhaps one of the most powerful features of the HDC-SD900 is the 3MOS image sensor, a combination of three individual 2.53 megapixel sensors, which together deliver a complete resolution of approximately 7.59 megapixels. Each sensor receives and processes the colors green, blue, and red separately, ultimately delivering color-rich, illustrious images every time.
The wide angle 12x optical zoom lens allows users to zoom in to the macro level, and the iFrame shooting mode provides ideal functionality for capturing still images in various lighting and motion conditions. The sensor-based image stabiliser complements every feature of the camera, and users can enjoy playback directly from the integrated display with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. Overall, the HDC-SD900 is an excellent value within its price range, and provides competitive functionality relative to similar cameras on the market.
