Panasonic SDR-S45 review
Compact SD Card Camcorder featuring Long Recording Mode
The S45, which uses SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Cards as recording media, has no drive mechanism so it has excellent resistance to external impact. Ideal for daily use, it offers easy portability for anytime, anywhere video fun. Furthermore, in addition to the conventional MPEG2 (XP/SP/LP Mode) recording format, it uses the H.264/AVC format (LXP/LSP/LLP mode), for higher data compression. It records up to 121 hours while maintaining the same level of image quality as the MPEG-2 format.
An AF/AE Tracking feature has also been added to the popular iA (Intelligent Auto) function, making it easy for anyone to capture beautiful images. The user simply "locks on" to a subject at the center of the screen by pressing the AF/AE button. The tracking function then automatically follows the subject even if it moves or turns to one side. This assures that the subject is always recorded with optimal AF/AE settings.
The Wind Noise Canceller, which has evolved from Panasonic's previous Wind Cut function, automatically detects and suppresses only wind noise, to maintain natural sounds with lifelike ambience. Also, unlike the previous Wind Cut function, which switched to monaural recording, the Wind Noise Canceller maintains stereo recording, enabling users to record clear, natural sounds without having to worry about wind noise when shooting outdoors, such as at the beach or on a veranda.
Despite its uncomplicated appearance, the S45 is equipped with a powerful 40x optical zoom lens. It provides clear, dynamic shots of distant subjects in both still and motion images, by pulling subjects right up close. The camcorder is also equipped with an image stabilization system, so clear images can be captured without blurring even when zooming in on a subject.
Easy YouTube uploading function makes it fast and easy to upload video clips to the YouTube website, for sharing videos with people all around the world. Simply install VideoCam Suite, which is included with the camcorder, on a PC and connect the camcorder to the PC using the USB interface. The software automatically starts up. Then, the user simply follows the specified procedure to upload a video clip to YouTube. The procedure is so easy, people who have never before uploaded a video to YouTube can do it without any problems.
Features:
Long Recording Mode (H.264/AVC)
iA (Intelligent Auto) with AF/AE Tracking
Wind Noise Canceller for Clear Sound Recording
SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card Recording Model
40x Optical Zoom
Easy YouTube Uploading