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Panasonic AG-HSC1U Pro AVCHD 3CCD High Definition SD/SDHC Camcorder, 12x Optical 3" Wide LCD Screen, Leica Lens, Optical Image Stabilizer and 5.1-ch Surround Sound, with an External 40GB SD/SDHC-Compatible Storage Drive

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Remember the Essentials

Video Cassettes are not included, and the standard battery included with your camcorder tends to provide less than an hour of recording time. In order to start shooting right away - and with longer shooting times - you will need to purchase video cassettes, and a longer-lasting battery. In order to protect your camera's lens, you will need a UV filter.

The Panasonic AG-HSC1U AVCHD SD/SDHC HD Camcorder is the smallest Professional high definition camera on the market. However despite it's small size the AG-HSC1U is impressively well equipped. Its Leica Dicomar lens, 12x optical zoom, 5.1-ch surround sound recording, and 3" LCD screen are just the beginning of the plethora of features Panasonic included on this sleek camcorder.

Panasonic included Optical Image Stabilization and takes advantage of SDHC memory card technology to give you the ability to capture up to one hour of 1080i on a 4GB SDHC card (included). The video clips can then be transferred to the included 40GB SD-SDHC compatible storage device. The AG-HSC1U also features Panasonic Professional Color Calibration technology, giving this tiny camcorder the same true-color capabilities of Panasonic's professional camcorders.

With an ultra-fast 1.7 second quick start time and weighing less than a pound, the AG-HSC1U is the prefect camera to carry around with you wherever you go.

12x Optical 700x Digital Zoom
Equipped with a 12x optical zoom that lets you close-in on your subject with a pure optical quality, and the 700x digital zoom that lets you go all the way out for incredible close-ups.
1/4" 3-CCD Sensor
The camcorder maximizes it's capability by using a 3 CCD system, assigning a separate CCD to each primary color (red, green, blue). A beam-splitting prism precisely separates the light passing through the lens into individual color components, and each is sent to its own CCD. This process achieves outstanding detail with highly accurate color reproduction, suitable for the demands of the high-end production field - wide dynamic range, low color noise, natural color resolution and low aliasing.
3" Wide LCD
You can use the monitor to check wide-angle shots in digital HD. Because it is a hybrid system, you can still see the LCD monitor outside, even on the brightest and most sunny days. With its 211,000 pixels, the pictures are extra clear and rich for easy detailed viewing.
16:9 Widescreen Recording Mode
16:9 recording mode uses the full width of its CCD to capture video in actual widescreen for superior playback on home theater systems and PC monitors. Just click the Widescreen Button and switch effortlessly from 4:3 to 16:9.
Superior Quality Leica Dicomar Lens
The Leica Dicomar lens incorporates advanced Leica optical technology. The use of low-dispersion glass reduces color aberration and increases resolution, while a multi-coating process minimizes flare and ghosting. This results in sharp, crisp, beautifully rendered images with delicate nuances and exceptional shading.
Optical Image Stabilizer
Panasonic's advanced Optical Image Stabilizer dramatically reduces the blurring caused by hand-shake. Optical processing with an automatic correction function helps assure consistently clear and sharp images.
40GB Storage Drive
There's no need to worry about storage space, even when theres no computer nearby. Simply store all your video clips on the included 40GB storage drive.
Camera
Sensor 1/4" CCD x 3, 800,000 Pixels
Lens Leica Dicomar Lens; F1.8 - F2.8, Focal length; 4 - 48mm
Zoom 12x Optical/700x Digital
Filter Size 43mm
Image Stabilization Optical Image Stabilizer
Lux Minimum Illumination: 12 lux (1 lx in MagicPix Mode)
Recording
System NTSC
Format AVCHD HDD
Audio PCM digital recording, 16 bit (48 kHz/2 ch), 12 bit (32 kHz/4 ch)
Time Code NTSC
Date & Time Yes
A/V Dubbing Yes
Display
Viewfinder None
LCD Monitor 3" color monitor, 123,000 pixels
Conveniences
Manual Controls Shutter speed, aperture, white balance, zoom, focus
Built-in Light No
Built-in Mic 5.1 Channel, Zoom Mic
Built-in Speaker Yes
Accessory Shoe No
Titler Yes
Digital Effects Soft skin, sports, portrait, low light, spotlight, surf & snow
Fade Resistance Fade in, fade out (white and black)
Tape Loading Side
Digital Still Mode
Resolution 2.1 megapixel
Card Slot SD/SDHC Slot
Built-in Flash No
Input/Output Connectors
Line In Recording Yes
Inputs Not Specified By Manufacturer
Outputs Not Specified By Manufacturer
Edit Protocol No
Microphone Input Yes, 2 Channel
Headphone Jack No
General
Power Requirements 110-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption Viewfinder: - 3.6W
LCD: - 19W
Dimensions (WxHxD) Not Specified By Manufacturer
Weight 1.1 lb (449.1 g)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Panasonic AG-HSC1U AVCHD 3CCD High Definition SD/SDHC Camcorder
 
4.7

(based on 6 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (5)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

80%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Comfortable to operate (4)
  • Great features (4)
  • Great picture quality (3)
  • Versatile (3)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Family (3)
    • Movies/short films (3)
    • Travel (3)

    REVIEWS

    Reviewed by 6 customers

    Sort by

    Displaying reviews 1-6

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    (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    Buy It

    By Mark

    from Los Angeles

    About Me Video Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Comfortable to Operate
    • Durable
    • Great Features
    • Great Picture Quality
    • Great Sound
    • Simple Controls
    • Versatile

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Documentaries
      • Editing
      • HD Shooting
      • Home Movies
      • Movies/Short Films
      • Travel

      Comments about Panasonic AG-HSC1U AVCHD 3CCD High Definition SD/SDHC Camcorder:

      Love it so much that when mine was stolen I bought another. Easy to use, awesone pictures, super durable, small, comfortable and great battery life. Tried Sony and Canon's which were good this pull ahead of the pack.

      Comment on this review

      (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      cammera i used 15 days amazing

      By ketan

      from mumbai insia

      About Me Getting started

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Comfortable to Operate

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Family

        Comments about Panasonic AG-HSC1U AVCHD 3CCD High Definition SD/SDHC Camcorder:

        this is a real professional cammera for new student who want to learn photography and very compact if u dont want to go for bulkey and hig price in professional

        Comment on this review

        (5 of 11 customers found this review helpful)

         
        3.0

        It's ok...but

        By A to Z Video

        from Northeast PA

        About Me Professional

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Great Features

        Cons

        • Battery removal
        • Jack placement
        • Uncomfortable

        Best Uses

        • Family
        • Travel

        Comments about Panasonic AG-HSC1U AVCHD 3CCD High Definition SD/SDHC Camcorder:

        Buying this camera meant purchasing new XLR adapter from [...] The old one for my vx2000 would not fit properly. The cam is so small the battery can't be changed while mounted to the XLR adapter or to a tripod plate. Having no eyepiece is almost the only dealbreaker I needed, but that along with the battery issue did it for sure. The input jacks are in a strange place. This was done without much thought. I don't think I appreciate this being called a Professional HD camera. It doesn't have the look or the feel for one. I am sure the quality is outstanding, but I sent it back before I opened anything else. I still would like to see what Panasonic has in store for us. Many of us are looking for the same thing. AVCHD to media card with the look of an HVX-200, with a price point of about 3,000.00. Not too much to ask for...right?

        • How long have you owned it:
        • A month or less

        Comment on this review

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Fantastic

        By BMJ

        from NY NY

        About Me Professional

        Pros

        • Comfortable to Operate
        • Durable
        • Great Features
        • Great Picture Quality
        • Simple Controls
        • Versatile

        Cons

        • Better wide angle option
        • Poor Battery Life

        Best Uses

        • High end HD production
        • Movies/Short Films

        Comments about Panasonic AG-HSC1U AVCHD 3CCD High Definition SD/SDHC Camcorder:

        Helmet cams for outdoor extreme sport show for National Network.

        Got for of these for our show. There are great cameras. Small and easy to use. The image quailty is great and matches the HDX900. Very durable, we have but them through hell, rain, snow, mud, no a problem. Make great car cams... can't wait for the firmware update which will allow for use of bigger SD cards

        • How long have you owned it:
        • Three-to-six months

        Comment on this review

        (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        AVCHD editing

        By sossi

        from salt lake city, Ut

        About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

        Verified Reviewer

        Pros

        • Comfortable to Operate
        • Great Features
        • Great Picture Quality
        • Versatile

        Cons

        • Mic access

        Best Uses

        • Family
        • Movies/Short Films
        • Travel

        Comments about Panasonic AG-HSC1U AVCHD 3CCD High Definition SD/SDHC Camcorder:

        With the introduction/upgrade of Apple's Final Cut Express 4 Editing software (editing of AVCHD), I took a chance and bought this Panasonic cam to move to HD video editing. I wanted the Prosumer Version of the camcorder despite its higher price to be able to add an external mic for better outdoors' sound control(wind sock etc). I also wanted "Pro"-color settings similar to my DVX100. The manual controls are easy to accsess and the Zebra-pattern is helpful to avoid over-exposure.
        The cam is a gem - beautiful images and sound. I shot a few clips and imported them without any issues into Apple's Final Cut Express 4 editing software via USB cable. The editing process was flawless (MacBook Pro 17' 2 gig memory) and the images were brilliant. Most importantly I burned a short film via iDVD to a regular DVD (1080i settings) and played the DVD on an "upscaling" DVD player and a 1080i VIZIO 37'' screen HDTV - brilliant images - just beautiful - true HD picture quality, not just off the cam via HDMI cable but via regular DVD. I don't want to use the cam to view my movies on HDTV but edit the clips, use sound effects, music etc and watch it as a DVD .... it all worked flawless. From here-on all my "home-movies" will be HD quality.
        Furthermore the external 40GB hard drive storage unit that comes with the cam equally worked great and allowed to import the clips via USB cable to Final Cut Express 4 for editing without the need to go back to the cam.
        It's a great product. Being able to set the white balance and control shutter and aperture will be important. The cam is almost too small to hold, but it felt geat overall - the optical image stabilizer is as good as on my other 3 Panasonic camcorders. Before this cam, I used to edit via fire wire and tape (Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Express HD). No more...

        The only apparent flaw (aside from lack of 24p and 30p) is the mic input terminal - it is hidden under a plastic flap and only accessible with the LCD screen open - cumbersome but doable... Oh well...

        Overall I don't regret my purchase and will likely get another HD cam (?Vixia HF 10?)

        • How long have you owned it:
        • A month or less

        Comment on this review

        (4 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Best Camera in it's class as of 4/20/2007

        By Mark

        from Los Angeles, CA

        Comments about Panasonic AG-HSC1U AVCHD 3CCD High Definition SD/SDHC Camcorder:

        After trying the newest JVC and Sony (Sony being far better) I feel 20 years younger after using this new Panasonic, like the kid with the best toy ever (but it's no toy).The camera, the manual, the logic. Panasonic wins this round hands down. Size, build, controls, picture. The only place where Sony rules is in the SteadyShot you just cant beat it. JVC is horrible, almost like you need a tripod. The Panasonic is not as good as Sony's but great none the less.When was the last time you purchased something that truly blew you away?Truly in a class by itself.Beware that unless you purchase a codec converter (Elcard or TMPG Express), as of this date (4/20/2007) you will not be able to edit this ADVHD video. Same goes for the Sony. Mainstream editor updates are on the way.on the way.BRAVO PANASONIC!!! You won me over,

        Problems Encountered: None

        Previous Equivalent Items Owned: JVC and Sony HD Direct to Disk Cameras

        Items I Recommend: An extra SCHD card and Battery

        Comment on this review

        Displaying reviews 1-6

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        Bags & Cases

        Panasonic -  AG-YUSC1 Soft Carrying Case
        • Price: $84.95
        • GBP 54.24
         
        Lowepro -  Rezo 110 AW Camera Shoulder Bag
        • Price: $24.95
        • GBP 15.93
         

        External Microphones

        Azden -  SMX-10 Stereo Microphone
        • Price: $85.00
        • GBP 54.27
         

        Lights

        Sima -  SL-20LX Universal LED On Camera Light
        • Price: $24.22
        • GBP 15.46
         

        What's in the Box

        Panasonic AG-HSC1U Pro AVCHD 3CCD High Definition SD/SDHC Camcorder, 12x Optical 3" Wide LCD Screen, Leica Lens, Optical Image Stabilizer and 5.1-ch Surround Sound, with an External 40GB SD/SDHC-Compatible Storage Drive
        • 4GB SDHC Card
        • AC Adaptor
        • DC Cables
        • A/V Cable
        • Battery
        • Wireless Remote
        • USB Cable
        • Software CD-ROM
        • 40GB SD/SDHC-Compatible Storage Device
        • 1-Year Limited Warranty
         
         
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