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Panasonic HDC-HS100 Full-High Definition Camcorder
Panasonic's HDC-HS100 Full-High Definition Camcorder combines the convenience of hybrid recording along with the clarity and beauty of full 1920 x 1080 high definition. Set apart from its companion the HD100, thanks to the 60GB hard drive, the HS100 ensures that you'll have plenty of recording time to capture every remarkable moment. Panasonic's 3MOS image sensor ensures beautiful images with rich, natural color and detail, while the Leica Dicomar lens provides 12x optical zoom. In addition, the iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode offers several features that enhance the HS100, such as Improved Advanced Optical Image Stabilization, Face Detection and the Pre-Rec function.
Panasonic has included the rarely seen features of headphone and microphone jacks on the HS100, sure to please any camcorder buff or aspiring film maker who wants to give their movies that professional feel. The HS100 also boasts features such as a manual ring for more control over manual features, 2.7" LCD display, VIERA Link compatibility for VIERA HDTV playback, Quick Power-On, Digital Cinema Color and editing software for Windows and support for use with iMovie 08 for Apple.
- Full 1920 x 1080 High Definition Recording
- When recording in HG (high image quality) you can record images in full 1920 x 1080 high definition, affording you the full color and clarity of true HD.
- Recording to 60GB HDD & SD/SDHC Memory Cards
- Record in true 1920 x 1080 HD to the 60GB hard disk drive or to SD/SDHC memory cards and forget about the hassle of tapes or DVDs.
- 3MOS Sensor
- Panasonic's own 3MOS sensor takes a lesson from Panasonic's 3CCD image sensor by providing you with true-to-life color and clarity in every image, even low light images. The three sensors capture light and break it down into red, blue and green providing you with rich, natural and vibrant images.
- SD/SDHC Still & Video Image Capture
- Capture all your video and still images directly to SD/SDHC memory cards. Record 1920 x 1080 video and 2.1Mp stills on memory cards up to 16GB.
- 12x Optical Zoom
- The 12x optical zoom allows you to bring those far off subjects up close, for crystal clear recording, without losing image quality.
- Microphone & Headphone Jack
- Virtually unheard of in the consumer camcorder market, the HS100 features both a microphone and a headphone jack. Hook up these external accessories to the camcorder's cold accessory shoe and enhance your recordings like a pro.
- 2.7" Wide LCD
- The 2.7" Wide LCD display (300,000 dots) provides you with a 170° viewing angle, both horizontally and vertically. Record and playback from any number of angles. This allows everyone crowded around to see your footage, even on sunny days and makes those hard to get shots a possibility.
- Improved Advanced Optical Image Stabilizer
- The Improved Advanced O.I.S. takes image stabilization to another level. Panasonic's take on what has become an industry standard, ups the benefits by correcting for handshake and sway at a rate of 4,000 times per second. The O.I.S. detects movement and triggers the lens to shift in order to compensate for it in your footage for crystal clear images, free from blur and motion.
- Face Detection
- By detecting up to 15 faces in a single frame, the HS100 automatically corrects for exposure, contrast, skin complexion, effect and focus, making sure that everyone is in focus and looks their best.
- Manual Ring
- The Manual ring on the HS100 gives you the ability to adjust for focus, zoom and exposure without having to run through the camera's menu. Instead, you have full access to these manual features on the camera body itself, allowing for easier and quicker adjusting.
- VIERA Link Compatibility
- VIERA Link compatibility means that you can hook the HS100 up directly to your Panasonic VIERA Link HDTV for instant viewing of all your footage using an HDMI cable. In addition, the camera's SD memory card can be removed and inserted directly into Panasonic PZ850 series HDTVs for viewing as well as the BD50 and BD30 Blu-Ray Disc players.
- Intelligent Contrast Control
- Panasonic's Intelligent Contrast Control automatically detects ambient light intensity and adjusts the contrast, preventing blown out or darkened images and video.
- Intelligent Scene Selection
- The Intelligent Scene Selection feature automatically selects the correct scene selection for the shooting conditions, providing the best image possible.
- Quick Power-On
- Quick Power-On makes sure your camcorder is up and running from standby mode in 1.9 seconds, ensuring that you never miss that once-in-a-lifetime shot again. In addition, using the Quick Power-On features, helps save precious battery life.
- Digital Cinema Color
- This feature automatically switches the HS100 to the setting for theater-like viewing upon playback in a Panasonic VIERA Plasma HDTV.
- Intelligent Shooting Selection Playback
- Scenes that are severely flawed, such out of focus scenes or accidental ground shots are automatically skipped upon playback, leaving only your best work to be viewed by friends and family.
- High-Speed Burst Shooting
- Shoot up to 24 consecutive 2.1Mp still images in one second or up to 72 shots in 3 seconds.
- Dolby Digital 5.1 Channel Surround Sound System
- Experience crisp, clear 5.1 channel, surround sound upon playback the footage you shot with the HS100.
- Pre-Rec
- This pre-record function allows for up to 3 seconds of internal buffer memory recording. When the record button is pushed, the previous three seconds of video are added to the beginning of the recorded scene.
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/6" MOS Sensor (610K x 3 pixels) |
| Lens |
Leica Dicomar Focal length=2.95-35.4mm f/stop=1.8-2.8 |
| Zoom |
12x Optical Yes - Digital |
| Filter Size | 37mm |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| System | NTSC |
| Format | AVCHD |
| Audio | Dolby Digital 5.1 channel |
| Image Stabilization | Improved Advanced Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) |
| Lux |
2 lux (1/30 Low Light Mode) 1 lux (Magic Pix Mode) |
| Recording Media |
60 Hard disk drive SD/SDHC memory card (not included) |
| Recording Time |
60GB HDD HA: 500 minutes HE: 1380 minutes
SD/SDHC memory card |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | LCD Wide |
| Display Size | 2.7" |
| Viewfinder | Yes - electronic viewfinder (EVF) |
| Camera Features | |
|---|---|
| Manual Controls | Aperture, Shutter Speed, Gain, Audio, Focus, White Balance, Digital Cinema Color, 24P Cinema Color, Guidelines, Shooting Guide, Face Framing, Zebra, Luminence, Histogram |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Accessory Shoe | Yes - cold |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Light - No Flash - Yes |
| Digital Still Mode | |
|---|---|
| Still Recording Media |
60GB HDD SD/SDHC cards |
| Resolution | 2.1Mp 1920 x 1080 (16:9) |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Inputs | Microphone (stereo mini) |
| Output |
Analog out Headphone out (stereo mini) AV out Video out Video Component HDMI (mini) Audio out USB (mini & 2.0) |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Languages | English, French, Spanish |
| Compatible Operating Systems | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Power Requirements | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.9 x 2.9 x 5.4" (73.6 x 73.6 x 137.2mm) |
| Weight | 0.92 lbs (0.42kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 9 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
78%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Comfortable to operate (7)
- Great features (7)
- Great picture quality (7)
- Simple controls (7)
- Great sound (6)
Cons
- Poor battery life (4)
Best Uses
- HD shooting (6)
- Movies/short films (5)
- Home movies (4)
- Travel (4)
- Documentaries (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro videographer (4), Enthusiast (3)
Reviewed by 9 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-9
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Features
- Simple Controls
Cons
- Low-Quality Recordings
- Poor Battery Life
Best Uses
- Home Movies
Comments about Panasonic HDC-HS100 60GB HDD/SD Hybrid High Definition Camcorder:
For a midrange camera it's just not worth it. I returned the camera and spent an extra couple hundred in order to get a Canon.
Good: The focus ring is very intuitive. The size is also amazing. Very easy to operate though.
Bad: The image quality is no where near the Canon cameras. It's not that the Panasonic is bad, it's just that the Canons are that great. B&H was wonderful in allowing the return. Low light is terrible as well.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Sound
- Versatile
Cons
- Low-Quality Recordings
Best Uses
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Panasonic HDC-HS100 60GB HDD/SD Hybrid High Definition Camcorder:
I was in a dilemma whether to get the Canon HF200 or Panny HDC-HS100. I really was excited about the manual controls offered by HDC-HS100. I read a lot of reviews both positive and negative about this cam. So I wanted to try first hand, both of them. I shot in the dusk (around 8PM) both of them. 8PM in the east coast of the US does have decent light around this time (June) of the year. Canon HF200 excelled in the image clarity and sharpness. I was prepared to see a little grain on Panny but to my astonishment it is just the grain I see. I like Panasonic, I have a DVX100B (a gem) and I wanted to like HDC-HS100.
I tried the full manual mode and yes I used the hdmi cable to view the footage on a HDTV. If you are on fence between the two, and if you can afford to try both, do so. Or skip hdc100 over canon hf200/hf100 and you won't be sorry. I had to return the HS100.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Picture Quality
- Simple Controls
Cons
- Poor Battery Life
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Panasonic HDC-HS100 60GB HDD/SD Hybrid High Definition Camcorder:
Controls are in the right place. I would have appreciated a direct control for backlighting situations. Color very good. When using, it does not "stop on a dime", so hold the image an extra second, then edit in the computer. I am pleased with this camera, my fourth video camera.
Pros
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Microphone input
- Simple Controls
Cons
- BAD power port location
- BAD USP port location
- Joystick needs improving
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Movies/Short Films
- Television
Comments about Panasonic HDC-HS100 60GB HDD/SD Hybrid High Definition Camcorder:
I use these cameras for everything. I film a local television show and use these for my field cameras. All manual contols available and has a great automatic setting for the rookies! I have them each paired with an azden smx-10. Great controls. Battery life better then what other reviewers make them out to be. Be prepaired though to be able to handle the AVCHD format. Not all editing systems can handle that form of decompression.
The stock wide viewing angle makes choosing the correct wide angle lens a challenge. I am still looking for the best one. Impact brand wide angle was worthless on this camera. Cameras had to zoom in past 2x just to get past the inside edges of the lens (aka vignetting).
Just buy and you'll be happy. The picture is AMAZING for the price, even though its only a "consumer" camcorder.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Panasonic HDC-HS100 60GB HDD/SD Hybrid High Definition Camcorder:
So far I have used this camera in my telecine chain to transfer 8mm and 16mm films to video. The aperture, focus, and white balance control on the lens ring has made this camera a gem to use. The results have been amazing. The color has been excellent - Kodacrome film still looks like Kodacrome. I've been transferring 16mm real time to the camera hard drive then moving it into Final Cut Pro for processing to both HD Blu-ray and SD DVD. 8mm film is transferred frame for frame via a hdmi mini to hdmi cable @ 6 fps via a Blackmagic Pro Intensity Card directly to the computer. My only complaint is this cable should be included with the camera as they are very expensive to buy. The 12X zoom lens over the common 10X makes a difference in this application. This is an amazing little camera.
Pros
- AMAZING
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Travel
Comments about Panasonic HDC-HS100 60GB HDD/SD Hybrid High Definition Camcorder:
I have only set the time and date, charged the battery, installed the SD card. Went and took a little video and a couple of pictures. Ease of use, A+, Color is amazing, the sound is amazing. Love at First Sight, Love this camera.
Pros
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
Cons
- Joystick needs improvemen
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic HDC-HS100 60GB HDD/SD Hybrid High Definition Camcorder:
Great camera. I use it to shoot non-broadcast promotional materials. Excellent picture quality. Never thought I'd trust a hard drive over tape, but it works without a flaw. The joystick used to navigate through menus leaves a lot to be desired. And as with most cameras, the stock battery doesn't last long. I've already shot 2 full pieces with it and its delivering everything I need.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
Cons
- Poor Battery Life
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Editing
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Panasonic HDC-HS100 60GB HDD/SD Hybrid High Definition Camcorder:
This is small and powerful camcorder you can take it everywhere and the manual focusing gives you more control, also you can module the iris and the shutter, the image its three times better than a normal digital video camera, the Leica lenses are the best. The 3mos gives a real brilliant color and needs just 2lux in normal mode, it has a headphone output and micro input. I think its the most powerful camera in this size and type. The only two problems its that the battery duration is poor and it does not have a HD tape deck to save your shots.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
- Poor Battery Life
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
Comments about Panasonic HDC-HS100 60GB HDD/SD Hybrid High Definition Camcorder:
This camera is used for general purpose video and some commercial art pieces. It worked as advertised, with vibrant colors, great color seperation and great clarity. Getting used to the right adjustments for the right conditions takes a little learning, but so did high school.
Low light clarity is not great, but additional added lighting solves the problem.
Displaying reviews 1-9
Media
Recording media is not included, be prepared - always carry extra media.
- Price: $12.95
- GBP 8.27
Batteries & Power
Don't get caught without power, always have a spare battery.
- Price: $36.90
- GBP 23.56
Bags & Cases
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
- Price: $14.49
- GBP 9.25
Filters
Protect your lens or produce a desired visual effect by adding a filter.
- Price: $49.09
- GBP 31.34
Lenses & Adaptors
Capture the right view with a conversion lens.
-
- Original: $49.95
- Save: $4.99
- Price: $44.96
- GBP 28.71
External Microphones
Enhance the quality of your audio recording with an external microphone.
- Price: $85.00
- GBP 54.27
On-Camera Lights
Adjust the lighting for virtually any indoor and many outdoor applications.
- Price: $32.95
- GBP 21.04
What's in the Box
- AC Adapter
- Battery Pack
- Video Component Cable
- A/V Cable
- USB Cable
- IR Remote
- Built-In Lens Cap
- HD Writer 2.6E Editing Software
- AC/DC Cables
- 90-Days Labor & 1-Year Parts Warranty
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