Panasonic's HM-TA20 Waterproof Mobile Camcorder is not only compact and versatile, it's tough. Triple tough. Yes, it goes out of its way to record high-quality video, photos, and audio, but it's also waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof. That means you can take it on all sorts of rough-and-tumble adventures without fear of it turning into a shiny, pretty doorstop.
Like many ultra compact cameras in its class, the HM-TA20 can shoot up to Full-HD 1920 x 1080 video, giving you the highest possible image quality for large-screen HDTV display. Also standard is the TA20's Electrical Image Stabilization (E.I.S.) to keep your handheld shots from getting too shaky. Add to that the ability to snap high-quality 5MP photos, and you've got a solid and stylish electronic companion that fits snugly in your pocket.
But the TA20 is more than just a tough, reliable warrior-cam. It also revels in flourishes of its own--starting with a large, bright 3" Touch Screen LCD for easily composing your shots. Use it vertically for shooting and horizontally for playing back from an SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card (purchased separately). You can also shoot at night, using either the built-in LED video light or Night View mode--which lets you capture well-exposed images even in dimly lit environments. If self-portraits or rock-steady images are called for, the included mini tripod provides a sturdy foundation to shoot from.
Other fun additions include a trio of image effects--Sepia, Soft Skin, and Monochrome--to enhance the already high quality of your images. And if audio is all you need, then a separate function lets you record just that (in linear PCM stereo, no less). When it comes time to share your recordings with friends, a built-in USB terminal and HDMI port let you easily connect the camera to a computer for editing and uploading or to the nearest HDTV--to elicit every ooh and ahh your footage deserves.