The new HDC-SD5 camcorder employs cutting-edge imaging technology to capture video recordings that are breathtakingly clear and vibrant, especially when viewed on a high-quality, large screen TV.

The HDC-SD5 uses the AVCHD format to record full-HD video with 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution. It employs Panasonic's original 3CCD camera system, a professional broadcast feature, which renders vivid, true-to-life colors, outstanding detail and rich gradation. The SD5 also boasts Panasonic’s new Advanced O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), minimizing the effect of hand shake. This technology helps produce crisp, clear images, which is especially important for viewing on large-screen high resolution TVs where image imperfections are easily visible.

The HDC-SD5, which records video onto SDHC/SD Memory Cards, debuts as the world's smallest palm-style 3CCD full-HD camcorder. It is even smaller than its predecessor model, HDC-SD1, giving the SD5 superb portability. The SD5 also features a new USB Host function that significantly improves data storage and playback ease. With an optional newly released DVD burner (model VW-BN1), users can copy or play back video recordings in the original AVCHD format to deliver the ultimate high-definition viewing experience on a large-screen TV.

Highlights

• 1920 x 1080 full-HD recording :While conventional HD recordings have 1,440 pixels in the horizontal direction, full-HD recordings have 1,920. And while conventional recordings have a total of around 1.55 million pixels, full-HD recordings have around 2.07 million -- about 30 percent more. In fact, full-HD has the most pixels of any HD format, and thus can render images with unmatched detail and resolution.

• 10x optical zoom :Distant subjects can be enlarged so they appear to be right up close. This allows dynamic shots of both motion and still pictures.

• Advanced O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) : The system uses gyro-sensors to detect hand-shake, then shifts a lens and adjusts its optical axis to compensate. Called Advanced O.I.S., this system performs the compensation operation eight times more frequently than Panasonic’s previous system, thus achieving even greater precision and accuracy. Because this is an optical system, there is virtually no loss of quality, resulting in images that are captured in all their original beauty. Advanced O.I.S. reduces the subtle blurring that can be caused by even a slight bit of hand-shake, and it is truly necessary in an age of large-screen, high-resolution TVs, when every image imperfection is easily visible.

• 3CCD camera system :In a 3CCD camera system, the light received through the lens is split into its three primary color components (red, green and blue), and the signal from each is processed by one of the three CCDs. This system, in which three separate CCDs capture and process the light information received through the lens, helps reproduce high-resolution HD images with magnificent color.
• Leica Dicomar lens Photographers around the world know Leica Camera AG as a maker of superb cameras and lenses
• Pre-Rec function With many camcorders it is easy to miss capturing a critical moment, such as a goal being scored. The Pre-Rec function eliminates this problem.
• Intelligent Contrast Control This intelligent new function continually measures the ambient light intensity and adjusts the contrast as it changes.
• HD Advanced Pure Color Engine A new noise-reduction circuit combines with the new Intelligent Contrast Control circuit to boost image quality while reducing power consumption.
• Wide-angle LCD monitor The SD5 incorporates a new LCD that has 300,000 pixels and a wide 170-degree viewing angle both vertically and horizontally.
• Power LCD Extra The brightness of the LCD can be set to either of two levels to match the ambient light condition. At the brighter setting, the LCD provides clear, easy viewing even when shooting outdoors on a sunny day.
• Playback EZ Sync The SX5 is compatible with Panasonic's EZ Sync. Simply connect it to a Panasonic TV via an HDMI cable and follow on-screen prompts to operate the camcorder using the TV remote control. This adds extra ease and convenience to the fun of viewing the full-HD video.
• Focus Assist This function enlarges the center of the image, making it easier for you to get a clear, sharp shot when focusing manually.
• Direct viewing with SD card slot The SDHC/SD memory card can simply be taken from the SD5 and slipped into the card slot of select Panasonic plasma TVs to view full-HD images recorded in the AVCHD format.
• Archiving with USB Host function Simply connect the SD5 via USB cable to Panasonic’s optional DVD burner VW-BN1 (released at the same time) and press a single button to copy recorded video clips from an SDHC/SD Memory Card to a DVD disc in the original AVCHD format.
• Editing Software "HD Writer 2.0" Full-HD video clips can be easily edited with the software provided or copied onto a DVD disc.