CCInfo takes on the first camcorder to record HD video onto SD/SDHC cards in their Panasonic HDC-SD1 review. The HDC-SD1 had its ups and downs, and unfortunately there seemed to be more downs. Small, light, microphone jack, AVCHD footage to removable media, 3″ LCD, optical image stabilization, etc., etc. Where did Panasonic let us down?
First of all, and most importantly, is the image quality. CCInfo found that the Panasonic HDC-SD1 produced more noise than there should have been at the price range and purported quality. Part of this is most likely the AVCHD format, which does not nearly equal HDV’s quality, yet. Also, the SD1 experienced motion artifacting that was, “like the early stages of an acid trip.” This is a problem in other AVCHD camcorders, but not a problem to the point it was in the SD1.
Other things crop up as well like lackluster focusing performance, lack of software support, and lack of AVCHD support in general. The Panasonic HDC-SD1 did, however, perform exceedingly well in CCInfo’s camcorder shake test, reducing shake to a minimum even in their most rigorous test.
Is it time for the Panasonic HDC-SD1? For that matter is it time for AVCHD? For many, the answer is a resounding yes, but take a look before you leap and weigh your options carefully.
