14 DAY TRIAL // Panasonic's Japanese division today released the SDR-S200 camcorder, a new version of the previous SD card-based SDR-S100. And, as it is considered to be an enhanced edition of the SDR-S100, it features a 2GB SD card, but the manufacturer guarantees for the camcorder's compatibility with other card formats such as SDHC (SD 2.0).
The SDR-S200 captures video in the MPEG2 format using three 1/6-inch CCDs, as it also includes a 10x optical zoom, 100x digital zoom and optical image stabilization. The user can 'operate' in the three video qualities on hand, with a maximum bit rate of 10Mbps in highest quality, as Panasonic representatives said in a statement.
The user can also make photos, with up to 2048 x 1512 resolution; however, due to the fact that the embedded chip is very small, it will deliver interpolated images. The LCD screen hasn't gone through major transformations, as it features the same size -1.8-inches - in the widescreen aspect ratio.
As its predecessor - the SDR-S100, Panasonic's latest SDR-S200 features the same functions and manual, but also automatic controls such as shutter speed control, as well as telemacro and night modes. Moreover, the manufacturer offered a dedicated function for stills - a pop-up flash - which can be used in 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios.
What is so great about these camcorders (the previous model and the new version), even if you don't notice that at the first glimpse, is the ambidextrous design with a centered, rear-mounted touchpad control and zoom toggle.
But it seems that Panasonic is not the only manufacturer to develop products compatible with the SDHC card format, as, just a few days ago, Maxell representatives said that they would have a SDHC card reader ready for shipping by July 25th.
Moreover, the same Panasonic recently announced that it will launch its latest memory card on the retail market, a 4GB version with 5Mbps transfer rate, priced at 30,000 yen (about US$265). The manufacturer guarantees for its card, which will provide up to 3 hours and 20 minutes of recording time in LP mode.
It seems that Panasonic SDR-S200 will be available on the Japanese retail market starting July 8th.