Panasonic SDR-H20 camcorder (Panasonic SDR-H20)

Member Name: monkeyplums

Product:	Panasonic SDR-H20
Date:	11/10/09 (31 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: long battery life

Disadvantages: picture quality could be better

I bought one of these as our first ever camcorder and overall i'm very happy with it. It cost about £200 new at the time and although it's not "top of the range" by any means, it's still a good little piece of kit.

It has a 32x optical zoom which isn't bad for it's size and also has a built in Optical Image Stabilizer which reduces camera shake. This comes in particularly handy when you're zooming in, and also helps with fast moving subjects when you're trying to keep up with the action.

The battery life is quite good and seems to last at least 4 hours at a time, might even be a bit more, and also recharges really quickly.

The controls are basic and straightforward and the menu is easy to navigate your way around. You also have camera function for taking still photographs but i have to say the image quality could be better. Sound quality is good and clear.

There is the choice to record to the hard drive or to a removable SD memory card, very handy for printing out pictures at the supermarket. You also have the option of copying all your footage direct to dvd at the push of a button.

Comes complete with all cables to connect with PC and also TV so you can watch playpack on the telly. This camcorder doesn't come with any editing software though so if you want to make your home movies a bit more special you'll have to buy that separately ( I use Pinnacle Studio 11. )

A good and easy to use camcorder for newcomers.

Summary: inexpensive, good for beginners

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