Superb image quality and extremely long recording times are the star attractions with the Panasonic SDR-H200 hard drive, standard definition camcorder. Though it shouldn’t be confused with a high definition video camera, it employs some very high end technology that is usually reserved only for professional broadcast TV cameras and is rarely seen on a consumer product. Other built-in features are combined to offer some pretty exceptional results. The most notable drawback to this device is that it’s rather pricey compared to its legitimate competition.
With traditional film cameras, whether still or motion picture, visual information in the form of images is captured on film which is subsequently processed, or developed, for viewing. Digital cameras use no film but rather capture images on a Charged Coupling Device or CCD. It’s the same bit of internal hardware that is often referred to as the optical sensor and it’s where all of those celebrated pixels, or as more commonly seen, megapixels (a million pixels) are located. The typical consumer oriented video camera, whether high definition or standard, has a single CCD with light filters which allow it to distinguish the three primary colors, red, green and blue, in layers. The processor, essentially a tiny computer, then processes all of that optical information into the stunning images that digital photography affords.
Unlike most consumer camcorders, professional broadcast video cameras generally have three CCDs – one each to register red, green and blue. With each CCD freed up from registering any but its own unique color, it’s able to more perfectly capture the information it’s responsible for. The Panasonic SDR-H200 is one of a very few consumer camcorders which employs this advanced technology. It has three 1/6-inch CCDs, each with 800-thousand pixels. The result is remarkably precise and natural images, presuming good lighting. Images are sharp and color saturation is excellent. Low light performance drops off dramatically, however, with muted colors and fairly noticeable distortion. Fortunately, the camera has a built-in, two level video light which helps but typical of integrated lights, its utility is rather limited. The camera doesn’t have a hot shoe for adding an accessory light.
On the Panasonic SDR-H200, images are ultimately captured on a 30GB hard drive, similar to the hard drive found in a computer. That means at the highest XP quality level, about seven hours of video can be recorded without the need to change tapes, discs or any other medium, for that matter. At the lowest LP resolution, that jumps up to around 27 hours. It’s a good option if huge amount of material needs to be recorded without transferring it to a computer but it’s best to use the highest quality if possible to avoid recording disappointing videos. Recorded content can easily be transferred to a computer using the high speed USB 2.0 connection. The camcorder also has expansion slot that can accommodate up to a 4GB SD card and it comes packaged with a 512MB card. That’s fairly insignificant by today’s standards but the removable memory card does offer the option of simply removing it and putting it in a computer or printer. That can be particularly handy for still photos.
The Panasonic SDR-H200 has features 10x digital zoom for bring far subjects near while maintaining clarity. It also facilitates excellent macro shots. It also has an excellent optical image stabilization feature to reduce the effects of movement and camera shake, a feature that becomes even more valuable as zoom is employed. Additionally, it’s equipped with 700x digital zoom that takes over if magnification beyond the 10x optical zoom is required; however, use of digital zoom increases image distortion as magnification increases.
The SDR-H200 offers a wide range of manual settings in addition to its very competent auto mode. Manual controls include focus, aperture, shutter speed, gain and white balance. The functions are controlled by a miniature joystick that is located in the center of the rear mounted mode dial. As has become the norm with consumer camcorders, there’s no viewfinder; rather, image composition is left to the bright 2.7-inch LCD screen. Opening the screen will automatically power up the camera while closing it shuts the unit down. That’s a feature that is both convenient and tends to preserve battery power.
The Panasonic SDR-H200 offers excellent video quality in a standard definition camcorder due to its advanced 3CCD image sensor system coupled with a superb processor and augmented by impressive optical image stabilization. Its hard drive recording medium is ideal for those who need to record for very long periods without changing recording media. Its lone drawback is its price but for those who want its features and have the means, it represents a superb choice.
