Panasonic HDC-SD900

Fantastic all rounder video camera – Being relatively new to digial video capturing I wanted a semi-professional video camera that I can get the most out of for around $1000 AUS. The HDC-SD900 delivered in spades. Amazing full HD 1920x1080/50p quality but it also uses AVCHD compressed formate to save on storage. I recommand going with external SDHC cards version (HDC-SD900) as this should be enough storage for a day of filming before transfering to a laptop or harddrive, also the internal harddrive version (HDC-HD900)costs alot more and is more bulky.

What I liked the most about it was the ease of use and versatility. The manual control ring (often only seen in high-end cameras) was a treat to use and the option of haveing both LCD touchscreen and viewfinder is useful in some occasions. There are many other features, which I havent got time to go into or have yet to try out.

One main issue was the sound quality. Like all video cameras for best sound an external mic is a must. The recorded sound is not bad, probably even good compared to similar models but far the quality you get from an external mic. Also, be aware AVCHD formate is compatible only on newer versions of video editing software. I had to update my Adobe preimere CS3 to CS5 but for low cost editors the lastest Microsoft Movie Maker can also do the job.

Overall the HDC-SD900 is great for budding film-makers on a budget. I think it is the best value for money handheld HD camera currently in the marketplace. Excellent value for money, small size, many functions, user friendly, lots of inputs and outputs, amazing video quality, also takes great 15 megapixel photo still Sound quality (is ok but overshadowed by the brilliant video)