Panasonic HDC-SD9 AVCHD 3CCD Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Review

Let me just say that I love this camera. Excited as I was to be getting my first 3-chip videocam, thereby putting me in the ranks of more professional standards, I have to admit I was a little worried when I opened up the package and saw how small this thing really is. But they've packed quite a package into this little frame. You don't realize it, but with a history of using regular videocams, you get used to your files just sort of making an approximation of the color of something. With the final vids from this, I was amazed to finally have video that captures the actual complex colors of things exactly as they are in front of you. And the video quality is pristine, beautiful.

If you do a lot of video editing (I use Sony Vegas) on a PC, please bear in mind that the included software is virtually useless if you would like to keep the quality standard to what this cam is capable of. As of now, the only programs I know of capable of converting the AVCHD files to something that feeds into most these programs (WMV, for instance) are 1)AVS Video Converter and 2)VoltaicHD. Both of these programs cost a small bit of money, but it is worth it, so just keep that in mind. I think the vid quality of AVS is ever-so-slightly better than the Voltaic. From what I hear, for Mac users, the latest QT update will just make your programs read the stuff.

I have put this cam up against a much bigger, more high-end, over the shoulder, professional-level 3-chip cam, and I definitely liked the video that came from this better. Granted, the uber-professional thing might have more options and intricacies, like external mic hookup and a few custom tailored options, but just on base vid quality alone... well, this thing impressed.

Yes, it does better in better light. But any videographer knows that setting up good lighting in the first place is an integral part of any videographer's job.

As far as the complaints about not having a mic input... the mics on the unit sound really great, and for getting closer in/booming in something, it is easy enough just to buy a Zoom H2 or something of the like, and just having an additional audio source. No problem!

I have a 8 gig card, and that gets a little over an hour recording time. What a relief not to have to transfer any DV or tape info, at this quality-level. And if you are using the beforementioned file conversion programs, the whole battery pack issue people are mentioning on here is nill. You just pop open the SD card and read it.

I hope this review helps. I love this cam for the money, which was much less than many other comparable units.Get more detail about Panasonic HDC-SD9 AVCHD 3CCD Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.