Panasonic Announces Rugged Compact Camcorder With SD Card Memory Storage; New Water and Shock Resistant Camcorder Trades Moving Parts for Durability
Panasonic today announced a new SD Memory Card Camcorder for shooting video under conditions that would relegate most camcorders to the inside of a protective case.
The SDR-S10 features water-resistant and dust-proof construction without any moving parts in its image capturing and storage process. The lightweight, compact SDR-S10 is equipped with a 10x optical zoom, quick-start technology, and a 2.7″ wide LCD. It will ship with a 2GB SD Card capable of holding up to 100 minutes of video (LP mode).
With its ability to record on SD / SDHC Memory Cards, the new SDR-S10 breaks the boundaries of conventional video cameras and offers a new style of shooting. It lets users shoot with the same casual ease they enjoy with digital still cameras. The SDR-S10 is also exceptionally compact and lightweight, so users can carry it with them almost anytime.
“The SDR-S10 is the ultimate computer and travel accessory,” said Rudy Vitti, Panasonic camcorder National Marketing Manager. “This rugged, compact camcorder packs easily so you’ll never miss an opportunity to record and share memories of your recreational activities, from snowboarding to boating.”
Thanks to its use of SD / SDHC Memory Cards, the SDR-S10 also has several other key advantages.
1. Impact-resistance to withstand the impact of being dropped from up to 4 feet*
Unlike recording media such as hard disk drives or DVD discs, SD / SDHC Memory Cards require no drive mechanism. This gives the SDR-S10 sufficient impact resistance to prevent malfunction when dropped from up to 4 feet. It is the ideal camera for anytime use outdoors, in active situations, and for casual everyday video shooting.
2. Water-resistant construction**
The SDR-S10 boasts a water-resistant design that eliminates worries about using the SDR-S10 at the poolside, around a ski lodge, and in other outdoor settings.
3. Quick Start function for capturing sudden photo opportunities
Unlike with hard drives and DVD discs, a camera can read an SD / SDHC Memory Card instantly. This made it possible for Panasonic to develop a Quick Start function that allows the SDR-S10 to begin recording just 1.7 seconds after the power is switched on – less than half the time required by video cameras with hard drives. With the SDR-S10, it is easier to catch those special moments that come without warning
4. Attractive design
A flush surface design takes maximum advantage of the compact body and gives the SDR-S10 a smart, stylish look that makes this video camera suitable to take anywhere, just like a compact still camera. The SDR-S10 is designed for easy shooting, too. The grip is designed so that, when desired, you can stabilize the SDR-S10 by bracing your elbow against the body, as with conventional video cameras. Or, as an alternative, the Sub REC button on the camera front makes it possible to shoot with a pistol-grip style.
5. Extended recording capability – SD / SDHC Memory Cards
Memory Cards provide an ideal combination of compactness, impact resistance, and extended recording capability, making them one of the best-balanced media for the future. The 4GB SDHC Memory Card allows up to 100 minutes of recording, and the 2GB SD Memory Card that comes with the SDR-S10 allows up to 50 minutes***.
The Panasonic SDR-S10 Memory Card Camcorder has a suggested retail price of $399.95 and is expected to be available in April.
About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. (NYSE: MC) and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com.
* MIL-STD-810F METHOD 516.5 SHOCK. This product was dropped on top of 2″ thick plywood. This does not guarantee the unit will not be damaged or malfunction.
** IEC60529 / EN60529 IPX4 Splash-proof type. This does not guarantee the unit is water resistant in all situations.
*** In MPEG-2 format and SP mode
