Worlds smallest Full HD 1920 x 1080p Camcorder with 3CCD for highest picture quality.
Worldwide, there is a strong and growing trend toward large-screen,
high-image-quality televisions and high-definition (HD) broadcasting.
In line with this, manufacturers are transitioning to HD quality in all
other types of video equipment too. Panasonic, consistent with its
long-time position as a leader in the video field is proud to introduce
an advanced full-HD 3CCD camcorder, the HDC-SD9.
The HDC-SD9 offers full-HD 1920 x 1080 progressive recording (25
frames per second)** to capture images with a richness and beauty
simply not possible with previous consumer camcorders. Users can record
motion images with the kind of film-like quality enjoyed in movies at
the cinema. Even though there is a natural conflict between high image
quality and a high compression ratio, the 17-Mbps bit rate of the
HDC-SD9 gives superb image quality and motion response, while its high
compression ratio enables one full hour of recording onto a 4-GB SD
Memory Card (in HX mode) at full-HD resolution. The model also
introduces new features such as Face Detection and the Intelligent
Shooting Guide, which make it easier to capture mistake-free shots. It
also offers Panasonic's original 3CCD camera system, Advanced O.I.S.
(Optical Image Stabilizer), and a Leica Dicomar lens - three
technologies that team up to deliver full-HD images of exquisite
beauty. Viewed on today's high-quality large-screen TVs, video clips
shot with the HDC-SD9 are simply breathtaking, with vivid colouring,
intricate detail and exceptional clarity.
The SD9 records on both SD and SDHC Memory Cards. Even more compact
than the previous SD5 model, the SD9 debuts as the world's smallest and
lightest* 3CCD full-HD camcorder. Because SD Memory Cards require no
transport mechanism, the SD9 is highly resistant to external impact.
This combines with its small size and weight to achieve unmatched
mobility. After recording, the SD Memory Card can be taken from the SD9
and inserted into the card slot on a Panasonic PZ700 or PY700 VIERA TV
for easy, instant playback of beautiful HD images on a large screen.
* For 3CCD camcorders capable of high-definition recording, as of 6 January 2008.
** In HA/HG mode. "Full-HD video with 1920 x 1080 pixels" in Panasonic
home-use camcorders refers to video recordings with 1,920 pixels in the
horizontal direction and 1,080 pixels in the vertical direction
Feature Explanation
Digital Cinema Mode [New]
1920 x 1080 Progressive (25 fps)* Full-HD Recording.
All around the world there is a steadily growing trend toward
large-screen, high-image-quality televisions and high-definition (HD)
broadcasting. For camcorders, the ability to record 1920 x 1080-pixel
HD images will soon be considered essential. Full-HD recording, with
its total of 2,070,000 pixels, provides exceptional image details. The
SD9 and HS9 feature the Digital Cinema mode to record using the world's
first 1920 x 1080 progressive scanning (at 25 frames per second*), a
method that captures twice as much image data** as Panasonic's previous
models with 1920 x 1080i systems.
Digital Cinema Colour
When the Digital Cinema mode is turned on, the camera automatically
records with the Digital Cinema Color function. This produces
stunningly natural, true-to-life colors, because it achieves a color
palette that approaches the color range used in Hollywood digital
filmmaking. The rich greens of leafy trees and bright reds and yellows
of springtime flowers, which are particularly important colors for
camcorder images, are rendered in all their rich, natural beauty. When
viewed on a TV with ?x.v.Color? compatibility, images have a wider
range of colors than conventionally recorded images***.
* In HA/HG mode.
** Image data per picture.
*** The color range varies depending on the TV.
Face Detection [New]
The SD9 and HS9 introduce the world's first* Face Detection function
for use in recording moving pictures with a camcorder. Face Detection
automatically locates any faces in the picture and adjusts the
exposure, contrast and skin tone to achieve optimal results. Even when
the faces are backlit or the lighting is low, the recorded faces are
clear and easy to see and not lost in the shadows. With Face Detection,
there's no longer a need to use different correction functions in
different kinds of shooting situations.
* As of 6 January 2008.
Advanced O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)
Panasonic's O.I.S., which uses gyrosensors to detect hand-shake and
shifts the lens unit to correctly align the optical axis, has been
further improved to prevent blur even more effectively. The Advanced
O.I.S. checks and compensates for hand-shake around 4,000 times per
second. Because this is an optical system, there is no loss of quality,
resulting in images that are captured in all of their original beauty.
Advanced O.I.S. prevents the subtle blurring that can be caused by even
a slight bit of hand-shake, and it is truly necessary in an age of
large-screen, high-resolution TVs, when every image imperfection is
easily visible.
3CCD Camera System
Most professional broadcast equipment uses the 3CCD camera system. This
includes Panasonic's professional video cameras, which have brought
breathtaking images to viewers around the world since 1992, when they
were first selected as the broadcast equipment for the Olympic Games.
Panasonic has downsized its professional 3CCD camera system for use in
consumer models. In a 3CCD camera system, the light received through
the lens is split into its three primary colour components (red, green
and blue), and the signal from each is processed by one of the three
CCDs. Compared with conventional 1CCD camera systems, Panasonic's 3CCD
system provides more vivid, true-to-life colours, greater detail and
richer gradation.
Leica Dicomar Lens
Photographers around the world know Leica Camera AG as a maker of
superb cameras and lenses. This company's advanced optical technology
has been fused with Panasonic's leading-edge digital technology to
create the Leica Dicomar lens. The Leica Dicomar lens provided in the
HDC-SD9 and HDC-HS9 features 12 lens elements in eight groups and uses
low-dispersion optical glass to reduce colour blurring. A special
multi-coating process is applied to the 14 lens element surfaces to
minimise chromatic aberration, so images are crisp, clear, and free of
flare and ghosting.
*Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH, and Dicomar is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.
HD Crystal Engine
To maximise the capabilities of the CCD that was designed for HD
quality and featured in the SD9 and HS9, Panasonic has further enhanced
its renowned Crystal Engine image-processing engine. The result is the
HD Crystal Engine. The noise reduction circuit combines with the
Intelligent Contrast Control circuit to boost image quality while
reducing power consumption. Offering superior images and longer battery
life, the HD Crystal Engine takes camcorder performance to new heights.
New Codec LSI
The new codec LSI raises image quality even further by adding the
precise, real-time coding control that was developed for Panasonic's
DIGA recorders and camcorders to the world's top-class image coding
technologies from the Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory, which created the
H.264 High Profile technology to allow high compression while
maintaining full-HD (1920 x 1080) resolution.
Intelligent Shooting Guide [New]
A number of convenient new shooting functions have been introduced in
camcorders, but many users don't know how to use them ? and continue to
make shooting errors as a result. The SD9 and HS9 propose to solve this
problem with the world's first** Intelligent Shooting Guide. This
function detects when shooting conditions are poor ? such as when the
camcorder is panning too quickly or tilted, the user's hand is
swinging, the subject is backlit, or the lighting is too low* - and
displays operating advice in the LCD. Users become aware of a potential
problem before they shoot, rather than later when reviewing or playing
back the recording. This gives them a chance to correct the settings
and get good, error-free results every time.
*Also includes situations such as when Intelligent Contrast is turned
ON even though there is no backlighting, or when Low Light mode is
turned ON even though the lighting is sufficient.
** As of 6 January 2008.
Intelligent Shooting Selection Playback [New]
While the Intelligent Shooting Guide helps prevent recording errors,
this playback function makes recordings more enjoyable to view. It
automatically skips over any shots that have serious errors, such as
hand swing, fast panning, out-of-focus images or shots of the ground
taken when the user forgot to turn the camcorder off. You see only the
good, error-free shots.
5-Microphone, Advanced 5.1-Channel Surround Sound [New]
The HDC-SD9 and HDC-HS9 feature a 5.1-channel surround sound system
with 5 microphones. When recordings made with these models are played
on a 5.1-channel home cinema system, viewers are surrounded by a clear,
detailed sound that makes them feel as if they are right in the middle
of the action. A Zoom Mic function links the microphone's action to the
camera's action. When you zoom in on a bird in the distance, for
example, the microphones also zoom in and record the bird's chirping.
There is also a new Focus Mic function that picks up the sounds from
sources in the area in front of the camcorder, regardless of whether
the lens is focusing on a near or distant object.
25 Frames/Sec High-Speed Burst Shooting [New]
This function lets the camcorder snap up to 25 consecutive
2.1-MB-resolution still images in a second, or up to about 75
consecutive shots in 3 seconds. You can use this to analyse a golf
swing, tennis stroke or other motion. You also can use it to get good
shots of subjects in fast motion; fire off a number of shots without
stopping, then keep the best ones and delete the rest.
World Timer [New]
Handy for travellers, this function makes it easy to set the camcorder
time when you cross time zones and again when you return home. Simply
select your destination from the displayed map, and the camcorder is
automatically set for that time zone. The time for two different places
can be set ? such as home and destination ? and you can switch between
the times by simply pressing a button.
0.6-Sec Quick Start [New]
The Quick Start function allows the HDC-SD9 and HDC-HS9 to begin
recording just 0.6 second from the time the LCD is opened. The HDC-SD9
and HDC-HS9 start operating in about 1/3 the time that it takes for a
camcorder that records onto DVD discs to start, making it easier to
catch those special moments that come with no warning.
Pre-Rec
With many camcorders it is easy to miss capturing a critical moment,
even when you think you've pressed the Record button at the right time.
For example, if you want to capture a goal being scored in a football
match, you have to press the Record button every time a player attempts
to shoot. The problem, of course, is that very few shots actually
result in goals, but you have to record every one just in case. The
Pre-Rec function eliminates this problem. When the Pre-Rec function is
on, the camcorder continuously records three seconds of images into an
internal buffer memory. Then, when you actually press the Record
button, the three seconds immediately prior are added at the beginning
of the clip you record. This lets you capture the player in the act of
kicking the ball even if you don't press the Record button until after
he has made the goal. The Pre-Rec function is especially helpful in
capturing a sudden shooting opportunity.
Intelligent Contrast Control
This intelligent function continually measures the ambient light
intensity and adjusts the contrast as it changes. Providing control
over a wider range of lighting conditions than previous functions,
Intelligent Contrast Control helps prevent a washed-out look in bright
parts of an image and black-outs in shadowy parts. You can capture
images with natural nuances and contrast. Even when you're shooting
toward the light source, Intelligent Contrast Control lets you capture
true-to-life pictures with outstanding depth.
Wide Viewing Angle LCD Monitor
The HDC-SD9 and HDC-HS9 incorporate a LCD that has 300,000 pixels and a
wide 170-degree viewing angle both vertically and horizontally. The
wider viewing angle is a big advantage in high-angle and low-angle
shooting. It's a big advantage in playback too, allowing several people
at the same time to enjoy viewing the video clip you just recorded.
Power LCD Extra
The brightness of the LCD can be set to either of two levels to match
the ambient light condition. At the brighter setting, the LCD provides
clear, easy viewing even when you're shooting outdoors on a sunny day.
Networking
VIERA Link
The HDC-SD9 and HDC-HS9 are compatible with Panasonic's VIERA LinkTM.
Connect either one to a VIERA TV via an HDMI cable, and you can operate
the camcorder using the TV remote control and following on-screen
prompts. This adds extra ease and convenience to the fun of viewing the
full-HD videos you record.
Direct Viewing with SD Card Slot
The SDHC/SD Memory Card can simply be taken from the HDC-SD9 or HDC-HS9
and slipped into the card slot of a Panasonic PZ700 or PY700 VIERA TV
to view full-HD images recorded in the AVCHD format.
*JPEG format still images can be viewed with other SD card slot-equipped VIERA models.
Editing & Archiving
Creating and Playing Back DVD Discs with One-Touch Ease
Most people use their camcorders for three main purposes: to
shoot, play back, and archive video recordings. They want each of these
to be as easy as possible. The SD9 and HS9 are equipped with a number
of functions designed to do exactly that. In the past, copying video
recordings from an SDHC/SD Memory Card or a hard disk to a DVD disc was
a two-step process that involved transferring the data to a PC, then
copying from PC to disc. The SD9 and HS9 do away with all that, thanks
to a one-touch function that makes it easy to copy your video
recordings onto DVD discs for easy playback and storage. Connecting the
SD9 or HS9 via USB cable to a VW-BN1 DVD Burner (optional) and pressing
a single button is all it takes to copy recorded video clips from an
SDHC/SD Memory Card or hard disk to a DVD disc (DVD-RAM/-RW/-R/-R DL)
in the original AVCHD format. The copied DVD can be played by the DVD
burner, so all you have to do to view exciting, large-screen images in
HD quality is have the DVD burner connected to the SD9 or HS9, and then
connect the SD9 or HS9 to an HDTV.
One-Button Dubbing (HS9)
The HDC-HS9 is a hybrid camcorder that records full-HD images
onto either a hard disk or an SD Memory Card. With simple one-touch
operation, the HS9 can also copy the recorded images from an SD Memory
Card to the hard disk, or vice versa. This makes it easy for users to
put the video clips they have shot onto the kind of media that best
suits their purpose. For example, if you want to watch your recordings
in spectacular HD quality on the large screen of a Panasonic PZ700 or
PY700 VIERA TV, copy the data from the hard disk onto an SD Memory
Card, then just slip the card into the slot on the VIERA TV.
"HD Writer 2.5" Editing Software [New]
The SD9 and HS9 add new functions that make editing easier than ever.
Using HD Writer 2.5 editing software together with the camcorder's new
Intelligent Shooting Selection Playback function, recorded clips
detected as mistakes (such as inadvertent ground shots) can be
automatically deleted after the recordings are uploaded to a PC.
Uploading has been improved in other ways too. Previous software
uploaded all image files on the SD Memory Card or hard disk, including
ones you don't need ? a waste of time. HD Writer 2.5 saves time by
letting you specify which files to upload. Also, HD Writer 2.5
remembers which image files have been uploaded to the PC, so you don't
have to worry about uploading the same file twice. This is convenient
when there is a large amount of image data on the SD Memory Card or
hard drive and you intend to upload it over several sessions. |
Track up to 10 items on this computer in 
)
