Don’t need HD? Take a look at this cheap camcorder
Over the past few years we have seen an increasing number of small pocket camcorders that record video to a memory card rather than using a tape or hard disk, while most larger camcorders have focused on recording high-definition footage.
Panasonic’s SDR-S50 is an unusual cross between the two: it’s a proper full-size camcorder that records standard-definition video to SD memory cards.
The camera itself looks like a tape camcorder that has been shrunk. With no tape inside the body is smaller and almost unbelievably light, and sits very comfortably in the right hand. The main controls for zoom and recording are under the user’s thumb and fingers, with the menu controls on the fold-out screen.
It supports the latest SDXC memory cards, giving up to 64GB of storage, but an inexpensive 4GB card gave us 55 minutes of recording at the highest quality. Video is recorded in the MPEG-2 format, so it can be edited with just about any video-editing software including Windows Live Movie Maker.
The key difference between this camcorder and a cheaper pocket model is its lens. The SDR-S50’s lens starts at 33mm wide, with a huge 78x zoom range that allows you to zoom, albeit slowly, to capture far-off objects. Longer zooms would normally create shaky images, but with an optical stabiliser built in, the SDR-S50 copes admirably even without a tripod.
Like most hand-sized camcorders the quality of video shot with the SDR-S50 depends on the available light. In daytime we were impressed by the accuracy of colour reproduction and sharp image, but in dim conditions you will notice iffy colours and a slightly smudgy look. With no accessory shoe on the top you cannot add an extra light or microphone, which is slightly annoying.
We were pleasantly surprised, however, by the range of options available to get the best when shooting. Although you can simply point and shoot there is also the option of full control over the iris, shutter and focus should you want it.
