Panasonic Japan has announced the HDC-SD1 video camera which corresponds to AVCHD format (A high definition recording format introduced by Sony and Panasonic). Using its 3CCD sensor it records in Full HD 1080i (1920 x 1080) on the bundled 4 GB SDHC card. The 4 Gig card can hold upto 40 minutes of video (13 Mbps) 60 mins (9 Mbps) and 90 mins (6 Mbps). It is fitted with a Leica D lens which offers an amazing 12X Optical zoom and 30X digital zoom. The 5 microphones are synchronized to the zoom and support Dolby 5.1 digital recording. Also while shooting a video you can click on a still photograph simultaneously. The HDC-SD1 is equipped with a 3 inch LCD, HDMI out, USB and Viera link. The battery provides 65 minutes of recording time.

The measures 74×142×69mm and weighs 490 grams. It will be available from December 1st in Japan for 180,000 Yen ($ 1550).

Connected to a Blu-Ray burner.

Exploded view