Panasonic HDC-HS80

The Panasonic HDC-HS80 HD camcorder is Panasonic’s latest release of a full featured camcorder capable of 1920 x 1080p high definition recording along with a myriad of features that really pack a wallop. The camera is equipped with a 120GB hard disc drive for recording and storing hours of video. The HDC-HS80 camera really makes digital recording easy by automating a number of functions that take all the guesswork out of recording video. The HS80 is designed with easy recording in mind along with some pretty high-end features, yet it comes in a mid-range price.

Panasonic HDC-HS80

Comparing the Panasonic HDC-HS80 vs. the HDC-SD40

The HS80 is the big brother to the lightweight HDC-SD40. Both cameras put 1920 x 1080p high definition recording at your fingertip. Both camcorders allow you to record high definition stills and videos that can be viewed on today’s large-screen HDTVs. While the HS80 offers the professional qualities of the SD40, the HS80 camcorder also takes you to a whole different level of video recording.
Since the HDC-HS80 has a 120GB internal hard disc drive, the camera is going to weigh more than the lightweight SD40, about 50 more grams with the battery installed. However, that internal hard disc drive gives you hours of recording time. You also have the option of using SD/SDHC/SDXC memory discs for recording. The SD40 records only to memory discs which means you’ll be checking the meter frequently for when your current disc is full.
Another point worth noting is that the HDC-HS80 is capable of telephoto zooming 42x, while the SD40 zooms 16.8x. If you do a lot of distant recording, you may want to look into the HDC-HS80 to see if its zoom is more appropriate for you needs. Finally, the wide angle of the HS80 is superior to the SD40. You will pay a bit more for the HDC-HS80, around $200-250 more. However, the fact that you have so much more recording storage and time and far greater zoom capabilities may be worth the expense.

Ergonomics

The handling qualities of the HDC-HS80 model is as close to perfect as you can expect. The camera fits the average hand size with comfort and style. This camera was made for the person who is on the go and loves to have something that not only is easy to hold and steady for video recording, but is light and easy to manipulate. When you have a camcorder that is easy to use coupled with a very elegant and sleek design, it just makes your recording time a very pleasurable experience.
Playback and sharing your videos has never been easier. Let’s say you are sitting down with your friends or family to review your most recent videos of your daughter playing soccer. First, you select the days of the recordings you want to see, and then you can choose the most exciting scenes, put them in any order and then play them. You can even add music, zoom and pan different scenes or even play scenes back in slow motion.
There is an HDMI mini-cable provided for you use to connect your HDC-HS80 camcorder to your VIERA HDTV or Blu-ray recorder/player. Another option for viewing your recordings is to take the SD card out of your camcorder and insert it into the VIERA Image Viewer on your VIERA TV.
To make a DVD, simply connect the camcorder to a DVD burner with a USB cable. Recording is done in either the high-definition or in the standard-definition MPEG2 format. When the camcorder is connected to your PC, the HD Writer AE 3.0 software starts and imports your recording with just a few mouse clicks. The AE software makes editing easy and you can add titles, move scenes around, add transition effects, and edit images. Once you are done editing, you can upload and share your videos on YouTube, Facebook or on your blog.
The camera comes in a stone grey color. There is a grip strap located on the right side of the camera that helps you hold onto the camera.

Picture Quality

The HS80 takes video recording to a whole different level. This camera provides “Intelligent Resolution Technology” for images that are very sharp, high in detail, and without any blurry edges. It also includes an image stabilizer system call the Hybrid O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) feature which corrects blurring caused by hand-shaking. The O.I.S. system is basically two systems that combine the capabilities of the electrical stabilization and the hybrid optical systems.
The HS80 camera series is equipped with a relatively new technology called Intelligent Zoom. This ultra-telephoto zoom function means that the HDC-HS80 camera can focus 42x. Most cameras that allow this type of zoom feature normally lose image integrity in the process, but not Panasonic’s HS80 camcorder. The O.I.S Intelligent Zoom gives you greater command of viewing items from a great distance. Picture stability is the biggest problem when shooting from far away and normally requires a tri-pod or additional equipment to provide a good quality video. With the O.I.S you don’t have to depend on a tripod when shooting with the HDC-HS80 HD camcorder.
Also added to this powerful yet easy-to-use camcorder is the Crystal Engine Pro. This is the processing engine that actually allows you to record full HD movies. It processes massive amounts of data that is captured when you record video or still images in high definition. The processor behind the Crystal Engine Pro does a ton of work by processing the smallest amounts of detail so your viewing experience is in full High Definition. Every detail can be seen as if it were real life.
The HS80 series gives you the 3.0 megapixel still images with the capability to capture scenes from video you’ve taken. You also have an array of screen modes such as: Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Fireworks, Sunset, Beach, Snow, Spot Light, Low Light, Portrait and Sports. And let’s not forget skin mode. The HS80 series fully featured camcorder also provides soft touches when recognizing skin tones. This will allow forgiveness when filming facial features.
The 2.7 inch LCD touch screen on the HS80 provides you with an intuitive touch screen along with 1.0 second Quick Power-On and 0.6 second Quick Start. No longer do you have to wait several seconds for your camcorder to “fire-up” causing you to lose valuable shots while you wait.

Sound Quality

The sound feature is state-of-the-art technology providing you with a Wind Noise Canceller and a professional Zoom Mic. These features are not available in the HDC-SD40. The zoom mic allows you to record targeted sounds while also providing noise reducing performance. The Wind Noise Canceller detects wind sounds and suppresses it. With the 2-channel stereo speakers mounted and the HDMI mini port out for HDTV viewing, this makes for a very feature packed unit.

Bottom Line

Along with the core features you would expect to find on every camcorder for basic operation, the HS80 includes a number of shooting controls and features that help to make your shooting experience enjoyable. The technology afforded you in this special camera is really phenomenal for the price. The most impressive features include 120GB hard disc drive, the Intelligent Resolution Technology incorporated in the new Crystal Engine Pro processor, the 42x zoom with optical image stabilization, and the 33.7mm wide angle capabilities. How Panasonic packed all this into this HDC-HS80 camcorder and still made it affordable is very impressive.

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