Panasonic HDC-DX1 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: HD home movies

Pros: >, , Shiny HD movies., , Huge screen., , ,

Cons: Waiting to format and finalise DVDs.

Verdict: Sophisticated, but the hassle of recording HD to DVD just isn't worth it.

Review summary: The HDC-DX1 represents Panasonic's first tentative step into the world of disc-based HDV camcorders, though its track record with cassette and hard-drive HDV camcorders suggest that this shouldn't be anything less than an impressive debut

Pros: Plays both HD disc formats, Great picture and sound quality, Excellent controls, Impressive features, Stunning picture quality

Cons: Far too expensive, It can't play audio CDs!, Highly limited HD DVD support, Could be a touch cheaper, Lack of manual focus ring

Verdict: Panasonic's first disc-based HDV cam reveals everything that's good about high-definition video

Review summary: With its 680g weight, this is a massive brick of a camcorder

Pros: Excellent controls, Impressive features, Stunning picture quality

Cons: Could be a touch cheaper, Lack of manual focus ring

Verdict: Further features that you won't find on run-of-the-mill camcorders include shooting guide lines to help frame a shot, zebra patterning for highlighting poorly exposed areas of the image, colour bars to help set up your TV or monitor and a manual focus ass

Pros: Sharp and clear images, vibrant colours

Cons: Design and interface make operation difficult and irritating at times

Verdict: An attractive offering from Panasonic, the HDC-DX1 is capable of delivering high definition video once its interface and menus have been mastered.