Compare Prices : Panasonic HDC-SD100

Pros: Full set of manual controls ; EVF

Cons: Middling video quality ; some annoying design quirks

Verdict: Though it has a nice feature set for the price, the Panasonic HDC-SD100 doesn't deliver the quality of video you expect from an HD camcorder in its price segment.

Pros: Compact size, external audio jack, 24p progressive scan mode

Cons: Poorly thought out design, below par image quality, too expensive

Verdict: The Panasonic HDC-SD100 provides a great set of well-implemented tools that are in the right place at the right price. Unfortunately, poor connection placement and poor imaging make it hard to recommend this camcorder.

Review summary: The Panasonic HDC-SD100 HD camcorder provides a great set of well-implemented tools that are in the right place at the right price. Unfortunately, poor connection placement and poor imaging make it hard to recommend this camera.

Pros: Great manual controls ; 24p video support ; works with iMovie ‘09 ; good focus assist ; good audio quality

Cons: USB, mini HDMI, and power ports placed behind the battery ; poor video image quality

Verdict: The HDC-SD100 is very comfortable to hold and shoot. Panasonic uses a lens ring that gives the HDC-SD100 great manual controls, and the ring is even more intuitive than the HDR-CX12's manual dial. You can use it to control the focus, iris, shutter ...

Review summary: Since the introduction of iMovie HD in 2005, high-definition movie making has come a long way. We take a look at a group of HD camcorders to see what they have to offer the Mac-using movie maker.