Just four months after Panasonic launched the HDC-SD1 and HDC-DX1 camcorders, they've replaced them with newer, higher specification, cheaper models.
The HDC-SD3 and HDC-DX3 support the H.264 codec and capture video at up to 1,920 x 1,080i resolution. They can also shoot in lower resolution / bit-rate modes including 1,440 x 1,080i at 9Mbps or 6Mbps.
The SD3 uses SD cards to store video, whilst the DX3 writes video to standard DVDs using the AVCHD format.
The camcorders have improved video compression, with a 4GB SD card now able to hold around 40 minutes of high definition video, and a standard DVD holding 14 minutes per side.
Other specifications are largely unchanged from their predecessors: Leica Dicomar lens, a 3CCD system, mechanical image stabilisation, 5.1 surround sound capture, 3-inch LCD viewfinder, 12x optical zoom, USB, and PictBridge compatibility.
They'll be available in Japan from the end of April, at slightly cheaper prices than the previous models. There are no definite plans yet to bring them to the US or Europe.
When are we going to get a review between the Sony HDR-SR8 and the Pansonic HDC-SD3 ???