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Panasonic SDR-S26 SD Camcorder (Black)
by Panasonic
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Incredible 70X Zoom for digital camera camcorder.
I spent quite a bit of time shopping for a standard definition digital camera camcorder and landed on this panasonic camcorder. I gave it five stars due to the ease of use, the incredible 70X Zoom,the optical stabilizer, and the price. If you’ve looked for a digital camera camcorder, you already know that there are lots of choices and tradeoffs in terms of features, format, and performance.
I did read through the reviews on this digital camera camcorder and believe that some of the low ratings are coming from folks that expect a $200 digital camera camcorder to perform like a $1000 digital camera. No, the quality from this panasonic camcorder.isn’t up to what my $1000 Sony 8mm rig used to produce, but it is LIGHT YEARS ahead of my $110 Flip Video camera (not even comparable).
Only negative I’ve noted thus far is short battery life (about an hour), which I mitigated by ordering a couple of batteries with charger off Ebay for less than $20 delivered.
In addition to internet research, I did spend an hour or so at Best Buy trying out the various comparable Canons, Sonys, Panasonics, Samsungs and noted that the optical stabilizer on this panasonic camcorder was more effective at eliminating camera shake during high zoom shots than many of the other brands.
Two to three years from now when I have a more powerful PC and when Canon / Panasonic and the others produce less expensive HD video cams with software and file formats that are easy to manage, I’ll go that route. For now, $228 for this panasonic camcorder is a bargain.
The SDR-26 panasonic camcorder is a nice snug fit inside a LowePro Rezo 50 camera bag / case that can be had from Amazon or Best Buy for less than $15. It fits best with the lens up and the hand strap moved to the bottom of the camera body. Tried lots of bags for this camera and this one was the best nice snug fit in a small package. No extra room in the digital camera camcorder compartment, but room for a spare battery and memory cards in the outer pouch. The bag is weather resistant, but the zipper for the camera compartment runs across the top of the bag. What were they thinking 
…
The supplied software enables a higher quality video than simply copying the files over and using Windows Media Player. I’m not sure why, but several mention other downloads that make Windows work better. Suspect I’ll eventually buy Sony Vegas as many have recommended on this and other camcorder dv, but for now, the Panasonic software is OK since I’m not doing extensive editing.
Been using the camcorder dv in marginally lit natatoriums (indoor pools) to film swimming events. I’m using a monopod and leaving the digital camera camcorder on automatic and thus far, the videos have exceeded my expectations. Using the monopod, I’m able to be all the way across an Olympic 100 meter pool in the stands .. up high .. and can zoom in for super close ups on my kids. The 70X zoom and the optical stabilizer are the primary reasons I bought this digital camera camcorder and they really do work well.
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