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SD1

Drawing technology from its broadcast range of video cameras, the new consumer models come equipped with proprietary optical image stablisation technology to minimise hand shake, Leica lenses, a 3CCD camera system and what the company claims to be the world's first 5.1 channel surround system with five microphones.

The more expensive model (SD1) records to SD card ( a 4GB SD card is included with the purchase of the camera) – this will take about 40 minutes of footage in the highest quality or 60 minutes in standard quality, Panasonic says.

The second model is a DVD camcorder (DX1) – it can record onto RAM, RW, R or R-DL (Dual Layer) discs. Both camcorders feature a sizable 12x optical zoom.

"With the introduction of these new HD camcorders, Panasonic now offers the full range of devices and technologies for HD capture and playback - including its Blu-ray player and HD Viera plasma," said Panasonic's Ervin Quek.

Panasonic claims the SD1 camcorder is the world's smallest and lightest 3CCD HD camcorder – though it will be interesting to see what Sony has in store when it unveils its offerings in the HD camcorder space in the next couple of days.

The new Panasonic camcorders will be complemented with a new range of SD cards also – with an 8GB and 16GB card due for release later this year as well as a massive 32GB card in 2008.

See: www.panasonic.com.au