Panasonic SDR-H40 40GB Hard Drive Camcorder with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
records MPEG-2 video files to built-in memory * 800,000-pixel CCD (380K effective) * digital photo mode with top resolution of 640 x 480 * 2-11/16" widescreen LCD * 42X optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 2000X) *
Panasonic SDR-H40 40GB Hard Drive Camcorder with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Accessories
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Panasonic SDR-H40 40GB Hard Drive Camcorder with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Reviews
I purchased this camcorder to document monitoring activites in a DVD format. It is essential to me that the time and date information is included in the final video along with the picture. However, when the MOA and MOI files are converted, the time stamp information is lost. I have searched diligently on the internet and have yet to find software that will include the time information. Unless I find appropiate software for the time stamp, the camcorder is worthless for my application. By the way, the Lenmar LIP07 accessory battery that Amazon recommends does not fit the SDR-H40 Camcorder.
Are there batteries compatible with this unit that will go 2, maybe 3 hours. At least they were kind enough to include a charger/power supply. Why:. 5) More than acceptable sound quality (I may even add a mic later to enhance this). I was also aware of some of the limitations of such a unit. 2) Small size and ease of use and learning for a first timer like me.
Instead, I just simply copy the video files onto my 500 Gig external HD when the unit is hooked up to my PC. Then, I edit them in different software altogether (in my case, uLead/Corel Video Studio 11, which works way better than the enclosed Panasonic software by far and offers much more functionality and features, not to mention ease of use). Looking for a good place to start camcordering, this is a good one. More than adequate for my needs. 3) A lot of good features for the price. For lighting, I did purchase a small LCD movie light that definitely helps in dim situations, (I may een get an infra-red light for night shots). Simple, I DON'T USE IT.
Ah, the infamous enclosed software question. No, it's not going to produce a cinematic epic (you'd need at least a $40,000 broadcast quality unit to do that with) but it'll not only captur your life's moments but it can be utilized to produce a pretty cool low-budget film if you're so inclined, heck I've produced some comedy videos with footage from this thing in part and was very pleased. My only real MAJOR grip is the battery, I just wish it could last more than one hour. 4) Better optical zoom than many in this price range (42X optical, 2000X digital). I'd been contemplating a camcorder for several months, and when the funds became available, after careful thought, I bought this one. 1) The buil-in 40 Gig hard drive is a huge blessing.
- Great picture stabilization. When I looked at those video on my computer, the videos appeared as if they were taken in less light. Pros:. I purchased this camcorder after reading lot of positive reviews but returned it back after three days.
- less background light in the video. - Light weight. There was not enough background light in the video. Cons:. - Easy to operate.
I took lot of videos on a sunny day.
The quality is grainy in these programs and the 16:9 size is squished to 4:3, rather than displaying the black bars on the top and bottom. The software that comes with the cam doesn't make things easy. The zoom is simply amazing and the OIS is downright impressive. However, I've been having too many problems with the editing process. I have no doubt about that.
What's more, I can't seem to get the videos to display well in Windows Movie Maker or Media Player. The quality of the video is great. I've changed the settings in Windows Media Player and it still doesn't work. This is a great little camera for the price. I would buy after-market software if I knew it would work with this camera.
I just wish they made putting these things on your computer a little easier. It should either come with better software or a recommendation for a program to buy that natively understands the hardware.
There are some awkward work-arounds available, but it is not worth the expense and trouble. Extremely disingenuous advertising by Panasonic. The advice on the box and the specs is misleading concerning compatibility with Macs. Stay away if you are a mac user.
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