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Panasonic has released two new High Definition video camcorders. The HDC-SD1 and HDC-DX1 record detailed High Definition video images and high-quality sound that make for perfect viewing on today’s home theater systems.

The HDC-SD1 records onto high capacity, solid-state SDHC Memory Cards. This model debuts as the world’s smallest and lightest 3CCD High Definition video camcorder. Because there are no moving parts in the recording section, the HDC-SD1 is also exceptionally resistant to impact.

The HDC-DX1 records onto convenient DVD discs. There is never a need to rewind or fast-forward, so users can play back a scene immediately after recording. The video image and sound data are recorded directly onto the disc for easy storage.

Both models use the high-resolution AVCHD format and feature the kind of 3CCD video recording system used in many professional broadcast cameras. The HDC-SD1 provides about 1 hour of High Definition recording on a 4GB SDHC Memory Card and the HDC-DX1 provides about 40 minutes of High Definition recording on a dual-layer DVD-R disc.

These two new models also incorporate Panasonic Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) that minimizes the effect of the slightest shake of the hands, resulting in crisp, clear images that are beautiful on a large screen. O.I.S. is truly necessary in the age of large-screen, high-resolution TVs, when every image imperfection is easily visible.

The HDC-SD1 and HDC-DX1 feature the world’s first 5.1-channel surround sound system with 5 microphones. When recordings made with these models are played on a 5.1-channel home theater system, viewers are surrounded by a clear, detailed sound that will make them feel as if they are right in the middle of the action. A Zoom Mic function links the microphone’s action to the camera’s action. When zooming in on a subject in the distance, for example, the microphones also zoom in and record the sounds specific to that subject.

Both high definition camcorders will be available in March, the HDC-SD1 for a suggested price of $1,499.95 and the HDC-DX1 for a suggested price of $1,399.95.

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