Panasonic SDR-H40

Description: The Panasonic SDR-H40 is a hard disk drive-based, ultra-compact camcorder.Compared to other ultra-compact camcorders on the market, it is midpriced at around $330.

Pros: Has a 42x optical zoom.Also, this camcorder has optical stabilization, which is considerably more favorable than some similarly priced camcorders.(While many camcorders have electronic image stabilization, optical stabilization generally produces superior results.)Provides manual focus control, whereas many camcorders have only auto-focus.This product weighs just 12 ounces without battery and media, which is quite light.

Cons: None noted, given available product data.

Suitability: An ultra-compact camcorder, suited for on-the-fly shooting.

Value: In general, this camcorder has good features for the money.

Suggestions: For more help selecting the right digital camcorder, visit CNET Reviews' buying guide.

CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.

• Manufacturer: Panasonic
• Part Number: SDR-H40

• General

• Product Type Camcorder
• Digital Zoom 2000 x
• Optical Sensor Size 1/6"
• Optical Sensor Type CCD
• Min Illumination 2 lux
• Digital Video Format MPEG-2
• Image Stabilizer Optical
• Min Shutter Speed 1/30 sec
• Max Shutter Speed 1/8000 sec
• Shooting Modes Digital photo mode
• White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
• White Balance Presets Indoor, Outdoor
• Widescreen Video Capture Yes

• Main Features

• Camcorder Effective Still Resolution 0.3 megapixels
• Color Support Color
• Still Image Format JPEG
• TV Tuner None

• Memory / Storage

• Floppy Drive None
• Digital Storage Media Hard disk drive - Built-in - 40 GB
• Image Storage JPEG 640 x 480, JPEG 640 x 360
• Media Type Hard disk drive
• Recording Speed LP, SP, XP

• Lens System

• Type Zoom lens - 1.8 mm - 75.6 mm - F/1.9-4.3
• Focal Length 1.8 mm - 75.6 mm
• Lens Aperture F/1.9-4.3
• Optical Zoom 42 x
• Lens system type Zoom lens
• Min focal length 1.8 mm
• Max focal length 75.6 mm
• Features Built-in lens shield
• Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
• Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive

• Additional Features

• Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
• Digital Still Camera Function Yes
• Additional Features DPOF support, PictBridge support, USB 2.0 compatibility, Dolby Digital AC-3 (2 channel) recording
• Software Drivers & Utilities

• Display

• Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.7 in - Color

• Digital Player (Recorder)

• Type None

• Microphone

• Type Microphone - Built-in
• Microphone Features Zoom, Wind noise reduction

• Connections

• Connector Type USB, Composite video/audio output
• Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card

• Audio Input

• Audio input type Microphone
• Microphone type Built-in
• Microphone Operation Mode Stereo

• Miscellaneous

• Cables Included A/V cable, USB cable

• Power

• Power Device Power adapter - External

• Battery

• Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )

• Viewfinder / Display

• Display Form Factor Rotating
• Display Format 123,200 pixels

• Physical Characteristics

• Width 2.8 in
• Depth 4.6 in
• Height 2.6 in
• Weight 12 oz

Panasonic

Manufacturer profile

• Website: http://www.panasonic.com/
• Address: Matsushita Electric Corporation of America, Secaucus, NJ. 07094
• Phone: 800/662-3537