Panasonic SDR-S26 (black)

Description: The Panasonic SDR-S26 is a flash card-based, ultra-compact camcorder.Compared to other ultra-compact camcorders on the market, it is midpriced at around $295.

Pros: Has a 70x optical zoom, which is more powerful than some similarly priced camcorders.Supports manual focus, which helps intermediate users to shoot in hard-to-focus situations.This product weighs just 8.3 ounces without battery and media, which is very light.

Cons: None noted, given available product data.

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

Value: In general, this camcorder's features are in line with its price.

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-S26K

• General

• Product Type Camcorder
• Enclosure Color Black
• Digital Zoom 3500 x
• Optical Sensor Size 1/6"
• Optical Sensor Type CCD
• Min Illumination 2 lux
• Analog Video Format NTSC
• Digital Video Format MPEG-2
• Image Stabilizer Optical (Advanced O.I.S.)
• Min Shutter Speed 1/25 sec
• Max Shutter Speed 1/8000 sec
• Shooting Modes Digital photo mode
• Shooting Programs Low light, Spotlight, Sports mode, Surf & snow, Portrait mode
• White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
• White Balance Presets Indoor, Outdoor
• Exposure Modes Manual, Program, Automatic
• Widescreen Video Capture Yes

• Main Features

• Camcorder Effective Still Resolution 0.38 megapixels
• Color Support Color
• Still Image Format JPEG
• TV Tuner None

• Memory / Storage

• Supported Flash Memory SD Memory Card
• Floppy Drive None
• Image Storage JPEG 640 x 480
• Media Type Flash card
• Recording Speed LP, SP, XP

• Lens System

• Type Zoom lens - 1.5 mm - 105 mm - F/1.9-5.7
• Focal Length 1.5 mm - 105 mm
• Lens Aperture F/1.9-5.7
• Optical Zoom 70 x
• Lens system type Zoom lens
• Min focal length 1.5 mm
• Max focal length 105 mm
• Features Built-in lens shield
• Filter Size 37 mm
• 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, YouTube capture mode, USB 2.0 compatibility, Backlight compensation
• Software Drivers & Utilities, Panasonic VideoCam Suite

• 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 1 x USB, 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x DC power input
• Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card

• Audio Input

• Audio input type Microphone
• Microphone type Built-in
• Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
• Microphone Technology Electret condenser

• System Requirements for PC Connection

• Operating System Support MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000, MS Windows Vista
• Peripheral Devices USB port, CD-ROM drive

• Miscellaneous

• Cables Included A/V cable, USB cable

• Power

• Power Device Power adapter - External

• Battery

• Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 940 mAh ( Included )

• Viewfinder / Display

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

• Environmental Parameters

• Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
• Max Operating Temperature 104 °F

• Physical Characteristics

• Width 2.2 in
• Depth 4.2 in
• Height 2.6 in
• Weight 8.3 oz

Panasonic

Manufacturer profile

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