Comments on: Panasonic SDRS26 SD Camcorder Gold http://www.digitalcameraguru.net/camcorders/panasonic-sdrs26-sd-camcorder-gold Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:16:31 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Marlene http://www.digitalcameraguru.net/camcorders/panasonic-sdrs26-sd-camcorder-gold#comment-98720 Marlene Tue, 27 Jul 2010 03:29:30 +0000 http://digitalcameraguru.net/camcorders/panasonic-sdrs26-sd-camcorder-gold#comment-98720 Great features for the price<br>Rating:4 out of 5 stars<br>The 70x zoom and optical image stabilization on this device are truly in a class of their own, especially at this price point. I've only had it about a month now, but I'm very satisfied. <br /> <br />The image quality is definitely lacking, especially in low-light conditions. It has some problems with focus in dim light as well. I was expecting this, though. I don't need pristine home-videos. If I cared much about that, I would have paid at least twice as much for a better camera and I would probably still have been disappointed. Having said that, I always record at the highest video quality. Anything lower is unacceptable to me. At the highest quality setting, I can fit about 3 hours of video on a 16 GB card. Not bad. <br /> <br />To see an example of the zoom and image stabilization in a real-life filming situation, go to YouTube and search for the text "Playing With the Zoom on my New Panasonic". I filmed this by hand (no tripod) in a noisy crowd with my 6-year-old son bouncing around on the seat next to me. Wait until the very end of the video when I zoom all the way out again. I think you will be surprised. Great features for the price
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
The 70x zoom and optical image stabilization on this device are truly in a class of their own, especially at this price point. I’ve only had it about a month now, but I’m very satisfied.

The image quality is definitely lacking, especially in low-light conditions. It has some problems with focus in dim light as well. I was expecting this, though. I don’t need pristine home-videos. If I cared much about that, I would have paid at least twice as much for a better camera and I would probably still have been disappointed. Having said that, I always record at the highest video quality. Anything lower is unacceptable to me. At the highest quality setting, I can fit about 3 hours of video on a 16 GB card. Not bad.

To see an example of the zoom and image stabilization in a real-life filming situation, go to YouTube and search for the text “Playing With the Zoom on my New Panasonic”. I filmed this by hand (no tripod) in a noisy crowd with my 6-year-old son bouncing around on the seat next to me. Wait until the very end of the video when I zoom all the way out again. I think you will be surprised.

]]> By: V. Borowski http://www.digitalcameraguru.net/camcorders/panasonic-sdrs26-sd-camcorder-gold#comment-98685 V. Borowski Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:49:11 +0000 http://digitalcameraguru.net/camcorders/panasonic-sdrs26-sd-camcorder-gold#comment-98685 this is too cool<br>Rating:5 out of 5 stars<br>I got this for Christmas. I've used it a couple of times after i initially charged it. Of course I haven't gone through everything yet. I really love the size. I have a video camera that nearly hurts my back to hold it. Taking it to Disneyland is a hassel. This new little one, I can stick it in my purse. It's almost smaller than my wallet. I love that part of it. the pictures came out good so far as well. I'm still testing it. Not a pro. But I really like it. this is too cool
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I got this for Christmas. I’ve used it a couple of times after i initially charged it. Of course I haven’t gone through everything yet. I really love the size. I have a video camera that nearly hurts my back to hold it. Taking it to Disneyland is a hassel. This new little one, I can stick it in my purse. It’s almost smaller than my wallet. I love that part of it. the pictures came out good so far as well. I’m still testing it. Not a pro. But I really like it.

]]> By: V. Gibson http://www.digitalcameraguru.net/camcorders/panasonic-sdrs26-sd-camcorder-gold#comment-98680 V. Gibson Sat, 17 Jul 2010 12:10:38 +0000 http://digitalcameraguru.net/camcorders/panasonic-sdrs26-sd-camcorder-gold#comment-98680 Great for the price I paid<br>Rating:4 out of 5 stars<br>I bought this mainly to video grandkids & their events. It's my first video camera & seems very easy to use. The pictures & sound seem pretty good for no more than I paid. Great for the price I paid
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I bought this mainly to video grandkids & their events. It’s my first video camera & seems very easy to use. The pictures & sound seem pretty good for no more than I paid.

]]> By: happy shopper http://www.digitalcameraguru.net/camcorders/panasonic-sdrs26-sd-camcorder-gold#comment-98690 happy shopper Thu, 15 Jul 2010 04:04:42 +0000 http://digitalcameraguru.net/camcorders/panasonic-sdrs26-sd-camcorder-gold#comment-98690 digital camcorder<br>Rating:5 out of 5 stars<br>this is my first experience with digital camcorders and I am very impressed with the technoligy involved in such a small unit. I haven't used it a whole lot yet(it's my Christmas present), but am looking forward to using it a lot. It's very easy to hold and use, in my limited use so far. digital camcorder
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
this is my first experience with digital camcorders and I am very impressed with the technoligy involved in such a small unit. I haven’t used it a whole lot yet(it’s my Christmas present), but am looking forward to using it a lot. It’s very easy to hold and use, in my limited use so far.

]]> By: piglet http://www.digitalcameraguru.net/camcorders/panasonic-sdrs26-sd-camcorder-gold#comment-98713 piglet Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:46:10 +0000 http://digitalcameraguru.net/camcorders/panasonic-sdrs26-sd-camcorder-gold#comment-98713 Avoid this camcorder<br>Rating:1 out of 5 stars<br>I really can't believe that Panasonic, with their name and reputation, would make this thing available. I bought it trying to spend little on a decent camcorder while waiting for Hi-def camcorders to catch up with my 64-bit computer. <br />The zoom impressed me at the store, and I wanted a camcorder that would use the same memory format (SDHC) as my still camera. This camcorder has a very good optical zoom. Once you hit digital zoom, your picture on the LCD becomes grainy and probably useless when transferred to dvd (worse than the famous Bigfoot footage!) Well, the picture in optical zoom on the best quality setting is worse than my SONY mini DV from 10 years ago. The picture quality played back from the camera to my TV and my 1080p LCD monitor looks about as good as what my still camera plays. Really not what I expected from a camcorder. Anyone who says the picture quality is even ok has his or her standards set too low. My memories are clearer than this picture quality! <br />The camera is small and light, but I won't take this camera on my trip (reason for the rushed purchase), and I'll have to sacrifice the $40 restocking fee to return this because it's not defective; it's simply junk. But I'd rather spend twice the $249 I spent on this for something I'll want to record my videos. <br />I can't understand how anyone could be satisfied with this. Isn't picture what you really want out of a camcorder? Avoid this camcorder
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I really can’t believe that Panasonic, with their name and reputation, would make this thing available. I bought it trying to spend little on a decent camcorder while waiting for Hi-def camcorders to catch up with my 64-bit computer.

The zoom impressed me at the store, and I wanted a camcorder that would use the same memory format (SDHC) as my still camera. This camcorder has a very good optical zoom. Once you hit digital zoom, your picture on the LCD becomes grainy and probably useless when transferred to dvd (worse than the famous Bigfoot footage!) Well, the picture in optical zoom on the best quality setting is worse than my SONY mini DV from 10 years ago. The picture quality played back from the camera to my TV and my 1080p LCD monitor looks about as good as what my still camera plays. Really not what I expected from a camcorder. Anyone who says the picture quality is even ok has his or her standards set too low. My memories are clearer than this picture quality!

The camera is small and light, but I won’t take this camera on my trip (reason for the rushed purchase), and I’ll have to sacrifice the $40 restocking fee to return this because it’s not defective; it’s simply junk. But I’d rather spend twice the $249 I spent on this for something I’ll want to record my videos.

I can’t understand how anyone could be satisfied with this. Isn’t picture what you really want out of a camcorder?

]]> By: Susan R. Chalikes http://www.digitalcameraguru.net/camcorders/panasonic-sdrs26-sd-camcorder-gold#comment-98697 Susan R. Chalikes Sat, 10 Jul 2010 08:19:16 +0000 http://digitalcameraguru.net/camcorders/panasonic-sdrs26-sd-camcorder-gold#comment-98697 Sony Handycam<br>Rating:5 out of 5 stars<br>We received it very quickly. It is a gift for my son, so I haven't used it yet, but all parts were there and looked in good condition. Camera is in very good condition and all manuals were included. I was very happy with this purchase. Sony Handycam
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
We received it very quickly. It is a gift for my son, so I haven’t used it yet, but all parts were there and looked in good condition. Camera is in very good condition and all manuals were included. I was very happy with this purchase.

]]> By: Scott A. Conway http://www.digitalcameraguru.net/camcorders/panasonic-sdrs26-sd-camcorder-gold#comment-98691 Scott A. Conway Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:27:18 +0000 http://digitalcameraguru.net/camcorders/panasonic-sdrs26-sd-camcorder-gold#comment-98691 Uh, people...this is a sub-$200 camcorder, NOT a commercial grade HD unit!<br>Rating:4 out of 5 stars<br>I have read all the reviews I could find here and elsewhere about this camcorder, and I came away with the impression that the more critical opinions stemmed from unrealistic expectations or poor reading comprehension from the reviewers themselves. <br />As it turns out, I was right. <br />This is an inexpensive and very compact and lightweight standard definition camcorder designed for the casual user who does not want to sink a whole month's pay into just to record some personal events. <br />First, the good and bad: <br />Pros: <br />1) Unusually small and lightweight, this is easily carried in a jacket pocket. <br />2) The startup time, even when not set in Quickstart mode, is five seconds. Nice way to capture surprises on the go. <br />3) The iA mode, which automatically sets the iris, shutter, white balance, and other major aspects of recording, works pretty well, even though resorting to the manual settings is still required for some unusual applications. <br />4) The incredible 70x optical zoom is unparalleled in a camera at this price point. <br />5) The Optical Image Stabilization is considerably more effective than the more common digital stabilization found in all other cameras in this price range. Just don't expect to get away with using the full 70x zoom while hand holding it, though! <br />6) The MPEG2 format used for recording is easily handled under my admittedly eccentric choice of operating system, Linux. <br />7) The SDHC storage medium allows random access to recordings, easy deletion, no moving parts, and a storage medium that is handled under even Linux with a cardreader. Also, the camcorder itself is recognized under Linux, so the files can be manipulated through the integral USB port if desired. <br />8) The manual settings allow the user to adjust for unusual conditions, such as low light, just as long as you READ THE MANUAL FIRST, then experiment a bit on your own. <br />9) The camcorder is almost noiseless in operation, so there is no clicking from a DVD, whirring of a hard drive, humming of a DVC drive motor, or motor from the lens being zoomed in and out. <br />10) The integral lens cover, which is built into the front of the camera surrounding the lens, cannot be lost. <br />11) The barrel surrounding the lens area is threaded, allowing accessories, such as wide angle and zoom lenses and filters, to be screwed in for special applications. Those accessories are easily found right here on Amazon. <br />12) Hey! It even comes with a proper printed manual, a rarity in this day of PDF manuals available only on CD-ROM or via websites. <br /> <br />Cons: <br />1) It would have been nice if Panasonic had added a microphone jack to allow a separate microphone to be used. However, the integral microphone works rather well on its own. <br />2) In certain applications, especially indoors, the image can take on a reddish cast when using the default iA setting. This is easily overcome by adjusting the white balance for incandescent lighting, though, so no real problem. <br />3) The battery life of ~1 hour is rather short, and requires opening a cover on the bottom to replace when discharged. I already ordered two spares and a standalone charger. <br />4) This may be looked at as good or bad, depending on your opinion, but the battery does not charge with the cable plugged in while the camera is in use. I actually look at this as a good thing, since it does not wear out the battery by discharging it while it is charging, which can cause premature failure of lithium-ion batteries. It simply runs directly from the power cord when plugged in, which is no real problem, as far as I am concerned. <br />5) Even at the MagicPix setting, designed for extreme low light, this camcorder will not work in a completely dark room. I don't really even worry about that. If I really wanted to record in such extreme conditions, I would spring for a considerably more expensive night shot camcorder. It still does pretty well, in low light, as long as there is at least 2 lumens of light present. <br /> <br />My opinions on this are that this is unusually good for a camcorder in its price range, especially for its two main selling points of its fantastic 70x optical zoom and optical image stabilization. <br />It is so simple to operate that even a young child could understand it, using the nicely automated settings. <br />Yes, there are some circumstances that call for manual intervention, but the people griping about this, especially those attempting (apparently) to take footage inside a cave, would be well advised to READ THE MANUAL and not expect the impossible from such an inexpensive camcorder. <br />I was able to take some nighttime footage with this, with only sodium and mercury vapor light illumination, and it did pretty well. <br />And while it is true that my naked eyes are good in light far lower than this can handle, I have a more realistic expectation of it than some of the more critical people out there. <br />I intend to have a family member use this next year for my wedding, and I am confident that it will work just fine for that, too. <br />Nice work, Panasonic! Uh, people…this is a sub-$200 camcorder, NOT a commercial grade HD unit!
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I have read all the reviews I could find here and elsewhere about this camcorder, and I came away with the impression that the more critical opinions stemmed from unrealistic expectations or poor reading comprehension from the reviewers themselves.

As it turns out, I was right.

This is an inexpensive and very compact and lightweight standard definition camcorder designed for the casual user who does not want to sink a whole month’s pay into just to record some personal events.

First, the good and bad:

Pros:

1) Unusually small and lightweight, this is easily carried in a jacket pocket.

2) The startup time, even when not set in Quickstart mode, is five seconds. Nice way to capture surprises on the go.

3) The iA mode, which automatically sets the iris, shutter, white balance, and other major aspects of recording, works pretty well, even though resorting to the manual settings is still required for some unusual applications.

4) The incredible 70x optical zoom is unparalleled in a camera at this price point.

5) The Optical Image Stabilization is considerably more effective than the more common digital stabilization found in all other cameras in this price range. Just don’t expect to get away with using the full 70x zoom while hand holding it, though!

6) The MPEG2 format used for recording is easily handled under my admittedly eccentric choice of operating system, Linux.

7) The SDHC storage medium allows random access to recordings, easy deletion, no moving parts, and a storage medium that is handled under even Linux with a cardreader. Also, the camcorder itself is recognized under Linux, so the files can be manipulated through the integral USB port if desired.

8) The manual settings allow the user to adjust for unusual conditions, such as low light, just as long as you READ THE MANUAL FIRST, then experiment a bit on your own.

9) The camcorder is almost noiseless in operation, so there is no clicking from a DVD, whirring of a hard drive, humming of a DVC drive motor, or motor from the lens being zoomed in and out.

10) The integral lens cover, which is built into the front of the camera surrounding the lens, cannot be lost.

11) The barrel surrounding the lens area is threaded, allowing accessories, such as wide angle and zoom lenses and filters, to be screwed in for special applications. Those accessories are easily found right here on Amazon.

12) Hey! It even comes with a proper printed manual, a rarity in this day of PDF manuals available only on CD-ROM or via websites.

Cons:

1) It would have been nice if Panasonic had added a microphone jack to allow a separate microphone to be used. However, the integral microphone works rather well on its own.

2) In certain applications, especially indoors, the image can take on a reddish cast when using the default iA setting. This is easily overcome by adjusting the white balance for incandescent lighting, though, so no real problem.

3) The battery life of ~1 hour is rather short, and requires opening a cover on the bottom to replace when discharged. I already ordered two spares and a standalone charger.

4) This may be looked at as good or bad, depending on your opinion, but the battery does not charge with the cable plugged in while the camera is in use. I actually look at this as a good thing, since it does not wear out the battery by discharging it while it is charging, which can cause premature failure of lithium-ion batteries. It simply runs directly from the power cord when plugged in, which is no real problem, as far as I am concerned.

5) Even at the MagicPix setting, designed for extreme low light, this camcorder will not work in a completely dark room. I don’t really even worry about that. If I really wanted to record in such extreme conditions, I would spring for a considerably more expensive night shot camcorder. It still does pretty well, in low light, as long as there is at least 2 lumens of light present.

My opinions on this are that this is unusually good for a camcorder in its price range, especially for its two main selling points of its fantastic 70x optical zoom and optical image stabilization.

It is so simple to operate that even a young child could understand it, using the nicely automated settings.

Yes, there are some circumstances that call for manual intervention, but the people griping about this, especially those attempting (apparently) to take footage inside a cave, would be well advised to READ THE MANUAL and not expect the impossible from such an inexpensive camcorder.

I was able to take some nighttime footage with this, with only sodium and mercury vapor light illumination, and it did pretty well.

And while it is true that my naked eyes are good in light far lower than this can handle, I have a more realistic expectation of it than some of the more critical people out there.

I intend to have a family member use this next year for my wedding, and I am confident that it will work just fine for that, too.

Nice work, Panasonic!

]]> By: LJS http://www.digitalcameraguru.net/camcorders/panasonic-sdrs26-sd-camcorder-gold#comment-98683 LJS Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:44:04 +0000 http://digitalcameraguru.net/camcorders/panasonic-sdrs26-sd-camcorder-gold#comment-98683 Great Bang for the Buck<br>Rating:5 out of 5 stars<br>I paid only $[...] for the camera and it's exactly what I had hoped for -- a workhorse camera that would do our family videography. It is inexpensive enough so that my 8 and 12 year olds can use it without worry. Heck, it helps me worry less about it when I take it to the kids' sporting events. <br /> <br />The 70:1 zoom is awesome. All of the features in the menu system are easy to use. <br /> <br />But it does only shoot Standard Definition. The video quality is not great, but what do you expect for $214? <br /> <br />I'm 5 star happy with the purchase. <br /> <br />And Amazon as always is a pleasure to deal with. Great prices, quick shipping, package tracking, and the best return policy I've ever experienced. Thanks Amazon! <br /> <br /> Great Bang for the Buck
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I paid only $[...] for the camera and it’s exactly what I had hoped for — a workhorse camera that would do our family videography. It is inexpensive enough so that my 8 and 12 year olds can use it without worry. Heck, it helps me worry less about it when I take it to the kids’ sporting events.

The 70:1 zoom is awesome. All of the features in the menu system are easy to use.

But it does only shoot Standard Definition. The video quality is not great, but what do you expect for $214?

I’m 5 star happy with the purchase.

And Amazon as always is a pleasure to deal with. Great prices, quick shipping, package tracking, and the best return policy I’ve ever experienced. Thanks Amazon!

]]> By: Lord's servant http://www.digitalcameraguru.net/camcorders/panasonic-sdrs26-sd-camcorder-gold#comment-98709 Lord's servant Sun, 04 Jul 2010 07:37:01 +0000 http://digitalcameraguru.net/camcorders/panasonic-sdrs26-sd-camcorder-gold#comment-98709 Don't buy this product! Video is really bad!<br>Rating:1 out of 5 stars<br>I unfortunately couldn't test the recording at the store but was sold <br />by the zoom. Figuring it was Panasonic that the video recording would <br />be satisfactory. After testing the camera in XP (best quality mode) <br />can't believe how bad the quality is. I'm not looking for perfection <br />at all but just decent quality. As previously mentioned the video <br />is terrible in low light, very grainy and blurry. Even if I slowly <br />move the camera it blurrs. <br /> <br />It really amazes me that anyone could be satisfied with this <br />quality of recording. I will return this camera and eat the <br />restocking fee. Next time I will bring my SD card to the store <br />record the video and play it back on one of there computers to <br />be sure of the quality. <br /> <br />Don't think I'll ever buy a Panasonic video camera ever again. <br /> <br /> Don’t buy this product! Video is really bad!
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I unfortunately couldn’t test the recording at the store but was sold

by the zoom. Figuring it was Panasonic that the video recording would

be satisfactory. After testing the camera in XP (best quality mode)

can’t believe how bad the quality is. I’m not looking for perfection

at all but just decent quality. As previously mentioned the video

is terrible in low light, very grainy and blurry. Even if I slowly

move the camera it blurrs.

It really amazes me that anyone could be satisfied with this

quality of recording. I will return this camera and eat the

restocking fee. Next time I will bring my SD card to the store

record the video and play it back on one of there computers to

be sure of the quality.

Don’t think I’ll ever buy a Panasonic video camera ever again.

]]> By: Randall Kesterson http://www.digitalcameraguru.net/camcorders/panasonic-sdrs26-sd-camcorder-gold#comment-98730 Randall Kesterson Wed, 30 Jun 2010 02:25:23 +0000 http://digitalcameraguru.net/camcorders/panasonic-sdrs26-sd-camcorder-gold#comment-98730 This Camcorder rocks<br>Rating:5 out of 5 stars<br>I'm not sure why the other guy had problems. I got mine today. I also bought a 16gb Class 6/SDHC card from Amazon for $35 and it worked right off the bat. All you have to do is format the SD disk and you're on your way. This camera is Sooooo simple to use. It's clear, crisp and really light weight. The manual is very easy to read and understand and pretty much covers everything you'll need. I haven't got much to compare it to because this is my first camcorder. But, I have to say, I sure like it. This Camcorder rocks
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I’m not sure why the other guy had problems. I got mine today. I also bought a 16gb Class 6/SDHC card from Amazon for $35 and it worked right off the bat. All you have to do is format the SD disk and you’re on your way. This camera is Sooooo simple to use. It’s clear, crisp and really light weight. The manual is very easy to read and understand and pretty much covers everything you’ll need. I haven’t got much to compare it to because this is my first camcorder. But, I have to say, I sure like it.

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