Advanced 3MOS System
The Advanced 3MOS System records beautifully natural images with powerful colors and detailed rendering in both bright and dark scenes. The Noise Reduction technology that goes to work when shooting in dim lighting has evolved even further in 2011 models, allowing them to reduce noise by approximately 45% compared to previous Panasonic models.* The Advanced 3MOS System, which is comprised of the 3MOS Sensor that captures images without color loss, the Leica Dicomar Lens that excels with its large, bright aperture, and the Crystal Engine PRO that increases image resolution, produces colorful, bright, beautiful images in Full-HD quality.

* Compared with the HDC-SD700, HDC-TM700, and HDC-HS700.

3MOS Sensor
The 900 Series and SD800 employ the 3MOS Sensor, with its three-sensor configuration. This provides a resolution of 7.59 million effective motion image pixels (2.53 million x 3). The 3MOS Sensor splits the light information captured by the lens into the three primary colors - red, green and blue - and processes each color with its own individual sensor. This reduces light loss compared to the 1MOS sensor, and renders colors, details and gradation all with intricate detail and natural beauty. This superb color reproduction maximizes the inherent quality of Full-HD progressive images.

The 900 Series and SD800 use Leica Dicomar lenses, which are renowned for their ability to render sharp images and excellent shading. They also suppress ghosting, flare, and distortion at the image edges. Even in strong sunlight, these superb lenses maintain high contrast and resolution. A bright new F1.5-F2.8 lens with a 46mm filter diameter has been created for the 900 Series and SD800. Efficient light collection allows the new lens to capture bright, clear images even in dim lighting or at high shutter speeds. This high-end lens brings out all the beauty of Full-HD images.

* Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystem IR GmbH, and Dicomar is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.

 

Crystal Engine PRO
The Crystal Engine PRO instantly processes the huge amount of data that goes into Full-HD images, and further enhances Full-HD quality. It produces smooth, high-resolution zoom shots even when the range exceeds the limit for optical zooming. Crystal Engine PRO clearly delineates even the tiniest details of your subject, with extremely natural beauty. In addition, its Noise Reduction (NR) technology has been completely redesigned. The low-frequency noise that occurs when recording in dim lighting has been further minimized. Compared to previous Panasonic models, noise has been reduced by approximately 45%.* And Intelligent Resolution Technology ensures sharp and crisp pictures, resulting in bright and beautifully colored motion images.

* Compared with the HDC-SD700, HDC-TM700, and HDC-HS700

Intelligent Resolution Technology
The Intelligent Resolution Technology incorporated in the Crystal Engine PRO uses edge detection technology to confirm the edges of objects within the image, then emphasizes the edges for optimal clarity. For example, it brings crisp definition to patterns and the outlines of objects like flowers. Conversely, it reduces noise and enhances the natural smoothness of parts without edges, like the sky. The increased sharpness is especially effective for images with delicate details. This highly advanced technology maximizes the beauty of Full-HD images.

1080/60p Recording (Full-HD 1920 x 1080, 60 Progressive Recording)*
With its transfer rate of 28 Mbps, 1080/60p recording (Full-HD, 1,920 x 1,080, 60 progressive recording)* conveys about twice the information of 1080i (interlace) recording. Whereas interlacing requires two images to produce a complete picture, the progressive method records a single image as a complete picture. Plus, the 60 Progressive Recording of the 900 Series and SD800 produce 60 images per second.** This extremely dense image information creates intricate detail and silky smooth motion. Even when subjects move quickly, afterimages are minimized to create more natural images. The progressive method is most effective when shooting designs where more patterns tend to occur, or when capturing scenes during sports events where the subjects are intensely moving around. Also, the recorded images displayed clearly even when they are made into still images, so it is possible to preserve stunning photos when clipping them from videos.

Intelligent 20x Zoom and HYBRID O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)
The 900 Series and SD800 feature an Intelligent Zoom function that goes all the way up to 20x. When using Intelligent Zoom, Intelligent Resolution technology lets you shoot at high zoom rates while preserving the image resolution. You get sharp images of highly detailed objects – without the blurry edges. Plus, the 900 Series and SD800 are equipped with HYBRID O.I.S, an image stabilization system that corrects hand-shake blurring by combining the action of its hybrid optical and electrical image stabilization systems. Even when zooming, where hand-shake often occurs, both optical and electrical hand-shake correction make it possible to record beautiful images with approximately 2 times* the hand-shake suppressing effect as conventional models.

* Compared with the HDC-SD700, HDC-TM700, and HDC-HS700.

35mm Wide Angle Lens*
The 35mm wide-angle lens on the 900 Series and SD800 fit more people and more of the background into the frame than a conventional lens. This is especially handy when you want to take a group photo in a small room.

* 35mm camera equivalent

O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) Lock
The image-stabilizing effect is increased by pressing and holding the O.I.S. Lock indication on the LCD screen, which maximizes the blur detection sensitivity. This is great for when you want to zoom at a fixed angle, like for bird watching.

* Considerable blurring is generated by the shifting of the corrective lens when the camera is panned or tilted.

5.1-Ch Surround Sound System (HS900/TM900/SD900) & Zoom Mic
The 900 Series is equipped with five electret condenser microphones. The center mic helps capture the sound source and distance accurately, so you get a more 3-dimensional effect. The Zoom Mic function improves noise-reducing performance and handles higher zooming power, allowing you to clearly capture target sounds. You get a realistic sound space that's a perfect match with the true-to-life HD images.

* Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. "Dolby" and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

3D Image Recording*
When the 3D Conversion Lens is attached, the 900 Series and SD800 produce an effect called visual disparity. Right and left images are captured simultaneously by the two lenses, and recorded using the side-by-side method. To play back 3D videos, simply insert an SD Memory Card in the slot of a Panasonic VIERA 3DTV.** Or you can use an HDMI mini cable to connect the camcorder to a VIERA 3DTV or another 3D TV that is compatible with the side-by-side method.

* The optional VW-CLT1 3D Conversion Lens is required for shooting 3D images.
** Some models of VIERA 3DTV may require a firmware update to play 3D images from an SD card.

3.0" (SD800) Wide LCD with Intuitive Touch Operation
The easy-to-view 7.6 cm/3.0" (SD800) wide LCD screen allows intuitive fingertip touch-operation. When shooting, you can use Touch Zoom to instantly zoom in and out by simply touching your fingertips, and Touch Shutter to automatically focus when shooting still images by simply touching the subject on the screen. For playback, you can also change thumbnail pages by sliding a fingertip across the screen. You get smooth, intuitive operation and don't have to take your eyes off of the LCD screen.

iA (Intelligent Auto)
This powerful function senses the shooting conditions and automatically makes the settings and activates functions that will deliver optimal results. With both motion and still images, iA does the bothersome settings for you and makes it easy to capture beautiful, well-focused images.

* The functions included in iA may not be applied when conditions do not call for them.

HYBRID O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)
HYBRID O.I.S. corrects hand-shake blurring by combining the action of its hybrid optical and electrical image stabilization systems. Even when zooming, where hand-shake often occurs, both optical and electrical hand-shake correction make it possible to record beautiful images with approximately 2 times* the hand-shake suppressing effect as conventional models.

* Compared with the HDC-SD700, HDC-TM700, and HDC-HS700.

Face Recognition
The Face Recognition function recognizes the faces of registered subjects, and automatically optimizes the focus and exposure for those special people. It continues to track the subject as he or she moves anywhere within the LCD frame, making it ideal for video shooting. It is extremely useful for capturing someone's face in a group. Names can also be registered and displayed on the LCD while shooting. A total of six people can be registered, and the names of up to three people at a time can be displayed in the shooting frame.

AF/AE Tracking
Touch the LCD screen to indicate the subject, such as a person or an animal, that you want to focus on, and let AF/AE Tracking do the rest. The camera locks on the subject and follows it around, keeping it in sharp focus and properly exposed. It keeps tracking even if the subject turns to the side. This advanced function makes it easy to get a continually clear, beautiful shot of the subject in the scene you care most about.

Intelligent Scene Selector
The Intelligent Scene Selector function analyzes the shooting situation and automatically switches the camcorder to the suitable scene mode that will give you optimal results.

Face Detection
Face Detection automatically senses the ambient lighting and adjusts the exposure accordingly, so faces are bright and easy to see. The focus also prioritizes the faces, and skin tones are smoothed. Faces in the center of the frame serve as the reference for adjustments, but the function can detect up to 15 faces at once.

Intelligent Contrast Control
Intelligent Contrast Control detects the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure accordingly, helping to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows. You can capture natural looking, highly nuanced images with proper contrast.

With a Special iA Mode for Still Images
The iA function is active even when the camera is in still-image mode. When the Intelligent Scene Selector detects the shooting situation, it automatically switches to one of the five Scene modes for still-image shooting, and optimizes the settings for the still image.

•Sports •Portrait •Spot Light •Snow •Beach
•Sunset •Fireworks •Scenery •Night Scenery
•Night Portrait •Macro

Manual Ring
The manual ring gives you easy, fingertip control over the focus, zoom and exposure settings. You'll find using the ring a much more intuitive, comfortable, user-friendly process than accessing a menu screen. With the manual ring and manual operation, the HD900 Series is a pleasure to use and gives you the freedom to craft unusually expressive images.

Zoom
Just rotate the ring to zoom in and out. You have full control of the zooming speed and can zoom in or out to the precise degree you want.

Focus
Just rotate the ring to focus. You can focus on the exact point you want, even if it's not in the center of the frame. You can also change the focus as you shoot, to get the kind of creative shots you sometimes see in movies.

White Balance
Select from Auto, Indoor, Outdoor and White Set according to the location, weather or type of lighting. You'll always get the best possible coloring even if the light source changes.

Shutter Speed
The shutter speed can be adjusted from 1/24 to 1/8,000 of a second.* Use a high shutter speed when shooting sports events or fast-moving subjects, and you can get clear, sharp, incredible action shots.

* In PAL areas, 1/25 to 1/8,000 of a second.

Iris
Use the ring to adjust the aperture to regulate the amount of light let in. You can also use this setting to attain a shallow depth of field, blur the background, or create frames that emphasize the foreground, for creating movie-like expressions.

1.0-sec Quick Power-On
Switch the power on and the HD camcorders are in standby mode in approx. 1.0 seconds*, ready to shoot when you are. When the LCD is closed, the power automatically switches off. This fast startup and automatic shutdown also help reduce battery consumption.

* Depending on the recording conditions, start time may be longer than 1.0 second.

0.6-sec Quick Start
Using Quick Start mode, you simply flip open the LCD and you're ready to shoot in just 0.6 seconds.* When Eco mode is also used, the power turns off whenever the camcorder has not been operated for 5 minutes. This reduces wasted power consumption, and enables a longer battery life.

* Depending on the recording conditions, start time may be longer than 0.6 seconds.

* Depending on the recording conditions, start time may be longer than 0.6 seconds in still picture recording mode.

Smile Shot (Still Image)
The Smile Shot function automatically detects subject smiles, and captures the best possible smile while you're shooting movies. It lets you easily catch those fleeting, easy-to-miss stills of a smiling subject. It will also optimize the focus and exposure for your subject's smiling face.

Pre-Rec Function
This smart function records three seconds of images even before you actually begin shooting. The images are held temporarily in the camcorder's internal memory, before recording begins. This helps ensure that you won't miss the start of a moment you want to record, such as when an event begins all of a sudden. For example, if you're waiting to snap a shot of a jumping dolphin, you can press the REC button after you've made sure that the dolphin has cleared the surface of the water. The camcorder will record the entire scene, from the instant of the dolphin's jump until it disappears again into the sea.

* The camera must be aimed at the subject in advance.

60 Frames/Sec High-Speed Burst Shooting*
This function lets the camcorder snap up to 60 consecutive 2.1-megapixel still images* per second for a total of 180 continuous images in about 3 seconds. You can use it to analyze a golf swing, tennis stroke or other motion. You also can use it to get good shots of subjects in fast motion. Just fire off a number of shots without stopping, then keep the best ones and delete the rest.

* In PAL areas, 50 consecutive 2.1-megapixel still images per second

Auto Power LCD
The LCD brightness can be adjusted manually to suit the surroundings. In Auto Mode, the LCD brightness is adjusted automatically in 16 smooth steps depending on the surroundings. In darker rooms it adjusts to a lower brightness, making it easier to frame the shot. Outside, it adjusts to almost twice the brightness for easy viewing even on sunny days.

Wide Viewing Angle
The LCD has a highly detailed, 460,800-dots (900 Series) or 230,400-dots (SD800) display and a viewing angle of 170°, both vertically and horizontally. Images are clear and bright even when viewed from an angle, so everyone can gather around the LCD to enjoy on-the-spot recordings. The wide viewing angle is also great for taking high- or low-angle shots.

AGS (Auto Ground-Directional Standby)*
The O.I.S. linear motor system can detect when the camera is in an unusual shooting position - such as when you've inadvertently left it on in recording mode. In these cases, the camera automatically stops recording, saving both battery power and media storage space.

* In PAL area, the AGS (Auto Ground-Directional Standby) is called the Anti Ground Shooting.
• Set to OFF when shipped from the factory. To turn AGS ON, the setting must be made on the menu screen.

Focus Assist
This function shows which subjects are in-focus by displaying their outlines in blue. You can easily check the focus on LCD when manually focusing, to ensure consistently clear, sharp images.

Composition Guide Lines
With wide LCD monitors, it's hard to keep images perfectly level. The 900 Series and SD800 solve this by displaying horizontal and vertical Composition Guide Lines that make it easy to keep the subject straight and level.

Auto Lens Cover
When the power is turned on, the lens cover automatically opens. When the power goes off, the lens cover closes. You don't have to keep removing and replacing a lens cap - or worry about losing it.

Color Night Rec/Colour Night View
Leave the light off. Color Night Rec/Colour Night View gives you images with color even in dim lighting (1 lx).

World Time
Setting the time is as easy as selecting a city from the displayed map. The World Time function lets you set the time for two cities, home and destination. You don't have to figure out the time difference at your destination, and it's easy when you get home.