Panasonic SDR-SW20S SD Card Camcorder Also available in red model SDR-SW20R. Get Panasonic SDR-SW20S Price / Buy Online

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The Panasonic SDR-SW20 camcorder is built tough so you can shoot in places never before possible. The SDR-SW20 combines a rugged, compact body with waterproofing that allows use in water, including seawater, to a depth of five feet*, shock-proofing that protects against drops from up to 4 feet**, and a dust-proofing design that shuts out airborne dust particles that can lead to malfunction. With a design that protects it from water, dust, and impact, the SW20 is a versatile camcorder that can meet varying weather conditions and shooting environments.

The SDR-SW20 is small enough to slip in a pocket or bag. Cool enough to take everywhere you go. This is one stylish camcorder you'll never want to be without. The SW20 records to SD or SDHC Memory Cards. This contributes to its compact design and also provides extended recording capability. A 16-GB SDHC Memory Card allows up to approximately 13 hours 20 minutes of recording time.

* IEC60529 IPX8
** MIL-STD-810F METHOD 516.5 SHOCK

Supplied Accessories:

• VSK0694 AC Adaptor
• VW-VBJ10 Lithium Ion Battery Pack
• AC Cable
• AV Cable
• USB Cable
• 2-Way Hand Strap
• Software CD-ROM: Motion SD Studio 1.3E

Waterproof up to 5 Feet*, Shockproof up to 4 Feet**, Dustproof***

Take the SW20 underwater as deep as 5 feet and get some great video shots in the pool or ocean. Swim along with tropical fish, capture shots of a beautiful coral reef, or get action footage of a friend snorkeling. Waterproofing also means you can shoot in the rain or snow with no worries. The SW20 is designed to resist damage even if dropped from a height of up to 4 feet. Panasonic fortifies the outer body casing, making it thicker to improve rigidity and strength. Inside, Panasonic provides an intermediate resin chassis to cushion and protect the main circuit board and lens. A dustproof design keeps the SW20 safe even if handled with dirty hands or used in a place with swirling dust. The SW20 is protected against sand too, so you can take it to the beach or sports fi eld with no worries. And it's waterproof, so if the body gets dirty you can simply wash it off with water.

* IEC60529 IPX8
** MIL-STD-810F METHOD 516.5 SHOCK
*** IEC60529 IP5X

Built-in SD / SDHC Memory Card Drive

SD memory cards are incredibly versatile, holding vast amounts of information and are about the size of a postage stamp. The SW20 records to SD or SDHC Memory Cards. This contributes to its compact design and also provides extended recording capability. A 16-GB SDHC Memory Card allows up to approximately 13 hours 20 minutes of recording time.

10x Hi-Definition Zoom/700x Digital Zoom

The Panasonic SDR-SW20S camcorder comes with a lens capable of a 10:1 optical zoom. The 10x zoom can fill the screen with even a distant subject. This powerful feature acts like a telescope to produce close-up shots with extraordinary clarity, so you won't miss a single detail. It also offers variable zoom speeds, so you can zoom in for close-ups, or zoom out for wide angle shots, using any of seven different zoom speeds. This lens is not only the powerful zoom offered in a home-use digital camcorder, it also features low distortion. And because it's optical, there is no quality loss -- you get the images in all their natural beauty.

Through the use of digital technology, the zoom ratio can be increased to 700:1*, producing an incredibly close shot.

* As digital magnification increases, resolution significantly decreases.

Pure Color Engine

The Pure Color Engine converts the CCD output signal from a complementary color signal into an RGB signal at an early stage and extracts the low-frequency luminance component from the RGB signal. This innovative engine also achieves truly superb color reproduction for high-zoomed pictures.

Panasonic MPEG2 Engine

The Panasonic MPEG2 engine is a wide-range, high-precision search engine that produces smooth, beautiful moving pictures. Because it records the differences in each frame, it can render fast, complex motions -- like those of children in the thick of the action -- with exceptional precision. The MPEG2 engine also uses the Variable Bit Rate system that Panasonic adopted for their high-end DIGA DVD recorder. LP (Long Play) mode now offers nearly twice the resolution of previous MPEG2 recording video cameras, giving you the best possible resolution at the longest recording times.

High-Picture-Quality 16:9 Wide Mode

This model offers the High-Picture-Quality Wide Mode, which produces images that make for beautiful, dramatic viewing on a wide-screen TV. The image is processed on 16:9 area of the CCD. Because the image decoded has the same proportions as your wide-screen TV, there is virtually no picture quality degradation. You get beautiful images and all the excitement and dynamism on either a wide 16:9 screen TV or a conventional 4:3 TV. This model also features a wide 2.7-inch LCD, making it easier to frame shots when you're shooting in 16:9 mode. You can enjoy shooting wide, and viewing wide.

2.7" Diagonal Widescreen LCD Monitor

The SDR-SW20S features a wide 2.7-inch LCD, making it easier to frame shots when you're shooting in 16:9 mode. You can enjoy shooting wide, and viewing wide. Also, scanning technology allows the LCD to show diagonal lines more sharply. You can freely adjust the angle of the LCD monitor for comfortable viewing no matter how you're holding the camera. The SUB REC button on the side makes it easy to shoot when you're holding the camera low. The buttons are laid out simply and logically for easy one-hand operation.

Power LCD Extra

Simply press the Power LCD button and the LCD becomes brighter, making it easier to see outdoors or in other bright locations. Also, a new scanning technology allows the LCD to show diagonal lines more sharply. Power LCD Extra lets you adjust the LCD brightness in two steps by simply pressing the Power LCD button. Plus 1 mode increases brightness by 80% for easy outdoor viewing, and Plus 2 mode emphasizes contrast when shooting in strong sunlight conditions such as when skiing or at the beach.

USB 2.0 High Speed Connection

This convenient feature allows you to link the camcorder to your computer via the USB port. Then, you can easily transfer captured still images to your computer for use in e-mail or printed documents. The SDR-SW20S supports USB 2.0 High Speed enabling real time video transfers.

World Timer

Handy for travelers, this feature makes it easy to set the time when crossing time zones and again when returning home. Simply select the destination from the display map, and the camcorder is automatically set for that time zone. The time for two different locations -- such as home and destination -- can be set, allowing the user to switch between the times by simply pressing a button.

Motion SD Studio 1.3E Editing Software Included

You never have to finalize an SDHC or SD Memory Card, so you can transfer data to a PC right after you shoot. Just slip the card into the slot on the PC, and you're ready to upload and edit. The camera comes with MotionSD STUDIO software that lets you add music and words during editing or copy your recordings onto a DVD disc.

0.6-Second Quick Start Mode

This mode can be selected from the menu to help shoot videos on the spur of the moment. Quick Start Mode lets you shoot those not-to-be-missed scenes by turning on the power just 0.6 second from the time the LCD is opened.

PictBridge Direct Print Compatibility

The PictBridge standard lets you print directly on a compatible digital printer. Print size, layout, date and other settings can be made with the camera.

Easy DVD Copy

Connect the SW20 directly to a VW-BN1 DVD Burner (optional accessory) via a USB cable. You can then copy recordings from the SDHC/SD Memory Card to a DVD disc with easy operation. The disc you make can be played on DVD players, so playback is easy too.

One-Touch Navigation and Direct Mode Dial

With One-Touch Navigation, just turn the dial and you're ready to shoot or to view the images afterward. Rotate the dial with your fingertip to select the icon that corresponds to the mode you want. The operations you use most often are right on the monitor, so it's easy to change settings or operate the camera without looking away from your subject.

Quick Search and Access With Thumbnail View

Unlike videotape, you don't need to rewind or fast-forward to search for specific scenes. The camcorder LCD screen displays a list of the recorded scenes for quick and easy searching.

XP, SP and LP Recording Modes

Moving Picture Recording Times (approx.):

Easy On / Off

Easy On / Off reduces the time required for operating the camera. When you open the LCD, the power turns on. Shut it and the power turns off. Pull out the viewfinder and the power turns on. Put it back and the power turns off.

Fade In/Out

Backlight Compensation

MagicPix™ Images

This feature is a great way to record still images even in low-light settings. Now you can capture still images in full color onto the MiniDV tape and save priceless memories like a sleeping baby or a moonlit vacation night.

High Speed Shutter

In Motion Image Mode: 1/30 - 1/8000 sec. In Still Picture Mode: 1/30 - 1/500 sec.

Stereo Zoom Mic With Wind Noise Reduction

As you zoom in on the picture, the audio will also zoom in so that you can pinpoint distant sound emanating from your subject.

Panasonic SDR-SW20S Specifications

Image Sensor

1/6" CCD (680k pixels, total)
CCD (Effective) - 340 k [4:3], 300 k [16:9] (Motion Picture)
350 k [4:3] (Still Picture)

Lens Focal Length

2.3 - 23mm

35mm Film Camera Equivalent

43.9 - 439 mm [4:3] 43.9 - 439 [16:9] (Motion Picture)
43.7 - 437 mm [4:3] (Still Picture)

Lens F Value

F1.8 (Wide) / F2.4 (Tele)

Lens Filter Diameter

N/A

Variable Speed Optical Zoom

10x

Digital Zoom

10x - 700x

Image Stabilizer

Electronic Image Stabilizer (EIS)

Minimum Illumination

2 Lux (MagicPix function)

Focus

AF / Manual

White Balance

Auto / Indoor / Outdoor / White Set / Underwater (with IR Sensor)

High-Speed Shutter

1/30 - 1/8000 (Motion Picture)
1/30 - 1/500 (Still Picture)

Iris

Auto / Manual

Scene Mode

Sports / Portrait / Low Light / Spot Light / Surf & Snow

Viewfinder

N/A

LCD

2.7" Wide LCD (123k pixels)

Microphone

Stereo Zoom Mic, Wind Noise Reduction

Date Recording

Auto Date (in Data Code)

Recording Media

SD / SDHC Memory Card

Video Recording Format

MPEG2 (Motion Picture)

Video Recording / Playback Modes

XP (10Mbps / VBR), SP (5Mbps / VBR), LP (2.5Mbps / VBR)

Audio Recording System

Dolby Digital 2-ch (Dolby AC3), MPEG1 AudioLayer2

Accessory Shoe

N/A

Memory Card Slot

SD / SDHC

JPEG Still Picture

640 x 480

Printing

DPOF: Max 999 stills
PictBridge

Jacks

• AV Out
• USB Port 2.0 High-Speed (mini B)

Power Supply

DC 3.6 V / 5.0V

Power Consumption

Recording: 2.9W
Charging: 4.5W

Dimensions (H x W x D)

2.50" x 1.33" x 4.50" (63.4 x 33.8 x 114.4 mm)

Weight (w/o Battery)

7.9 oz. (224 g)

Panasonic SD Card Camcorders Feature Comparison Chart