high-precision imaging element is the first in the world** to shoot in lighting as low as 2 lux enabling both new
models to capture exceptionally clear, bright images.
* Compared with the HDC-SD9/HDC-HS9
** For HD camcorders as of 18 June 2008, shooting in Low Light mode at a shutter speed of 1/25
New Leica Dicomar Lens
The Leica Dicomar* lens system used in the HDC-SD100
and HDC-HS100 comprises 12 lenses in 9 groups,
including aspherical lenses to improve resolution and
contrast and an LD (low-dispersion) lens to prevent colour
bleeding. A multi-coating process is applied to all lens
elements to minimise chromatic aberration, to ensure
images are crisper, clearer, and free of flare and ghosting.
The use of a highly-refractive lens also made it possible
to have both 12x zoom power and a compact body.
*Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH, and Dicomar is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.
Enhanced HD Crystal Engine
To maximise the capabilities of the new HD-level 3MOS sensor featured in the HDC-SD100 and HDC-HS100,
Panasonic has enhanced its renowned Crystal Engine image processor, resulting in the HD Crystal Engine. A noise
reduction circuit combines with the Intelligent Contrast Control circuit to boost image quality while reducing power
consumption. The dynamic range is also approximately twice that in previous Panasonic models, which helps
prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows and allowing for more natural colour expression. Offering both higher
image quality and longer battery life, the HD Crystal Engine takes camcorder performance to new heights.
Advanced O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)
With Panasonic's Advanced O.I.S., gyrosensors detect
hand-shake and a lens unit shifts to correctly align the
optical axis, and produce sharp, blur-free images. This
happens at a remarkable rate of 4,000 times per second.
Now the compensation area has been almost tripled
compared with previous systems*, so even very
significant hand-shake is corrected. Users can capture
clear, sharp images even when shooting long-distance
zoom shots, where hand-shake is typically a big concern and there is no loss of quality as images are captured in
full original beauty.
* Compared with the HDC-SD9/HDC-HS9
New Manual Ring
The Manual Ring is provided for users who want more
creative freedom in their image production. With these
new models users can enjoy precise, responsive fingertip
control over five key settings -- zoom, focus, iris, shutter
speed, and white balance.
New On-Screen Assist
On-Screen Assist function displays a guide for exposure
compensation. There are different assist guides - Zebra Pattern, Brightness Level, and Histogram. These enable the
user to determine the brightness level, and make the adjustments desired with precision not achievable by simply
looking at the image on the LCD.
iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode
The world's first iA function* is offered on the HDC-SD100
and HDC-HS100 models automatically activating several
convenient shooting functions at once. These include
Advanced O.I.S., which compensates for hand-shake to
eliminate blurring; Face Detection, which adjusts the
exposure so faces are captured perfectly; and Intelligent
Contrast Control, which helps ensure proper contrast.
Also included is the Intelligent Scene Selector, which