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
