Mass Effect 2

Over the past few years we have seen an increasing number of small pocket

camcorders that record video to a

memory

card rather than using a tape or hard disk, while most larger camcorders

have focused on recording high-definition footage.Panasonic’s SDR-S50 is an unusual cross between the two: it’s a proper

full-size camcorder that records standard-definition video to

SD

memory cards.The camera itself looks like a tape camcorder that has been shrunk. With no

tape inside the body is smaller and almost unbelievably light, and sits very

comfortably in the right hand. The main controls for zoom and recording are

under the user’s thumb and fingers, with the menu controls on the fold-out

screen.

It supports the latest

SDXC

memory cards, giving up to 64GB of storage, but an inexpensive 4GB card gave us

55 minutes of recording at the highest quality. Video is recorded in the MPEG-2

format, so it can be edited with just about any video-editing software including

Windows

Live Movie Maker.The key difference between this camcorder and a cheaper pocket model is its

lens. The SDR-S50’s lens starts at 33mm wide, with a huge 78x zoom range that

allows you to zoom, albeit slowly, to capture far-off objects. Longer zooms

would normally create shaky images, but with an optical stabiliser built in, the

SDR-S50 copes admirably even without a tripod.Like most hand-sized camcorders the quality of video shot with the SDR-S50

depends on the available light. In daytime we were impressed by the accuracy of

colour reproduction and sharp image, but in dim conditions you will notice iffy

colours and a slightly smudgy look. With no accessory shoe on the top you cannot

add an extra light or microphone, which is slightly annoying.We were pleasantly surprised, however, by the range of options available to

get the best when shooting. Although you can simply point and shoot there is

also the option of full control over the iris, shutter and focus should you want

it.All in all, it’s hard not to be impressed by the SDR-S50. Many people will

want to look for a high-definition model instead, but for recording standard

footage that can be easily edited and burned to DVD this is a small, well

designed, easy to use model with an impressive stabilised zoom.

Taken from here