Panasonic SDR-S26 Flash Memory Camcorder With SD Card Slot - Black

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MOD extension, so you'll need to find a media player that can handle these kinds of files, or you'll have to use the provided software to import your clips (numerous editing programs, like iMovie for the Mac, can also handle the files with ease). We also weren't impressed by the fact that the MPEG-2 videos captured by the SDR-S26 have to be imported with special software before they can be viewed on a computer. But the small sensor makes itself evident in low light, where colours become muted and ill-defined, with a general fuzzy grain across the picture.

Panasonic SDR-S26 review | TechRadar

Despite two positive performances in our still color and noise tests, the Panasonic SDR-S26 was unable to muster any good results in our still sharpness test. Naturally, though, you don’t get any enthusiast features like an accessory shoe or minijacks for headphones or an external microphone. The trademark names and trademarks cited on our web pages serve exclusively serve to provide information about our products. If you plan on doing extensive editing with your videos you should definitely seek out some better software than the VideoCam Suite. Both the Sony DCR-SX60 and JVC GZ-MG670 also lasted for a much longer time than the S26 (130 minutes for the Sony and 143 minutes for the JVC).Remember, however, adjusting the color or brightness of the LCD doesn't mean the resulting video will look any different. Unfortunately for Panasonic, however, the SDR-S26 did not hold up to the competition with this test. If you want the longer zoom ratio, as well as a good optical image stabilization system, you should go with the Panasonic. Then, you must open the joystick menu and press down until you get to the last tab (number 5/5) where you can adjust focus. In still image mode there are a few extra playback settings, including a direct-to-print option and slideshow controls.

Panasonic SDR-S26 Camcorder Review - Reviewed Panasonic SDR-S26 Camcorder Review - Reviewed

Neither of these features are all that exciting, but they both can be useful for certain situations. Intelligent Auto will even switch to Spotlight mode to capture very bright objects, and use a Scenery setting to avoid blown-out skies in sunny outdoor conditions.The SDR-S26 supports MPEG2 video formats, providing compatibility with various playback devices and editing software. Since the sensor offers more pixels than necessary for standard definition video, the frame can be cropped without going below the necessary total. One of these is Panasonic’s SDR-S50, which sits at the top of the company’s standard definition selection. The system is difficult to explain, so you really have to work with it for a while before you get the hang of it. To access manual controls like shutter speed, focus, and aperture, you must press the manual button inside the LCD cavity.

Panasonic SDR-S26 (English - 104 pages) User manual Panasonic SDR-S26 (English - 104 pages)

The door feels relatively strong, but it does take up a bit of room when it is open (making the start/stop record button somewhat uncomfortable to press). a. Please note that Operating Instructions are occasionally changed to clarify or correct the content language or for other purposes.In video playback, all of the VCR controls are manipulated using the navigation joystick—a process that is not very precise or simple. Using the +2 setting will make the screen brighter and make things easier to see, but it will also drain battery life quicker. To set manual controls like shutter speed or focus you have to press the joystick inward, then cycle through the joystick menu (with the joystick), then select the setting you want to adjust (also with the joystick), then actually adjust the setting by pressing the joystick back and forth. Panasonic even provides the ability to add up to 18dB of video gain on top of a fully open aperture.