Panasonic SDR-H280 Hybrid Camcorder
There is no doubt that frequent camcorder changes are fickle creatures. Not so long before, everybody seemed to be very crazy about the DVD cameras, a product that shoved very brightly. But, the current era is all about flash memory and hard disk based models. Having been galvanised by the explosion of HDD and flash memory sales, Panasonic has also attempted to combine both these features in to a single versatile package. The latest standard definition range of Panasonic includes four HDD models, compared to just one DVD model. The following review is on Panasonic SDR-H280.
Technology used:
It is certainly not an exaggeration if we say that, you must be living on the moon for the past couple years if you are not aware of the fact that tape and DVD too have given way to the camcorders that save the recordings to hard disc and solid state media. The camcorder that we have considered for a review, the Panasonic SDR-H280 offers both. Now a days, even the formats like Mini-DV and DVD are declining and hence, in that case, you might argue that even this combo of Standard Definition and the inevitable HD are in the declining state too. But the fact is, consumers like this idea, and at least for time being the combo will remain to be a hot seller. However, Panasonic which seems to introduce new SD models in a not so certain market needs to make sure that they stand up to the harsh competition out there and include loads of features that satisfy its consumers, that too at an affordable cost. Let us see if the Panasonic SDR-H280 Camcorder does the same.
Acceptable architecture:
The overall design of the SDR-H280 does not look much different to the SDR-H250, which this model effectively replaces. The noticeable major difference is that this model has got a slightly darker battleship grey finish on its main body. And as in the case of many of the other latest HDD camcorders, this SDR-H280 HDD Camcorder model too is nice and chunky to hold, thanks to the mass of the internal, non removable 30GB hard disk drive. The specified weight is 450 grams without the lithium ion battery, but this can be an advantage in most of the recording conditions.
Keeping in mind the lens and storage combination of the SDR-H280, it is having an impressively small design. Although it does not look as stylish as its major rival, the Sony Handycam DCR-SR47, the H280 is still attractive and has a good feel in hands. The power or mode dial that allows the user to choose between recording movies or taking still pictures and playing the same is placed at the top of the derriere of the camera. When the 2.7″ LCD display is flipped out, you will be able to find a five way joystick and a menu button too towards the left of the display.
It is a fact that many of the gadget users hesitate quite too much to enter in to the main menu. For the sake of such users, Panasonic has dotted the camcorder with several shortcut buttons that allows you to change quickly between the various shooting options. Some of those shortcuts include turning the H280’s Intelligent Auto mode, enabling of the Optical Image Stabilisation feature, Auto/Manual function switch, DVD Copy button, Power LCD plus and video light button. The Image Stabilisation shortcut option is especially a very handy one as you would want to switch it off when the camcorder is placed on a tripod. You will also find the SD/SDHC slot in the LCD cavity for the sake of storage of additional video and photos and the only other connection to the outside world is a composite AV out jack, which is used to display clips and stills on a SD TV for creating composite or analogue video, S-Video and stereo audio copies to an external video recorder. There are no controls in the LCD screen frame itself.
Some disadvantages with design:
The controls seem to be very typical and ergonomically placed for this type of a camcorder. But we have found a few blots with the design that are worth mentioning. The placement of the record button, which we feel is extremely close to the battery and hence quite awkward. Unlike several other Panasonic camcorders, the SDR-H280 does not have an automatic shutter style lens cap. Instead of this, you will have to rotate the knurled focus ring to open and shut. The USB port and the power input have been placed behind the battery which compels you to remove the battery and plug it into the mains power for direct transfer of files in to a computer. It is true that we do not want the battery to die in the middle of any data transfer but it is irritating to have to remove the battery every time. In case you do not have any access to an external power source, the recording has to be moved from the camcorder to a memory card. And the final issue is that the battery seems to be sticking out of the camcorder way too far, but since there is no viewfinder to worry about, it does not get in the way whilst recording.
Interface:
Panasonic SDR-H280 Hybrid Camcorder makes use of the standard menu navigation system of Panasonic. This is nothing to complain about as the navigation system has a great deal of ease of use. The menu system is extremely easy to navigate through and make selections for video and still recordings. The joystick is used for navigation and controlling the manual functions such as exposure and focus is extremely easy.
SDR-H280 – Loaded with quality features:
The SDR-H280 is of the Hybrid category as it offers the capability of recording and playback in more than one medium, which in this case is an internal 30GB Hard Disc Drive (HDD) and High Capacity Standard Definition (SDHC) memory cards. You can choose between either of the media using the media type selection option in both recording and playback modes, in the main menu that can be accessed via a button at that rear of the camera. The videos and stills that are recorded in one medium can be copied internally to other medium and this facility is particularly very helpful as you will be able to make a collection of clip files from the HDD to SDHC and vice versa. When the optional Panasonic VW-BN1 external DVd burner is connected using USB, you will be able to make a backup of anything in the camcorder directly to a DVD without the need for a computer.
Lens and zoom:
Panasonic has employed three 1/6 inch 800,000 pixel CCD imaging devices on the SDR-H280 in order to produce 16:9 widescreen movie pictures at an effective resolution of 540,000 pixels and standard ratio 4:3 pictures at 630,000 pixels. The camcorder makes use of a Leica Dicomar 10x Optical Zoom that ranges from 3.0mm to 30mm, and whose F value range is F1.8 wide to F.28 tele. Digital zoom options are 25 x and 700 x, with a lens filter screw thread diameter of 37mm. Electronic shutter speeds vary from 1/50th second to 1/8,000th second in movie mode, with manual control over Focus, Exposure and White Balance using the mini-joystick at the rear to determine settings as displayed in the LCD screen’s “head-up display”.
More into the technical details:
The optical image stabilization feature of Panasonic had always been very good and in this model too, Panasonic has employed the Mega Optical Image Stabilisation feature. This new feature is designed in order to eliminate and iron the wobbly hand-held video recording by the amateurs. The three recording and playback modes offered by the SDR-H280 SD Camcorder for its MPEG-2 video recordings to either HDD or SD/SDHC cards include XP: 10 Mbps / VBR, SP: 5 Mbps / VBR and LP: 2.5 Mbps / VBR. You are also given the options of standard play (SP) and long play (LP) for record or playback modes. The SP setting gives about 50 minutes of recording on a 40GB SDHC card and about 7 hours on the 30GB hard disk drive. In the LP mode, you will be able to get 27 hours onto the HDD. And as you must be aware, the more the quality of the movie clips are compromised, higher the number of movie clips can be squeezed on to the respective storage medium. The quality of the clips can be adjusted by applying higher compression. Audio compression uses either Dolby Digital 2-channel or MPEG1 Layer 2, depending on the compression system employed.
Quality:
One of the most advantageous features of tapeless camcorders is that they are tapeless and hence, there is no need to mess around with the tapes. Though it seems to be very obvious, this is one of the major factors that majority of the first time camcorder buyers would consider. Hybrid camcorders like the SDR-H280 allows you to make your recordings quickly. The quality of the recordings remains to be same irrespective of the media. In the widescreen mode of 16:9 which is the highest setting, the quality of the pictures are very good indeed when shooting in optimum light. When shooting in dimly lit situations, the picture definition drops in a considerable level. Yet, the three CCDs work well to compensate it and the results are very satisfying, at least to us and a vast majority of other home users. It is also worth mentioning that the wind filter that has been employed does a great job.
How to use in dimly lit situations:
Another very impressive feature of Panasonic SDR-H280 3CCD Camcorder is that, it uses the same compression system that is used by a standard definition DVD and has still managed reproduce clips that are equivalent to the quality of the clips that are recorded using a good 3CCD MiniDV, which is a tape based camcorder. The picture resolution is excellent, colours are awesome and the contrast ratio too is up to the par. If you are going to take some pictures in a dimly lit room, then it is better to pan by a nearby window where the sunlight can overpower the image. In that way, the optics and the electronics of the camera adjusts accordingly and then the transition becomes hardly noticeable. It is in places like this the auto mode where you take manual control by adjusting the mini joystick works impressively.
Copying functionality in SDR-H280:
The ability to copy the video clips and images from one media on to the other is a great advantage of this type of camcorder. It is also useful if you intend to shoot in SDHC card with a second camcorder and wish to collect all the clips onto a single HDD prior to copying out to a computer or to Panasonic’s own DVD burner. Either way, the copy function is very useful indeed. If you are a sort of person who likes to backup your pictures at regular intervals of either your HDD or SDHC to a secondary medium such as an external hard drive or a DVD, then you must consider buying the optional VW-BN1 DVD Burner. This device connects the camcorder via USB and enables you to create instant DVD copies using Panasonic’s “USB Host” functionality to backup either all your clips or playlists that you have created as required. The whole operation is controlled from within the camcorder’s menu system and is a feature that is now provided in many of the company’s current camcorder products.
Warranty:
Panasonic SDR-H280 comes with one year manufacturer’s warranty.
Verdict:
We had mentioned earlier in the introduction that Panasonic SDR-H280 is in a must situation of standing up to its rivals by including loads of quality features and satisfy its consumers at an affordable price, and the SDR-H280 is arguably one of those kinds. Though it is true that the SDR-H280 is not a high definition camcorder and is just a SD model that uses MPEG-2 compression, it does a great job as a camcorder. The ease of use is very high and is a lovely camcorder to use. This standard definition camcorder is great value for money. We recommend Panasonic SDR-H280 for those who wish to be free from the hassles of DVDs and tapes.
Check other SD Camcorder Reviews in this website.
Panasonic SDR-H280 Hard Drive Camcorder – Technical Specification Details
| Manufacturer | Panasonic |
| Model Name | Panasonic SDR-H280 |
| Model number | SDR-H280 |
| Camcorder format | HDD + SD |
| Camcorder Class | Consumer class |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 8.5×7.5×14 cm |
| Weight | 2.7″ LCD display – TFT active matrix |
| Digital Zoom | 3500 x |
| Media | Hard Drive |
| HDD capacity | 30GB |
| Format | MPEG-2 |
| Sensor size | 1/6″ |
| Sensor type | 3CCD |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 |
| Min illumination | 1lux |
| Aperture | 1,8 – 2,8 |
| Focal length | 3mm – 30mm |
| Optical zoom | 10X |
| Stabilizer | Optical |
| Connectors | USB, A/V output |
| Included Software | VideoCam Suite V2.0 |
| Battery | Li-ion rechargeable battery |
| Warranty | One year |
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