Compare Panasonic HDC-SD1 Flash Media Camcorder to Sony DCR-SR47E Hard Drive Camcorder

The HDC-SD1 high definition video camera from Panasonic is designed to spearhead a digital video revolution in that it enables recording of high definition video clips to a high capacity SD card (SDHC Class 2) of 4GB (Gigabytes) and higher. What's more, it uses the relatively new AVCHD recording system to achieve very high quality images when displayed on large high definition LCD and Plasma television sets. AVCHD is a format that has been developed jointly by Panasonic and Sony in partnership with several other leading companies (see here for info on AVCHD) and uses a MPEG4-AVC/H.264 compression system to effectively squeeze a lot of very high quality data into a small space. For this reason, it is being tipped to succeed the more common MPEG2-based devices such as standard definition DVD. However, despite the major advantages it brings in terms of quality and efficient use of storage space, the use of the AVCHD format isn't without its negative points - more of which later. Less

The Sony DCR-SR47E Handycam Camcorder has a built-in 60GB hard disk drive which offers extended, hassle-free recording and a professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens delivers sharp, high resolution images. For close-ups, you will appreciate a powerful 60x optical zoom. Hybrid technology even allows you to record video to the hard drive or optional Memory Stick Duo media. This camcorder supports a direct connection with the VRD-P1 DVDirect DVD burner (sold separately), which allows you to burn DVDs directly from your camcorder without the need for a PC. And because the VRD-P1 is powered by your camcorder, you don't need an additional AC power cable. Capture audio the way it's heard in real life-from all around you. This camcorder supports 5.1 channels of surround sound so that playback on your home theater will sound as realistic as possible. The built-in zoom mic records the audio of your faraway subject as you zoom in on them. Less