Panasonic SDR-H80 No Power: A Review of a Standard Definition Camcorder

In the market for a standard definition (SD) camcorder with some color options? Look no further than the Canon FS200, which features limited color controls but is one of the few SD cams to include this feature. While we found little difference between its Soft Skin mode and regular auto mode in our testing, other models like the Panasonic SDR-S26 offer more advanced color control options.

The Panasonic SDR-H80, for example, doesn't have any manual color controls or preset options, but it does include a Soft Skin mode designed to enhance skin tones and remove blemishes. This feature is similar to what we found on other SD camcorders like the Sony DCR-SX60 and Samsung SMX-F34.

In terms of color accuracy, the Panasonic SDR-H80 rendered accurate colors in our bright light tests, a trend we've observed with many standard definition camcorders that have passed through our labs. The camcorder's 1/8-inch CCD sensor is smaller than those found on some other SD camcorders, like the JVC GZ-MG670 and Samsung SMX-F34.

One of the standout features of the Panasonic SDR-H80 is its long zoom lens, which offers an impressive 70x optical zoom. This is significantly longer than what's typically offered by standard definition camcorders, which usually have optical zooms ranging from 30x to 45x. While this feature may be useful for some users, it does come at the cost of video quality.

For those looking for a budget-friendly option or are shopping around for a used model, the Panasonic SDR-H80 is still a viable choice. However, we recommend considering newer models that have improved features and performance.

Panasonic sdr h80 no power