Panasonic HDC-HS60K HD HDD / SD Card Camcorder Get Panasonic HDC-HS60K Price / Buy Online

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The Panasonic HDC-HS60 is a compact and stylish full High Definition (HD) camcorder, perfect for users wanting portability, without sacrificing HD quality. The HDC-HS60 may be ultra-compact in size, but it features a powerful 25x optical zoom 35.7mm wide-angle lens, ideal for capturing a variety of different shooting situations, such as self-portraits, indoor group shots and outdoor landscapes. And with Panasonic's Intelligent Zoom feature, the HS60 can extend to a 35x zoom. Intelligent Zoom corrects image degradation in ordinary digital zooming to deliver stunningly clear HD quality, even with the zoom fully extended.

The HDC-HS60 camcorder records content to SDHC/SD Memory Cards and the new SDXC Memory Cards, including Panasonic's newly announced 64 GB* SDXC Memory Card, to enable high capacity content storage and fast data transfer speeds. The hybrid HS60 camcorder can also record data onto its large 120 GB* Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and can copy recorded video from a card to the HDD, or vice versa, with a simple one-touch operation.

The Panasonic HDC-HS60 expands Panasonic's IA (Intelligent Auto) with the addition of Face Recognition, a feature that lets the user register up to six faces and the camcorder will then automatically prioritize focus and exposure on the registered face.** In addition, the focus continues to track the subject as the person moves anywhere within the LCD frame, making it easy to focus on a specified person in a group. Other IA features include: AF/AE Tracking, Intelligent Scene Selector, Intelligent Contrast Control, Face Detection and POWER O.I.S. POWER O.I.S., new to the 2010 line of HD camcorder is approximately five times the corrective power of previous versions and helps suppress blurring from low-frequency vibration. Active mode in POWER O.I.S. minimizes the blurring while the user is moving and walking.

* 1 GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes. Usable capacity will be less.
** Depending on background and facial expression, camcorder may not recognize a registered person. For family members with similar facial features, camera may not correctly identify the intended subject.

Panasonic HDC-HS60K Key Features

Supplied Accessories:

• Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery Pack 1790 mAh
• AC Adaptor
• AC Cable
• AV Cable
• USB Cable
• Stylus Pen
• CD-ROM: HD Writer AE 2.0

1920 x 1080 Full-HD Recording

Images recorded by conventional HD camcorders have only 1,440 horizontal pixels, while full-HD camcorders have 1,920. In terms of total pixels, conventional HD camcorders record images with 1.55 million pixels, while those from Panasonic full-HD camcorders have around 2.07 million pixels -- about 30 percent more. The result is a level of detail and resolution that goes beyond anything you've experienced before. And because full-HD recordings contain a vast amount of picture information, they look beautiful not only on high-definition TVs, but on conventional (standard-definition) TVs as well.

HD images contain 6 times as much information as conventional standard-definition images. HDTV has 1,080 horizontal scan lines, standard-definition TV has 480. That translates into much higher resolution and much finer detail. Pictures are so clear and sharp, you can see the textures in an image. Also, HD uses a 16:9 aspect ratio, so the pictures you record have proportions that more closely match the human field of vision. This means that viewing is more natural and comfortable. With HD images on an HDTV, pictures are so clear and sharp that you can see textures. The shift in the industry from SDTV to HDTV is well under way. For shooting once-in-a lifetime scenes that you want to capture in full beauty, an HD camcorder is the best choice.

High-Resolution AVCHD Format

AVCHD is a standard developed jointly by Sony and Panasonic for HD digital camcorders. Using highly efficient codec technologies, it records 1080i high-definition signals onto media such as 8-cm DVD discs and SD/SDHC Memory Cards. AVCHD allows an HD camcorder to make long-time recordings of high-density video information onto a DVD disc or SD/SDHC Memory Card.

120 GB Shock-Mounted Hard Disc Drive

Panasonic SD card/hard-drive camcorders are ideal for travel and event shooting because they eliminate the constant need to change media. They can hold many times more data than an 8cm-DVD disc. To ensure continuous recording under rough conditions, the hard drives are protected by a floating, anti-shock damper system and an automatic sensor that detects falls 20cm and higher, automatically disengages the hard-drive write heads, and instantly transfers the video stream to the unit's buffer memory.

Performance enhancements achieved through the use of hard-drive storage media include near-instantaneous access to movies and still images selected via thumbnail images on the viewfinder, 2X USB downloads to a PC, and one-touch DVD creation using a dedicated 'DVD Copy' button on the camcorder, bundled copy software, and a PC equipped with a DVD burner.

Built-in SD / SDHC / SDXC Memory Card Drive

SD memory cards are incredibly versatile, holding vast amounts of information and are about the size of a postage stamp. The SD / SDHC card adds the option to record on removable media to these camcorders and scalability as well. If users do need to keep shooting before downloading a full drive, they can switch to the SD Card and continue recording without interruption. SDXC is the next generation SD Memory Card, a new standard for storing data more than 32 GB and up to 2 terabytes.

1/4.1-inch MOS Sensor With 3.32 Total Megapixels

Panasonic 35.7mm Wide-Angle Lens With 25x Variable Speed Optical Zoom and 35x Intelligent Zoom

The HDC-HS60 features a 25x optical zoom and an Intelligent Zoom function that goes all the way up to 35x. When using Intelligent Zoom, Intelligent Resolution Technology lets you shoot at high zoom rates while preserving image sharpness. You get crisp images of highly detailed objects -- without the blurry edges. Plus, POWER O.I.S. suppresses even slight hand-shake, which is a must for extreme zooming, because of its high susceptibility to hand-shake.

The 35.7mm wide-angle lens on the HS60 fits more people and more of the background into the frame than a conventional 44.1mm lens. This is especially handy when you want to take a group photo in a small room. It fits your subjects in even when you shoot from up close, and makes it possible to pick up even small sounds with the mic. It also gives you entirely new ways to enjoy your camcorder, like taking self portraits or capturing sweeping landscapes without losing the sense of scale.

POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)

The popular O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) function that detects hand-shake while shooting and corrects the optical axis to minimize blurring has evolved into the POWER O.I.S. It features more powerful hand-shake detection and a greatly improved corrective capability. When shooting, hand-shake often comes on gradually due to factors like breathing rhythms or the surrounding wind. While this kind of low-frequency hand-shake went undetected with conventional O.I.S., POWER O.I.S. has a variety of new functions that detect even the slightest shake. It suppresses hand-shake with approximately five times the corrective capability, compared to previous O.I.S. systems. And POWER O.I.S. also works for zooming, which is highly susceptible to hand-shake, and for both high and low angle shooting, where hand-shake often creeps in. It's an optical system so there's no image degradation, which means that you capture all the natural beauty that the lens has to offer.

2.7-inch Widedcreen LCD With Touch Screen Operation and Auto Power LCD

The 2.7-inch widedcreen LCD has a highly detailed display and a viewing angle of 170 degrees, both vertically and horizontally. Images are clear and bright even when viewed from an angle, so everyone can gather around the LCD to enjoy on-the-spot recordings. The wide viewing angle is also great for taking high- or low-angle shots. Auto Power LCD automatically adjusts the brightness of the LCD screen according to the shooting environment. In dark places, the screen brightness is reduced to 1/3 the normal level. In bright outdoor places, the screen brightness is double the normal level.

The Panasonic HDC-HS60K High Definition (HD) camcorder features Panasonic's camcorder touch-screen that allows icons displayed on the LCD to be easily operated by touching them with a fingertip. Operation is intuitive and easy, and the large letters are easy to read. Shooting and viewing are simple and stress-free -- even for beginners.

Crystal Engine PRO

The improved Crystal Engine PRO instantly processes the huge amount of data that goes into Full-HD images, and further enhances Full-HD quality. It produces smooth, high-resolution zoom shots even when the range exceeds the limit for optical zooming. Crystal Engine PRO clearly delineates even the tiniest details of your subject, with extremely natural beauty. Enhanced noise reduction (NR) technology minimizes noise when recording in low lighting conditions, while Intelligent Resolution Technology ensures sharp, bright, beautifully colored motion images. The HD 60 Series also achieves 1.3 times higher resolution than conventional camcorders, with 2.1 million effective motion image pixels and 1,080 TV lines of resolution (ISO 12233 Resolution Chart).

Intelligent Resolution Technology

The Intelligent Resolution Technology incorporated in the Crystal Engine PRO uses edge detection technology to confirm the edges of objects within the image, then emphasizes the edges for optimal clarity. For example, it brings crisp definition to patterns and the outlines of objects like flowers. Conversely, it reduces noise and enhances the natural smoothness of parts without edges, like the sky. The increased sharpness is especially effective for images with delicate details. This highly advanced technology maximizes the beauty of Full-HD images.

5 Megapixel Still Picture Recording With Intelligent Resolution Technology

In Still Picture Recording mode, Intelligent Resolution Technology lets you record clear still images with resolution up to 5 megapixels (images recorded with 4:3 aspect ratio). Also, when playing back the moving pictures you shot, you can capture 2.1-megapixel 16:9 aspect ratio still images of any scene you want. The HD60 lets you enjoy high quality in both motion and still images.

White Balance Control

Select from Auto, Indoor, Outdoor and White Set according to the location, weather or type of lighting. You'll always get the best possible coloring even if the light source changes.

iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode

Intelligent Auto Mode makes optimal settings automatically -- for both still and motion images. Sometimes a scene is backlit or too dark, or it's difficult to get a good focus on the subject. Adjusting the settings every time is not only a hassle, it can be very tricky. That's where iA comes in. This powerful function senses the shooting conditions and automatically makes the settings and activates functions that will deliver optimal results. With both motion and still images, iA lets you forget about bothersome settings and makes it easy to capture beautiful, well-focused images.

Face Detection Function AF/ AE

The HS60K features face detection function for recording moving pictures with a camcorder. It's difficult to shoot scenes with deep shadows or large differences between light and dark areas. The subject often looks too dark, and faces can be hard to see. Panasonic solves this problem with Face Detection, a function that automatically adjusts the exposure according to the ambient brightness, so faces are bright and easy to see. When the camcorder detects a face in the scene, a square frame appears around it in the LCD monitor and the exposure is adjusted to correct the brightness level. The focus also prioritizes the faces, and skin tones are smoothed. Faces in the center of the frame serve as the reference for adjustments, but the function can detect up to 15 faces in all.

Face Recognition

The Face Recognition function recognizes the faces of registered subjects, and automatically optimizes the focus and exposure for those special people. It continues to track the subject as he or she moves anywhere within the LCD frame, making it ideal for video shooting. It is extremely useful for capturing someone's face in a group. Names can also be registered and displayed on the LCD while shooting. A total of six people can be registered, and the names of up to three people at a time can be displayed in the shooting frame.

AF / AE Tracking

Touch the LCD screen to indicate the subject, such as a person or an animal, that you want to focus on, and let AF/ AE Tracking do the rest. The camera locks on the subject and follows it around, keeping it in sharp focus and properly exposed. It keeps tracking even if the subject turns to the side. This advanced function makes it easy to get a continually clear, beautiful shot of the subject in the scene you care most about.

Intelligent Contrast Control

By detecting the intensity of the ambient light and adjusting the exposure accordingly, Intelligent Contrast Control prevents blown highlights and blocked shadows. This helps render natural-looking, highly nuanced images with proper contrast. Even when you're shooting directly toward the light source -- a very challenging situation in photography -- Intelligent Contrast Control lets you capture clear images with enhanced depth.

Intelligent Scene Selector

The Scene Selector function analyzes the shooting situation and automatically switches the camcorder to the Scene mode that will give you optimal results. In Portrait mode, using the face as reference, the exposure is adjusted to capture faces beautifully. Focusing priority is also placed on the face, and the skin tone is smoothed. Scenery mode is ideal for shooting wide landscapes and sweeping vistas, such as at the ocean or in the mountains. It balances the exposure over the entire frame to prevent brighter parts of the image, such as the sky, from being washed out or having blown highlights. Spotlight mode is for scenes with particularly strong contrast, such as when you're shooting a spotlit area on a darkened stage. It captures the well-lit subject perfectly and prevents washed-out areas. Low Light mode works in dim lighting. It automatically switches to a slower shutter speed so that images across the entire frame are bright and easy to see.

Special iA Mode for Still Images

The iA function is active even when the camera is in still-image mode. When the Intelligent Scene Selector detects the shooting situation, it automatically switches to one of the five Scene modes for still-image shooting, and optimizes the settings for the still image. Available modes include Portrait, Scenery, Night Scenery, Night Portrait and Macro.

Smile Shot Function for Still Images

The new Smile Shot function automatically detects subject smiles, and captures the best possible smile while you're shooting movies. It lets you easily catch those fleeting, easy-to-miss stills of a smiling subject. It will also optimize the focus and exposure for your subject's smiling face. Face Recognition Linked Smile Shot detects subjects who are registered in advance and automatically snaps the shutter to catch the subject's best possible smile. It's great for capturing the smiles of certain people in a group. With AF/AE Tracking Linked Smile Shot, simply touch a subject within the LCD frame. This function will then lock on and start tracking your subject. When the subject smiles, it'll automatically snap the shutter. Face Detection Linked Smile Shot automatically snaps the shutter when people within the LCD frame smile. It gives you shots of an entire group of people smiling, making it great for group shots.

Buil-in LED Video Light With Auto Light

When the camera determines that the ambient lighting is insufficient, it automatically switches the light on. This illuminates your subject for shooting. The LED (light emitting diode) has low power consumption, a long service life, and the safety of a low operating temperature.

Wind Noise Canceller

The technology of the previous Wind Cut function has evolved to form the Wind Noise Canceller. The Wind Noise Canceller function automatically detects and suppresses only wind noise, to give you natural sounds with lifelike ambience. Also, unlike the previous Wind Cut function, which switched to monaural recording, the Wind Noise Canceller enables stereo recording. This maintains natural sounds when shooting outdoors.

Soft Skin Mode

When this function detects skin tones, it softens the focus in that area. This has a skin beautifying effect, which makes wrinkles and lines appear less noticeable. When turned on, this function makes blemishes and moles look less conspicuous, while preserving resolution in areas of the picture outside of the skin.

Tele Macro

Using the zoom at full magnification, you can shoot macro close-ups while maintaining a distance of 50 cm from your subject. This makes it much easier to capture extreme close-ups without your body or camera casting a shadow on the subject and while keeping the background in soft focus

High-Speed Burst Shooting at 60 Frames per Second

The Panasonic HDC-HS60K camcorder can take up to 50 consecutive 0.9 megapixel resolution still images in one second or up to 180 consecutive shots in 3.6 seconds. You can use it to analyze a golf swing, tennis stroke or other motion. You also can use it to get good shots of subjects in fast motion. Just fire off a number of shots without stopping, then keep the best ones and delete the rest.

1.0-Second Quick Power-On

Switch the power on and the camcorder is in standby mode in just 1 seconds*, ready to shoot when you are. This fast startup also helps reduce battery consumption.

* Depending on the recording conditions, start time may be longer than 1 second in still image recording mode.

0.6-Second Quick Start

In Quick Start mode, which can be selected from the menu, the HDC-HS60K begins recording in just 0.6 seconds from the time the LCD is opened. This lets you shoot those sudden shooting opportunities.

Pre-Rec Function

This clever function records three seconds of images even before you actually begin shooting. The images are held temporarily in the camcorder's internal memory, before recording onto the SDHC/SD Memory Card begins. This helps ensure that you won't miss the start of a moment you want to record, such as when an event begins all of a sudden. For example, if you're waiting to snap a shot of a jumping dolphin, you can press the REC button after you've made sure that the dolphin has cleared the surface of the water. The camcorder will record the entire scene, from the instant of the dolphin's jump until it disappears again into the sea.

Color Night Rec

Color Night Rec gives you images with color even in dim lighting (1 lux).

Scene Modes

Scene Modes automatically select the most suitable shutter speed and aperture for the shooting location and situation.

• Sports
• Portrait
• Low Light (Motion-Image recording mode only)
• Spot Light
• Surf & Snow
• Beach
• Sunset
• Fireworks
• Scenery
• Night Scenery (Still Image recording mode only)
• Night Portrait (Still Image recording mode only)

AGS (Auto Ground-Directional Standby)

The O.I.S. linear motor system can detect when the camera is in an unusual shooting position - such as when you've inadvertently left it on in recording mode. In these cases, the camera automatically stops recording, saving both battery power and disc space.

AGS is set to OFF when shipped from the factory. To turn AGS ON, the setting must be made on the menu screen.

Time Frame Index

The index function has been enhanced with the addition of a new feature that divides each recorded scene into a number of smaller scenes, and displays thumbnails for each. This makes it much easier to find a particular part of a scene without having to fast-forward. With Highlight Index, the camera automatically selects and displays the most exciting scenes. It determines the level of importance of each scene based on zooming and panning, and whether there are faces and cheers. This gives you an easy, convenient way to view all the highlights together. Time Frame Index mode divides each recorded clip into 3-second, 6-second, 12-second, 1-minute and 5-minute intervals, and displays them. This is convenient when you want to find a specific scene within a long clip.

Highlight Playback

Select the days of the recordings you want to see, and this innovative function automatically selects the most exciting scenes, arranges them, and plays them, backed by music. It decides how exciting a scene is based on zooming, panning, and scene changes, and whether there are faces and cheers. This gives you a quick, easy way to view the most exciting scenes all together. It's a great way to look back over exciting memories that you have recorded.

Face Highlight Playback

The Face Highlight Index selects scenes that have faces in them and displays them in an index format. This handy function lets you quickly find and view scenes that have people in them.

HA, HG, HX and HE Recording Modes

Moving Picture Recording Times (approx.):

HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface

Just connect your camcorder to an HDTV and you're ready for high-definition viewing. IIf your TV is HDMI* compatible, a single optional mini-HDMI cable is all you need. When using a Panasonic Viera TV, you can also operate the camcorder with the Viera remote control for even easier viewing.

* HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.

World Timer

Handy for travelers this feature makes it easy to set the time when crossing time zones and again when returning home by switching between the two times with a press of a button. Simply select the destination from the display map, and the camcorder is automatically set for that time zone.

USB Host Function

The HS60K's USB Host function lets you connect directly to a DVD burner via a USB cable. You can then copy recordings from the SD Memory Card to a DVD disc, maintaining their original Full-HD format, by simply pressing a button.

Included DVD Burning and Editing Software

The software included with the HS60K lets you burn full-HD recordings from an SD Memory Card onto a DVD disc, using your PC. The software also makes it easy to edit your recordings using a PC. The software guides you through the simple steps. You'll find editing easy to do, even if it's your first time. You can make a copy either in the original high-definition AVCHD format, or in the standard-definition DVD-Video (MPEG2) format. Choose the one that matches your playback equipment.

Thumbnail View

The camcorder LCD screen displays a list of the recorded scenes for quick and easy searching. You can do some polished editing using just the camera itself.

Auto Lens Cover

When the power is turned on, the lens cover automatically opens. When the power goes off, the lens cover closes. You don't have to keep removing and replacing a lens cap -- or worry about losing it.

USB 2.0 High Speed Connection

This convenient feature allows you to link the camcorder to your computer via the USB port. Then, you can easily transfer still images captured on Mini DV tape to your computer for use in e-mail or printed documents. The HDC-HS60K supports USB 2.0 High Speed enabling real time video transfers.

Panasonic HDC-HS60K Specifications

Image Sensor

1/4.1" MOS
Total Pixels: 3.32 megapixels
Effective Pixels, Motion Image: 2.11 megapixels [16:9]
Effective Pixels, Still Image: 2.11 megapixels [16:9], 2.28 megapixels [3:2], 2.32 megapixels [4:3]

Lens

Panasonic Lens

Lens Focal Length

3.02 - 75.5 mm

35mm Film Camera Equivalent

Motion Image: 35.7 - 893 mm (16:9)
Still Image: 35.7-893mm (3:2), 35.7-893mm (16:9), 36.0-900mm (4:3)

Lens F Value

F1.8 (Wide) / F3.3 (Tele)

Lens Filter Diameter

N/A

Variable Speed Optical Zoom

25x

Intelligent Zoom

35x

Digital Zoom

Digital Zoom: 60x - 1500x

Image Stabilizer

POWER O.I.S. [Optical Image Stabilization]

Standard Illumination

1400 Lux

Minimum Illumination

4 Lux (1/30 low light mode), 1 Lux (Color Night Rec.)

Focus

Auto / Manual

White Balance

Auto / White Set / Sunny / Cloudy / Indoor1 / Indoor2

Shutter Speeds

Motion Picture:
[60i] Auto Slow Shutter ON: 1/30-1/8000, Video Flash: 1/30-1/500; Auto Slow Shutter OFF: 1/60-1/8000
[24P] Auto Slow Shutter ON: 1/60-1/8000, Video Flash: 1/60-1/500; OFF: 1/60-1/8000
Still Image:
1/2-1/2000, Video Flash: 1/2-1/500

Iris

Auto / Manual

Backlight Compensation

Yes

Viewfinder

None

LCD

2.7" Wide (approx. 230,400 pixels)

Still Picture Recording Format

JPEG

Still Picture Recording Image Size

16:9 Still Picture: 4.5 megapixels (2816 x 1584), 2.1 megapixels (1920 x 1080)
4:3 Still Picture: 5.0 megapixels (2592 x 1944), 1.9 megapixels (1600 x 1200), 0.3megapixels (640 x 480)
3:2 Still Picture: 4.8 megapixels (2688 x 1792), 1.9 megapixels (1680 x 1120)
Simultaneous Recording, 16:9: 4.5 megapixels (2816 x 1584), 2.1 megapixels (1920 x 1080)
Creating Still Image from Motion Image, 16:9: 2.1 megapixels (1920 x 1080)

Flash

Built-in Flash

DPOF

Max. 999 stills

Microphone

2-ch Stereo, Zoom Microphone

Speaker

Dynamic type

Signal System

1080 / 60i

Moving Picture Recording Format

AVCHD

Video Compression

MPEG-4 AVC/H.264

Recording/Playback Modes

HA: 17 Mbps/VBR
HG: 13 Mbps / VBR
HX: 9 Mbps / VBR
HE: 6 Mbps / VBR

Video Picture Size

HA, HG, HX, HE: 1920 x 1080

Audio Recording Format

Dolby Digital (2ch)

Recording Media

120GB HDD, SDHC/SD/SDXC Memory Card

Recording Times (with 120GB HDD)

HA: 15 hr. 50 mn.
HG: 20 hr. 30 mn.
HX: 31 hr. 20 mn.
HE: 51 hr. 00 mn.

Accessory Shoe

No

Jacks

• Audio/Video Output (multi)
• HDMI Output (mini)
• USB Port 2.0 High Speed (mini B)

Power Supply

DC 3.6V / 5.0V

Power Consumption

Max. 4.7W (Recording) / Max. 7.7W (Charging)

Dimensions (W x H x D)

2.15" x 2.58" x 4.37" (54.5 x 65.5 x 112.0 mm)

Weight (Without Battery)

approx. 11.5 oz. (327g)

Panasonic HD Camcorders Feature Comparison Chart