Panasonic HDC-SD600K 3MOS High-Def Camcorder with 35mm Wide-Angle Lens and 18x Intelligent Zoom (Black)

by Panasonic

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B003QHXZTC
• Item model number: HDC-SD600K
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,873 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 8, 2010

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The SD600's high-sensitivity 3MOS system has achieved 7.59 million effective motion image pixels (2.53 megapixels x 3). This new image sensor offers beautiful images with significantly better color quality, detail and gradation than the 1MOS sensor system. The large-diameter F1.5 Leica Dicomar Lens, newly developed Crystal Engine Pro, and this high-sensitivity sensors have improved the efficiency of light gathering, increased sensitivity, and reduced noise by one-half to provide users with bright, low-noise recording even in dim lighting.

New 1080/60p recording (Full-HD, 1920 x 1080, 60 progressive recording) conveys about twice the information of 1080i (interlace) recording to produce the ultimate beauty in image quality, exceeding even conventional Full-HD images. It minimizes afterimages and flickering caused by subject motion and renders crisp, detailed images. 64GB SDXC card can record approximately 27 hours 30 minutes of 1920 x 1080i High Definition video in HE mode, and approximately 5 hours 20 minutes of 1920 x 1080p full High Definition video in 1080/60p mode.

The O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), which uses gyrosensors to detect hand-shake and moves a corrective lens to adjust the optical axis and eliminate blurring, has further evolved. While the conventional O.I.S. system could not sufficiently eliminate low-frequency hand-shake, the new POWER O.I.S. is able to correct it about five times more effectively. The new O.I.S. also features an Active mode to assure clear, beautiful images across the entire range from wide angle to telephoto. The 12x optical zoom lens is further enhanced by Intelligent Resolution Technology in the Crystal Engine Pro image-processing circuit, to produce the new 18x Intelligent Zoom. The new zoom achieves even greater image detail. And SD600 is also equipped with a 35mm* wide-angle lens that is ideal for many different shooting situations, such as self-portraits and group photos indoors, and landscape shots outdoors. * 35mm-lens equivalent.

The iA function includes Face Recognition feature that recognizes the faces of previously 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 up to three people at a time can be detected when shooting. 

What's in the Box

HDC-SD600 Camcorder

Lens Hood

AC Adapter

AC Cable

DC Cable

Rechargeable Battery Pack min. 1250 mAh / Lithium-Ion

AV multi Cable

IR Remote

USB Cable

Included Software HD Writer AE 2.1

Stylus pen

Manual

Product Description

The SD600's high-sensitivity 3MOS system has achieved 7.59 million effective motion image pixels (2.53 megapixels x 3). This new image sensor offers beautiful images with significantly better color quality, detail and gradation than the 1MOS sensor system. The large-diameter F1.5 Leica Dicomar Lens, newly developed Crystal Engine Pro, and this high-sensitivity sensors have improved the efficiency of light gathering, increased sensitivity, and reduced noise by one-half to provide users with bright, low-noise recording even in dim lighting. New 1080/60p recording (Full-HD, 1920 x 1080, 60 progressive recording) conveys about twice the information of 1080i (interlace) recording to produce the ultimate beauty in image quality, exceeding even conventional Full-HD images.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It's good, I wouldn't say great..., October 4, 2010

By 

Brad A. Totman (Missouri, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Panasonic HDC-SD600K 3MOS High-Def Camcorder with 35mm Wide-Angle Lens and 18x Intelligent Zoom (Black) (Electronics)

As others have mentioned this is an Amazon exclusive and could be considered a "baby TM700K." It does lack the manual features and accessory shoe. It is also NTSC and does 60P (to answer someone's question). The issue with the 1080 60P is it is supposedly only compatible with the included Panasonic software. That is my biggest complaint, it's essentially useless at this point (I would leave the door open for future compatibility, but not much). I know when using VLC or WMP 12 it definitely stutters. And that's not a drive or computer limitation but a limitation of the AVCHD codec (from what I gather, anyways). It's a shame it can't be set for 720/60P as that would actually work fine. This model also has the wide angle lens, which is definitely better than my Canon cams (HV30, HF200) but not entirely satisfactory to me. Low light noise is minimal, at least for a camcorder in this price range and it definitely looked better than my Canon's. The fan, which seems to be at the top of everyone's worry list doesn't seem to bother me. I haven't noticed it. It does seem like a dumb design to require a fan on a consumer camcorder in this day and age. Admittedly, I haven't taken any video in silence, mostly focusing on the kids (where silence doesn't exist). It's essentially identical to the PAL version in almost every regard (other than the fact it has 60P vs 50P) and also has the same horribly inadequate documentation. The Digital Cinema mode isn't even mentioned in the manual.

Overall, it's not a bad camera. I can't say for sure the 3MOS makes any appreciable difference other than it seems like it does better in low light. Video quality is what you'd expect for a camera in this price range, good. Occasionally there are some oddities when it is selecting white balance (ie a blue tungsten hue at times) but it corrects itself after a few seconds or camera angle movement. I really like the OIS (image stabilization). It definitely does quite a bit better than other camcorders I've owned.

Photo quality is probably equal to a low to mid range point and shoot. But I didn't buy it to take pictures so it doesn't bother me.
I'd bump it up a star if someone knows how to get the 60P video to work without stuttering (and not using Panasonic's software).

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Works Great, Meets Expectations.....!!!!! Updated....Warranty Information, December 25, 2010

By 

ShopperGuy1234 "ShopperGuy1234" (Virginia Beach, VA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Panasonic HDC-SD600K 3MOS High-Def Camcorder with 35mm Wide-Angle Lens and 18x Intelligent Zoom (Black) (Electronics)

UPDATED WARRANTY INFORMATION (12/30/2010):
Since there seems to be so much confusion and misinformation about warranty issue surrounding this camcorder, I decided to update this review to include the correct warranty information. I have personally spoken to Pansonic and confirmed the US warranty. To check if you have a US version of this camcorder model (NTSC recording format), remove the camcorder battery. Under the battery, there is the official camocorder model # imprinted. If this model # reads, HDC-SD600P, you have an official US version, with US warrnaty. If your camcorder model # reads HDC-SD600GK, you have a UK version (PAL recording format) and your warranty probably will not be valid here in US or might have a hard time getting warranty services.

Warranty Information: This camcorder carries 1 year parts and 90 days labor warranty. Battery itself carries 10 days parts warranty only. To obtain warranty services, please contact 800-211-PANA. Please note that there is also a postcard included in the camcorder box itself for warranty registration and for extended warranty purchase discount through Pansonic directly.

****************************************************************************************************************************************************

ORIGINAL REVIEW (12/25/2010):
Why did I purchased this camcorder? Well, if you have a house full of kids, you know how important it is to preserve those precious childhood memories. I have upgraded my CRT TVs to LCD TVs, simple cell phones to iPhones, VCRs to Blu-ray DVD players, but since last 10 years, I had not upgraded my camcorder. I used the same standard resolution Digital 8, cassette based camcorder since 2001. It was time to finally take a plunge and upgrade to a newer technology.
I had been doing my research about digital camcorders with HD recording capabilities. I had set my budget to around $700, to purchase camcorders with decent balance of price vs. features. I wasn't expecting to pay any more and at the same time, I didn't want to cut corners on some basic features.
I researched Sony (too expensive at comparable features), Canon (wide angle is a joke), JVC (reliability issues) and finally I settled for this camcorder model, when Amazon offered it in its Gold Box deal. I waited through Thanks-giving, Black Friday and finally in December, I found this deal here at Amazon.
When I purchased this camcorder model, I couldn't find much information about this model, due to the fact that it was recently released in USA (even though it is offered for sale in UK and other European countries). Basically this camcorder is same as HDC-TM700 series camcorder, minus the few minor features (such as no built-in storage memory, no mic input, no manual focus, no 5..1 digital surround sound recording). Take away these few features and you have a camcorder that is cheaper by almost $450. Perfect compromise considering the fact I don't intend to use these features, while saving extra $450.

Following items are included in the box,
1) Camcorder
2) Battery
3) Battery Charger/Adapter
4) AC Cable
5) DC Cable
6) USB Cable
7) AV Multi-cable
8) Stylus Pen
9) Lens Hood
10) Remote Control
11) CD with Drivers/Software etc
12) Manuals

First impression: This camcorder is very tiny, has a very small foot print, and aesthetically it is very pleasing. It weighs only 0.85 lbs with battery and SD card installed. Wow, what a relief!! It grips comfortably in your palms. I was able to record straight 30 minutes of a birthday party video, without any fatigue, a task impossible to accomplish with my old digital 8mm camcorder. In spite of its light weight, it has a solid-built feel to it. It does not feel cheaply built or flimsy.

Operation: I used 8GB SDHC card for my recording purposes. I was able to record close to 45 minutes of video clips (at 1080i/60p) and few pictures, taken at 14.2 Megapixels. I got around 80 minutes of recording time on a full battery charge. I think taking pictures with flash probably reduced that overall video recording time proportionately. Touch screen based control options are more than sufficient and they work well. Touch screen control feature itself works very well. Screen itself can be rotated 180 and folded back in to the camcorder body. Touch screen also displays operational messages. For example, when you zoom in too fast, or move camcorder around too fast, it displays the warning. 18x intelligent zoom works very well. If you feel adventurous enough, you can enable digital zoom as well and get up to 700x zoom range, though its usability is questionable, unless you are using a tripod (tripod mount is at on the bottom side).
I am very pleased with the still picture quality at 14.2MP. Pictures are sharp, bright and clear. There are no detectable distortions, or chromatic aberrations that I can tell (but then again, I am not a professional videographer). Flash works adequately, just don't expect miracles in low light situations. Built-in OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) does the magic every time.
Transferring pictures and video recordings is a snap using the supplied software. My Vista and Windows 7 (both 64-bit OS) systems were able to recognize the camcorder instantly (after installing the drivers and the software). You can also access the camcorder storage media and transfer/copy/delete pictures and videos manually.
After transferring the video files, it played at full 1080/60p resolution without any jerking motions, frame freeze or skips. I am not sure why other reviewers had a problem, may be their system is not as "powerful".
If you plan to record videos for playback via other DVD players, you need to use the included software to convert 1080/60p format to AVCHD format (which the included software does it for you). If you have a Panasonic DVD player, you might be in luck, since newer Panasonic DVD players support playback of 1080/60p recording. Simply copy your original 1080/60p recording on to a USB flash drive and insert in to one of the USB ports of your Panasonic DVD player. 1080/60p native support is now-a-days included in newer versions of Sony and Panasonic DVD players.

Conclusion: Overall, it is very nifty, capable, and powerful camcorder, with perfect balance of price and features. It is light weight, supports latest HD recording standard (1080/60p) and doubles as an excellent camera. Most of the avid home-users will not have much to complain about this model. To take full advantage of 1080/60p recording capability, make sure you have plenty of light. And to play full 1080/60p video, make sure you have a PC powerful enough CPU, enough memory, powerful GPU, and updated drivers and players. I used VLC player version 1.1.5 and didn't have any playback issues at all.

Pros:
1) Excellent price
2) 1080/60p recording rate (with choice of lower recording rates)
3) Excellent recording quality
4) Excellent camera picture quality
5) Compact, light weight, easy to operate
6) Excellent price
7) Functional out of the box, up and running in few minutes (assuming battery is charged)
8) Excellent Optical Image Stabilizer, works perfectly

Cons:
1) No HDMI to HDMI cable included
2) Included software is not best suited for editing/playback etc
3) Slightly expensive accessories


Please note, I am not taking in to consideration lack of mic input, 5.1 recording, manual focus etc. Because I already knew about it and didn't care for it.

Warranty Information: This camcorder carries 1 year parts and 90 days labor warranty. Battery itself carries 10 days parts warranty only. To obtain warranty services, please contact 800-211-PANA or [...]. Please note that there is also a postcard included in the camcorder box itself for warranty registration and for extended warranty purchase discount through Pansonic directly.

When calling Panasonic tech support, please mention the correct model # for this camcoder, which happens to be HDC-SD600K. It was originally advertised by Amazon as HDC-SD600 (which is the PAL model sold in UK) and later was modified by Amazon as HDC-SD600K, which is the NTSC model, meant to be sold here in USA. This may be the reason, Panasonic tech support informed customers that it is not covered under US warranty.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Really great camcorder, January 22, 2011

By 

B. Glen "workinghard4smallrewards" (SC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Panasonic HDC-SD600K 3MOS High-Def Camcorder with 35mm Wide-Angle Lens and 18x Intelligent Zoom (Black) (Electronics)

Well, I am sure this camcorder will be discontinued soon with the new models released. But I want to clarify a few things. I have recently heard people saying on various sites

First, some people have been saying":

"The Panasonic SD60k is only 50 dollars more and offers a better set of features, zoom, etc." This is ill informed. This camcorder has 3X the sensor chips a lower Fstop (that means brighter video), a genuine Lecia Dicomar lens (not generic pany) and the crystal engine pro processing engine (superior processing engine).

This is a completely more advanced piece of technology. The SD60 is a midrange, this is the toprange flagship consumer camcorder. Yet the midrange is STILL 50 dollars more. If you think about this you will see how ridiculous it is. Get this one instead.

I personally owned the SDX1 (the midrange class camcorder for 2011) and the SD600 at the same time so I ran side by side video comparisons, which I presented to my wife to see if she could tell the difference. We bust out laughing the difference was so obvious, and she never mistook the SD600 for the SD60, not even once.

I have also heard

"This camcorder does not have enough zoom." With high definition, it is much harder to get larger zoom and KEEP high definition. Thus, at the max zoom of 18X you will still have HIGH DEFINITION video at 1080p60. Unlike an SD camcorder, which only has to maintain SD video. You can still zoom digital zoom, and because it is in HD with so much more detail the video will still be much higher than normal SD for a fairly good bit of zoom range. In addition, 12-18times is more than enough for any reasonable application for which you would need to view something in high def. If you can see the hairs on the eyebrows of your daughter on stage that is close enough. The SD60 offers a bit more zoom, but thena gain you loose on color, sharpness, low light, in conversion assist, Mbs (17 vs 28) and overall video quality. Is a few X zoom really worth all that and more?

I have also heard:

"Software is not compatible." This is simply not true. The software is now, it wasnt in jan 2010. However, the camcorder has a conversion assist feature which cuts down the conversion of 1080p60 footage by 35X for me...so...after I convert to 1080i60 or SD for family without blu ray players I have no problems at all.

If you do not know what I am talking about, you need to learn. Interlaced video is when the video is filmed at two seperate moments in time then combined into one frampe. 1080p60 is progressive, which means each frame is filmed as one complete frame. Much higher quality overall.


I have also heard

The fan is loud.

Hogwash. Unless you are filming indoors of birds out your window you are very unlikely to notice it. In addition, the autofocus on the SDX1 was ALMOST just as loud as the fan. Both only noticable in that one condition for me. Maybe in a quite woods filming birds it would be a little irritating. But even then there is usually enough background noises, crickets, etc, that the gain on the mic sets itself such that I am not able to hear it.

I have also heard.

"The fan introduces an additional moving part which may fail."

True, but then again panasonic only offers a 90 day labor warranty. So you really should buy with a credit card that doubles warranty, and consider a third party warranty that will also cover Accidental damage. Then the fan is a non issue anyway.


I have read a lot of other...stuff...out there, by misinformed people.

This is an amazing camcorder. Amazing video. Very functional. I was shocked by how good it is. And for about 60% less than any camcorder of even comparable video quality, it is a no-brainer purchase.