Customer Reviews

Panasonic SDR-H85K Std-Def Camcorder with 78X Zoom & 80GB HDD (Black)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Like the other reviews say, it does take fuzzy video in low light. But for being so cheap and convienient, it's a good camera. I took various video when my child was born and the battery still showed a full charge. Don't expect movie quality shots, but for quick, worry-less, don't stress out if you drop it home video-making, this camera is what your looking for.

The 78x zoom is amazing as well. It has the anti-shake feature that really works. I can't believe how far this thing zooms in and takes clear shots. And for those who don't know, having the internal hard drive is awesome. Don't mess with the disc or external memory cameras.

If you want high-definition, "blu-ray" shots, spend the extra cash for the true HD cameras, but for me this camera is perfect.

I bought this camcorder because I have never been a big fan of Sony camcorders, and this Panasonic SDR-H85K was top rated in consumer reports. I didn't need HD at least not yet, because I don't have an HDTV, and I didn't want to be able to see the pores on my face. HD is good for sports games, but i just needed something that took good video, and wanted a good Optical Image Stabilization(OIS). This thing is light, attractively styled and has amazing 78X zoom! I like the fact that they made it a hybrid which means it has an 80 GB HDD with the option to insert an SD or HCSD in it as well to boost the memory capacity. It also has quick start up for those "got to get quick" moments. The OIS on this camera is amazing! when you zoom out all the way, the OIS kicks in, and the image moves around a little, but it moves around smoothly or not at all vs. cameras with no OIS it looks like an earthquake hit. If you need a good OIS because you have shaky hands this is the camera for you.

Here's the problem with the camcorder: It has no light on it to get low light shots. It does terribly in low light conditions. and the LCD screen is low resolution, and has that "matte" finish to it so when the sun is shining on it, you almost cant see the playback on the screen.

I'd give this camcorder a 6/7 out of 10. Like it so far, but plan to upgrade when HD camcorders are less expensive. I'll probably still keep this one as a back up though!

Easy to use, easy to view, easy to handle. Great size, good battery life and the 80 gb hard drive makes it wonderful to never have to worry about having a device to record on. The zoom is incredible! We're able to capture facial expressions on the field while still sitting in the stands. It's been a great choice for us.

This Camcorder is a great price, has great small size (almost shockingly), and is easy to use per se. The hard drive option is great and gives 18 hrs of video if you go that long without off-loading the video. The main features (turning it on, recording/playback, and zooming)are nice and easy to use. The software and off-loading video are also very simple. All other features are troublesome because a lengthy menu has to be navigated to get to the feature (like manual exposure/focus, turning off anti-shake features, etc.) This brings me to the video quality. I am not at all impressed with the video quality. Even in good light it is very poor especially compared to a $100 non-HD Tachyon XC micro helmet cam that I purchased simultaneously. I may include a video review if I have time. In low light, which means indoors, it is especially bad. An old Sony Hi-8 we have has exceptional video quality in comparison. The other factor is the sound quality. Also in comparison to old cameras, the sound quality is poor at best. If you're planning on filming your high school students band or choir concert, make sure they have a lousy band or choir, or they will curse you for filming them with such poor sound quality (this was the result of my trial of the Panasonic SDR-H85K). Final conclusion, I sent the camera back for a refund, and am currently looking for a different one. Too bad my Tachyon doesn't have zoom, it is the only hope I have that digital cams are even as good as the old analogs.

I've used it at several of my boys football games over the last two weeks. I have no complaints whatsoever. Remember it's $270 camera. You won't get the HD look but it's function and ease of use are great. I love the 80g hard drive(also has a sd port as well). It was easy to upload video to my kids teams websight for all the parents to enjoy.

Excellent product,easy to use, great video.
I would have liked an external mic input option, but the internal mic is still pretty good.

I was skeptical at first, such a cheap price for a video camera with so many features. The only downside is filming in low light but other then that Panasonic has created yet again, an affordable, full featured product with consumer economics in mind.

I love this camcorder. It has a great resolution, is easy to operate, and is very light weight and compact. The only downfall that I can find is that it doesn't have a light. But other than that, I love it an highly recomend it to others. The zoom is also a great aspect of this model.

extremely easy to use. Thumb toggle control. Comfortable to hold and operate with one hand. Incredible ZOOM. Excellent still pictures. Video better than expected - very close to HD.

Camera is small enough to carry in my pocket. Battery life is much longer than the Cannon video camera it replaced. Easy to transfer to pc. Overall a great video camera.