New models capture AVCHD video with 1920x1080-pixel resolution onto high-capacity SD card storage.

Japanese consumer electronics giant Panasonic has announced two new video camcorders capable of capturing video in high-definition resolution.

The HDC-SD5 and HDC-SX5 use AVCHD recording to capture video at 1920x1080-pixel resolution using a 3CCD sensor system.

Both camcorders record onto SecureDigital (SD) or SecureDigital-HighCapacity (SD-HC) flash memory cards while the HDC-SX5 has the added option of recording direct to DVD disc.

Panasonic has also added its new optical image stabilizer to each model.

The company claims the new SD5 is the world’s smallest 3CCD camcorder. It also has an optional DVD burner attachment, the VW-BN1, allowing users to burn their memories direct to full-size DVD whilst keeping the AVCHD compression.

The HDC-SX5 offers both SD/SDHC and DVD disc burning on board with up to 180minutes of video stored on a top-range 8GB SD-HC card or 60minutes on an 8cm double-layer DVD-R disc.

Panasonic says the new 8GB SDHC cards will become available this September.

The SX5 can combine both media options giving a total of four hours of HD recording. It can also copy video from the SDHC card direct to the internal DVD at the touch of a button, all without a PC and can also convert the AVCHD high-definition video compression back into standard-definition (SD) MPEG2 for playback on any DVD player.

“Panasonic’s first generation of HD camcorders with the AVCHD format made history in the diffusion of HD, but these new models make Living in High Definition even more of a reality for even more people,” said Rudy Vitti, national marketing manager, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company.  “Recording Full HD is easy and convenient with these compact models, so everyday events can be recorded in HD and enjoyed in HD.  It’s as simple as putting an SD Memory Card into a Plasma TV or sliding a mini DVD into a Blu-ray Disc player.”  

Demand for high-definition camcorders is growing as the number of high-definition HD DVD and Blu-ray players being sold gathers pace, particularly in the US. Many HD camcorder models with DVD capabilities are now capturing in AVCHD mode that is compatible with most next-generation optical disc players. However, before buying a camera for that purpose, it’s recommended that you first ensure the model you’re interested can produce a disc playable in a standalone Blu-ray or HD DVD player.

The new cameras will be available in September with the HDC-SD5 selling for $US999.95 and the HDC-SX5 for $US899.95. The VW-BN1 DVD burner accessory will retail for $US199.95.