
If you want a small, light and relatively inexpensive high-definition camcorder, experts overwhelmingly recommend the Panasonic HDC-SD9. Most reviewers say the Panasonic's video is superb, particularly in bright light. However, nearly all experts and consumers criticize the grainy video shot in low light, and a few find annoying design blunders (such as a power jack hidden behind the battery). However, the soda-can-shaped model still beats other tiny high-def camcorders in tests. The Panasonic shaves inches and ounces by recording to flash memory cards (8 GB cards cost about $20 and can record an hour of top-quality video).
CamcorderInfo.com has the most complete and comparative review of the Panasonic HDC-SD9, followed closely by TrustedReviews.com. CNET's write-up is shorter, but it is appropriately critical and includes a video review. The New York Times compares the Panasonic HDC-SD9 with two competing tiny HD camcorders in a hands-on test. We also found useful owner reviews at Amazon.com.

| Panasonic HDC-SD9 AVCHD 3CCD Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom | |
(65 reviews) |
|
| Featured Stores | Store Rating | Notes | Total Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In Stock. New | $399.99 | See It | ||
| In Stock. | $399.99 | See It | ||
| In Stock. Ships Free,Ships Today! $0 Pay Avail! Panasonic AuthDealer | $229.00 | See It | ||
| See All Stores | ||||
Our Sources
CamcorderInfo.com compares the Panasonic HDC-SD9 with four competitors, concluding that Panasonic has indeed managed to pack a decent HD camcorder into a tiny package. However, editors note several trade-offs that were made in the process.
Review: Panasonic HDC-SD9 Camcorder Review, David Kender, March 4, 2008
In a lengthy review, James Morris touches on features some other reviewers skip, including the HDC-SD9's battery life and face detection. Editors say it's a good choice for everyday camcorder users.
Review: Panasonic HDC-SD9 - Full HD Camcorder, James Morris, Feb. 29, 2008
3. CNET
CNET's Lori Grunin agrees with other reviewers that the Panasonic HDC-SD9's low-light video quality isn't the best. Unlike other reviewers, however, Grunin also downgrades its outdoor footage quality. A quick video review is also featured.
Review: Panasonic HDC-SD9 Digital Camcorder, Lori Grunin, March 17, 2008
David Pogue tests three of the smallest high-def camcorders and declares the HDC-SD9 the victor, citing its overall image quality. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Vying Hard to Claim Tiny Crown, David Pogue, April 10, 2008
5. Amazon.com
The Panasonic HDC-SD9 has accumulated more than 60 user reviews. Several owners say the HDC-SD9's low-light video quality isn't great, and some had problems with the software.
Review: Panasonic HDC-SD9 Camcorder, Contributors to Amazon.com
HD Camcorders Runners Up:
4 picks by top review sites.
4 picks by top review sites.
4 picks including: Amazon.com, CamcorderInfo.com…
3 picks including: About.com, Amazon.com…
3 picks including: CamcorderInfo.com…
3 picks by top review sites.
3 picks including: Amazon.com, CamcorderInfo.com…
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
Kodak PlaySport (Zx5) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera - Red (2nd Generation)
In Stock.
Average Customer Review: |
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
Sony HDR-TD10 High Definition 3D Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Dark Gray)
In Stock.
Average Customer Review: |
||
|
|
|
Sponsored Links are keyword-targeted advertisements provided through the Google AdWords™ program. These listings are administered, sorted and maintained by Google. For information about these Google ads, go to adwords.google.com. Google may place or recognize a unique "cookie" on your Web browser. Information from this cookie may be used by Google to help provide advertisers with more targeted advertising opportunities. For more information about Google's privacy policy, including how to opt out, go to www.google.com/ads/preferences. By clicking on Sponsored Links you will leave ConsumerSearch.com. The web site you will go to is not endorsed by ConsumerSearch. |