Panasonic introduces two new Vertical Camcorders designed for the Active Social Networker
Panasonic has expanded its Multimedia Camcorder lineup to include the new HX-DC2 Camcorder and the waterproof HX-WA2
The HX-DC2 and HX-WA2 camcorders combine a fun, appealing style and easy-to-use vertical design with quality imaging and versatile shooting features. In addition, the HX-WA2 is waterproof down to three metres, making it ideal for shooting footage outdoors and underwater.
The design of both camcorders makes it easy to shoot with just one hand, and the controls have been redesigned to allow for even simpler operation. A joystick can now be found on the back of the camcorder to control the menu, and the original twin shutter buttons are now larger making it even easier to flick between taking photos and video footage with your thumb.
Both the HX-WA2 and the HX-DC2 camcorders shoot Full HD 1920 x 1080/50i movies and high-quality 14-megapixel images.
Camcorder users can also add more fun and versatility to shooting.
- You can capture stunning landscapes thanks to Panorama mode; the user simply pans the camera either vertically or horizontally to capture panoramic images.
- High Speed Reverse Consecutive Shooting creates a series of consecutive still images at the press of a button, while Burst Shooting captures up to 10 consecutive fast motion images.
- The 5x optical zoom can be switched to 15x Intelligent Zoom when shooting video, allowing users to record faraway subjects in great detail. Active E.I.S (Electronic Image Stabilisation) delivers stunning blur-free still and video recordings.
- High Dynamic Range (HDR) Backlight Compensation is a new feature that ensures images are always correctly exposed with no blown highlights and blocked shadows. HDR Paint allows users to further expand their creativity, giving still images an artistic, painting-like effect.
- Panasonic’s trademark iA (Intelligent Auto) mode is available on both models. When iA is engaged, the camcorder automatically selects the most suitable shooting mode with the press of a button for impressive images and movies every time.
- Intelligent Auto combines the Active E.I.S. with Intelligent Scene Selector, which automatically selects the best Scene Mode to record in based on detected light and objects; and Face Detection, which senses ambient lighting to adjust exposure and capture faces beautifully even in dim or backlit scenes.
Designed with the active social networker in mind, the HX-WA2 and HX-DC2 camcorders make it easy to capture and share content. The new camcorders record in the MPEG-4 AVC file format for easy file transfer so users can upload to social networking platforms – such as YouTube™ and Facebook© – in an instant.
Users can also record videos using iFrame, ideal for both Mac and PC users. Other convenient connectivity features include a SD memory card slot and a micro HDMI port allowing playback from a Full HD TV.
The HD Writer VE 2.0 software features a “Smart Wizard” that automatically runs when the camcorder is plugged to a PC via a USB port, prompting users to follow a simple, onscreen guide to upload content to a PC or burn to a DVD with ease.
Advanced editing features also allow users to select their favourite songs as background music, add various effects and transitions and even apply Photo Retouch. With the new Short Movie Story feature, users can transform a series of still images into a dramatic short film. Once the image data, theme and background music are selected, the camera takes over to finish the story, which can be saved in HD quality and shared online easily.
| Model | Colours | Availability |
| HX-WA2 | Blue, Orange | April 2012 |
| HX-DC2 | Grey | March 2012 |