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7.0 out of 10

Panasonic SDR-H40

First seen: 12 january 2008

Information found in: from 45 sources in 33 countries.

Great Deal: $265.00

  • User Score (118)
    8.1 8.1 from 118 reviewers
  • Expert Score (1)
    8.0 8.0 from 1 reviewer
  • Design (6)
    7.9 7.9 from 6 reviewers
  • Value for money (9)
    6.8 6.8 from 9 reviewers
  • Features (3)
    5.5 5.5 from 3 reviewers
  • Ease of use (8)
    6.9 6.9 from 8 reviewers
  • Performance (4)
    5.9 5.9 from 4 reviewers
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Pros & Cons

  • 42x zoom is amazing, takes really good video, great hdd space, excelent built in microphone, great bargin for price
  • only has lcd viewfinder, one ccd, poor still photo quality, to be honest, inadequate features

40GB Hard Disk Drive/SD Hybrid Camcorder with 42x Optical Zoom, Advanced Optical Image Stabilization, One-Touch DVD Copy, Anti-Shock Shield and One-Touch Navigation, Records to Internal Hard Drive or SD Card.

  • The SDR-H40’s 42x optical zoom lens has the power you need to take dramatic closeups or get remarkable shots of even distant subjects. But with long-distance zoom shots, even a tiny bit of hand shake has a huge effect on picture quality. That’s where Panasonic’…

Panasonic SDR-H40

Panasonic SDR-H40 weighs 0.75 lbs and measures 2.76’’ x 2.64’’ x 4.57’’ (H x W x D). The SDR-H40 camcorder comes with an extra-large 40GB* internal hard disk drive, which can hold up to 36 hours of video (in LP mode). This camcorder has a 42x Variable Speed Zoom. The Panasonic SDR-H40 is equipped with a 2.7" color LCD screen which is big enough to allow users to compose, preview and review footage.

The Panasonic SDR-H40 features Advanced Optical Image Stabilization and the 1/6" C…

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Panasonic SDR-H40

Panasonic SDR-H40 weighs 0.75 lbs and measures 2.76’’ x 2.64’’ x 4.57’’ (H x W x D). The SDR-H40 camcorder comes with an extra-large 40GB* internal hard disk drive, which can hold up to 36 hours of video (in LP mode). This camcorder has a 42x Variable Speed Zoom. The Panasonic SDR-H40 is equipped with a 2.7" color LCD screen which is big enough to allow users to compose, preview and review footage.

The Panasonic SDR-H40 features Advanced Optical Image Stabilization and the 1/6" CCD (800K pixels) Image sensor. Advanced Optical Image Stabilization technology prevents blurry images. Panasonic’s Advanced O.I.S. uses gyro-sensors to detect hand-shake, then shifts a lens and adjusts its optical axis to compensate. And Advanced Optical Image Stabilization technology checks and compensates for hand-shake around 4,000 times per second. This camcorder also comes with an Intelligent Shooting Guide which helps users to make fewer shooting mistakes. Panasonic’s Anti-Shock Shield helps to protect recorded video data from damage due to jolts and impact. The Drop Detect function senses if the camera is falling and moves the head away from the hard disk. The Floating Structure protects the hard disk should the camera fall or be dropped. The Buffer Memory automatically backs up data while the camera is falling.

The Panasonic SDR-H40 provides users with the VideoCam Suite 1.0 software. The VideoCam Suite 1.0 software allows users to customize the order of scenes or delete unwanted scenes. This camcorder is powered by a lithium-ion battery and provides users with light-weight, long-lasting and reliable power.

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Reviews of Panasonic SDR-H40

  1. Reviewer: howstuffworks.com / Consumer Guide
    16 June 2008
    Overall 8
    8.0
    Value for money 8
    8.0
    Features 6
    6.0
    Ease of use 8
    8.0
    Performance 8
    8.0
     

    The Panasonic SDR-H40 is an entry-level DV camcorder and is another entry into the increasingly popular hard disk drive market. It is designed to compete with the low-end Everio range from JVC and Sony's standard definition HDD camcorders. Read more

  2. Panasonic SDR-H40

    Reviewer: CNET
    6 January 2009

    The Panasonic SDR-H40 is a hard disk drive-based, ultra-compact camcorder.Compared to other ultra-compact camcorders on the market, it is midpriced at around $330. Read more

  3. Panasonic SDR-H40 (40 GB) Hard Drive Camcorder Review

    Reviewer: Digitaltrends
    4 February 2010

    Hard Drive, 40 GB, PAL, 1 x CCD, Up to 0.31 Megapixels Still Shots, 42x Optical Zoom, 0.75 lb. Read more

  1. Great camera, bad software

    Reviewer: OneCall
    5 December 2008
    Overall 6
    6.0
     

    Love the camera, but its file format is VERY limiting. The software will not work on a Mac. The editing software in one word - SUCKS. Unfortunately, you need the software just to download video clips to your PC, but because it is MPEG-4 it isn't compatible with many editing programs unless they have the latest codecs. Read more

  2. Great for general use

    Reviewer: Abes of Maine
    18 January 2009
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    The item is very easy to use and provides good quality video. I use it for holidays, kids sporting events, etc not for commercial use. It is very easy to use and simple controls however I mainly leave it in 'auto' mode. The picture quality was not very good in low light and has some difficulty adjusting to varying light conditions. Outside or good lit inside shots are very good. Windy conditions play hell with the audio. Overall I am very pleased with the price, ease of... Read more

  3. good camera - software suspect

    Reviewer: B&H Photo
    12 January 2009
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    I am new to the the world of digital filming. The camera seems to be a great little camera. I love the hard drive, it has plenty of room for lots of events. The picture quality is very good but not great. The optical image stabilization is a must. (My hands shake and this solves the problem!) The big complaint is the software that comes with the camera. It is a piece of $&*@! Panasonic I wish you would listen! Get a real software package to go with your camera!!! Read more

  4. "Software problems are fixable"

    Reviewer: CNET
    5 January 2009
    Overall 4
    4.0
     

    Same problem as everyone that probably has one of these cameras and not the exact computer the software was designed to run on. I got NERO DVD burn software and am now able to see the camera hard drive and recognize my videos. I have Windows XP but as long as you get the right NERO software your troubles will probably be forgotten. After learning of doing it like this I'm really glad the Panasonic software didn't work because I'm sure I have a much better handle on how I... Read more

  5. Perfect for every event

    Reviewer: Newegg
    25 January 2009
    Overall 10
    10
     

    For battery though you can buy others from them that last longer from the one it came with to a 7hr 10min. The battery life and not being able charge when recording will being pluged into the wall is the only problems I see so far but buy another batt and problem solved. The optional batt are in the manual but here are there model numbers if you want to get them M# VW-VBG130 (1HR 30MIN) M#VW-VBG260(3HR 5MIN) M# VW-VBG6 (7HR 10MIN). I got it to record my 4 month old son... Read more

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