HDC-HS900 High Definition Camcorder is a high-end HD offering from Panasonic. Right off the bat a few of the camera's most desirable features include: 1920 x 1080/60p recording, a 220GB hard disk drive, an SD memory card slot, the option to record in 3D, and a quality image sensor system. These features give you detailed, beautiful images, a plethora of recording space, and the ability to shoot fun and unique movies in 3D with an optional lens.

• Advanced 3MOS System

The Advanced 3MOS System records beautifully natural images with powerful colors and detailed rendering in both bright and dark scenes. The Noise Reduction technology that goes to work when shooting in dim lighting has evolved even further in 2011 models, allowing them to reduce noise by approximately 45% compared to previous Panasonic models. The Advanced 3MOS System, which is comprised of the 3MOS Sensor that captures images without color loss, the Leica Dicomar Lens that excels with its large, bright aperture, and the Crystal Engine PRO that increases image resolution, produces colorful, bright, beautiful images in Full-HD quality

• 3MOS Sensor

The 900 Series and SD800 employ the 3MOS Sensor, with its three-sensor configuration. This provides a resolution of 7.59 million effective motion image pixels (2.53 million x 3). The 3MOS Sensor splits the light information captured by the lens into the three primary colors - red, green and blue - and processes each color with its own individual sensor. This reduces light loss compared to the 1MOS sensor, and renders colors, details and gradation all with intricate detail and natural beauty. This superb color reproduction maximizes the inherent quality of progressive images

• Leica Dicomar Lens

The 900 Series and SD800 use Leica Dicomar lenses, which are renowned for their ability to render sharp images and excellent shading. They also suppress ghosting, flare, and distortion at the image edges. Even in strong sunlight, these superb lenses maintain high contrast and resolution. A bright new F1.5-2.8 lens with a 46mm filter diameter has been created for the 900 Series and SD800. Efficient light collection allows the new lens to capture bright, clear images even in dim lighting or at high shutter speeds. This high-end lens brings out all the beauty of Full-HD images

• Intelligent 40x Zoom and HYBRID O.I.S.

The HD 90 Series features an Intelligent Zoom function that goes all the way up to 40x. When using Intelligent Zoom, Intelligent Resolution technology lets you shoot at high zoom rates while preserving the image resolution. You get sharp images of highly detailed objects - without the blurry edges. Plus, the HD 90 Series is equipped with HYBRID O.I.S., an image stabilizer system that corrects hand-shake blurring by combining the action of its hybrid optical and electrical image stabilization systems. Even when zooming, where hand-shake often occurs, both optical and electrical hand-shake correction make it possible to record beautiful images with approximately 2 times* the hand-shake suppressing effect as conventional models

• O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) Lock

The image-stabilizing effect is increased by pressing and holding the O.I.S. Lock indication on the LCD screen, which maximizes the blur detection sensitivity. This is great for when you want to zoom at a fixed angle, like for bird watching

• Crystal Engine PRO

The Crystal Engine PRO instantly processes the huge amount of data that goes into Full-HD images, and further enhances Full-HD quality. It produces smooth, high-resolution zoom shots even when the range exceeds the limit for optical zooming. Crystal Engine PRO clearly delineates even the tiniest details of your subject, with extremely natural beauty. In addition, its Noise Reduction (NR) technology has been completely redesigned. The low-frequency noise that occurs when recording in dim lighting has been further minimized. Compared to previous Panasonic models, noise has been reduced by approximately 45%. And Intelligent Resolution Technology ensures sharp and crisp pictures, resulting in bright and beautifully colored motion images

Intelligent Resolution Technology

The Intelligent Resolution Technology incorporated in the new Crystal Engine PRO uses edge detection technology to confirm the edges of objects within the image, then emphasizes the edges for optimal clarity. For example, it brings crisp definition to patterns and the outlines of objects like flowers. Conversely, it reduces noise and enhances the natural smoothness of parts without edges, like the sky. The increased sharpness is especially effective for images with delicate details. This highly advanced technology maximizes the beauty of Full-HD images

• 1080/60p Recording

With its transfer rate of 28 Mbps, 1,080/60p recording (Full-HD, 1,920 x 1,080, 60 progressive recording) conveys about twice the information of 1,080i (interlace) recording. Whereas interlacing requires two images to produce a complete picture, the progressive method records a single image as a complete picture. Plus, the 60 Progressive Recording of the 90 Series produces 60 images per second. This extremely dense image information creates intricate detail and silky smooth motion. Even when subjects move quickly, afterimages are minimized to create more natural images. The progressive method is most effective when shooting designs where more patterns tend to occur, or when capturing scenes during sports events where the subjects are intensely moving around. Also, the recorded images displayed clearly even when they are made into still images, so it is possible to preserve stunning photos when clipping them from video

• Intelligent 20x Zoom and HYBRID O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)

The 900 Series and SD800 feature an Intelligent Zoom function that goes all the way up to 20x. When using Intelligent Zoom, Intelligent Resolution technology lets you shoot at high zoom rates while preserving the image resolution. You get sharp images of highly detailed objects - without the blurry edges. Plus, the 900 Series and SD800 are equipped with HYBRID O.I.S, an image stabilization system that corrects hand-shake blurring by combining the action of its hybrid optical and electrical image stabilization systems. Even when zooming, where hand-shake often occurs, both optical and electrical hand-shake correction make it possible to record beautiful images with approximately 2 times the hand-shake suppressing effect as conventional models

• O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) Lock

The image-stabilizing effect is increased by pressing and holding the O.I.S. Lock indication on the LCD screen, which maximizes the blur detection sensitivity. This is great for when you want to zoom at a fixed angle, like for bird watching

• Tele-Macro

You can shoot macro close-ups while maintaining a distance of 70cm from your subject. In addition, using the zoom at full magnification makes it much easier to capture extreme close-ups without your body or camera casting a shadow on the subject and while keeping the background in soft focus

• Soft Skin Mode

When this function detects skin tones, it softens the focus in that area. This has a skin beautifying effect, which makes wrinkles and lines appear less noticeable. When turned on, this function makes blemishes and moles look less conspicuous, while preserving resolution in areas of the picture outside of the skin

• 3D Image Recording

When the optional VW-CLT1 3D Conversion Lens is attached, the 900 Series and SD800 produce an effect called visual disparity. Right and left images are captured simultaneously by the two lenses, and recorded using the side-by-side method. To play back 3D videos, simply insert an SD Memory Card in the slot of a Panasonic VIERA 3DTV. Or you can use an HDMI mini cable to connect the camcorder to a VIERA 3DTV or another 3D TV that is compatible with the side-by-side method

• 3.5" Wide LCD with Intuitive Touch Operation

The easy-to-view 8.8 cm/3.5" allows intuitive fingertip touch operation. When shooting, you can use Touch Zoom to instantly zoom in and out by simply touching your fingertips, and Touch Shutter to automatically focus when shooting still images by simply touching the subject on the screen. For playback, you can also change thumbnail pages by sliding a fingertip across the screen. You get smooth, intuitive operation and don't have to take your eyes off of the LCD screen

• HYBRID O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)

HYBRID O.I.S. corrects hand-shake blurring by combining the action of its hybrid optical and electrical image stabilization systems. Even when zooming, where hand-shake often occurs, both optical and electrical hand-shake correction make it possible to record beautiful images with approximately 2 times the hand-shake suppressing effect as conventional models

• iA (Intelligent Auto)

This powerful function senses the shooting conditions and automatically makes the settings and activates functions that will deliver optimal results. iA does the bothersome settings for you and makes it easy to capture beautiful, well-focused images

• Face Recognition

The Face Recognition function recognizes the faces of registered subjects, and automatically optimizes the focus and exposure for those special people. It continues to track the subject as he or she moves anywhere within the LCD frame, making it ideal for video shooting. It is extremely useful for capturing someone's face in a group. Names can also be registered and displayed on the LCD while shooting. A total of six people can be registered, and the names of up to three people at a time can be displayed in the shooting frame

• Intelligent Scene Selector

The Intelligent Scene Selector function analyzes the shooting situation and automatically switches the camcorder to the suitable scene mode that will give you optimal results

• Face Detection

Face Detection automatically senses the ambient lighting and adjusts the exposure accordingly, so faces are bright and easy to see. The focus also prioritizes the faces, and skin tones are smoothed. Faces in the center of the frame serve as the reference for adjustments, but the function can detect up to 15 faces at once

• Manual Ring

The manual ring gives you easy, fingertip control over the focus, zoom and exposure settings. You'll find using the ring a much more intuitive, comfortable, user-friendly process than accessing a menu screen. With the manual ring and manual operation, the HD900 Series is a pleasure to use and gives you the freedom to craft unusually expressive images

• On-Screen Assist

Ideal for making fine brightness adjustments that are difficult to see in the LCD. A handy guide for correcting the exposure is shown right in the monitor

• Smile Shot (Still Image)

The Smile Shot function automatically detects subject smiles, and captures the best possible smile while you're shooting movies. It lets you easily catch those fleeting, easy-to-miss stills of a smiling subject. It will also optimize the focus and exposure for your subject's smiling face

• 1.0 Sec Quick Power-On

Switch the power on and the HD camcorders are in standby mode in approx. 1.0 seconds, ready to shoot when you are. When the LCD is closed, the power automatically switches off. This fast startup and automatic shutdown also help reduce battery consumption

• 0.6 Sec Quick Start

Using Quick Start mode, you simply flip open the LCD and you're ready to shoot in just 0.6 seconds. When Eco mode is also used, the power turns off whenever the camcorder has not been operated for 5 minutes. This reduces wasted power consumption, and enables a longer battery life

• Relay Recording

The Relay Recording mode automatically switches from the built-in flash memory (once it's full) to the SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card and continues recording. You don't have to worry about missing an important shot while switching media

How to combine motion images that are split onto two types of media as a continuous scene

• Arrange the data that is split onto two types of media on an SDXC/SDHC/SD memory card:

  The Relay Recording mode automatically switches from the built-in flash memory (once it's full) to the SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card and continues recording. You don't have to worry about missing an important shot while switching media

• Use the included software:

  You can also use the editing software that is included with the camcorder to join the split data as a continuous scene

• Use a DVD burner to create a disc:

  If the SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card is not big enough to hold all of the split data, use a DVD burner to create a disc with all the motion images as a single continuous scene

• 220GB Hard Disk Drive

The internal hard drive lets you record continuously for up to 94 hours without changing a disc, SDXC/SDHC/SD memory card, or other recording media

Anti-Shock Shield

• The Drop Detect function senses if the camera is falling and moves the head away from the hard drive:

  Incorporating a 3D sensor, this function detects if the camera drops a distance of around 20cm and responds by automatically moving the head away from the hard drive. This helps protect the drive from damage

• The Floating Structure protects the hard drive should the camera fall or be dropped:

  The four corners of the hard drive are covered with a thick protective gel that provides cushioning against vibration and impact

• The Buffer Memory automatically backs up data:

  Even when the Drop Detect function activates and moves the head away from the hard drive, shooting can be continued (as long as there is battery power). The newly recorded data is stored temporarily in an internal buffer memory. Once the hard drive resumes operation, the data is transferred to it

Features

• 1920 x 1080p HD
• 3D Recording with Optional VW-CLT1 Lens
• 220GB Hard Disk Drive
• SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card Slot
• 3 x 3.05MP 1/4.1" 3MOS Sensor
• 3.5" Touch Screen LCD Display & EFV
• 35mm Wide-Angle Lens
• 20x Intelligent Zoom
• HYBRID Optical Image Stabilization
• 14.2MP Digital Still Capture

Specifications

       OPTIC

Sensor	3x 3.05 Megapixel 1/4.1" CMOS Sensors
Lens	3.45-41.4mm f/1.5-2.8
Zoom	Optical: 12x Intelligent (Optical): 20x

       RECORDING

System	NTSC
Recording Media	Hard Disk Drive 220GB  SD/SDHC, SDXC
Recording Time	Hard Disk Drive 220GB: 1080/60p: 18 hours, 30 minutes; HA: 29 hours; HG: 37 hours, 30 minutes; HX: 57 hours, 30 minutes; HE: 94 hours SD 4GB: 1080/60p: 19 minutes; HA: 30 minutes; HG: 40 minutes; HX: 1 hour; HE: 1 hour, 30 minutes 16GB: 1080/60p: 1 hour, 20 minutes; HA: 2 hours; HG: 2 hours, 40 minutes; HX: 4 hours, 10 minutes; HE: 6 hours, 40 minutes 32GB: 1080/60p: 2 hours, 40 minutes; HA: 4 hours, 10 minutes; HG: 5 hours, 30 minutes; HX: 8 hours, 20 minutes; HE: 13 hours, 40 minutes 64GB: 1080/60p: 5 hours, 20 minutes; HA: 8 hours, 30 minutes; HG: 11 hours; HX: 16 hours, 50 minutes; HE: 27 hours, 30 minutes
Video Format	High Definition MPEG AVC/H.264 1920 x 1080p, 1920 x 1080 (60/60 fps)
Still Image Resolution	JPEG: 14.2 Megapixel, 4608 x 3072 JPEG: 13.3 Megapixel, 4864 x 2736 JPEG: 12.2 Megapixel, 4032 x 3024

       DISPLAY

Display Type	LCD
Screen Size	3.5"
Touchscreen Camera also equipped with electronic viewfinder close	Yes

       FEATURES

Image Stabilization	Optical
Lux	1400 1.6 (1/30 Low Light scene mode) 1 (Color Night Rec)
Built-in Mic	Yes
Built-in Speaker	Yes
Built-in Light/Flash	Light - Yes Flash - No
Accessory Shoe	Cold
Tripod Mount	1/4"

       INPUT/OUTPUT CONNECTORS

Inputs	1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini
Outputs	1x Mini HDMI 1x USB 2.0 1x A/V 1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini
Microphone Input	Yes
Headphone Jack	Yes

       GENERAL

System Requirements	Windows XP (SP3), Vista, 7 Pentium 4 2.8GHz Processor or greater Mac OS X 10.6.3 Core 2 Duo Processor or greater
Battery	Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
Dimensions (WxHxD)	2.64 x 2.83 x 5.75" / 67 x 72 x 146mm
Weight	1.00 lb / 455g

Includes

• Panasonic HDC-HS900 High Definition Camcorder
• AC Adapter
• AC Cable
• Rechargeable Battery Pack
• A/V Multi Cable
• IR Remote
• USB Cable
• Shoe Adapter
• Stylus Pen
• Lens Hood
• CD-ROM
• 90-Days Labor & 1-Year Parts Limited Warranty