Panasonic SDR-S150
Manufacturer: Panasonic Part number: SDR-S150
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- While compact and convenient, Panasonic's SD-based SDR-S150 camcorder doesn't make the quality cut.
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Where to buy
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 11/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Panasonic SDR-S150 price range: $649.88
- Reviewed by: Lori Grunin
- Reviewed on: 02/15/2007
- Released on: 08/20/2006
The good: Very compact for a 3CCD model; optical image stabilizer.
The bad: Mediocre video and barely usable stills; poor battery life; slow focus.
The bottom line: While compact and convenient, Panasonic's SD-based SDR-S150 camcorder doesn't make the quality cut.
It sounds like the perfect vacation camcorder: weighs 10.2 ounces, three CCDs, a 10X zoom lens, 3-megapixel still photos, optical image stabilization, and SD-card recording, all for significantly less than $1,000. And that includes the 2GB SD card and the remote that ship in the box. But while the Panasonic SDR-S150 might seem like the traveler's dream come true, it doesn't really live up to expectation, especially at its current price.
I have few complaints about its design, however. Light, compact, and comfortable to hold, the S150 even has a rubber nub at the bottom of its grip that allows you to quickly place your hand without accidentally putting your finger over the lens--a big problem with units this small--though I find frequently that I don't know where to put my index finger while shooting. It also feels surprisingly sturdy and well made. An automatic sensor turns the S150 off when you fold down the LCD. The zoom and navigation controls are easy to operate with your thumb. You connect to a PC via the USB 2.0 port, and a single proprietary-connector multi-A/V cable delivers composite or S-Video output plus audio.
The SDR-S150's modest feature set makes the menus and manual controls easy to understand and navigate. You can activate the wind filter or enable zooming for the mic; choose from among three different recording-quality options--best quality (25 minutes on the bundled 2GB card), medium quality (50 minutes), and lowest quality (100 minutes); jump between wide-screen and standard 4:3 aspect modes; enable the optical image stabilization and digital zoom; and boost the sensor gain for low-light shooting (MagicPix). When shooting in Auto mode, your options are limited to backlight compensation, Soft Skin mode, and a zoom macro mode. The Soft Skin mode seems a bit redundant, since the video is never sharp enough to show the kind of detail that makes a mode like this necessary.
Manual options include a few white-balance presets plus custom, shutter speed, and a sort of gain-priority mode--it allows you to boost the gain and automatically changes the aperture to compensate. You can also choose from a handful of exposure presets within the menus: sports, portrait, low-light, spotlight, and surf and snow.
Though it's fun and easy to shoot with, that's where the enjoyment stops. The most obvious problem I hit is its pitiful battery life. After fully charging the battery, I shot about 14 minutes of video and a handful of stills with a few flash shots, at which point it had dropped to about one-quarter of capacity. Plus, the focus is slow to lock. And once I got home, I couldn't help but be disappointed with the results. Videos never achieve true sharpness and display severe interlace artifacts, and weaknesses are exacerbated by poor auto white balance--the sensor is on the side of the camcorder--and inconsistent metering. For stills, throw in random flash exposures and a seriously overprocessed look that should settle the new math argument once and for all: three 800,000-pixel sensors never equals one 3-megapixel image.
If it were cheaper, I might forgive the SDR-S150 some of its flaws. I want to--its SD-based recording of MPEG-2 files is a compellingly attractive convenience. But until this convenience hits the right quality threshold, I recommend sticking with cheaper tape- and hard-disk-based models from Canon, Sony, and JVC.
User reviews
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Very Disappointed
Pros: None -- Don't Buy This Camera!
Cons: Video Quality, Field and Low Light Issues
Summary: I was so excited about this camera, I bought it on ebay from Japan. I cannot tell you what a monumental disappointment it is.
In a side-by-side test with the ...Summary: I was so excited about this camera, I bought it on ebay from Japan. I cannot tell you what a monumental disappointment it is.
In a side-by-side test with the video I shoot from my canon powershot 630, I note the following:
1. Overall quality SUCKS compared with my powershot
2. Field of view is maybe half or slightly more than my powershot.
3. Even though I could actually see more in low-light shots with the S150 (barely), the video is much grainier and not enjoyable to watch.
4. The night-vision is a joke unless you are on a tripod. Otherwise, it is one big blur.
Do not buy this camera for low-light shots, or where you need to shoot full body from head to toe anywhere up close.
In all but the lowest light my powershot is clearer, faster, easier to use. Most importantly, my powershot fits in my jeans. The S150 is small, but will require a jacket pocket, which means (for me) I will bring it a lot less often.
Anyway, I could be wrong, but as far as I can tell, this is the same camera as the S100 retooled for higher density SD cards.
There is no jump in technology here.4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Panasonic Gets Short Shrift Again!
by sven ayer on March 18, 2007
Pros: Compact, Easy to use, quality video and stills, good selection of manual settings, no moving parts, SD card storage
Cons: Odd mpeg filed extension
Summary: CNET provides what appears to be a curt and mis-guided review of the SDR-150. "Interlacing" problems? That's a display issue, not a capture issue. Check your monitor!
I've ...Summary: CNET provides what appears to be a curt and mis-guided review of the SDR-150. "Interlacing" problems? That's a display issue, not a capture issue. Check your monitor!
I've had my SDR-150 for several months and have capture scenic vistas and sports activities: still and video. For a camcorder that is smaller and weighs less than my old Canon A-70 digital camera; the SDR-150 delivers it all, 10x optical zoom, optical image stabalization (that works) all straight on to small SD Cards (no tapes, no dvds).
The battery life issues reported by CNET are also a mystery. I took about 45 minutes of on-again/off-again video on a full round of golf and still had about half my battery remaining. (I think CNET needs to vet it's review.)
On the highest setting, the video looks really terrific even projected on to a 100-inch screen off of an Epson Homelight 10+ projector (native HD wide-screen format). The video looks even better on a smaller DLP and tube TVs (quality of display has massive effect, naturally -- All full-screen video play-back on windows systems looks crappy. What's new?) Colors are full and true, play-back is clean.
If you're wearing your comfortable travel-khakis or shorts, the SDR-150 will fit into
your pants pockets, and it's so light, you won't even notice it's there. With the auto-closing lens cover, you don't have to worry about dust, scratches, or pulling a cap on and off between use. Just close down the LCD display (which is beautiful) and it goes into stand-by mode.
If you're looking for a compact camcorder that is a no-brainer about bringing along,
and a digital camera that can actually zoom up to your subject matter, pick up the SDR-150, and an 8gb SD card (which will provide ~2 hours of highest quality video), and you're all set.
The only down side is that video files are provided with a .mod file extension despite their true mpeg format. With current windows media players high-jacking the files on import to your pc, you actually have to bring open the files in windows media player and rename each file with a .mpeg file extension through "SaveMediaAs" to be able to play and manipulate the files in applications other then windows media player or the software panasonic ships.
Enjoy!2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent camera to carry around
by jeffyuau on May 27, 2007
Pros: Size & weight for the video quality
Cons: Poor Mic, Not enough wide end
Summary: I have it for 2 months now. It's an excellent camera. What I said excellent is for the size of it. For the convenience of it, I think you ...
Summary: I have it for 2 months now. It's an excellent camera. What I said excellent is for the size of it. For the convenience of it, I think you can't find anything else @ this quality with this size.
Of course, nothing is perfect. I think the Mic isn't as good as the old Panasonic DV cam I had before.
The OIS isn't as good as the old one as well. And the wide angle end isn't wide enough. And I would said everything else is almost perfect except for those parts.
Sure you will enjoy it.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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my reivews SDR-S150
by tancecom on October 11, 2006
Pros: make a difference beautiful
Cons: maybe a little expensive
Summary: I purchased panasonic SDR-S150 for one weeks now and I am more than happy with it. I read all of the available reviews, decided very nearly to abandon my quest (...
Summary: I purchased panasonic SDR-S150 for one weeks now and I am more than happy with it. I read all of the available reviews, decided very nearly to abandon my quest (which was for a very small, light camcorder that I could fit in my pocket - so I'd never think to myself, "Nah, I'm not carrying that thing around all day.") and go for an HDR-HC3.
Lance
http://www.camcorder-battery-shop.com1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Camcorder For Most!
by billyjoro on December 1, 2008
Pros: SD Card, compact size, easy operation
Cons: No viewfinder
Summary: I have had this camera for over a year and I think most people would find it a good choice. Previous cameras have been 8 mm, HI8 and mini DV. ...
Summary: I have had this camera for over a year and I think most people would find it a good choice. Previous cameras have been 8 mm, HI8 and mini DV. They all have had acceptable video but this also can obtain decent snapshots. Too often I get hung up on specs but in the real world what I find most important is convenience, which this device delivers. The quality is decent and the SD cards are much easier to use and transfer to computer than tapes. The cards are also now quite inexpensive ...a 4 Gig is less than $20 now. I have it set to shoot in 16:9 ratio (cropped I believe). This works fine for editing in the included software but the images are compressed into 4:3 when opened directly (unedited) in Windows Media Player. I have not looked for a fix for this but hope that there is one. The battery life could alway be better and since there is no viewfinder it is nessesary to use the LCD to compose shots. Controls are logical and allow for one handed operation. I find I enjoy using this camcorder more than others I have had because it is so small and easy to carry around. For the sort of family videos and images I use it for it does a great job.
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Bad Video Quality
by lilnyc on December 24, 2007
Pros: The screen flips so that you can see yourself while recording; Okay in low light
Cons: Video quality is very unacceptably soft with artifacts and blurry; audio is low
Summary: I expected this to blow my Casio Ex-S880's video quality out of the water. It did not except in low light. Even people praising it did so while displaying ...
Summary: I expected this to blow my Casio Ex-S880's video quality out of the water. It did not except in low light. Even people praising it did so while displaying video samples with crappy quality. Maybe all of that filming underwater went to their heads.
This camcorder is a huge disppointment, and I will return it. The audio on the Casio, which is a camera primarily, booms over the Sanyo's. The video on the Casio is much sharper except in low light, the Casio's video was completely too dark, where the Sanyo compensated well. If I needed to tape underwater, I'd get a casing for a better camcorder. I can't believe I bought into the gimmick.
Recording in h.264 reduces the quality. Recording in mpeg2 with 3CCD yields superior quality.
Thank God for return policies! -
Best Camera for those wanting small formfactor
by jag564 on April 16, 2007
Pros: small,lightweight, beautiful video, SD recording Media
Cons: Still pictures, get tired of holding it for extended recording
Summary: This camera does exactly what it is designed for. That reviewer who gave the camera a 3 is comparing it to a digital still camera which makes no sense the ...
Summary: This camera does exactly what it is designed for. That reviewer who gave the camera a 3 is comparing it to a digital still camera which makes no sense the Canon takes much better still shots but its video mode could not touch this camera. This camera hits the mark on ease of use, beautiful recordings, great form factor and good picture stabilization. I am very pleased with the quality of indoor and outdoor recordings. I use it during fast motion sporting events with great results. I make DVDS for other parents and they are knocked out by the video quality. The SD media is great you can get 2hrs with and 8gb card and those you can buy for around $60. I have recorded video for over an 1 1/2hrs and still had charge left in the battery. Negatives are its still pictures are inferior to any cheap digital camera and its is hard to hold comfortably if recording for an extended period. Overall if you are looking for the smallest camcorder with the best quality video this is your camera.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Panasonic
- Part number: SDR-S150
- Description: Panasonic's vision of the digital future is driven by the needs and aspirations of its business customers and millions of consumers around the world who use its products every day. The company shares their dream to live a fuller life by providing ways of working smarter and enjoying the rewards of technological advances.
General
- Product Type Camcorder
- Digital Zoom 700 x
- Optical Sensor Size 1/6"
- Optical Sensor Type 3CCD
- Min Illumination 1 lux
- Analog Video Format NTSC
- Digital Video Format MPEG-2
- Image Stabilizer Optical
- Min Shutter Speed 1/60 sec
- Max Shutter Speed 1/8000 sec
- Camcorder Slow Shutter Modes 1/60 sec
- Shooting Modes Digital photo mode
- White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
- White Balance Presets Indoor, Outdoor
- Exposure Modes Manual, Program, Automatic
- Camera Flash Built-in flash
- Webcam Capability Yes
- Widescreen Video Capture Yes
Main Features
- Camcorder Sensor Resolution 0.8 megapixels
- Camcorder Effective Still Resolution 3.1 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Still Image Format JPEG
- Remote Control Remote control - Infrared
- TV Tuner None
- Video Capture MPEG-2 - 704 x 480, 320 x 240 - Web camera mode
Memory / Storage
- Flash Memory 2 GB Flash - SD Memory Card
- Floppy Drive None
- Image Storage JPEG 2048 x 1512, JPEG 1920 x 1080, JPEG 1280 x 960, JPEG 640 x 480
- Media Type Flash card
- Recording Speed LP, SP, XP
Camera Flash
- Effective Flash Range 3.3 ft - 6.6 ft
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 3 mm - 30 mm - F/1.8-2.8
- Focal Length 3 mm - 30 mm
- Lens Aperture F/1.8-2.8
- Optical Zoom 10 x
- Lens system type Zoom lens
- Lens Construction 8 group(s) / 12 element(s)
- Min focal length 3 mm
- Max focal length 30 mm
- Lens Manufacturer Leica
- Features Built-in lens hood, Built-in lens shield, Low dispersion glass
- Filter Size 37 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
Additional Features
- Self Timer Yes
- Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
- Digital Still Camera Function Yes
- Additional Features Direct print, Built-in speaker, PictBridge support, USB 2.0 compatibility
- Remote control Remote control - Infrared
- Software Drivers & Utilities
- Included Accessories Hand strap
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type None
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.8 in - Color
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
Connections
- Connector Type 1, 1 x USB, Composite video/audio output, DC power input
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card
Audio Input
- Audio input type Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1, 1 x USB cable, 1 x A/V cable, Headphones adapter
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
Battery
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Form Factor Rotating
- Display Format 210,000 pixels
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
Physical Characteristics
- Width 2 in
- Depth 3.3 in
- Height 3.9 in
- Weight 8.8 oz
Manufacturer info
- Panasonic
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Panasonic products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.panasonic.com/
- Address:
One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094 - Phone: 800/662-3537
