In the past, typical camcorder usage centred on recording special events, such as weddings and vacation trips. Camcorder usage has evolved, however, with many consumers now demanding models that offer higher image quality than previous models. Panasonic has moved to further expand demand by creating a new SD Card camcorder that fit unique applications and lend themselves to casual, everyday use. The new SDR-SW20 combines a rugged, compact body with waterproofing that allows use in seawater to a depth of 1.5 meters*, shockproofing that protects against drops from up to 1.2 meters**, and dustproofing.

Today many people post still images taken with their digital cameras onto Internet Websites and blogs. Sites for posting video clips are now becoming popular too, and more and more people are using motion images as a form of creativity, communication and self-expression. The SDR-SW20 debuts at a time when the trend toward using video for casual, everyday use is growing strong. These two models, offering the small size, light weight and superb mobility made possible by SD/SDHC Memory Cards, let users shoot video with the same casual ease and carry-about convenience they enjoy with small digital still cameras. For occasions when in the past it may have seemed a bit awkward to pull out a camcorder, such as on short outings or business trips, the SDR-SW20 offers no such discomfit. Users can take out the SDR-SW20 and shoot with the same casual freedom as people snapping everyday photos with a still image camera.

* IEC60529 IPX8 - Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
** MIL-STD-810F METHOD 516.5 SHOCK

Feature Explanation


Waterproof to a Depth of 1.5 Meters* [New]

A waterproof design, taking advantage of the SD/SDHC Memory Card's water resistance, lets you use the SW20 underwater to a depth of 1.5 meters. The SW20 can even be used in seawater, so users can take moving images of friends snorkelling or tropical fish darting in and out of coral reefs. The waterproof design greatly expands video shooting possibilities. You can use the SW20 at a beach, ski resort, and in a host of other active, outdoor situations where you wouldn't dare use a conventional camcorder.
* IEC60529 IPX8 - Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)

Dustproof* for Outdoor Use [New]

A dustproof design shuts out airborne dust particles that can lead to malfunction. This enables worry-free shooting in places like the beach, or any place with a lot of dust.
* IEC60529 IP5X - Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)

Impact Resistance - Withstands the Impact of Being Dropped from up to 1.2 Meters*

Unlike recording media such as hard disk drives or DVD discs, SD/SDHC Memory Cards require no drive mechanism. This gives the SDR-SW20 sufficient impact resistance to prevent malfunction when dropped from up to 1.2 meters. Combined with its dustproof and waterproof performance, this makes it the ideal camera for anytime use outdoors, in active situations, and for casual everyday video shooting.

* MIL-STD-810F METHOD 516.5 SHOCK

0.6-Sec Quick Start [New]

The Quick Start function allows the SDR-SW20 to begin recording just 0.6 second from the time the LCD is opened. The SDR-SW20 starts operating in about 1/3 the time that it takes for a camcorder that records onto DVD discs to start, making it easier to catch those special moments that come with no warning.

World Timer [New]

Convenient for travellers, this new function eliminates the need to manually reset the camcorder time when crossing time zones. Simply select your destination from the displayed map, and the time is adjusted automatically. Time can be set for two different locations, such as home and a destination. The user can switch between them by simply pressing a button.

Stylish Design

With its casual, attractive styling, the SW20 is a camcorder you can take just about anywhere, as you would a small digital still camera. Its designed for easy shooting. The grip is designed so that, when desired, you can stabilise the SDR-SW20 by bracing your elbow against the body, as with conventional camcorders. Or, as an alternative, the Sub Rec button on the camera front makes it possible to shoot with a pistol-grip style.

A Long Recording Capability - SD/SDHC Memory Cards

Memory Cards provide an ideal combination of compactness, impact resistance, and extended recording capability, making them one of the best-balanced media for the future. The 16-GB SDHC Memory Card allows up to 13 hours 20 minutes* (approx.) of recording.
* In LP mode.

Create DVD Discs with One-Touch Ease [New]

Most people use their camcorders for three main purposes: to shoot, play back, and archive video recordings. They want each of these to be as easy as possible. The SW20 is packed with a host of functions designed to do exactly that. In the past, copying video recordings from an SDHC/SD Memory Card to a DVD disc was a two-step process that involved transferring the data to a PC, then copying from PC to disc. This new function lets you save images onto DVD discs without all the fuss. Connecting the SW20 via a USB cable to a VW-BN1 DVD Burner (optional), and pressing a single button is all it takes to copy recorded video clips from an SDHC/SD Memory Card to a DVD disc (DVD-RAM/-RW/-R/-R DL). The disc you make can be played on DVD players, so playback is easy too.