Panasonic is one of the first companies to produce a camcorder that records on DVD, and the VDR-M20 brings the features of current digital camcorders to this exciting format. You can record video onto either DVD-R discs, which can be recorded once, or DVD-RAM discs (one is included), which can be recorded and erased like videotapes. These discs can be played on most DVD players and DVD drives.
Using MPEG2 variable-bit recording, the camcorder analyzes the complexity of what you are shooting and compresses data accordingly onto the disc, so that your video is rich and vibrant as well as space efficient. Since it is a disc format as opposed to tape, you can instantly access scenes and find blank space for recording.
Lens
The optical zoom magnifies up to 12 times, while the digital zoom, which works by electronically enhancing the optical image, reaches up to 240 times. The digital image stabilization system keeps the picture steady and solid, even through zooms and camera shakes. The VDR-M20 also has programmed autoexposure settings (such as sports, portrait, spot light, and sand and snow) to create the ideal image.
Digital Stills
The CCD sensor has a 1.1-megapixel rating, which creates images with resolutions of up 1,280 by 960 pixels. You can also effortlessly search through the disc to preview your stills.
Inputs and Outputs
The VDR-M20 has a built-in USB port so you can quickly and easily transfer your images onto a PC or Mac for e-mailing, printing, or posting on the Web. The standard RCA AV connections are used for direct viewing on a television.