That said, if you still live completely in a low-resolution world, the recordings are destined for video-sharing Web sites, or you simply want to capture the moment no matter how it looks, the S50 should be satisfactory. Low-light performance is poor, but that also is expected from standard-definition models. Video is soft with readily visible noise and digital artifacting, a lot of purple and green fringing around high-contrast subjects, and merely OK color reproduction with highlight clipping (though the Intelligent Contrast helps with this). The bundled Windows-only software has "one-click" uploading to YouTube as well.įor all its features and ease of use, the S50 produces video typical of standard-definition consumer camcorders. Select it, press Record, and it starts a 10-minute countdown to keep your recordings within the site's upload parameters. If you're considering the S50 for recording clips for video-sharing sites, YouTube in particular, the camcorder has a Web mode setting. There are a few options available in both shooting modes including Backlight Compensation, which lightens backlit subjects and Pre-Rec that continuously prerecords 3 seconds of video until you hit the record button so you don't miss any crucial action. If you don't feel like thinking about settings, switch to iA and the S50 will adjust depending on the subject and recording environment as it corresponds to one of five scene modes. Intelligent Contrast improves overly dark and bright areas. Color Night is, too, for that matter, allowing you to record color video in low-light conditions down to about 2 lux. While Manual gives you control over focus, shutter speed, aperture, and white balance, it also gives you access to 10 scene modes, Soft Skin and Color Night modes, and Intelligent Contrast. Panasonic included both full-manual and full-auto shooting options-just press the iA/Manual button to toggle between the two. Sports, Portrait, Low Light, Spotlight, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Fireworks, Scenery, Night Scenery Pressing in on the joystick brings up mode-specific shooting options like accessing focus, white balance, shutter speed, and aperture in Manual mode.Īuto, Indoor 1, Indoor 2, Sunny, Cloudy, Custom There is no need to change to a photo mode to take a still picture-just press the shutter release.įlip open the LCD, and to the left of the screen you'll find a button for activating the tracking autofocus, a five-way joystick for navigation and making manual shooting adjustments, and a Menu button. The movie record button is positioned under your thumb to the right of the battery pack, which juts from the back of the camcorder. Slip your right hand into the strap and your fingers will be in reach of the zoom rocker and shutter release on top, buttons for going between Intelligent Auto (iA) and Manual shooting modes and activating the optical image stabilization, and a slider on back for going from record to playback and back again. The body is compact enough to slip in a large coat pocket or handbag, and a slider to the left of the lens controls the lens cover for easy protection.Ĭontrols are pretty typical of this type of camcorder-at least of those without a touch screen-and everything is well positioned. The handstrap is attached low on the body, but with the camcorder being so small and lightweight it doesn't flop over to the left if you release your grip. The S50 is available in gold-and-blue versions, too. The top and left sides are a mix of shiny black and chrome plastic, while the right side is matte black plastic. There's nothing out of the ordinary about the design of the S50 other than it being very small for having such a long zoom lens.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |