For the recording process, S100 incorporates 3CCD taken from the professional video camera because of its excellent color reproductivity at its core. Another key feature Optical Image Stabilizer, the LEICA DICOMAR Lens and high performance image processing LSI Crystal Engine are evolving around it to make S100 boast the highest standard specifications. In addition, newly developed MPEG2 Engine exclusive for mobile appliances uses original algorithm to precisely detect the fast movements in the pictures, which generally MPEG2 is not good at searching, to enhance the S100 MPEG2’s image quality a step higher.

The SDR-S100 works as the best tool to take your every day video shooting and offers total entertainment from recording to editing and playback like no other conven-tional video camera has done before.

1. Fusion of Panasonic’s historic technique and the newly developed technology for higher image quality

1-1 Technologies incorporated from professional video cameras to consumer models
The SDR-S100 is a real video camera, totally different from the MPEG4 recording digital still or movie camera, in which all Panasonic’s technologies long cultivated through the professional video camera manufacturing are concentrated. At the top is the 3CCD, which is indispensable for the professional video cameras because of its outstanding reproductivity in color, detail and gradation. They are also equipped with an Optical Image Stabilizer to solve the problem of blurring that increases as the camera gets smaller and lighter. Unlike the electrical stabilization system, the optical stabilization system allows almost no deterioration and unnatural touch-up. This also works for the still image as MEGA O.I.S assures sharp, clear moving pictures and still images. The O.I.S. suppresses handshake and unnecessary differences between the consecutive frames, which contributes to the reduction of data volume to extend the recording time. For the lens part, LEICA DICOMAR Lenses developed specifically for a digital video camera, featuring original optical technology from Leica, are equipped to let the S100 capture clear, crisp, finely nuanced images with detail and contrast. In addition, the lenses are manufactured using a multi-coating process which reduces blurring. At the brain of the camera is the high performance image processing LSI Crystal Engine. It processes the R, G and B signals from the three CCDs individually to remove noise and improve color processing accuracy to deliberately pass the picture information to the codec engine.

1-2 New technologies specially developed for the SD video camera To encode the rich picture information the newly in-house developed codec engine exclusive for mobile appliances MPEG2 Engine is adopted. The MPEG2 is the same codec system that DVD video camera encodes the data, assuring 50 fps at the same rate as TV broadcasts in all XP/SP/LP recording modes to make the motion smooth and natural-looking. MPEG2 codec surpress the data volume by recoding only the frame-to-frame difference while preserving the picture quality, thus how precisely the engine detects the difference is the key factor to calculate the following frame faithfully. The pictures taken by the video camera have a lot of movement with panning, tilting or zooming and noises are often generated because the movements are too fast for the MPEG2 codec system to catch up with. Panasonic has developed a new wide-range, high-precision search engine which accurately detects the frame-to-frame dif-ference to minimize the noise. In addition, the VBR(Variable Bit Rate) system adjust the compression rate according to the range and complexity of motion between the frames to enhance a sequence of picture quality even the average bit rate is the same. Normally, pictures in the long-play(normal) mode are originally recorded in downscaled size to prevent noise occurrence when the bit rate is set low, but the S100 does not and even doubles* the resolution in LP mode to achieve full D1 picture qual-ity. By this means, the fusion of old and new technologies work togeher and make smooth, beautiful and wholly stable MPEG2 recording possible. *Panasonic comparison.

2. World’s smallest and lightest* - SD Memory Card is the only format that will do
The recording media of S100 SD Memory Card is small, light memory card which incorporates less mechanism inside to be tough against impacts accompanying almost no error in recording. The P2 Card, proved its quality to be adopted as one of the official recording media at Trino 2006 Olympic Games and is the next-generation professional media, to which SD Memory Card’s large capacity, fast data transfer technologies are applied. These advantages are ideal for a recording media of video camera. The small terminal section results in the downsizing of the data reading mechanism, thus, the total size of the camera unit is the world’s smallest 49.9 x 96.7 x 80.4 (mm) and lightest 243 g (Not including battery). The mechanically-simplified structure contributes to the reduction in the warm-up time to start in 1.5 sec so as not to miss the spur-of-the-moment. It is also well adapted to heat, light, condensation and impact so that you can freely take S100 with you.

The ease in recording and playback is another feature of SD Video Camera. Simply press the REC button and the S100 automatically finds the blank memory area and begins recording. Recording is easy and error-free with no necessity to search for blank space or worry about accidentally recording over the images. Index screen is convenient for simple searching. Thumbnail images of recorded scenes are listed on an index screen, making it easy to find a particular scene. Once you select a scene, playback begins instantly. You never have to fast forward or rewind.

You’ll be surprised at S100’s outstanding convenience even after shooting. Non-linear editing requires no cable connection if you use the PC with SD slot. Furthermore, if you use the included USB 2.0 high speed cable, you can upload the data to the PC quickly, one-fourth the time DVC requires* and one-third that of the DVD video camera* does without requiring finalization process which tags along with DVD video camera. This helps you to go on to the editing process more easily to enjoy the fun of video camera thoroughly. The editing software MotionSD STUDIO 1.0E included allows you to edit the MPEG2 as you like and create your own movie and save it onto the DVD, so that you can enjoy watching later again and again. Also you can convert the data to MPEG4 with this software to attach E-mail or use as web content. Of course the data is saved back to the SD Memory Card to playback on the camera or on the PC. With minimal time and trouble, with maximum fun, the S100 encourages you to enjoy the creative video camera life.

3. Higher specifications and easier operation
3-1 3.1-Megapixel still picture recording with MEGA O.I.S. The S100 uses Panasonic's proprietary Quad-Density Pixel Distribution technology to convert the image signal. Providing four times the pixel density when recording still images, this technology lets the S100 capture a 3.1-megapixel (2048 x 1512) still image. PictBridge, the standard for direct printing, lets you connect the S100 directly to a printer and print out beautiful photos easily. It's hard to hold a small camera perfectly still, so hand-shake can be a problem. This is especially true in shooting video, where even slight shaking as you follow a moving subject can result in blurry images. That's why the S100 features Panasonic's O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer). This system works not only for the moving pictures but also for the still images as MEGA O.I.S. The settings automatically change when you're recording a still image, providing dou-ble* the compensation effect.

*Panasonic comparison
3-2 High picture quality wide mode (16:9) and 2.8” wide LCD To shoot moving pictures that look spectacular on a wide-screen TV, the S100 uses the same 16:9 aspect ratio as wide-screen TVs right from the recording stage, and it minimizes the vertical zoom ratio to boost vertical resolution. There's virtually no picture quality degradation, so you get beautiful images and all the excitement of a wide screen. The S100 also features a wide, 2.8" LCD, making it easier to frame shots in the wide-screen 16:9 format. Of course, you can frame shots for viewing on a conventional 4:3 TV as well. Whichever you select, you can rest assured that the recordings will be beautiful.

3-3 Simple and easy operation for anyone
The main control buttons are arranged symmetrically for easy single-handed operation with either right or left hand. With its compact size and ergonomic design, the S100 is easy for just about anyone to use. With the mode dial, the S100 is so simple in design that you can do most operations with a single thumb. When you're recording, the LCD monitor shows a number of operations you can select with One-Touch Navigation. You can make settings and control a number of operations without taking your eyes off the subject. In addition, a press of the Power LCD button brightens the display, making it easier to view outdoors or in bright lighting. The S100's Intelligent AI LCD automatically determines the brightness of the scene you're focusing on, and adjusts the backlight accordingly in real-time.

Panasonic SDR-S100 Video Camera Specification: