Panasonic's new SDR-S26 is a camcorder with a 70x optical ultra-zoom lens. The Panasonix S26 features a system which uses gyro sensors to reduce the effect of hand-shake to accompany its 70x zoom.

The Panasonic SDR-S26 will automatically engage features such as the O.I.S. (stabilizing system mentioned above) and face detection along with an automatic scene mode. The Panasonic S26 records onto an SDHC/SD memory card, making it lighter than a camcorder with an internal HDD.

Starting up in only 0.8 seconds, the S26 offers software for easy upload to YouTube and copies made onto DVDs.

Easy YouTube Upload – This convenient function makes it fast and easy to upload video clips to YouTube.com for easy sharing. Simply install VideoCam Suite software that comes with the model and connect to a PC using the USB interface.

Easy Copy to DVD – Most people use their camcorders for three main purposes: to shoot, play, and archive video recordings. They want each of these functions to be as easy as possible. This feature lets the user save data onto DVDs without all the fuss.

The Quick Start function allows the Panasonic S26 camcorder to begin recording just 0.8 second from the time the LCD is opened and this around a third of 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 - all in clear MPEG2 DVD quality.

The Panasonic S26 camcorder offers a function that simplifies the process of copying recordings from the Memory Card or hard disk drive to a DVD. Simply connect the Panasonic S26 camcorder to a VW-BN1 DVD Burner (optional) and press the button. No PC is required. A DVD disc created this way can be easily played directly from a DVD player.

The powerful 70x optical ultra-zoom lens is supported by Panasonic's advanced O.I.S. system which reduces the effect of hand-shake even when subjects are zoomed to maximum magnification. Gyro sensors detect hand shake, and the advanced O.I.S. shifts the lens to correct the optical axis and repeats this detection and correction process about 4,000 times per second. This superb correction performance, which produces sharp, clear motion images far better than electronic image stabilization systems, is critical for a camcorder with such a long and powerful zoom. 

The powerful 70x optical ultra-zoom lens is supported by Panasonic's advanced O.I.S. system which reduces the effect of hand-shake even when subjects are zoomed to maximum magnification. Gyro sensors detect hand shake, and the advanced O.I.S. shifts the lens to correct the optical axis and repeats this detection and correction process about 4,000 times per second. This superb correction performance, which produces sharp, clear motion images far better than electronic image stabilization systems, is critical for a camcorder with such a long and powerful zoom. 

The Panasonic SDR-S26 is an entry-level, compact camcorder that weighs just 300 grams.