Panasonic SW20
MOST home cinematographers treat their video cameras like another family member, cooing and coddling them and protecting them from harm.
But Panasonic’s new baby requires no such treatment.
The Panasonic SW20 camcorder is designed for rough treatment. It’s shockproof to 1.2m (this was so much fun to test) and waterproof to 1.5m. Yes, you read that right. Waterproof.
You can strap this video camera to your wrist, strap a body board to the other, and dash out into the sea, camera rolling. This truly beats covering an existing camcorder in an unwieldy plastic case or zooming in from the shore.
Technically, you’re only supposed to keep it underwater for up to 30 minutes, and you risk making it a paperweight if you dive below 1.5m or open its battery/SD memory card compartment with wet hands.
The SW20 is also exceedingly cute, with retro styling and pockmarked rubber casing for easy grip underwater.
Downsides? There are a few. The video it captures is standard definition, and its screen is reflective and a reasonably poor resolution. It’s not very well suited to making videos on dry land, despite its snorkelling skills.
Gadget good: One of the cheapest underwater cameras around, compact size, perfect for beach holidays.
Gadget bad: Footage isn’t fantastic on dry land, average screen.
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