Panasonic has announced a new video camera coming this fall, the HDC-SDX1. What’s unique about this camera is that unlike other Flash-based cameras, you’ll be able to use it as a web cam too.
The camera itself isn’t ground-breaking…it shoots HD video at 1920×1080 in the AVCHD format…like virtually all other HD cameras. But it only records at 17mbps (higher-end AVCHD cameras do 24mbps) and does not offer an external microphone jack. In other words, there’s lots of competition that beat it. But then there’s the web cam part, which competitors can’t match.
The HDC-SDX1 will be available in September for $499. So if you’re looking for a mid-priced HD camera that you can also use as a web cam, this might be it. Or you can choose from a plethora of competing cameras…with better features…in the same price range…and then spend $100 on a separate HD web cam.
hi dave, im so frustrated and dying on how can i use my panasonic HDC-DX1 as my webcam, i already surf the net for about 2 days without sleeping just to know how to set it up right. I have a firewire connected to a camcoder to a pc. But still it doesnt work, im dying pls help me out to use my panasonic HDC-DX1 as a webcam. i will be glad and the most happy women in the world if its make it right.
thanks,
paola
@Paola – Your cameras doesn’t have a Firewire port, it has a USB port, so you can’t use it as a web cam or to stream live video unless you install an HDMI capture card in your computer like this (and even then it still might not work):
http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/intensity/
oh wow..im so happy that i heared a response from you. So u mean my camcoder doesnt have a firewire port? yes i have usb port..lol..(sorry but i just know basic information for the pc and camcoder).
So u mean i need to install HDMI capture card? sorry i am being redundant i am so excited. By the way this is my first ever post.
i am here in the philippines so i need ur advice where can i get the HDMI capture card. Its just the HDMI capture card i need or anything else? again my camcoder is panasonic HDC-DX1.
davie, your making my dreams really come true..hope you can help me. MANY MANY THANKS IN ADVANCE.
hope to hear from you soon.
paola