Panasonic HC-X900M HD Camcorder, 1/4.1" 3MOS Sensor, Leica Dicomar 29.8mm Lens, 3.0" LCD Display, 12x Optical Zoom, 32GB Flash Memory, USB 2.0, Black

The Panasonic HC-X900M High Definition Camcorder (Black) sports a long list of desirable features that include: 1920 x 1080/60p recording, clear 5.1-channel surround sound recording with Wind Noise cancelling function, 32GB of built-in memory, the ability to record in 3D (with optional 3D lens) and a 3-sensor 3MOS sensor system. So, you've got the capability to produce extravagant, detailed, beautiful images under almost any circumstances.

The Panasonic's proprietary 3MOS is a 3-sensor CMOS that adds up to 9.15MP (3 x 3.05MP). These sensors work together with the Crystal Engine PRO II, a fast processor which writes large HD files to memory quickly and efficiently. It also allows for high-res zooming when exceeding the optical range. In addition, the engine works to reduce image noise, rendering beautiful, lifelike images. These two work together to produce 1080/60p footage. The "p" means progressive; when recording in a progressive frame rate the footage captured is more vibrant and detailed than an interlaced (or "i") HD recording. In the world of consumer camcorders, 1080p is the gold standard.

Of course the sensor and engine wouldn't be able to do their job without a high-quality lens. The HC-X900M comes with a 29.8mm f/1.5 Leica Dicomar lens and 12x optical zoom range. It also features a manual ring which can be used for more precise control of focus, zoom, exposure, shutter speed and white balance. HYBRID O.I.S. (optical image stabilization) keeps your shots steady when hand-holding the camera. It reduces the effects of hand-shake for an easy-to-view, clean shot.

Other superb tools of the HC-X900M include a very generous 3.5" touch screen 3D LCD display. This screen provides you with options like, "Touch Zoom" and "Touch Shutter". The zoom function allows you to zoom in by dragging your finger across the LCD. The shutter function enables instant touch focus on a particular subject in the frame and the option to switch to still-image shooting. The camera also features 5.1 channel Dolby Surround Sound recording and 5 built-in electret condenser microphones. You can capture true Surround Sound that targets your subject, while minimizing wind and extraneous sounds.

In addition, the HC-X900M allows you to record in 3D, using the optional VW-CLT2 3D Conversion Lens. Your 3D videos can then be played back on any 3D TV that is compatible with the side-by-side method. Still images of up to 16MP can be captured with the HC-X900M and a dedicated iA mode will automatically switch to 1 of 5 scene modes for optimized capture. The HC-X900M has loads of shooting controls, like face detection and Intelligent Auto, which help to take the guesswork out of video recording. These controls will allow you to keep the recording process simple, so you can focus on the moment and not fussing with camera settings.

Other features include microphone and headphone connections, an extendable electronic viewfinder and a cold shoe for mounting optional accessories. When it comes time to share what you've shot, the HC-X900M provides you with various options as well, from editing software that lets you upload to the web to a fun in-camera playback feature.