Panasonic HDC-HS60

Playback (6.0)

This switch allows you to move from playback to video or photo mode.

Since the HDC-HS60 has a touch-screen LCD, it shouldn't be too difficult to figure out the camcorder's playback controls. When you switch over to playback mode (via the mode switch on the back of the camcorder) you'll see all of your videos arranged as thumbnails. You can organize these clips by date, what media they're stored on (internal HDD or a memory card), or you can select to view photos you have taken with the HDC-HS60. Pushing the zoom toggle will alter how many thumbnail images are displayed in this playback window.

When you begin playback of a video clip, which you do by tapping its thumbnail image on the LCD, a row of VCR controls appears on the bottom of the screen. This isn't the best setup for VCR controls as it blocks a significant portion of the video you are trying to watch. Unfortunately, the HDC-HS60 doesn't ship with a wireless remote control, so you're stuck using the touch-screen buttons during playback.

Thumbnail display in playback mode		The VCR controls don't work very well as touch-screen buttons.

The playback menu has some basic editing features like dividing, deleting, or copying clips. You can also setup a highlight playback, which allows the camcorder to automatically select portions of your clips and edits them into a short video—complete with music, if you want it. Highlight playback is actually a common feature on consumer camcorders these days, and while it may be entertaining the first few times you try it, it's an ultimately lackluster feature.

Connectivity (3.25)

Most of the ports on the HDC-HS60 are located on the left side of the camcorder (inside the LCD cavity). Here you'll find the HDMI, USB, and AV Multi terminals—all of which are unprotected when the LCD panel is opened. The AV Multi port is a proprietary connection that works with the dual AV and Component cable that ships with the HDC-HS60. The memory card slot is also located here, and it is protected by a flexible, hinged cover.

From left to right: HDMI, USB, and AV Multi terminal

Swinging over to the right side of the camcorder, you'll find the DC-input. This port is covered by a thick, hard-plastic cover that offers strong protection. This dedicated DC-input is also a huge improvement over previous Panasonic models that either put the DC-input inside the battery compartment, or forced you to use a wired battery pack that connected to an AC adapter. Thank you, Panasonic!!

DC-input

As with most Panasonic camcorders, the HDC-HS60 offers Viera Link control. Viera Link is a Panasonic proprietary system that allows you to control compatible devices with a single remote control. So, if you have a Panasonic HDTV that is compatible with Viera Link, you can use that TV remote to control the HDC-HS60. We know this feature isn't a big deal, but we thought we should mention it nonetheless.

SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot

	Panasonic HDC-HS60	Panasonic HDC-HS20	Canon HF M31	JVC GZ-HD620
AV (Composite, RCA)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HDMI	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Component	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
USB	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Audio Input (3.5mm)	No	No	Yes	No
Headphones	No	No	Yes (shares with AV)	No
Accessory Shoe	No	No	Yes (Canon mini proprietary)	No
FireWire	No	No	No	No
S-Video	No	No	No	No
LANC (Wired Remote)	No	No	No	No
Card Slot	SD/SDHC/SDXC	SD/SDHC	SD/SDHC	MicroSD
DC Power	Yes	Yes (via battery adapter)	Yes	Yes
Wi-Fi	No	No	No	No
GPS	No	No	No	No
Docking Station	No	No	No	No

Panasonic HDC-HS60 Comparisons
Panasonic HDC-HS20	Canon HF M31	JVC GZ-HD620