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Introduction
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01.Product Tour
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02.Colour & Noise Performance
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03.Motion & Sharpness Performance
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04.Low Light Performance
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05.Compression & Media
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06.Manual Controls
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07.Still Features
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08.Handling & Use
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09.Playback & Connectivity
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10.Audio & Other Features
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11.Canon HF20 Comparison
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12.Sanyo VPC-HD2000 Comparison
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13.Sony MHS-CM1 Comparison
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14.Conclusion
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15.Photo Gallery
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16.Specs and Ratings
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17.Comments
Panasonic HDC-HS20
Previous: Part 11
Canon HF20 ComparisonNext: Part 13
Sony MHS-CM1 Comparison
Panasonic HDC-HS20 versus Sanyo VPC-HD2000
• Comparable in recording media, price, and features
• Sanyo far outperforms the Panasonic in everything but noise
• Completely different body design, but both are comfortable and easy to use
• The Panasonic is less confusing for beginners wanting to try out manual controls for the first time
• The Sanyo steps it up by including microphone and headphone jacks, plus more robust
still features and still performance
Once again, the Panasonic's greatest edge over the competition is its auto mode and Intelligent auto features. The Sanyo VPC-HD2000 can be a bit confusing to use, especially when you're delving through the complex menu system. For sheer video and still performance, however, the Panasonic doesn't even come close. The buttery smooth 60p video, brilliant colours, and excellent low light performance of the Sanyo make you think twice about spending the same amount of money for the HS20.
You also have more manual controls, microphone/headphone jacks, and an accessory shoe on the HD2000. Plus, many experienced videographers will prefer the joystick control to a touch screen interface. For intuitive, beginner-friendly use, the Panasonic is a solid choice. But for crystal clear video, it's difficult to pass on the Sanyo.
| Comparison Specs | ||
 |
 |
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| Panasonic HDC-HS20 | Sanyo VPC-HD2000 | |
| Price | £549 | £449 |
| Primary Recording Media | 80GB Hard Drive |
SD/SDHC memory card |
| Secondary Recording Media | None | None |
| Image Sensor | 1/6-inch CMOS | 1/2.5-inch CMOS |
| Effective Pixel Count | 1.17 megapixels (video) 1.17 megapixels (stills) |
5.31 megapixels (video) 8.0 megapixels (stills) |
| Mic Input | No | Yes, 3.5mm |
| LCD/Viewfinder | 2.7-inch LCD with 230,400-pixel resolution |
2.7-inch LCD with 230,000-pixel resolution |
| Weight | 327g (including battery) | 311g (including battery) |
| Dimensions | 67 x 64 x 127mm | 90 x 112.6 x 54.4mm |
| HD | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Zoom | 16x | 10x |
| Frame Rates | 1080/60i, Digital Cinema (24p) (not natively progressive) |
HD: 1080/60p, 1080/60i, 1080/30p, 720/30p SD: 240fps (448 x 336), 600fps (192 x 108) (native progressive) |
| Image Stabilisation | Optical | Digital |
| Scores | ||
| Panasonic HDC-HS20 | Sanyo VPC-HD2000 | |
| Colour | 7.87 | 10.06 |
| Noise | 9.9 | 9.53 |
| Video Sharpness | 7.97 | 10.59 |
| Low Light Sensitivity | 0.97 | 7.7 |
| Low Light Colour | 3.72 | 9.79 |
| Low Light Noise | 12.95 | 9.83 |
| Ease of Use | 7.25 | 5.5 |
| Battery Life | 87 min, 46 sec | 111 min, 36 sec |
| Stabilisation | 5.60 | 0.26 |
| Colour Error at 3000 lux Auto | |
 |
 |
| Panasonic HDC-HS20 4.45 Colour Error |
Sanyo VPC-HD2000 3.48 Colour Error |
| Required Illumination * |
 |
| * the lower the lux required, the better the performance |
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