The Panasonic SDR-SW20 may be compact. And with the ability to record straight to SD cards, it may be even easier to use. But one thing is isn’t, is a quality camcorder experience. In fact, it’s downright average.
What’s really a shame is that while the SDR-SW20 incorporates cool features like Dolby stereo and wide angle video, the quality of the image is so blah that one walks away feeling like those features are wasted. That instead of getting a better experience, you end up with simply more average. More “gray.”

The basic layout and design of the unit doesn’t help either. While Panasonic was obviously thinking of a compact pocket style camera that people can use on the go, it’s clear that whoever designed the unit doesn’t shoot video with it. For had they, it would be quickly evident that the camera is just plain uncomfortable to use. Buttons are placed at angles that only an designer would like, rather than an actually video enthusiast. It’s like the old adage that engineers don’t work on their cars, otherwise a car engine would make more sense.

A perfect example is the still shutter. Rather than placing the button in the natural top position, like every other camera on earth, Panasonic placed it at the back of the camera so that when you engage the still photo feature, you actually move the camera forward. This translates into camera shake, whereas a top mounted button would have the natural resistance of the palm of one’s hand to push against. Video wise, even though it shoots in 16:9 wide angle, the quality of the video actually suffers as a result. So average and blah becomes even worse.

Another is the camera strap, which seems to be an afterthought. Almost as if someone pointed out after it was too late that a camera strap needed to be placed on the camera so that users could have more stability while taping. As such, a screw in strap that uses the tripod mount was obviously hastily added in order to give the user a strap with which to secure it in their hand. And even the “sinch” rubber slide won’t help when this strap loosens up. And that will equate to even more camera movement.
The only real thing the SDR-SW20’s got going for it is that it’s very rugged. It’s water resistant. I wouldn’t take it snorkeling mind you, but for around the pool it’s worth using so your nice video camera doesn’t get trashed with water. And with the ability to withstand a three foot drop, it’s also shock resistant.

So, in a world that’s heading warp speed into HiDefinition, the SDR-SW20 is the bland uncle of the SD world. It can take a lot of abuse, and so if you’re planning on videotaping a demolition derby, this may be the camera for you. But for those with high expectations, or for someone who wants to get that dangerous action shot and doesn’t mind trashing the camera, SDR-SW20 is nothing if not expendable.

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