Panasonic HDC-SD90 Review

PC Advisor complimented the Panasonic HDC-SD90 for its good build quality and ergonomics, and they say the touchscreen controls were intuitive to operate. The feature set is pretty good and the lens is nice and bright with good reach, but the price is rather high and the glossy plastic like case is not particularly appealing.

"Editor's Choice"

MacWorld was more than happy with the quality and performance of the SD90. They especially loved its solid construction, remarking that it was on par with the semi-enthusiast offering from Canon. It also boasted great ergonomics and reviewers found its touchscreen was a pleasure to use. They also liked its bright lens, decent zoom, and sizable feature set.

Described by the folks at FiveFwd as a 'brilliant little camera,' the Panasonic HDC-SD90 comes crammed with features. Reviewers were especially impressed to see a 40x optical zoom, AVCHD format, and the option of adding a 3D lens among its offerings. They also liked how easy it was to hold in the hand, remarking that it didn't cause their arms to ache at all.

"Hot Product"

Pocket-Lint think the Panasonic HDC-SD90 is a great entry-level camcorder, even without its 3D capabilities. They liked its sleek design and found it adaptable and comfortable to use, giving amateur film-makers a great chance to get creative. The 3D lens comes separately though, so the whole package can be a bit pricey, but Pocket-Lint think it's worth it for those who can afford it.

Value for money: 9 out of 10 points, "Recommended"

In TrustedReviews' opinion, the Panasonic HDC-SD90 is a great choice if you're on a budget, as it not only provides better or equal picture quality compared to similarly priced rivals, but also offers an impressive selection of features, which include a nice array of manual options, a 3.5mm minijack, manual audio level control and 3D compatibility.

ExpertReviews says that the Panasonic HDC-SC90 is a great choice if you're looking for a mid-range HD camcorder. The only problem is, that despite its outstanding image quality, easy use, exceptional zoom, and compact design, it's just too early to declare this the best of its kind. They recommend holding out if you can, until Sony and Canon release their models for the year.

TechRadar declares that one couldn't reasonably ask for more than what the Panasonic HDC-SD90 provides, describing it as hugely impressive and remarking that it has very few real failings. They say that its outstanding HD movie quality, 28mm wide-angle lens, responsive touchscreen, and generous array of manual features make it a great option for any low-budget filmaking fan.

Value for money: "very good" (5 out of 6 stars), "Recommended"

PC Pro says the Panasonic HDC-SD90 is a solid performer, boasting a light, portable design, a touchscreen, and a 3.5mm socket for an external microphone, along with an accessory shoe. Its images are also exceptional considering its price, with great image stabilisation and very good low-light 358t performance.

According to T3, Panasonic's HDC-SD90 is a user-friendly, mid-range camcorder that can receive a nice boost with the addition of a 3D lens. The 3D lens does add weight and length to the chassis though, and T3 say that connecting it could be simpler, and unfortunately you can't use the fantastic 40x Intelligent Zoom with it attached. Overall though, it's a well-priced package.