Panasonic SDR-SW21

A waterproof and “Unbreakable” camcorder ?

Waterproof up to two meters deep and resistant to small waterfalls, the SDR – SW21 has everything from digital adventurer.

The Panasonic SDR-SW21 is a camcorder capable of withstanding a drop of 1.2 meters high. Waterproof, it is supposed to operate to a depth of 2 meters announced.

The expectations before test

The SDR- SW21 camcorder from Panasonic was designed to be both robust and waterproof . This small device indeed fist resist a fall of over one meter high , dust and could also be submerged under two meters of water. The rest is him more modest resolution of 704×576 pixels , features minimalist and 10x optical zoom. No high definition then . Let’s see if it still holds its promises , because it must still pay nearly 400 euros to acquire this little digital adventurer .

The reality

From the first contact , the SDR -SW21 packs. It was indeed for him to be compact ( 16x7x3 inches ) , lightweight ( 238 g ) and offer a quality finish and a remarkable strength . Robustness that we put in mind to experience .

Oops Beware the fall!

Let’s start by dropping the thing down. First fall shy on a carpeted floor , at a height of 80 cm . The camcorder fall away completely unscathed . The video stops automatically as it was his day . It repeats the test on the carpet and tile , this time to 1.2 m high . The outcome is the same in spite of a good bounce on the ground . While the display unfolded at the time of the fall was ” violently ” shut, we found no bruises. The screen hinges seem to resist this type of treatment , at least occasionally .
But do not push all the same: falling on hard ground always leave marks on the hull of the aircraft. To push a little more resistant to this simple test , we let the camera while we film at shoulder height , approximately 1.5 meters . Still nothing to report: the SDR -SW21 almost coming back for more .

It is the hour of diving

After the effort, comfort with a small sitting pool, where the pit is 2.50 m. A final check to make sure that all doors to protect the connectors (USB, charger and video ) and the memory card reader are securely locked. This is the case : diving dive with the camera in hand and triggered recording .
The conclusion is immediate, everything goes well . Behind our glasses , we can see the screen that the image is sharp . At two meters deep, no change, the device resists. Note also that Panasonic provides a small fluorescent orange buoy, which is attached to the camcorder, believed to make up this device if you escape the hands. So conclusive result for the mode pool. Let’s see what happens to the video playback.

The picture is good, sound destined to be doubled

Regarding the image quality , it is actually is a sensor in the presence of more conventional . Boarding a mono – CCD 0.8 million pixels, video 704×576 pixels aquatic net. Naturally, the colors are struggling to keep their luster  but it is quite normal.
It did not take place strictly on audio effects. Handle the camera under water generates a kind of muffled din not really uncomfortable, but without much interest. Anyway, this type of video – benefit – certainly a musical sound dubbing make things fun.

And with feet on the ground ?

Out of water, we always appreciates both the small handy size of this camcorder. Although lacking webbing to pass his hand on the right side of the camera , we managed to grasp it firmly. Triggers zoom, located on top of the device, respond well to pressure the . Dries to a fast zoom . Mild to tighten gradually topic . While we regret that this product is free of optical stabilization, it is not very complicated to maintain a stable picture given the power of 10x zoom.
Regarding quality, the CCD sensor 800,000 pixels, drowned in the noise when digital is filmed indoors and that there is a lack of light. Despite the wealth of scene modes , including automatic and manual modes to adjust the white balance, just to keep it beautiful colors and tingling is downright remarkable . Crushing all the details , we have no trouble believing that it is low resolution video . Thus it is not really enjoyable when the objective is anything but integrated wide-angle. The cameraman is forced to stand quite far from the subject he’s filming. A situation not always obvious, forcing many to use this camera in places where the decline is limited .
However , nothing to report on the side of her, you can enjoy a good quality stereo. Same for the videos shot outdoors.  This is not a panacea , but it recovers in sharpness , tingling disappears and the details are more visible this time .

The test and review conclusion

On the day of reckoning , we can only validate the claims of manufacturer. His camera is actually waterproof and resistant to falls . Despite this finding and its video quality in relatively good water , it is difficult to forgive the loss of significant quality indoors .
No choice of writing for this product certainly entertaining and original , but made to pay dearly for leaks and strength (400 euros).