Panasonic HDC-HS9 Expert Reviews

alaTest has collected and analyzed 89 reviews from magazines and websites. Reviewers really like the design. The memory also impresses, but many are less positive about the control panel.

Design, Memory, Image, Appearance

Control panel, Interface, Battery, Usability

Experts rate this product 73/100 and users 82/100. We analyzed these ratings, the product age and more factors. Compared to other Camcorders, the Panasonic HDC-HS9 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 91/100 = Excellent quality.

Three years ago, the Panasonic HDC-HS9 would have been revolutionary, and its image-quality-to-price ratio would have impelled users to look past its limitations. Today, the camcorder is an also-ran on our comparison chart. Its most impressive ...

Compact size Affordable price

Disappointing image quality Poor low-light footage

Output jacks include component and composite video, USB, and HDMI ports. Unfortunately, the HDMI and DC power ports are located behind the battery, so accessibility is an issue. Working with video generated by the HDC-HS9 requires a fast modern ...

The HDC-HS9 delivers a decent image in bright light, but it's nothing to hold a parade for. Inside are three 1/6-inch CCDs, which is a downgrade from Panasonic's first-generation HDC-SD1, which had larger chips. Sharpness, color detail, and overall ...

The HDC-HS9's Auto mode suits most well-lit shooting environments. However, in lower light settings we noticed the auto focus faltering. For shooters who want a modicum of interaction with their camcorder but may not have a lot of shooting experience, ...

Panasonic deserves credit for its attempt at the HDC-HS9 ($999 MSRP). Featuring a 60GB hard disk drive and a three-chip CCD imaging system, the camcorder's most attractive feature may be its small size. The design suffers for its slim figure, however, ...

Overall, the Panasonic HDC-HS9 is a decent all-around camcorder, and has proved popular in the market, but fails to best address the needs of any particular audience. Better video performance can be found from the Canon HF10 and HF100 or Sony HDR-SR11 ...

Hi-def camcorders are shrinking so rapidly, they make singer Amy Winehouse seem positively plump. A great example is the new Panasonic HDC-HS9, a combination 60GB hard disk drive, SDHC...

Ample HD storage ; compact and lightweight

Poor video and still quality ; menu and icons need updating ; poorly placed joystick

The Panasonic HDC-HS9 ($1099 MSRP) is another of the manufacturer's third generation AVCHD camcorder. Nearly identical to the HDC-SD9, the HS9 adds a 60GB hard disk drive (HDD) and a hefty $300 price hike. It's a sleek, compact design that feels good ...

The Panasonic HDC-HS9 ($1099 MSRP) is another of the manufacturer's third generation AVCHD camcorder. Nearly identical to the HDC-SD9, the HS9 adds a 60GB hard disk drive (HDD) and a hefty $300 price hike. It's a sleek, compact design that feels good ...

The great news is that this is a slightly different version of the widely popular Panasonic HDC-SD9, which has been incredibly popular all around the world. While the HDC-SD9 is a very tiny package with tons of features it brings the huge disadvantage ...

It may not be a looker, but in all other respects this Panasonic is a stunning camera

THE HDC-HS9 is arguably the best high-definition camcorder in its price range and is highly recommended.

60GB of inbuilt memory, lightweight design, stunning 'full HD' video resolution, solid still images mode

No 3.5mm microphone or headphone jacks, directional stick requires two-handed operation, occasional noise issues

The HDC-HS9 is arguably the best high-definition camcorder in its price range; with the possible exception of its stablemate; the HDC-SD9. For our money, the HDC-HS9 comes out slightly on top due to its 60GB hard drive. Highly recommended.