Panasonic SDR-SW20 / SW20E

201 reviews

Apr, 2024

Positive
usability (107)
portability (80)
size (44)
price (21)
durability (17)

Negative
image quality (26)
battery (17)

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 201 reviews of Panasonic SDR-SW20 / SW20E. The average rating for this product is 3.5/5, compared to an average rating of 4.0/5 for other Camcorders for all reviews. People really like the durability and price. The size and portability also get good comments, whereas some have doubts about the battery and image quality.

usability, portability, size, price, durability

image quality, battery

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Camcorders the Panasonic SDR-SW20 / SW20E is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 85/100 = Very good quality.

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Review analysis

(Based on 201 reviews)

Expert Reviews

User Reviews

Review Ratings

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Showing 1 - 107 of 141 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (59)

Consumer review (amazon.co.uk)

Amazon.co.uk review summary for Panasonic SDR-SW20 / SW20E

alaTest has collected and analyzed 22 user reviews of Panasonic SDR-SW20 / SW20E from Amazon.co.uk. The average user rating for this product is 3.6/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.0/5 for other Camcorders on Amazon.co.uk. People are impressed by the durability. The usability also gets good views, whereas there are some critical views about the price and battery.

portability, usability, durability

size, image quality, battery, price

68% of the reviews on Amazon.co.uk give this product a positive rating.

Apr, 2024

Consumer review (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Panasonic SDR-SW20 / SW20E

alaTest has collected and analyzed 75 user reviews of Panasonic SDR-SW20 / SW20E from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 3.6/5, compared to an average user rating of 3.9/5 for other Camcorders on Amazon.com. Reviewers are impressed by the battery and price. The size and portability also get good reviews. Some have doubts about the image quality.

usability, portability, size, price, battery

image quality

84% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Apr, 2024

Expert review by : Joshua Goldman (cnet.com)

Panasonic SDR-SW20 review: Panasonic SDR-SW20

Panasonic SDR-SW20

Waterproof to 5 feet with decent results.

Poor performance and image quality; insecure handstrap; relatively expensive.

The Panasonic SDR-SW20's only saving grace is its water-, shock-, and dust-proof body (and even those have limitations). Otherwise, there's no reason to buy this pocket camcorder.

Oct, 2008

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Expert review by (electronicsme.com)

Panasonic SDR-SW20

If you're an extreme sports person and want a camcorder to stand up to some punishment, then the SW20 can hold its own. However, prepare for detail to be minimal in low light, but great when the sun is shining. Plan on using this footage on a DVD, with...

Easy to download with only a USB cordSturdy, can be dropped up to 4 feet with no damageWaterproof to 5 feet for 30 minutesPerfect for the active outdoor personCool to have, looks sharp

While I am a huge fan of standard definition camcorders, there is no bias..

Dec, 2008

Partner Source

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Expert review by : Michael Perlman (camcorderinfo.com)

Panasonic SDR-SW20 Camcorder Review

The Panasonic SDR-SW20 ($399 MSRP) is an extremely compact camcorder designed for underwater use. Eschewing a traditional look and feel, the SDR-SW20 has a rough-textured finish that should make it easier to grip in the undercurrents. Shooting in...

Apr, 2008

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Expert review by : BrileyKenney (brighthub.com)

Waterproof Camcorders

Forget Home Videos, that was the old trend. Now It's Underwater Videos with brand new waterproof camcorders. They work great for those vacationing families always on the go and can also take great pictures and videos on that ocean cruise you're...

Oct, 2008

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Expert review by : Michael Perlman (washingtonpost.com)

Panasonic SDR-SW20

With a single 1/6-inch CCD (gross pixel count of 640,000), don't expect much. In fact, our testing showed the SDR-SW20's video quality to be quite poor. Low resolution and excessive graininess were the biggest problems. Colors appeared dull even under...

Panasonic has a clearly marked Auto mode on all its camcorders, which allows for simple point-and-shoot operation. Given the target audience of carefree vacationers, most shooters will keep the SDR-SW20 keep it locked up in Auto mode. Fortunately, the...

Jul, 2008

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Expert review by : Michael Perlman (reviewed.com)

Panasonic SDR-SW20

Apr, 2008

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Expert review by : Consumer Electronics Net (consumerelectronicsnet.com)

Water-proof camcorder captures to SDHC memory cards

Camcorders that will work in hostile places can tend to be very expensive. Sun, snow, dust, rain and humidity can all affect the ability to shoot by varying degrees, and the protection that needs to be afforded in the form of specialized housings can...

Mar, 2008

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Expert review by : David Hague (consumerelectronicsnet.com)

Panasonic SDR SW20 camcorder

The Panasonic SDR SW20 does not pretend to be a full blast underwater camera; at a maximum rated depth of 1.5 metres, this is way out of the range a dedicated SCUBA diver wants or needs. But for the shooter who wants a go-anywhere, small and tough...

Mar, 2008

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Expert review by : Good Gear Guide.au (goodgearguide.com.au)

Expert Review

For a first-time attempt at an underwater camcorder, the SDR-SW20 is a fairly solid performer. If you already own a camcorder, it will suit perfectly well as a secondary unit for oceanic holidays.

Waterproof/shock-proof/dust-proof design, underwater footage is surprisingly clear, cheap asking price

No hand strap hampers on-land shooting, screen is too reflective, swapping SD cards can be difficult in wet conditions

Jan, 2009

Partner Source

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Expert review by : James Morris (trustedreviews.com)

Panasonic SDR-SW20 Waterproof Camcorder

Panasonic's SDR-SW20 reaches the parts other camcorders cannot reach.

The SDR-SW20 has few competitors. In fact, its main opposition will be a regular camcorder with a waterproof casing accessory, which is unlikely to be as small and convenient. Even FlipVideo's Ultra is around the same size with its watertight...

Jul, 2008

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