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January 7, 2009 3:00 PM PST
Panasonic camcorders let you get a lot closer
(Credit:
Panasonic)
Part of Panasonic's CES 2009 product announcements is a triumvirate of camcorders featuring a 70x zoom lens. That's apparently a "world's first and most powerful" lens, though I'm still not sure this was something the average consumer was clamoring for.
The models featuring the new optical zoom are the standard-definition SDR-H80, the SDR-H90, and the SDR-S26. Hand-shake is a big issue with these megazoom lenses and Panasonic had the good sense to back these models with its advanced O.I.S. system, which reduces the effect. Gyrosensors detect shake and shift the lens to correct the optical axis, but it does it at about 4,000 times per second.
Selling for between $329.95 to $499.95, the camcorders will be available in April 2009.
Josh Goldman is a senior editor for CNET Reviews, covering digital cameras, camcorders, and related bits and pieces, along with writing the occasional laptop or software review. He doesn't have a podcast, newsletter, or CNET TV show, but you can follow him on Twitter if that's something you do. E-mail Josh. 
