Panasonic HX-WA10

February 15, 2011 | Zoltan Arva-Toth | Digital Video Cameras | 13 Comments |
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The Panasonic HX-WA10 is a waterproof pistol-grip camcorder that records Full HD videos and 16-megapixel stills. Highlights of the new camcorder include a 5x optical zoom, a 2.7” wide TFT LCD monitor, a pair of stereo microphones and SDXC support. Movies are stored in MPEG-4 format, and the included HD Writer VE 1.0 software enables hassle-free videao uploads to Facebook and YouTube. Price and availability to be announced.

Panasonic Press Relase

New Waterproof Full-HD Camcorder HX-WA10 enables users to shoot both photos and videos in high quality.

Panasonic today announced the release of the new waterproof Full-HD Camcorder HX-WA10, which allows easy, effortless photo and video shooting. The WA10 is also optimized for shooting outdoors and in rainy weather. It captures stunning, detailed images with Full-HD 1920x1080 resolution, thanks to Backside Illumination (BSI) technology for shooting in dimly lit conditions, and 16-megapixel still image recording with top-class digital camera quality. This lets users easily enjoy authentic HD shooting in a wide range of situations.

The MPEG-4 AVC file format (MP4) is convenient for uploading and editing images with a PC or the Internet. Blog and SNS handles are also easily used. Operation of the WA10 is very very easy thanks to the included HD Writer VE 1.0 software, which is compatible with both YouTube and Facebook, With the release of this new multi functional camcorder, Panasonic offers users the ability to shoot Full-HD videos and high-resolution photos, even during rugged outdoor, recreational and everyday activities.

Some of the new video features of the new HX-WA10 include:

Waterproof for Active Shooting
The WA10 can be used to a depth of 3 meters underwater for up to 60 minutes4/5 complying with IPX8 standards.

4. Must be placed in dry conditions for more than 10 minutes after being used in water for 60 minutes.
5. This doesn’t guarantee no destruction, no malfunction, or waterproofing in all conditions.

Bright and Stunning Full-HD Video Shooting with BSI Sensor
The BSI (Backside Illumination) sensor technology has improved the sensitivity of the CMOS sensor, making it possible to shoot images with high-resolution Full-HD quality even in dimly lit areas. Full-HD video (1920 x 1080 pixels) can also be captured in all kinds of year-round outdoor conditions, not only in the rain or while swimming in a pool or the ocean, but also during marine sports6 such as snorkelling and surfing, and winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. The PC-friendly MPEG-4 AVC file format (MP4) makes it super easy to load and edit data with a PC. It’s also hassle-free to directly upload video clips to YouTube or Facebook with the included application after editing.

6. When using the camera in sub-zero or hot and humid conditions, be careful of condensation.

16-Megapixel Still Image Recording – Highest Class Resolution among Compact Digital Cameras
The WA10 captures 16-megapixel photos, in addition to Full-HD video shooting. By separating photo and video capture buttons: images can be captured by using only the thumb to press the desired button, without having to change modes. By pressing the still image button, even while shooting a movie will produce a photo with resolution of up to 2 megapixels.7
7. Varies depending on the Movie mode used for shooting.

Other features of the WA10 include:

- Stylish, easy-to-hold vertical design
- 2.7 -inch wide TFT LCD monitor
- Capable of shooting faraway subjects with an optical 5x zoom/12x Advanced zoom for movie recording.
- Blur-free shooting with E.I.S (Electrical Image Stabilizer)
- Automatic optimal settings with iA (Intelligent Auto) mode8/9
- Captures faces beautifully with Face Detection
- Clearly records sound with stereo microphones
- MP4 recording for easy PC networking
- Mini HDMI Terminal10 for enjoying even more beautiful Full-HD resolution
- Compatible with large-capacity recording media SDXC memory card
- Rechargeable via USB port: High-power mode

8. iA includes 4 settings: Face detection/Intelligent Scene Selector/Intelligent Contrast Control/AF and AE Tracking
9. The functions included in iA may not be applied when conditions do not call for them.
10. An HDMI mini cable is not included.

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#1 Sergio

Panasonic or Sanyo?

4:45 pm - Tuesday, February 15, 2011

#2 Tunngavik

It clearly states Panasonic on the device.

6:34 pm - Tuesday, February 15, 2011

#3 Sergio

Same specs as Sanyo Xacti VP-CA102. Same shape. Same product. But Sanyo is not a World wide famous brand as Panasonic.

6:55 pm - Tuesday, February 15, 2011

#4 Michael

Actually, the Sanyo VPC-CA102 is 14 megapixel, not 16 as this is, and also the Sanyo does not have a back-lit CMOS as this does. Clearly this is an improvement over the Sanyo spec-wise although time will tell as to weather the video quality is improved or not. Otherwise aesthetically they are twins!

11:18 pm - Tuesday, February 15, 2011

#5 Peter

fyi
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8405757.stm

4:07 am - Wednesday, February 16, 2011

#6 Sergio

Hello, I have a CA-102, and, altough Sanyo has 14 Megapixel as default, there is a 16 Megapixel option on Menu. In the specification it's indicated CMOS sensor, but there is no information if it is back-lit or not.

12:15 pm - Wednesday, February 16, 2011

#7 Dave

Any idea how this will compare to the sony tx-10 coming out next month

3:07 pm - Wednesday, February 16, 2011

#8 Christian Guerreiro

This looks like a great little camcorder. The underwater feature would come in handy for my next holiday abroad! Not badly priced either.

11:13 am - Thursday, February 17, 2011

#9 Dave

Re panasonic hx-wa10, does anyone know what lens is on this camera? With a 5x magnification, I wonder how telescopic it is and if it will shoot stills at maximum telephoto?
Dave

9:50 pm - Thursday, April 14, 2011

#10 Tim

does anyone know whether the Panasonic HX-WA10 & HX-DC1 can be mounted on a tripod ?? THanks

5:46 pm - Monday, June 27, 2011

#11 Ismo

Just bought this camera and yes there is a tripod mount at the bottom of WA10.

8:04 pm - Sunday, July 31, 2011

#12 Alvaro

I've had this camera for about 6 months now, it is very good, BTW Panasonic bought Sanyo, so they upgraded their Xacti, and I must say it is better. It films incredibly, the photos are pretty good but for a 16 megapixel it should be much better IMO.

12:41 pm - Tuesday, February 7, 2012

#13 Luigino Bonetto

I have bought this videocamera HX-WA10 with S/W HD Writer VE 1.0 included. After the installation,the S/W has captured all the pitctures in the memory.
Could you please send me why for each picture i got at least 2 other pictures different in size?
Can I have a description of the working filosofy of this S/W?
Many thanks in advace.
L.Bonetto

2:21 pm - Monday, March 5, 2012