Panasonic's D-Snap series of tiny, all-in-one gadgets started off as a novelty item that allowed users to take photographs, videos and listen to MP3 in a single device. When it was first introduced the D-Snap offered the convenience of an all-on-one device, but made severe compromises in terms of image quality and features.
That is about to change with the new D-Snap SV-AV50 and SV-AV35. Both new devices continue the D-Snap philosophy, but add broadcast-TV quality to its mix of capabilities. With the new D-Snaps, you will be able to capture 30fps (frames per second) MPEG4 video at 320 x 240 pixel resolution, or equivalent to what you get from regular TV programmes broadcast over the air.
In other words, you can now make your own TV show with a device that you can easily fit into the pocket of your jeans.
Another added feature is that both devices now come with the processing power and software to play back your favourite TV programmes, although only from an SD-Card memory card. So far, this only works with Panasonic's own DIGA DVD player that has a built in SD-Card slot. So TV programmes can be recorded with the DIGA on to the SD-Card and played back on the AV-50 or AV-35 while you're riding the MTR or the bus. Needless to say, you'll need a DIGA DVD player.
Like its predecessors, both can also take photos, which have now be upgraded to 2 mega-pixel images, listen to MP3s, and record from its built-in microphone.
One area that Panasonic has not been able to upgrade is the lens, which still doesn't have an optical zoom. Instead the AV-50 and AV-35 offer only a 2.5x digital zoom and the lens comes with a f4 aperture limit, which means it requires good lighting conditions to work properly. Yet, for something its size, both devices have a lot to offer - although it is unlikely to replace the digital camera or camcorder for serious imaging enthusiasts.