Moving images but not picture perfect

The Life: A new Panasonic camcorder can capture action in high-definition or 3D. We take it on a test drive.

The Panasonic HC-V700.

Higher-end digital cameras are increasingly popping up on smartphones, although camcorder makers are trying hard to keep their devices relevant and interesting enough to continue spurring standalone sales.

Some, including Sony and JVC, have packed the ability to record live action in high-definition (HD) and even 3D into their products.

Panasonic is another big brand in this corner of the consumer electronics market and has added six HD camcorders to its portfolio of products this year, including the HC-V700.

This model starts at US$599 (Dh2,200) and includes a number of handy features.

One of the more basic versions lets budding filmmakers use a touchscreen to zoom in and out of the action.

Another feature lets the user capture a still image while recording a live scene - or, switch modes so that the device essentially becomes a digital camera that can snap numerous photos.

A face-recognition mode is particularly interesting because it can register up to six people's faces and optimise the focus and exposure on them at the same time - as they move around within the frame of a shot. But during our test, it took three attempts before the faces would properly register.

The HC-V700 is able to record in 3D. But to do so you have to buy another piece of technology that mounts on the camcorder. And, once footage has been recorded in 3D, it can only be played back if it is plugged into a 3D-compatible TV - otherwise, it will show the video or images in 2D.

Another complaint with this model is it will not always play back regular 2D video on many computers.

Since it records in a format known as MTS, it requires downloading and using the right kind of software on a laptop or desktop.