Panasonic SDR-SW20 / SW20E

201 reviews

Jun, 2025

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 are also mentioned favorably. There are some less positive opinions 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 86/100 = 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 140 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. Reviews about the durability and usability are on the whole positive, but many are less positive 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.

Jun, 2025

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. People are impressed by the battery and price. The size and portability also get good feedback, whereas there are some critical reviews about the image quality.

usability, portability, size, price, battery

image quality

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

Jun, 2025

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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Expert review by (stuff.tv)

Panasonic SDR-SW20 review

Panasonic's rugged camcorder is waterproof, dustproof, shockproof and idiot-proof. Is there anything it's afraid of?

Not the world’s most capable camcorder, but by far the toughest and most durable

Nov, 2008

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Expert review by (channel5.com)

Panasonic SDR-SW20

Recording underwater scenes? The Panasonic SDR-SW20 can help you out with your underwater shots. Its waterproof, compact body allows you to record unforgettable marine action that takes place as deep as 1.5 metres in seawater. Its shockproof feature...

Sep, 2008

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Expert review by : CB (simplydv.co.uk)

SimplyDV Review: Panasonic SDR-SW20 SDHC Camcorder

For years we've been telling people to keep their camcorders away from sand and water - only to find that Panasonic's SDR-SW20 is happy lying on a windy beach or swimming with the fish. Has the world gone mad?

The SDR-SW20 isn't what we might call a "serious videomaker's camcorder" but then again it isn't intended to be by any stretch of the imagination. What it is, though, is a lightweight, no-nonsense, video camera that you can take anywhere and shoot fun...

Apr, 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

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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 : Derek Fung (cnet.com.au)

Panasonic SDR-SW20

It goes underwater. Small, sleek design.

Fiddly controls. Average video quality.

The cool factor of waterproof gadgets is high, even when there's a subsequent trade-off in performance. Anyone going any deeper than snorkel depth will need to look elsewhere, but at least the price reflects the compromises made for that cheerily tough...

Oct, 2010

Partner Source

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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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