Panasonic announced the new VDR-D400, DVD camcorder that boasts, for the first time, 20x optical zoom. You read that right: 20x optical zoom. This 3CCD DVD video cam delivers high image quality even at max zoom because the camera incorporates anti-blur techniques.Video is recorded using MPEG2 compression, while the 3CCD system guarantees beautiful color reproduction. For those looking to take digital still images, you get an impressive 3.1 megapixel for still images.Compatible with DVD-RAM/-R/-RW, videos can be stored on SD memory cards as well. Panasonic was one of the first companies to come out with 10x optical zoom with the VDR-D300, and with the D400, they have upped the ante. Bundled software include DVD MovieAlbum SE 4.2 and DVDfunStudio 2.4 (it's a pity these applications are not available on the Mac). The cam offers a USB 2.0 connection to your PC.Pricing has not been announced yet. The Panasonic VDR-D400 DVD video camera will start selling in Japan starting September 1, 2006.