Pocket cam doubles as a webcam- Panasonic HM-TA1 hi-def

Panasonic just introduced its first HD-resolution pocket camcorder. The HM-TA1, $170, has a wide angle lens, unusual for a pocket cam.

The HM-TA1 can operate as a computer's webcam (and used with IP-based video chat programs including Skype) when connected with the included USB extension cable.

In our initial look at a press sample of the HM-TA1, the quality of video recorded at 1920 x 1080 resolution and 30 frames per second, in the MPEG-4 AVC file format, was comparable to other HD pocket camcorders we've tested. Apple's iFrame video format is also supported.