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Introduction
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01.Design
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02.Product Tour
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03.Performance
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04.Color Performance
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05.Low Light Performance
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06.Motion Performance
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07.Sharpness Performance
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08.Sample Videos
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09.Usability
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10.Ease of Use
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11.Handling
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12.Controls
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13.Features
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14.Recording Options
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15.Hardware
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16.Other Features
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17.Canon HF S100 Comparison
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18.Panasonic HDC-TM300 Comparison
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19.Sony HDR-XR520V Comparison
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20.Conclusion
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21.Photo Gallery
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22.Specs & Ratings
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23.Comments
Canon Vixia HV40
Previous: Page 17
Canon HF S100 ComparisonNext: Page 19
Sony HDR-XR520V ComparisonPanasonic HDC-TM300 Comparison
The only tape-based camcorders currently manufactured by Panasonic record standard definition video. The company’s HD models all either record to flash memory (like the HDC-TM300) or an internal hard drive (like the HDC-HS300). The TM300 offers the same benefits with workflow that any flash-memory based camcorder will give you. In this regard, it is really no different from the Canon HF S100, except the TM300 contains 32GB of internal memory.
So, lets look at how the TM300 stacks up against the HV40 based on performance, handling, and control. The HDC-TM300 did exceptionally well in most of our tests, making it one of the strongest camcorders of 2009. It beat out the HV40 in most categories, although the two camcorders had very similar video sharpness scores. The Panasonic HDC-TM300 also has more manual controls than the HV40, a splendid lens ring for making manual adjustments, and a number of new ‘intelligent Auto’ features that make use of Panasonic’s touchscreen LCD.
If you ignore any bias you may have about recording media, the HDC-TM300 is a much better camcorder than the HV40. It has better performance, it’s easier for beginners, and it feels a whole lot more comfortable in the hand. It also includes a better viewfinder than the HV40 (Panasonic’s can extend), and its stabilization system worked more effectively in our testing. If you’re going to spring for a flash-memory camcorder, the HDC-TM300 is the best one on the market right now. It is a good deal more expensive than the HV40 (roughly $300 more), but it is worth the extra cash.
Update: The Panasonic HDC-TM300 was ultimately selected as our 2009 Camcorder of the Year. To see why we selected it and read about our other awards, check out the 2009 CamcorderInfo.com Select Awards.
Shop for the Canon HV40
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$1,499.991Canon Vixia HF G10
With the Vixia HF G10 ($1499 MSRP), Canon's latest flagship camcorder, the company decided to use a completely different image sensor with a smaller amount of pixels. If you check out the results from our performance testing, you'll quickly see the change paid off—particularly in low light situations. Read full 5-part review
$1,499.99Any TypeConsumerAny Media TypeInternal Flash Memory -
$1,099.002Panasonic HDC-TM900
The Panasonic HDC-TM900 is the successor to the lauded HDC-TM700, our pick for Camcorder of the Year in 2010. The TM900 offers the same fantastic video performance as its predecessor, particularly with its widely-praised 1080/60p mode, but Panasonic didn't improve on much else. Read full 5-part review
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$999.003Panasonic HC-X900M
The HC-X900M is the replacement for last year's HDC-TM900 flagship HD camcorder from Panasonic, but if you're looking for hot new features or exciting updates then you should prepare to be disappointed. Other than a few design alterations and some slight tweaks to the lens and sensor, the HC-X900 is identical to its predecessor. Read full 5-part review
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$599.994Canon Vixia HF M40
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$1,499.005Sony Handycam HDR-TD10
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Features
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An Introduction to High Definition Video.
Understand what’s going on in the world of HD camcorders so you can make sense of it all and make an informed decision on your next purchase. Read More...
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Our awards for the best camcorders in 2010. Read More...
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The Student Filmmaker's Buying Guide To Consumer Camcorders
For the student filmmaker, finding the right camcorder can be a very arduous task. This article goes through the best consumer camcorders on the market for the student filmmaker, and all of these models can be found for $1500 or less. Read More...
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Video Editing Software For Your Camcorder
Most consumer camcorders come with some kind of editing program, but the quality of this provided software can range drastically. This article offers an overview and critique for these editing programs. Read More...
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