Jump to a part

Panasonic AG-HMC40

Camcorder Review

December 04, 2009 By Jeremy Stamas 36 Comments (add your own)

This review is organized into 18 pages

Next: Page 1

Introduction

With an MSRP of $2295, the AG-HMC40 is one of the cheapest and smallest professional camcorders on the market. Its features and controls may be lacking compared to the other pro models we’ve reviewed, but its low price—along with its ability to record to regular SD/SDHC memory cards—makes it an intriguing product.

Canon XH A1S Compare

Sony HDR-FX1000 Compare

Canon XL H1A Compare

This review is organized into 18 pages
Page 1 Product Tour Lens hood and handlebar are easily removable. Camcorder has a cheap, hollow feel. Read More...	Page 2 Color & Noise Performance Color accuracy and saturation levels were excellent in bright light; noise levels were decent. No manual noise reduction settings. Read More...	Page 3 Motion & Sharpness Performance Good motion rendering; 24p and 30p frame rates are useful. Video sharpness results were disappointing. Read More...
Page 4 Low Light Performance Decent noise levels in auto mode. Abysmal low light performance with 0dB gain setting. Read More...	Page 5 Audio The XLR adapter terminal offers some extra versatility, but there are no onboard XLR terminals. The built-in mic is poorly placed. Read More...	Page 6 Compression & Media Lots of frame rate and video resolution options for recording video. Only one SD/SDHC card slot; no standard definition recording options. Read More...
Page 7 Manual Controls Good amount of color and image controls. Many controls are only adjustable using the LCD touchscreen; gain can only be set when aperture is fully open. Read More...	Page 8 Still Features Native 8-megapixel still photos; lots of image size options. Still images had too much noise. Read More...	Page 9 Handling & Use Very light and compact for a pro camcorder; electronic viewfinder is comfortable to use. LCD is too small; touchscreen interface isn't good for adjusting manual controls; not enough dials or switches for quick adjustments. Read More...
Page 10 Playback & Connectivity The XLR adapter terminal is useful, but playback features are limited. Read More...	Page 11 Other Features Interval record can be good for shooting sunsets or blooming flowers. Pre-record uses up battery life rather quickly. Read More...	Page 12 Canon XH A1S Comparison We compare the AG-HMC40 to the XH A1S. Read More...
Page 13 Sony HDR-FX1000 Comparison We compare the AG-HMC40 to the HDR-FX1000. Read More...	Page 14 Canon XL H1A Comparison We compare the AG-HMC40 to the XL H1A. Read More...	Page 15 Conclusion Read our final conclusion of the Panasonic AG-HMC40. Read More...
Page 16 Photo Gallery A gallery of photos of the Panasonic AG-HMC40 Read More...	Page 17 Specs and Ratings See all the scores for the Panasonic AG-HMC40. Read More...	Part 18 Comments Read what people are saying about the Panasonic AG-HMC40 Add Your Comments