Panasonic AG-HMC40 Camcorder Review

by Jeremy Stamas
Published on Dec 4, 2009 1:00 PM

Intro
 Product Tour
Color & Noise Performance Motion & Sharpness Performance
Low Light Performance Audio
Compression & Media Manual Controls
Still Features Handling & Use
Playback & Connectivity Other Features
Canon XH A1S Comparison Sony HDR-FX1000 Comparison
Canon XL H1A Comparison Conclusion
Photo Gallery Specs and Ratings


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.
    (Page 1 of 18) Product Tour

 

Section The Good The Bad
Product Tour Lens hood and handlebar are easily removable. Camcorder has a cheap, hollow feel.
Color & Noise Performance Color accuracy and saturation levels were excellent in bright light; noise levels were decent. No manual noise reduction settings
Motion & Sharpness Performance Good motion rendering; 24p and 30p frame rates are useful. Video sharpness results were disappointing.
Low Light Performance Decent noise levels in auto mode. Abysmal low light performance with 0dB gain setting.
Audio XLR adapter terminal offers some extra versatility. Built-in mic is poorly placed; no onboard XLR terminals
Compression & Media Lots of frame rate and video resolution options for recording video. Only one SD/SDHC card slot; no standard definition recording options
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.
Still Features Native 8-megapixel still photos; lots of image size options Still images had too much noise.
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
Playback & Connectivity XLR adapter terminal is useful. Playback features are limited
Other Features Interval record can be good for shooting sunsets or blooming flowers. Pre-record uses up battery life rather quickly.



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