Panasonic HDC-TM20 First Impressions Camcorder Review

The HDC-TM20 is one of Panasonic's entry-level high definition camcorders for 2009. For this year's models, the biggest changes seem to be from the three-CCD sensor array to a single CMOS sensor and the switch over to touch screen controls. This is also a new category for Panasonic; the TM camcorders are "twin memory" and record to both built-in flash memory and SD/SDHC memory cards.

Experienced videographers will lose much by making all manual adjustments on the touch screen, but that's also the same demographic that would be more likely to purchase the higher-end HDC-TM300 or its sister models. If you're considering the TM20, it's likely that portability, ease of use, and a lower price point are the more important features. In these regards, the TM20 might end up as an excellent choice—as long as the video performance isn't significantly downgraded in the process.

Lens & Sensor
The HDC-TM20 is equipped with a 16x Leica Dicomar lens optical zoom lens. Though the HDC-HS20, TM20, and SD20 seem to be replacements for last year's HDC-HS9 and HDC-SD9, Panasonic has switched from a three-CCD sensor array to a single CMOS sensor. This move has the potential to improve the line's low light performance, though we'll have to wait until we get a model into our labs before we can test that theory.

Front
The front of the HDC-TM20 continues the same basic design of the HDC-SD9. The primary addition is a large LED video light. The other features are simple carry-overs from last year's line: an LED record lamp, sensor, and flash. The lens enclosure is automatic—it opens when the camcorder is powered on.

The front of the HDC-TM20 is dominated by the lens.

Right
The right side of the HDC-TM20 is primarily a slip-free matte surface for aiding your grip on the camcorder. You also have the help of a wide synthetic hand strap—the same essential design that was in last year's models.

The right side of the HDC-TM20 is mostly bare.

Back
Panasonic has made a couple of slight changes to the back of the HDC-TM20, but none so valuable as removing the HDMI ports from inside the battery cavity. We've been befuddled by Panasonic's vexing port design for years... why place ports underneath the battery when there's plenty of real estate elsewhere? Unfortunately, they haven't crafted the perfect solution—our dystopian nightmare continues with the DC power input hiding beneath the battery. This means you can't charge the battery and use the camcorder at the same time... very disappointing.

Aside from the battery cavity, you'll also find a mode switch for alternating between still photography mode and video mode. A Record button rests beneath the natural position for most thumbs.

At least the only port remaining here is the DC power.

Left
The left side of the HDC-TM20 is a sleek profile. Above the LCD panel is a button for entering Intelligent Auto (iA) mode and a button for pre-recording. Inside the LCD cavity is a varied array of features. Up top there is a button for activating Optical Image Stabilization, followed by the playback speaker and buttons for entering manual mode and turning on the video light.

More importantly, Panasonic has finally wised up and transported the ports from their absurd placement inside the battery cavity to a more logical location here in the LCD cavity. Under a sliding cover, you'll find a composite AV output, proprietary component output, and mini-HDMI output. Below this compartment is a USB port, complete with a flimsy plastic port cover. Next to the USB port is an SD/SDHC card slot, which flips open via a small switch.

The LCD itself is 2.7 inches and—new for Panasonic—operated via touchscreen. Below the LCD are just two buttons: menu and delete. It's interesting that Panasonic chose not to include secondary record or zoom buttons.

The sleek profile of the HDC-TM20.	The new touch screen LCD and a cavity full of ports.

Top
The top is virtually identical to that of last year's models. The only real difference is aesthetic: the swath down the center is now black (or red or silver) to match the rest of the camcorder. Other than that, you'll find the same 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound microphone, still capture button, and cumbersome zoom toggle. There's still no accessory shoe and it's a bit disappointing that Panasonic hasn't implemented the new HDC-HS300's zoom toggle here.

The top of the HDC-TM20

Bottom
The bottom of the HDC-TM300 is nothing to write home about—just the battery release and a tripod mount.

The unexciting bottom of the HDC-TM20