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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.Sony HDR-TG5V Comparison
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19.JVC GZ-X900 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
Panasonic HDC-TM300
Previous: Page 6
Motion PerformanceNext: Page 8
Sample VideosSharpness Performance
Video Sharpness (10.97)
Top tier camcorders from every manufacturer are coming in with excellent video sharpness results, and the Panasonic HDC-TM300 is no exception. The camcorder measured a horizontal resolution of 750 line widths per picture height (lw/ph) and a vertical resolution of 650 lw/ph. Many of the top models this year have about the same sharpness, including the Canon HF S100, Sony HDR-XR520V, and Sanyo VPC-HD2000.
Though these are excellent results for any consumer camcorder, the TM300 was outstripped by the incredible sharpness of the JVC GZ-X900. The X900’s high resolution sensor may have its disadvantages, but sharpness is certainly not one of them. The impressive horizontal sharpness of 1000 lw/ph is likely the reason that motion on the X900 is so sharp, smooth, and clear. The compact Sony HDR-TG5, on the other hand, doesn’t perform as well here. Sharpness was recorded at just 550-600 lw/ph. More on how we test video sharpness.
Stabilization (6.98)
The HDC-TM300 has optical image stabilization (OIS), which is activated via a small button in the LCD cavity. The camcorder did a decent job in our stabilization test, although we got better results from Sony’s high-end HD models (like the HDR-XR520V and HDR-CX500V). In our low shake test, the Panasonic HDC-TM300 managed to reduce 55% of the shake with its OIS engaged. Turning things up to our high shake test, the OIS wasn’t quite as effective, reducing only 22% of the shake. More on how we test stabilization.
We’re fairly satisfied with these results, and they do represent significantly better numbers than what JVC put up on the GZ-X900. Panasonic’s OIS also held the edge over Canon’s on its HF S100. Still, there is plenty of room for Panasonic to improve on its stabilization system.
Shop for the Panasonic HDC-TM300
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