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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.Panasonic HDC-TM300 Comparison
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18.Canon HF S11 Comparison
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19.JVC GZ-HM400 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
Sony HDR-CX500V
Previous: Page 16
Other FeaturesNext: Page 18
Canon HF S11 ComparisonPanasonic HDC-TM300 Comparison
The Panasonic HDC-TM300 is a good amount more expensive than the HDR-CX500V, but it is also one of the best performing camcorders of the year. In addition, the TM300 includes a lot more manual controls than the Sony, an electronic viewfinder, and a lens ring for making adjustments. Both camcorders have 32GB of internal memory and use touchscreen LCD systems.
While the Sony is the smaller camcorder here, it actually didn’t feel as comfortable in our hand as the HDC-TM300. The Panasonic offered a smooth, rounded edge that fit in our palms with ease. As performance goes, the two camcorders were similar in many of our tests—like sharpness, motion, and bright light performance—but the Panasonic had an edge in low light. The TM300 also offers a 24p frame rate option called Digital Cinema mode.
The Panasonic HDC-TM300 is the better product here, and it is one of the best camcorders of 2009. We feel it is worth the extra $200 bucks, but the fact that the Sony does stand up to it quite well in our performance testing is impressive. Still, the extra features, smoother handling, and superior low light performance make the Panasonic HDC-TM300 the stronger choice.
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 Sony HDR-CX500V
Latest News
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$1,499.991Canon Vixia HF G10
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$1,099.002Panasonic HDC-TM900
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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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