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Panasonic HDC-TM700K Hi-Def Camcorder with Pro Control System & 32GB Flash (Black) | 
| Brand: Panasonic
Category: Photography
Buy New: See price in cart
New (17) Used (7) from $771.99
Rating:  58 reviews
Sales Rank: 53
Color: Black
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Optical Zoom: 12
Display Size: 3
Maximum Focal Length: 41.4
Minimum Focal Length: 3.45
Shipping Weight (lbs): 3
Dimensions (in): 6 x 8 x 5
MPN: HDC-TM700K
Model: HDC-TM700K
UPC: 085170002757
EAN: 0085170002757
ASIN: B0035LD0EY
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| » | Full HD 1080p | | » | 35mm Wide-Angle Lens | | » | 18x Intelligent Zoom |
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| Accessories:
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
HI-DEF CAMCORDER/32G FLASH/GUNMETAL GREY
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 58
 Powerhouse Camcorder for Power Users April 7, 2010
Christopher Michael (Alabama)
120 out of 135 found this review helpful
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3P5NINJ0LEBSL The Panasonic HDC-TM700 is a rare camcorder in that it breaks new ground. The key upside of this camcorder is its 28 Mbps 60P mode -- the camera is capable of recording at 1920x1080 resolution in 60 PROGRESSIVE frames per second. This captures TWICE the image information of the interlaced method, resulting in smoother motion. The TM700 also capture more vertical resolution than other consumer camcorders when used in 60P mode.
There are many features of this camera that blur the line between "consumer" and "prosumer."
Whether you dub the 35mm lens "wide" or not, it's a hell of a lot more wide than any other consumer cam lens I've tried. My $6500 Sony EX1 has a 31.4mm equivalent lens, so the TM700 is in the same ballpark. For me this make a big difference in the practical use of the camera. No longer do I need to carry and constantly attach/detach a wide angle adapter. This also makes me more likely to use the 18X zoom (since there's no wide angle adapter on the cam).
One nice TM700 feature I haven't seen discussed elsewhere is peaking. Quite simply, "peaking" means that the camera outlines objects in focus with a color, so as to help the camera operator achieve correct focus. The camera does include a peaking function when switched to manual focus. Panasonic calls it "manual focus assist." This really helps achieve critical focus with the 260k pixel LCD screen. The peaking color is blue; I prefer yellow, but will gladly settle for blue.
Another upside to the TM700 vis-a-vis other consumer cams is the manual control ring. Panasonic has done a nice job implementing this feature and it's easy to quickly adjust zoom, focus, shutter speed, & iris using the ring. This is a slam dunk win for the TM700 because the competition doesn't even offer a control ring (the control wheel is a far less satisfying alternative).
Some have expressed concern over the cooling fan. The fan does generate some noise when it activates, although it's not always on. The fan has really not been an issue for me so far. I usually use an external mic when I'm serious about capturing quality audio.
I'm a picky camera buyer who usually finds flaws with consumer equipment. But I haven't found many with the TM700. It has a number of nice features like facial recognition (automatically exposing for certain faces), outstanding low-light performance with minimal noise and strong color reproduction, an almost "instant on" technology (you can power on the camera simply by opening the LCD screen or extending the viewfinder), stellar image stabilization, plenty of menu customization options, all the benefits of tapeless workflow...and I could go on.
If you are shopping for a "flagship" consumer camcorder, when considering the TM700 you must ask yourself whether you really care about 60P. After all, it's the 60P mode (and resulting high image quality) that sets this camera apart from its Sony & Canon competitors. I believe that the TM700 in 60P mode produces arguably the best image quality you can find in a consumer camcorder. But you need a fast PC with the right software to edit this material. If you intend to edit your footage, do some homework on this point before making a purchase decision.
If you want 60P...and you can handle 60P... then you will love this camcorder.
Excellent prosumer camcorder; more features, lower cost than previous model April 1, 2010
JB (Eastern USA)
41 out of 53 found this review helpful
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R6WIFWDHR7KB9 (Edit 04/15/10 - attached a video clip demoing the fan noise of the TM700 in different recording modes. Note change at 1:00 from Full Auto mode with AGC on to AGC off and level set to -12 dB.)
The Panasonic TM700K camcorder appears to be a worthy addition to the lineup of HD 3MOS camcorders. I'm hoping to give some first impressions of the camcorder now, and plan to offer some updates as I get to know this device much better over the next few months. Note that I am stepping up from an older Sony SD Digital-8 camcorder, so comparisons to this model really aren't fair, but I will compare this to last year's Panasonic HDC-TM300 Twin Media HD Camcorder which this is replacing. (Note that I purchased this in late March 2010 from Panasonic's EPP website, before the model was available on Amazon.)
Key features for the TM700K are:
- Supports 1920x1080p60 recording. Some current editing software may choke on 1080p60 files. But if you wish to use 1080p60 now it's certainly a great way to future proof your recordings. (Note that on my Core2 Duo 2.53GHz laptop with Windows 7, Windows Media Player 12 plays 1080p60 files without trouble; GOM Player stutters quite a bit during playback.)
- All other recording formats are different quality levels of AVCHD format (1080i60). So called Cinema format (1080i24) is available to help in low light). No SD modes are available.
- Leica Dicomar lens has a 12x optical zoom (3.45mm to 41.4mm, f=1.5 to 2.8) and is a bit wider and faster than last year's model, which makes it more useful for indoor / group shots. (There's also a electronic "Intelligent Zoom" feature that goes to 18x.)
- Records to either 32GB included memory or an optional SD card.
- Electronic viewfinder, which I find indispensable for outdoor recording, but which is increasing left off of consumer camcorders.
- Most functions available via the LCD monitor / touchscreen. In use this screen is very responsive and accurate, but of course will be a constant fingerprint magnet. Certain functions like 1080p60 mode, image stabilization, and manual focus / white balance / shutter speed / aperture adjustment) have dedicated buttons.
- You can go full auto mode by using the iA (intelligent auto) button, or choose to adjust almost everything manually.
- Digital camera mode with flash supporting up to 12.2MB still images.
Usage thoughts so far on the TM700K:
- From testing done at Camcorderinfo, the TM700K does exceptionally well with low light noise performance - the one area really lacking in my older Sony camcorder. And in some initial low light shots I took noise levels are dramatically lower than I have seen with my Sony and other consumer level camcorders.
- The touch screen interface is handy, but I have to complain one more time about having to see through the resulting fingerprints (or constantly clean the screen).
- The number of manual options available are great for me, but could result in "information overload" for someone looking for a point and shoot experience.
- I particularly like the white balance adjustments; there are multiple preset settings for sunny / cloudy / indoor scenes and a manual adjustment based on focusing on a white object. There's also a setting under picture adjustments to manually shift the WB a bit towards red or blue.
- The finish on the top and one side of the TM700K is classic gunmetal gray, but for some reason the other side is textured black plastic. IMHO this looks cheap and doesn't match the good looks of the rest of the camcorder.
- For now I plan to transfer video from the TM700K to my computer using an SD card, so I probably won't use or comment on the included Panasonic HD Writer SW.
- I've verified that my Sony Vegas Movie Studio 9 Platinum Pro Pack is capable of editing both 1080p60 and 1080i video; I still need to investigate whether it makes sense to shoot exclusively in higher quality 1080p60, then re-sample as needed for archival or output to BD / DVD.
- USB and multi-AV (component/composite video) cables are included, but unfortunately you will need to supply your own mini-HDMI to HDMI cable.
And now on the fan noise issue:
- As shown on my included video clip, there is some fan noise on recorded audio in a quiet environment. Turning off Automatic Gain Control as I did in the clip seems to reduce the noise somewhat. I've noticed the noise in a few of my indoor shots (done with Auto mode and AGC), but IMHO for personal use like home movies it's not objectionable; none of my outdoor shots show any evidence of fan noise.
- For applications where any fan noise is unacceptable an external microphone is an option. I haven't used it, but the Azden High-performance(SMX-10) Stereo Condenser Microphone looks like a good place to start.
- While I considered returning the TM700K for a fanless Panasonic HDC-TM300 Twin Media HD Camcorder, I decided that the 1080p60 recording, improved OIS, and faster / wider lens made the TM700K the better choice. Not to mention that the TM300 is still selling for several hundred dollars more than the TM700K.
- One "noise" issue I do have is that when holding the TM700K normally it's easy to end up with your pinkie finger resting on the microphone, which will cause all sorts of noise during playback.
Overall, I'm very happy with this purchase so far; the Panasonic 700K isn't perfect, but it is a great camcorder at a very competitive price.
Fantastic Camcorder - Do not be deterred by Comments made about fan noise! June 16, 2010
John F. Gosset (Madison, WI)
26 out of 36 found this review helpful
I have to post a quick review here due to the negative comments posted about the fan noise. The fan noise is COMPLETELY ELIMINATED by disabling the automatic gain control (AGC) in the recording options. The background in silent environments is COMPLETELY SILENT when this is done. The AGC tries to adjust the microphone to the ambient noise and thus overcompensates in completely silent environments and this causes it to pick up the fan noise. Turn off AGS and the problem is gone. It is unfortunate that some users have not bothered to read the manual and have returned what is arguably the best camcorder currently on the market. There is even an option to keep AGC enabled and turn down the base sensitivity of the mic. In my testing, if the gain is adjusted to -6dB the fan noise is virtually eliminated as well, but you still get the benefits of AGC (which normalizes the sound so that no loud transient noises will be captured in your footage as well as still being sensitive enough to capture more subtle quiet sounds).
I have not written a review before, but truly felt the need here as the reviews that comment on the fan noise are a disservice to those doing research in an effort to find a new camcorder. I hope this helps anyone trying to make a purchase decision. This is simply a wonderful camcorder offering amazing picture quality and beautiful 5.1 surround sound!
(And no, I neither work for Panasonic or a Panasonic reseller nor am I invested in the company-I simply own the HDC-TM700K.)
Fan Noise is no big deal - this is really a GREAT camcorder!! May 13, 2010
SeaSalt (Texas)
28 out of 40 found this review helpful
I am a photo and video prosumer. I have been involved in various levels of photography and graphic arts production since for over 40 years. I have a degree in mechanical engineering and a professional license in electrical engineering. I just bought this camera to replace my previous 3 CMOS camera and after a painstaking process of comparing several high end compact camcorders, I can tell you in my opinion this camera is fluid in operation, exceptionally well constructed and the images are extraordinary. I think the people that complain about the fan noise being a distraction should use an accessory mic and drive on. If you are that concerned about micro sensitive motor hum, belt rumble, wow, flutter, or any of the other characteristics the audio and industry has measured over the years, you are an audio technician and / or highly detailed person. As such you should understand how to minimize such issues if they really affect a significant percentage of your video scenes.
I am not given to any brand of equipment. I own several pieces of high end gear from a very broad array of manufacturers. I WISH I could simply center around only one, but the beautiful thing about competition is the best tool for the job is rarely if ever made by the same company year after year. The Canon (HFS 21) is an excellent camera but it is $500 more and has less resolution). At the prosumer camcorder level Sony (CX-550)is still working on their 60P technology too. Some of their cameras have really cool features. Bigger LCD screens are always better - BUT what is even better is to have an large screen AND an eye level viewfinder for those times when the sun is washing you out badly or you don't want to hold open the LCD flap to work the camera (after all this is supposed to be a "compact" camera). Sanyo (VPC-FH1) is very cool and small and user friendly, but it is in a bit different league and can't quite measure up here. JVC (HM550) is very nice and has a stellar reputation that is unappreciated by many, but it too falls short of the Panasonic at the end of the day, and unfortunately they do not offer the quality of feel or construction that they should have IMHO.
Bottom line. If you are looking for the biggest technology bang for your buck in a easy to use camcorder, this may be the one for you. (At about $880 delivered the Panny is a category killer).
NOTE REGARDING POSSIBLE IMPERFECTIONS: A more powerful editing software bundle seems to be recommended widely (the one provided just gets the job done - anyone who uses this camera to its potential will want to pick their own software - Several are mentioned in other reviews). You WILL also need to buy a protective lens filter and a small case. It does come with a remote and a lens hood. An EXTERNAL charger (unlike many others), is included as is a very well constructed (detachable) accessory shoe.
In conclusion, I just simply wanted to point out the fan should not be a show stopper for anyone who knows what they are doing. Also, if you think you 1080p is important enough to buy the best, you should know better than to expect your old Windows 98ME computer will be able to hack it as an editing machine.
Let's step into the real world folks. Nothing is perfect, but one month old top of the line technology from a cutting edge leader is pretty close.
Gotta go - Packing for a month long RV trip with my family and my cool new 1080p HD camcorder. Have fun!!!
Satisfied customer August 15, 2010
csmig
4 out of 7 found this review helpful
I bought the TM700 a month ago because of its ability to shoot 1080p60 video. I have been very happy with the results. The video quality is excellent, and doing simple trim and splice edits of the 25Mbs H.264 files have been no problem on my Gateway SX2800-01 (Core 2 Quad processor Q8200). I have owned several camcorders in the past, both SD and HD, and this produces the highest quality video I've ever shot. 60 progressive frames per second produces very smooth motion, which I believe makes handheld footage very easy on the eyes. When I use this unit with a highly fluid tripod head the results are astounding.
The low-light performance is quite good, but I've seen footage from more expensive cameras that can out-do the TM700 in that regard.
The auto white balance sometimes acts contrary to my wishes -- sometimes there's latency in adjusting the white balance during a rapid change in lighting conditions (say, walking indoors from outdoors). The unit does eventually settle down to a good white-balance.
The fan noise issues I read about here concerned me prior to my purchase. However, at room temperature and a foot away from my ear, the fan on the TM700 I received does not make any sound I can discern. (I'm in my mid-forties and the frequency response in both my ears drops sharply at 14 khz). When I amplify the sound recorded in a quiet room at room temperature I do not hear the fan. I recorded outdoors on a 94 degree F day and I think I hear the fan briefly on a short segment from that session. I would not initiate warranty service based on my fan experience so far.
As the title of this review states, I am a satisfied customer.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 58
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