Panasonic HDC-TM10K Hard Drive Full HD Camcorder (Black)

by Panasonic

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.8 x 2.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B002BSHD7W
• Item model number: HDC-TM10K
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,059 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 8, 2009

Product Description

Color: Black

From the Manufacturer

Panasonic's twin-memory HDC-TM10 high-definition camcorder records onto both an 8 GB built-in drive and an SDHC/SD memory card. It weighs just 0.5 pounds, yet its compact body design has a high-powered 16x optical zoom capabilities and advanced features to produce beautiful 1920 x 1080 Full-HD videos.

The 16x optical zoom of the HDC-TM10 is supported by the Advanced O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) function--an essential element to achieve clear zooming, as it minimizes the hand-shake that often impairs video quality while zooming. Panasonic’s Advanced OIS detects and corrects for hand-shake around 4,000 times per second and works with the high-powered optical zoom to produce clear, stable zoom shots. The new Active mode also extends the hand-shake correction range to allow the shooting of clear, crisp images while walking or moving.

As with most Panasonic camcorders, the HDC-TM10 features the iA (Intelligent Auto) function, which automatically sets the most suitable Scene mode according to shooting conditions. These include Advanced O.I.S., Face Detection, which adjusts the exposure so faces are captured perfectly; Intelligent Contrast Control, which helps ensure proper contrast; and Intelligent Scene Selector, which determines the shooting conditions and automatically selects the Scene setting that will provide optimal results. Both camcorders are also equipped with AF/AE Tracking (Auto Focus/Auto Exposure Tracking), which automatically tracks a moving subject for consistently beautiful images. This feature maintains the focus and exposure even if the subject moves or turns to one side.

Panasonic HDC-TM10 Highlights

SDHC/SD Memory Card Recording
The SDHC/SD memory card not only brings significant advantages to smaller and lighter camcorders, but it also differs from a hard-disk drive in that it has no transport mechanism, making it highly shock-resistant and enabling faster recording starts.

Twin Memory Recording
The HDC-TM10 records Full-HD images onto the built-in memory or an SDHC/SD memory card (optional), and features a Relay Recording function. When the built-in memory is full, this function automatically switches the recording media to the SDHC/SD memory card to provide uninterrupted recording. Video data that is recorded using both media types can be merged inside the camcorder and saved to an SDHC/SD memory card.

Touch-screen and Handy Function Buttons
A touch screen lets users operate a variety of functions by simply touching an icon displayed on the LCD. This allows intuitive operation without having to look away from the subject.

1.9-sec Quick Power-On
The power turns on and off by opening and closing the LCD. This start-up allows users to save battery power by keeping the power turned off when the camcorder is not in use, while making sure that unexpected shooting opportunities are not lost. The power-saving Eco mode automatically turns the power off when the camcorder is not in use for five minutes.

Pre-Rec
To avoid missing critical shooting opportunities, when the Pre-Rec function is on, the camcorder continuously records three seconds of images into an internal buffer memory. When the Record button is actually pressed, the three seconds immediately prior are added to the beginning of the clip.

Auto Power LCD
This feature automatically adjusts the brightness of the LCD screen according to the shooting conditions.

Built-in Video Light and Flash
The HDC-TM10 is equipped with a video light and flash for convenience when shooting in dimly lit places.

Highlight Playback
This function is for users who want to view recorded images quickly, as "highlights" can be created and played back according to a set time interval.

One-Touch Copy of Videos to DVD and Easy Playback with the BN1 DVD Burner
To avoid the two-step process previously required to save Full-HD videos from an SDHC/SD memory card or built-in memory onto a DVD for playback, the HDC-TM10 features a one-touch function that makes this process easier.

VIERA Link Playback
The HDC-TM10 is compatible with Panasonic’s VIERA Link to allow quick and easy viewing of Full-HD video content, as well as with the VIERA Image Viewer function on a VIERA HDTV. This allows users to play videos on a large screen by simply inserting a recorded SDHC/SD memory card into the SD Card slot of a Panasonic VIERA HDTV. It provides instant playback of video clips recorded in the AVCHD format in Full-HD quality. Similarly, video recordings can be easily played by using a Panasonic Blu-ray Disc player.

Product Description

8GB Full-HD Camcorder Built-In Memory & SD Card Twin Memory 16x Optical Zoom with Advanced O.I.S Capture quality images from a distance. iA Mode with AF Tracking & Touch Screen Auto adjusts optimal settings Black

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Mixed bag: know what you're using it for, March 3, 2010

By 

Michael B. (CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Panasonic HDC-TM10K Hard Drive Full HD Camcorder (Black) (Electronics)

First, the two versions of this camera are identical other than the fact that one has built in memory, the other does not. BUT, consider how much you're paying for that memory? Could you just buy a larger card with the price difference? Probably. Considering that for the sake of convenience you will probably be recording to cards most of the time (so you can just plug them into the computer) I would probably go for the internal memory-less version.

I ran several tests on the camera for a few days to try out its features. I am not a name-brand fanboy, nor am I a dedicated videophile. I'm just going to give you an unbiased impression based upon what my eyes saw:

PROS:

1.)Pretty good daylight recording. Considering what I paid for it, I was surprised by the quality. It's not a Canon S10 by any means, but I was pleased.
2.)It is unbelievably small and light. Shockingly so. If you are looking for the smallest possible 1080p capable camera to take on a daylight hike, I'm thinking this is near the top of the list.
3.)Has a few of the bells and whistles of a larger camera, including the ability to swap out memory cards, a decent touch-screen menu interface where you can play with the settings (as opposed to some of these cheap-o cameras), a genuine optical zoom, and an HDMI output right on the camera. Unlike most, I had no problem with the touchscreen.
4.)Quick power-on/off feature works really well, battery life was not a problem.

CONS:

1.)You'll notice I mentioned how surprised I was by the camera's performance in daylight? I was equally surprised by the nighttime/indoor performance. As in, it was atrocious. Absolutely atrocious. We're talking awful pixelation, terrible graininess, significant artifacting and block-iness, and a general inability to see anything. The onboard light provided little help. I'm not talking about near pitch black rooms, I'm talking about normally lit indoor areas. The camera is basically useless for indoor or nighttime recording unless you're using multiple floodlights. I would walk through the house, and even our well lit dining room had significant problems.

I chalk this up to the tiny sensor (less than 2 megapixels) and tiny lens. Sure, it keeps the weight/size factor miniscule, but it really hurts performance. I am not understating this problem, at all. I tried to use the manual settings (such as they are) to correct the problem, but playing with frame rates, settings, and modes made little to no difference.

2.)No built-in lens protector. Having a dangling lenscap to annoy you defeats some of the purpose of having such a compact, easy to whip out camera.

3.)Screen tearing/rolling shudder is a problem on quick pans, even more so than other CMOS cameras I've tried. I'm not sure what the issue is, but be forewarned.

4.)The cameras awful low light capabilities make most of the individualized settings useless.

5.)If you want to make that final jump from 1080i to 1080p, you're limited to the "digital cinema" mode that disables the vast majority of the manual settings. A small nitpick, but somewhat annoying.

SUMMARY

Know precisely what you're going to be using this camera for before you buy it. The video quality in daylight for the price is pretty decent, the form factor/size is phenomenal, and the indoor/low light video quality and options are horrendous. Basically, if you're only going to be using it outdoors, and size is of paramount important, it's worthy of consideration.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, April 25, 2010

By 

Warren W. Williams "Warriorcoach" (Acworth GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Panasonic HDC-TM10K Hard Drive Full HD Camcorder (Black) (Electronics)

After reading the reviews I was skeptical so I purchased a used one for 279.95. I got the item 3 days after purchase it was in flawless condition. It came in the box with all the accessories. The camera works great I still have not cracked open the user manual to get into more detail of extra settings. Picture quality is vibrant crystal clear and I know it said in the description it was full HD but I admit I was not expecting it to be so. But IT IS! Mine has a 8Gb internal memory also ordered a 16gb sd card for a little extra. Easily swaps from internal memory to external memory with the touchscreen viewer. Yeah it has a touchscreen. I dont remember reading that but I was pleasantly surprised. Other reviews say low light quality is bad, I dont know how little light they were trying to use it in but I disagree. I was filming my sons baseball game at dusk right before the lights came on and picture quality was still great. Definitely recommend buying this product.

16 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So far, I love it!, November 14, 2009

By 

Blair Monie (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Panasonic HDC-TM10K Hard Drive Full HD Camcorder (Black) (Electronics)

I've only had my HDC-TM10K for a couple of days, but so far I'm very impressed. It's amazingly small and lightweight. Ease of use is great. I was also able to edit HD video on my MacBook--you must have Intel processor, and iMovie 09. I was also able to burn an HD DVD with no problem. So far, I'm very happy with it.

2115|R36NLJP0Z20HH4;2115|R3LS5IQZ8BFABS;2115|R26XP34FI7V7UR;