Panasonic’s HDC-TM300K is an AVCHD format high definition camcorder that records video to 32GB worth of internal flash memory or to SD/SDHC memory cards. Situated at the top of Panasonic’s flash memory camcorder line, the $1,299 TM300K boasts an impressive array of features including a 12x optical zoom Leica Dicomar lens with image stabilization, 5.1 channel surround sound audio recording, face detection, and 11-megapixel still photo capture.
HDC-TM300K: The Good
Video Quality
The TM300K uses three CMOS image sensors to record 1920 x 1080 high definition video. At its highest quality setting, the TM300K offers a maximum bit-rate of 17Mbps. That’s not the highest bit rate supported by the AVCHD format, but you’d have to look long and hard to find any egregious imperfections in the TM300K’s video quality. In even challenging lighting conditions, the camcorder delivers sharp, color saturated video.
For more on camcorder bit rates, what they are and why they matter, see Guide to Camcorder Bit Rates.
Strong Feature Set
Unlike Sony’s HDR-XR520V, the HDC-TM300K packs more manual controls, such as the ability to control the camcorder’s iris and shutter speed through a pair of buttons and a ring around the camcorder’s lens. At its price, these manual controls are a must-have for the enthusiast camcorder owner, as they give you far greater control over the look of your video.
The TM300K puts its 2.7-inch touch screen LCD display to good use with a selectable autofocus point. Simply touch an area of the screen, and the camcorder will automatically focus on it.
User Friendly
For a high-end camcorder, the TM300K goes out of its way to make it easy for novices to start slow and grow into its more sophisticated features. First, you'll find an information button. When pressed on the touch-screen, the camcorder will describe what each feature does when you go to activate it. This mode can also be deactivated once you get the hang of operating the camcorder.
The camcorder also features an “Intelligent Auto” mode. When activated, the camcorder will scan the shooting environment and automatically choose the appropriate scene mode for that environment. An icon on the LCD display will alert you as modes change. I found this feature worked quite well. Moving from a lighter to darker environment, the camcorder automatically switched to low light mode.
Memory Capacity
With 32GB of internal flash memory, the TM300K offers about four hours of recording time at the highest quality setting right out of the box. You can effectively double this by buying a 32GB SD/SDHC memory card.
Still, this recording time pales in comparison to what's on offer from camcorders that use hard disk drives to store video. Competitve hard drive-based camcorders come in capacities up to a whopping 240GB - almost seven times what's available in the TMC300K.
What you lose in recording time, however, you make up in weight. The TM300K is remarkably light and quite easy to carry and hold aloft for long stretches of time.
The Bad
There were two drawbacks to the TM300k’s operation. First, the on-off-playback dial is awkwardly placed and I found it slightly clumsy to use.
Second, and more significant, the unit’s touch-screen can be unresponsive. I had more luck with the edge of my nail than with the tip of my finger. It often took two or three presses to activate a desired control. Given that much of the camcorder’s functions are operated through that touch-screen, the interface can slow you down.
HDC-TM300K: A Portable Powerhouse
Aside from an occasionally frustrating touch-screen display, both advanced users and novices looking for a solid high definition flash memory camcorder will find plenty to like in Panasonic's HDC-TM300K.
HDC-TM300K Specifications
See here for a full look at the HDC-TM300K's specifications.
