New Panasonic HDC-TM900 / HDC-HS900 / HDC-SD900 / HDC-SD800

[Stephan]

Panasonic introduced new HD camcorders:

• HDC-TM900 - 32GB built-in Flash memory
• HDC-HS900 - 220GB internal hard disk
• HDC-SD900 (only currently listed in UK) - no internal storage
• HDC-SD800 - no internal storage and no viewfinder

These new camcorders are all 3-CMOS (1/4") and record to AVCHD, either on internal storage (TM900 and HS900) or on SDXC/SDHC/SD memory cards. Available frame rates are 60p / 60i (US models) and 50p / 50i (European models) - no 24p apparently. They can all receive the optional 3D Conversion Lens VW-CLT1, with the same design concept as was introduced with the HDC-SDT750, the world's first consumer 3D camcorder.

Strangely enough, Panasonic's CES 2011 Press Release mentions 3 camcorders, while the HDC-SD900 only appears on Panasonic's UK website. And these new products aren't yet fully listed on the US website at this time, which is why the links above point to the UK website.

Panasonic HDC-TM900 AVCHD camcorder

HDC-TM900.jpg (43.94KiB)Viewed 28512 times

Panasonic HDC-HS900 AVCHD camcorder

HDC-HS900.jpg (60.32KiB)Viewed 28512 times

Panasonic HDC-SD800 AVCHD camcorder

HDC-SD800.jpg (55KiB)Viewed 28512 times

[Frank]

For what it's worth, I count eleven new high-def consumer-grade camcorders from Panasonic, as follows.

HDC-HS80
HDC-HS900
HDC-SD40
HDC-SD80
HDC-SD90
HDC-SD800
HDC-SD900
HDC-TM40
HDC-TM80
HDC-TM90
HDC-TM900

They often have some Japan-only models as well, so even the list above is most likely incomplete.

Regards,

Frank, Independent Consultant, New York, NY
Read Frank's thoughts on HDV
[ also covers AVCHD (including AVCCAM & NXCAM) and XDCAM EX ].

[Stephan]

Yes indeed Frank! But as my Sunday afternoon was already a bit crammed to browse all the releases and specs, I decided to focus on the higher-end cams with 3x1/4" CMOS (that I would be willing to advise to videographing hobbyists), leaving to others the mid- to lower-end single 1/4", or even worse 1/6".

Did the same with Canon.

Thanks :-)

[Frank]

No problem, Stephan, and I certainly didn't intend to imply that you were falling down on the job.

Over on this side of the pond, we also only have 24-hour days. But of course, we only get one-hour for lunch. :-)

Regards,

Frank, Independent Consultant, New York, NY
Read Frank's thoughts on HDV
[ also covers AVCHD (including AVCCAM & NXCAM) and XDCAM EX ].

[Maine_Coon]

I am far from being excited about the new 2011 Pana cams. Aside from the 3D lens compatibility I don't see any significant differences to 2010 models.

oh yeah 3.5" LCD.

SD900 most probably will be Europe-only/PAL model, just like SD700. SD700 was never released in the US.

[Stephan]

True, they're not too different from last year.

What I like though, is the main difference from Sony & Canon models: a tri-sensor in a compact body. I have a HDR-FX7, same 3 x 1/4" and yet much bulkier.

[Maine_Coon]

True, they're not too different from last year.

What I like though, is the main difference from Sony & Canon models: a tri-sensor in a compact body. I have a HDR-FX7, same 3 x 1/4" and yet much bulkier.

It would be interesting to compare PQ of FX7 vs TM700. Maybe you will switch :D

Pana is the king of 3 sensors, just recall their SD MiniDV consumer 3CCD camcorders.

[Doughie]

Pana is the king of 3 sensors, just recall their SD MiniDV consumer 3CCD camcorders.

The Pana GS400 was a very well-regarded machine. Standard-def, 3-chip CCD, around 2004 and 2005, competed against machines like Sony HC1000, also 3-chip CCD. Pana did have a comprehensive line-up of 3-chip machinery, probably they were the pre-eminent 3-chip consumer DV-cam makes at that time i think, (debatable i guess, but more or less the case).

[Stephan]

Camcorderinfo has the Panasonic HDC-TM900 Review.

In a nutshell: a great camcorder, but playing it safe in continuity and not too different from last year's TM700.