Panasonic HDC-TM20

The Panasonic HDC-TM20 is a high-definition camcorder recommended for new or intermediate users who desire an easy-to-use camcorder that can still produce top-notch, vivid video worthy of sharing with friends and family.

The second of six Panasonic HDC-HS models, the Panasonic HDC-TM20 is a slight downgrade from the Panasonic HDC-HS20 in that it trades in its predecessor’s 80GB integrated HDD in favor of 16GB of internal flash memory. In all other ways, however, the HDC-TM20 is practically a duplicate of its peer. For instance, the HDC-TM20 is also equipped with a 5.1 channel surround sound system with a 5 microphones and a zoom microphone feature, not to mention an SDHC/SD memory card so that users can record and store 1920 x 1080 HD video content on either the HDD or an SD card. In addition, the HDC-TM20 offers full support for Apple Macintosh computers, and in fact allows easy file transferring so that files may be edited in iMovie. Furthermore, the HDC-TM20 features touch-screen controls with icon-based menus, an auto power LCD, and a quick 1.9 second power-up so that users can more easily catch spontaneous moments on video. The HDC-TM20 also boasts a Leica Dicomar lens with a 16x optical zoom, a 40x digital zoom, auto focus tracking, a 2.7” wide LCD, and automatic LCD brightness adjustments. The HDC-TM20 retails for a more affordable $649.95 (versus $799.95) and comes with a 1 year limited warranty.