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From: dteubner
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  • Hi, in your opinion, would you recommend upgrading to this camera from a TM-700k? Image wise, as in color reproduction and low light, which would you prefer?

  • @JoeyPhilipHernandez I think the HMC40 does better with color and built-in microphone over the TM-700. I compare three Panasonics (the TM-300 is similar to your TM-700) where you can see some low light example comparisons. Search YouTube: "Panasonic HMC 150 vs HMC 40 vs TM 300"

  • Hi, I'm a beginner at this. I was wandering which camera would be best for me: Panasonic HDC-TM700K or AG-HMC40. I'll be using it to make short films. Help would be appreciative =)

  • @Hygoog The HMC40 has a bigger body and is easier to hold steady. But if price is an issue, the TM700 (newer model is the TM900) is the way to go. The real issue is getting good sound. Neither of these cameras have professional XLR microphone imputs so you'll need to figure out a way to get good sound. For extra money, the HMC40 has an XLR adapter you can add. I use the HMC150, the bigger brother of the HMC40. I love that camera.

  • @dteubner oh ok. im kinda like on a tight budget so i think ill just get the tm700 =p im still a beginner afterall. in the future when i have more money ill upgrade. thank you for the help =) keep up the good work.

  • Which cards are the best SD cards to use with this camera?

  • @sunderlandoful Not sure if it really matters. Try a class 10. Search newegg for deals.

  • 3ccd?

  • How bad is the rolling shutter on the camera?

  • @Webcast01 if you mean the weird "tearing" of the video whenever you move the camera rapidly... it's pretty bad! Definitely not suitable for fast action shooting

  • I wish I had the money to buy this camera! Is there a way to get it billed? I only have a hundred dollars, is there a way I could pay like maybe 50 bucks a month or whatever to pay it off?!

  • @avo7778 um, it's a camera, not a car or a house. lol. i don't think you can lease a camera like that. best to just save up for it or get it as a gift from someone. i recently got it as a christmas gift.

  • Hey awesome video, just wondering if this camera has any built in image stabilization? Cheers (;

  • @PerthSkate Yes, it does.

  • @dteubner

    okay, thanks for replying, once again great video. Also how can you afford all these cameras, you do a lot of reviews and I was just curious to whether you borrow the cameras or buy them?

  • @PerthSkate I had the HMC40 on loan from B & H Photo. I own a HMC150 and two TM700s presently.

  • @dteubner

    Okay thanks, and sorry one last question - I would like to get this camera to film skating, can you get different handles to attach to the camera or is there just the one, just the handle in this video seems a bit short.

  • @PerthSkate You might be able to create your own handle. I don't know of any others. The camera is very light. So perhaps the included handle will work for you. One last thought, if you buy your camera through my Buy Gear link on HowNowVideo(dot)com, I'll get a few bucks commission and you'll get a great deal through my trusted vendor, B & H Photo. In any event, good luck in your videotaping.

  • @dteubner Hey do you think this camera would be good for filming movies, if not do you have any suggestions for other cameras that would work. Im currently in a film university so I've been looking for a good camera that would last me my whole career. Nice review by the way.

  • @carlosandresmedrano That's hard to say. There are so many good video cameras out there and the technology is changing fast. If you have more to spend, the Panasonic HMC150 is a good choice. It has built-in XLR connectors for professional microphones. The HMC40 doesn't have XLRs unless you spend more on the additional equipment. Go to my HowNowVideo(dot)com site and click the Buy Gear link. You'll see a bunch of possible cameras. The HMC40 is a good starter camera, but won't last a lifetime.

  • how much is this? its beautiful.

  • @tijuanapkfr

    new there are usually around 1700 - 2200 dollars

  • @PerthSkate well i could get that money in three years haha, do you think there are better cameras?

  • @tijuanapkfr

    well yeah you can go up to cameras worth $7000, but I film skating and this camera seems to be a good all round camera that isn't TOO pricey. (also remember that once you get the money the cameras price will be lower)

  • @PerthSkate thanks alot!! i appreciate your help, thanks im suscribing :)

  • I don't care how long it takes but I'm buying thus camera!!!

  • you need to be using a higher class card! class 4 cards are totally consumer!

  • how does it compare to the Sony HVR-A1E?

  • @lozzastitch I would read comments at my Buy Gear link to see what people have said about the camera. Go to HowNowVideo(dot)com and click the Buy Gear link, and click the bottom-most ad to my trusted vendor. Then look up the camera. The Sony records to tape in the HDV format. Lots of folks want to get away from tape. The Panasonic uses inexpensive SDHC cards. The Sony does have XLR connectors, however.

  • how would this compare to a canon xa10?

  • @MilkFuWeekends I haven't tried the xa10 yet, but reading reviews and watching some YouTube stuff on it, I would say it is comparable. The xa10 does have XLR imputs, where the HMC40 doesn't without a special extra purchase attachment. Check out my HowNowVideo(dot)com Get Gear link and click on the bottom-most banner to read reviews on that camera. Most reviews are positive. Good luck deciding.

  • get 14k gold 3.5mm mic jack wrapp it around aluminium and block GPRS data from cell phones or radios etc, gold plated of course means less hiss noise, although the hiss can be removed through video editing software ,so really the XLR option FOR ME , is no big deal, plus recording on a seperate device for audio only is better than on camera sync etc ;) thanks for this video

  • is this type of camera good for like freelance work and or weddings and maybe action video let me know who ever can help me out with this questions..

  • first id like to say thank you for making this, it really helped me choose if i should get this camera :), but i film alot of skateboarding and i was wondering if its good with movement, id also like to know if i could attach a fisheye lense to this camera? thank you

  • @ZackRossFilms I had the HMC40 for review only. It produced good color. I wouldn't worry about issues around fast movement. It will do a good job. Most video cameras today use CMOS sensors and you typically only notice the rolling shutter effect when doing whip pans (from left to right, quickly), for example. Another nice choice is the Panasonic TM700. Much smaller, cheaper but great video. Using a fisheye on the HMC40 would probably require removing the lens shade. But shouldn't be an issue.

  • @dteubner thank you, and would the lens shade coming off affect my videos??

  • @ZackRossFilms I think that most fish eye lenses don't use a lens shade. You'll get what is called a lens flare when pointed toward the sun and certain angles near the sun. But lens flares can look cool. If it's a problem, you could fashion your own lens shade with some cardboard perhaps. Good luck.

  • @dteubner thank you

  • This or the sony nex vg10? Please help. (:

  • @brettvolcomx Go to HowNowVideo(dot)com and click on any of the camera links at the bottom of the page. Then search the comments from customers on the two cameras you're looking at. I've never used the Sony so I can't say anything about it.

  • Very well done, thank you for the effort. 

  • AWESOME HMC40 and review :)

  • Is the HDMI out 4:2:2?

  • I'd say overview more than review.

  • @dteubner how many pixels does this cam have, 720, 1080

  • @TheTitanic3 It's has 3 full-raster sensors, 1920 x 1280.

  • Pretty Good

  • How does this camera compare to the Sony AX2000?

  • does this camera take pictures??

  • @frisko2727 yes, 10MP stills.

  • Very very good!!! thank,

    what is the price?

  • What? No XLR? This is a deal breaker

  • great review, super helpful and thanks!!!!!

  • I would like to know how long is this camcorder without the Lens hood and without counting the view finder part, I know it's around 11.9" if i count the view finder and the lens hood. (according to B&H Photo & Video) -Thank you

  • Hello,

    Thanks for the review! Just curious, if you plug in a HDMI monitor will you still be able to monitor on the camera as well (basically will the attached LCD still be on and functional at the same time)? Thanks!

  • @photogss Yes. I've attached a large monitor and still the LCD worked as always.

  • is it worth the extra 500 buck to go from the panasonic 700k

  • @TheShootTruth10 I don't think it's worth it. It's better to jump to the HMC150 if you're going to want a more "pro" camera.

  • @dteubner what would you recommend for like a semi pro around the 2000 area? it doesnt need to be a panasonic id go with anything, but i love the hmc 40 and i might buy it

  • @TheShootTruth10 ive heard the hmc40 is better than the 150, because the 150 is full hd

  • how bad is the rolling shutter?

  • @HPPFilms It isn't terrible. You avoid quick pans and you'll be fine.

  • @dteubner What if im twirling a stick around in my hand, would it effect that?

  • Thanks for doing these reviews, power to the consumers!

  • what settings would i set so i can make an effective slow motion sequence. also--what settings would i set for an effective time lapse

  • Which batteries are compatible with this camera?

  • Thanks so much... Question. Does the Time Stamp mode give you the option of actually burning it permanently on the video display or does it only record it for future playback display? Thanks again.

  • @WhiteLightLive I had that camera on loan for review. I don't have it any more. But I believe it does stamp onto the video itself. You can ask your question at DVXUSER website. They have lots of folks using Panasonic gear and their forum area might help you.

  • how much was it

  • Thanks for your video reviews. It has helped me greatly in determining which camera to purchase.

  • does this work good with premire pro and after effects on a windows pc?

  • @dudeproductions100 I have other videos about AVCHD editing on a PC. But the short answer to your question is: if your PC is running the new i7 processor, editing AVCHD is fairly easy. I run an i7 PC and edit with Premiere Pro CS5 on a 64-bit machine. Editing AVCHD is no problem.

  • @dteubner What if you are using a PC with an i3 core processor? I edit videos using a laptop.

  • @teheverythingshow My feeling is that the Panasonic TM700, which costs less, does about the same as this one. If you need more controls beyond the TM700, go all the way up to the HMC150 by Panasonic. But I feel the HMC40 is too expensive for the little it does. Either the TM700 or HMC150 are my choices.

  • @dteubner I disagree. The TM700 is more of an high-end camcorder and should be reserved for home movies. The HMC40p does so much that most scratch their heads at how cheap it is. Yea the HMC150 is a better camera but pushing $3,000. HMC40p gives you so much at a great price that I wouldn't go for the 150. A decent indy filmmaker can make a great film using either camera.

    For what this camera does, I find it to be pretty damn cheap. The major con is the need for the XLR adapter though.

  • @dteubner thanks just asked that question.

  • Mac?

  • '

    is this camera come with a Hi8MM tape

  • @bestamerica No. This camera records to memory cards. It doesn't use tape.

  • dteubner,

    '

    okay thank,,,

    memory card do not have a pause,,,

    Hi8MM tape have a pause the tape and video recording again is easily than memory card

  • @bestamerica Memory cards are way easier to use than tape. Capturing isn't needed, you can begin editing almost right away. Premiere Pro has a awesome support system for SD cards. Pop in the SD card and you can read the video, set inpoints and outpoints, THEN it's added to your project media files. Much easier than batch capturing on tape. No deck is needed.

    Easily transfer your files to an External HDD, erase and record again.

    Anyone will tell you SD cards are easier to use.

  • R3APER24,

    '

    okay thank explain,,,

    SD memory card to the computer is easily, clear pictures / videos so good,,,

    Hi8mm tape is okay to the computer but not too good as SD card,,,

    SD card did not have a pause as hold,,,

    SD card is cut edit then next step,,,

    tape is easily as pause as hold then do it again recording

  • @bestamerica Once you shoot on tape you have to capture it to your PC to begin editing. The editing program plays back the footage and captures it. The way most capture from tape is this way; they go through the tape and log inpoints and outpoints. Once they have every clip they want they hit capture then go grab some coffee or something until its done.

    With SD cards you pop in the card set a inpoint and outpoint and it its instantly added to your project reducing editing time.

  • @bestamerica Pause isn't needed for SD because the footage is data and can be manipulated without capturing. You can put up footage from a SD card in your preview window inside your editing program. You can then go through any thing on that SD card stopping when ever you want and doing anything you want.

    SD cards you reduce editing time and you have more options. Also every time you stop the camera a new file is created making it easier to distinguish between scenes in lieu of playing a tape

  • @bestamerica Unfortunately, I have to deal with tape in school and the capturing process is so annoying and long that most capture one day and come back another to actually edit.

    To directly answer your concern, every time you stop the camera and begin recording, a new file is created on the SD card. Therefore, you won't have to do anything again and you won't have to worry about timecode breaks and recording over footage by mistake.

  • what program does it go on? windows movie maker fanil cut express? and what competer? pc or mac?

  • @stone655 I use Premiere Pro CS5 on a 64-bit i7 PC running Windows 7. I use 8 GB of internal RAM. Also, I'm getting acceleration using Adobe's Mercury Playback Engine and nVidia's GTX 480 graphics card. AVCHD editing requires a beefy machine. I believe Macs first transcode the AVCHD into ProRes to edit. I have other YouTube videos that discuss AVCHD and some of the challenges. Learn more at HowNowVideo(dot)com.

  • Can you use the ring to zoom in and out really fast?

  • @jarredjarred12 I only had the camera a few days to review it. I believe the rocker arm works fastest for zooming. The ring zoom feature (toggle between zoom and focus with a push of a button) is a server type, not geared directly to the zoom, so I imaging zooming isn't that fast. You could ask your question at DVXUSER where Panasonic cameras are discussed more in depth.

  • @dteubner Thankss!!

  • can you turn the steady shot on and off

  • @l0uischarles Yes. It's called Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).

  • @dteubner thankyou very much and also is there a certian type of memory card that needs to be used ?

  • You just made my decision process a lot easier

  • That was very helpful! Thank you!

  • class 4?? dont you need like a class 10?

  • @BBrtqB Nope. Class 4 will work, or class 6. You'll need to check if this camera will accept the new class 10. But class 4 works. I use class 6 usually.

  • @dteubner oh ok... weird cause fh1a video camera requires class five and this only 4? whats the speed on calss 4 because hmc goes up to 27mbs right?

  • shjould i get this or an fx7?

  • @skater4life1000 If you mean the Sony Handycam HDR-FX7, that's a tape-based HDV camera. It uses firewire to connect to your computer. You play the tape back into your computer to edit. Sony is a good camera and HDV is easy to edit, if you have a firewire connector in your computer. Not sure what to recommend. the HMC40 records to AVCHD, harder to edit, but no tape needed. I don't make recommendations typically. My favorite camera is the HMC150, the HMC40's big brother. But the Sony is good.

  • I get a lot auto focus issues on this cam. Anyone else too? Any solutions? Things easily get blurry, then hard to focus again. the AF seems touchy.

  • AND IT EXCUSES BY NOT KNOWING ENGLISH I AM OF PORT VALLARTA JALISCO AND THIS THE TRADUCI IN BABEL FHIS JHEJHE

  • HELLO THAT SO MY NAME IS CHRISTOPHER WANTED TO KNOW IF YOUR YOU KNOW LIKE CALIBRATING the WHITE COLOR OF the CHAMBER IN a SITIACION WITH MUCH LIGHT LIKE IN the BEACH, I FINISH BUYING Panasonic AG-HMC40 AND NOT AS TO CALIBRATE the WHITE COLOR YOU COULD HELP ME

  • Is the roiling shutter effect a real effect or is a a camera defect?

    BTW, 3200 kelvin is for tungsten, not florescent.

  • @rainerfilm Rolling shutter is a real effect based on how the CMOS sensors capture the frame. CCD sensors work differently and don't produce this effect. There might be more info out there on rolling shutter issues. I don't really know much about it except that fast panning will tilt vertical lines.

  • @dteubner I understand why this effect happens, it is because the frame is recorded in lines, top to bottom. It is not an effect, it is a defect. It is also very different to what you will find in a real film camera. The shutter in a film camera goes from side to side, not top to bottom.

  • How are the pictures from the camera?...and also, can you record video and take pictures simultaneously?...

  • @ashare06 Unfortunately, I only had this camera for a few days to do a review. You might search for the PDF manual online. That'll give you all the facts.

  • Does it have manual zoom

  • @TheModernDayPirate You can set the camera to Auto Focus and use the manual focus ring to control the zooming.

  • @jazzcat522 I believe I used auto white balance and auto iris. Don't actually remember. I had the camera on loan for a week. But one thing I know, best results are achieved when not in full sunlight at noontime. Most cameras respond best to even lighting situations, even overcast days. Harsh light will mess things up. Try fixing your aperture/iris setting and shoot a tad dark. Avoid over exposures. It's taken me years to avoid pitfalls in videotaping. Indoor shooting, set manual white balance.

  • is it good for night time and HVR-Z7U or AG-HMC40 or HVR-A1U money not being a problem which should i get or AG-HMC150 cuz i am in news so i know how to work pro camcorders but only basic Lego

  • What do you guys think about the HMC40 vs the DVX100 for film making?

    Thoughts? I'm absolutely torn. Thanks!

  • @LiITheo the DVX100 has been for many years the favorite of beginning film makers. This is a tape-based camera running in standard definition. The HMC40 is HD using AVCHD. The DVX100 will have more professional features, as far as controlling aperture, audio, etc. You'll have to decide if you want to use tape or SDHC cards. Tapes are on the way out. Better ask your question at DVXUser, an online forum of professionals.

  • omg the test footage is of keene, nh!!

  • what do you think hmc40 or sony fx1? i like the durability of the hmc40 and how its easier to edit with and no tapes... but i dont like the smallness of it and the cheap feeling of it.

  • @907AK75 The Sony is a better build. HMC40 feels like a plastic toy. Even though it's tapeless (AVCHD) and provides good color, the Sony will feel more like a real camera. And the Sony is HDV tape, very easy to edit even on a slow machine. In any event, you'll need to do your own research and try to make an informed decision. I use the Panasonic HMC150 (a bigger camera) and I love it. It is light and a cheaper build than Sony cameras, but I love the color. Good luck.

  • @dteubner thanks for the help. i just got a brand new 27" imac so i will not have problems with a slow computer! :) i have been doing alot of research, and now i am leaning towards the fx1. i would get the hmc150, but its not in my price range of 2000$

  • @907AK75 Good thinking. The HDV is even easier to edit than AVCHD. And looks about the same in quality. Go for it.

  • think i will stick with my little hdc-sd700, looks better, and does 50/60p

  • @robblac That may be true. New cameras don't always improve on things.

  • @dteubner hi david, fisrstly,i enjoy your reviews and your Adobe Encore Advanced Motion Menus post was great, as was your Adobe Encore Advanced Motion Menus post, (both very usefull to me) i have never seen a bad reviw on the 700, , thats why i bought it, i did have the sd10, but it wasnt good enough, if you get a chance id love to see you review the hdc-sd700 or tm700 or hs700, they are all the same barring internal hard drives.as you know

    cheers Rob

  • @dteubner ps. i saw your tm300 comparison, it did not look good.. i know it also has 3mos but looks nothing like the 700.

  • the big thing is though too, i don't don't want a camera that feels cheap.

  • @Rickyyy001 The Pansonic HMC150 does have a cheap feel. Perhaps the Sony feels more substantial.

  • @dteubner i was actually interested in the hmc40(idk if that's what you ment) lol

    thanks man, i guess my 2000 dollar question is should i go with this camer because it's got 24p and the sony doesn't? thanks...

  • @Rickyyy001 Personally I'm not a big fan of 24p, so the Sony should be easier to edit on your imac without transcoding AVCHD. The HMC40 feels light and a little cheap. You'll need to make your best decision on what to purchase.

  • @dteubner yea thank you so much man, i'm defintally leaning towards the sony, i just need to go see and try both of the cameras in person. thanks for answering my questions man if i have any more i'll be sure to hit you up!!!

  • i'm looking to purchase this camera or the sony fx7, i film a lot of fast paced sports, the camera's footage is also going to be edited with a imac 27". do you think i'd be better off with the fx7 even though it doesn't film in 24p? thanks man

  • @Rickyyy001 The Sony is tape-based. Probably easier to edit than AVCHD. And 24p isn't that important. I've found 24p to look a little jerky when playing back on a flat screen TV. Order through my website, HowNowVideo and I'll make a few bucks, and you'll still get a good price. Good luck making a choice.

  • Awesome review!

  • Is tape sometimes better if you wanted to film a talk show maybe for a podcast. AVCHD the SD cards still use Fat 32 file format and four gigs would be ten or twenty minutes. And then make a new file when you still recording when people are talking.

    I heard about a program that streams back AVCHD back to one file but there is still a audio hiccup for one second.

  • @ngvgnDOTcom The joining tool will fix the glitch. Watch the video called "AVCHD Editing in Premiere Pro CS4" on my website HowNowVideo (dot) com. I talk through these issues.

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