Most external pieces of hardware require an adapter with a power brick. Do you have an External Hard Drive? They require the power, or they wouldnot be designed this way. These tools are not made as a joke. They proivide a need. So read the instructions first before complaining. Will save you a lot of time and you won't have to make videos about a SUBJECT you are not prepared to discuss. Read first.
I use this with Ubuntu and it works flawlessly. I have used it with windows but didn't bother installing the software, just copied straight from the camera's hard drive.
the software is just there because you're supposed to have some sort of crap software with any camcorder you sell, use a video converter...that's what i've been doing for the past 4 years.
I have this camera, used it for about a year. Come to find out, I can't download the videos from the Hard drive. I video tapped the birth of my child with this camera, and may not be able to upload it to my mac or PC. Total waste of money and memories.
Here is the EASY FIX. Get a copy of AVS Video Remaker. Connect your SDR-H40p to your computer (I'm running windows 7), then select the video file using AVS Video Remaker. After the file is loaded then save it, and Video Remaker will save it an mpg2 format. Then if you have the AVS Video Converter progarm you can convert it to any format that you want and edit it in any video program that you have.
Here is the EASY FIX. Get a copy of AVS Video Remaker. Connect your SDR-H40p to your computer (I'm running windows 7), then select the video file using AVS Video Remaker. After the file is loaded then save it, and Video Remaker will save it an mpg2 format. Then if you have the AVS Video Converter progarm you can convert it to any format that you want and edit it in any video program that you have.
Shut up it is true that the software is garbage.. The manufacturer says it doesnt work and your calling him DB for telling the truth.. Get a life stupid
@gremlingts I go through the entire process in less than two minutes camera to computer hard drive transfer..
Your problem was / is that you did not read System Requirements on the box.
It's not Panasonic's fault. You have to read System Requirements. This is an excellent product. It's not the camera's fault. Nice video, but wrong conclusion.
HELP. I have this same camera and was able to get the videos and stills off of it onto my husband's laptop that had windows vista. I have about a years worth of videos i would like the easiest way possible to get them onto my laptop. I have windows 7 it does not detect software. All i want is to b able to get the videos onto dvds so i can send them to my husband in afghanistan. Its a bunch of videos of our kids. I plug in the usb cord and if i hit pc connect it tells me to plug in ac adapter.
Yes, to upload from the camera, you MUST hook up the AC adapter. It won't work off the battery. Another one of those "Bright Ideas" Panasonic had when designing this device.
@gremlingts its because if you use your head and think about it when you run off the battery it will drain it and some unbright ppl like yourself don't keep there battery's charged so it will die out during the transfer files and could corrupt or even lose the data you were trying to transfer so before you attack Panasonic on that one there just making sure your don't corrupt or lose files during the transfer process retard
Yes, I'm currently feeling the pain of this as I cannot locate that adapter anywhere in my apartment because it probably got put into storage. The best part? I can't even BUY a replacement for the damn thing online! Apparently this is something that nobody EVER loses. I bet some engineer like me thought "hey, this would be cool!" and just went ahead with this stupid design element that would have been pitched out the window by any half-decent useability review.
@gremlingts That's the reason for the adapter and power brick. The transfer is zooming fast. Again. Read the manual and instructions first as suggestged. But, You have to meet system rrequrements also. I'm not an Engineer
@gremlingts Many external devices require a power brick and adapter. Do you have any external hard drives? Don't complain when you do not know the reasons why and how things are designed. These designers / engineers realy to know their stuff. This Panasonic MODEL SDR-H40P is a breeze to operate., a piece of cake after investing a few minutes in reading instructions, as recommended.
I've had this camera for a couple of years but I never took them videos off until now. I came across this video while looking for a solution since the software sucks. I found that the MOD files are just MPG's in disguise. You can rename the extension from .MOD to .MPG and then use them in Windows Media or any video editing software.
well i,ve had this camera for 18 months, and i agree that the sofware sucks. but why are you using the software ? you r using the sd card. dude i understand you might be upset but there are more important things to with your time. just use the sd card get a better computer and dont use the software from anybody it is a great camera for the price and good luck
Sd ?? well one of the features we bought this camera was coz it had a hard drive built...can you download the vids in to you lap top without using ur software?
the most simple advice is to NOT use any software, I am surprised that people actually use the software. it's as simple as dragging and dropping your video files people, come on.
I agree, the only two things that completely ruin this camera are the Video Cam Suite, and .MOD file types. I don't even use the suite, I just dig through my camera's hard drive, and upload directly to You Tube, because it's the only way to get the HD capability out of the camera.
omg mine is the same way its shit software and i had to get a vid converter and all sorts of shit with it =[ not fun at all....are there any softwares that will work for it???
haha... well my advice for you is... get a better computer... i have the same camera. just with the 60 gig hdd and it took like two seconds to get my shit... first off using the software that comes with a $300 camera was your first mistake, and the second, the wording you decided to use in your video.. from the looks of it.. the only "garbage" was your house.. clean that shit up before you post a video on the internet.. its like 8,900 guests over and you can't even straighten things up a bit
Buy a Mac. I never use software that comes with my devices. Typically the factory software from the computer is higher end than software provided by the device manufacturer. Think about the programing development that goes into software for a $3,000 dollar computer as opposed to a $300 camera. Just a tip for future peripheral devices.
You had it for a week. Should have taken it back to store and exchanged for something compatible. I work in marketing. Tradition shows that we are legally obligated to only provide info on operating systems a product works with. We are also in the business of selling products. Thank you.
There's no guarantee that other manufacturers wouldn't "hide" their compatibility limitations , either. Uncaring companies resort to legalese when their products cause consumers problems. You may be in the business to sell, but I posted on YouTube to warn others, and at least 4-5 people reconsidered a purchase. So Panasonic lost business due to my posting. I have no sympathy for companies that are only out for the "first sale", and don't seem to care about "repeat customer business".
Firstly, thank you for venting! ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE BOX, it says that it's Mac compatible. I have never come across such deceptive advertising. The Mac cannot recognize it. I even paid 20 bucks for software from Apple that *might* help...and it didn't.
I don't understand what Panasonic thinks people will do with this camera. The are no guarantees that it will work with ANY system!
Yea - I did a review `sorta , on the Panasonic befor I got the SDR-H40 . I`m not really all that impressed with it. #1 No night vision-#2 You have to pull out the fucking battery and plug in the ac adapter to upload vidieos- wich I have to manually look for them under the panasonic drive in windows because the software sucks like you say.I just got this camera and havent had alot of time to mess with it but I bet I`ll find more to bitch about! I do like the 2000 X`s digi focus.
Yes, many (other) great minds seemed to spend more time thinking ( and doing ) more important things than housework, like Albert Einstein. His study was messy. Don't bother me, I'm videoing my anti-gravity drive right now....
thanx for the info on the lack of customer care from Panasonic,i think ill be buying the JVC camcorder now at least that comes complete with usable software and has a night light option included for such a big company panasonic has forgotten where its share prices and customer satisfaction is supposed to start,targets and sales do not fair well with disgruntled people,word of mouth is the best advertising ever, this bit of advertising has just cost them my custom and a few more im sure
Could someone answer this please. I have two computers, one of them recocnizes the video files when I plug this camera in and the other one doesn't, although it has before. Instead of recognizing them as mpeg files it recognizes them as a data file called a MOD. , but the pictures it does recognize. Does anyone know what's up?
The Panasonic converts the pic file to it's own Proprietary name, which they made .MOD. You can go into a Dos window, and rename all the files to .MOV, and it should be recognized then, I think it's a .AVI type file, I read somewhere. Many software programs won't read it still, my Dell won't, but my wife's newer Dell will, same Media Program...go figure. I use a program , free, called VLC Media Player to view it then.
Oh, BTW - why is the video in 16:9 format and 4:3 format showing in the same size (4:3) window (16:9 compresses width to fit into the 4:3 window - making everyone tall and skinny...)
Let's call a spade a spade - it's a budget camera that they include free "software" with. When has any free software been worth anything? I chose not to install it. I use XP and found that using the wizard (after selecting PC Connect for the USB function and HDD as the source) which gave me a drive window that the files on the camcorder appeared in (already in MPEG format BTW). From here I copied to my computer - PITA that they can't be deleted via the USB connection.
mines for sale. i just bought it in july 2008. then i bought the higher priced canon hi def version. i dont need 2. but it worked fine for me as an avg consumer
I also found that a video I shot as a test, comes up on the screen on my laptop very "swimmy" about 3 min. into the video.
This is inexcusable.
For any of you that are past the return date,
& are happy except for the software issue, just change the extension to mpg and use something called Magicbit All In One video converter. changing the name fools it into changing it to mp4 for you, which is a better quality situation.
I totally agree about the great cam and the crap software. I have a solution you should check into.
Open source software: MediaCoder. I see you use an SD card. Copy the .mov file to your computer. Run MediaCoder (see my video on that) to convert to various formats. Then share, publish to YT etc.
I'm thinking about buying this, but I'm not sure if it's good.(dont really care about the massive zoom) Does it film/record good quality? And does it "catch" fast stuff or objects? As if it's coming at you? For example for filming videogames(hehe) or skiing etc. ? Thanks.
YES!! actually it does! i just got this today because it is my Birthday!! i tried this same test while skateboarding and it picked it up with great quality hope this helps
I have this camera, it is perfect for my kids events. I love the fact that it takes stills too!!! I've had it for about a month, and only downloaded once. I didn't have any trouble with the software, but I didn't edit with it. I used Windows movie maker for that. Thanks for the vid, I'll try editing with the software next time and see how it goes. It's hard to know what to buy, especially when you research and see good & bad for everything, the stores are no help, they just want the sell.
If anyone else has this problem don't sweat it, use the freeware SDcopy V1.998 Beta! Its free (search for it on google) and it automatically transfers and converts your videos from your camera to a selected destination on your computer. it is easy to use and has a simple interface. I had the same problem but i did the search and it was worth it...especially if you want to edit with the files because it converts it from mod (DVD) to mpeg format.
I agree the camera runs well, but my biggest complaint is that the battery only lasts 90 minutes, and I CANNOT find another! Software sucks, I agree. I'm not going to buy a Mac to speed it up, so I guess I'm screwed.
I had no problems finding a bigger one, Circuit City carried an upgrade,Panasonic Model # VW-VBG130 , About $70 if I remember correctly. There is supposed to be a SUPER battery for this model coming out, will run for 14 hours...but I haven't seen it ( nor looked for it lately, either ). Keep your eyes peeled. good luck, buy a battery online if you can't find one local.
Thanks for your response, Jerry! I really need something with a minimum 4-5 hour charge, so the 'super' battery is definitely the thing for me.
Most of my accessory purchases are done online, I have just not had any luck finding a replacement that says it works with this particular camcorder. I will look up the model # you provided today, and keep my eyes peeled for the 'super' battery. Thanks again!
No, you're not screwed if you can afford to get Cyberlink PowerDirector. This is what I had to get for the software because the software that came with it is WORTHLESS. You can download a trial version of PowerDirector, then have to copy the camera HD contents to your C: drive to access it from PowerDirector, but it works great. The camcorder is a good one. Best of luck.
you're right... great hardware... garbage software... and I didn't find this out until I opened the box...
takes mine just as long to load as you describe... I figure this is due to the 64 bit operation system on my comp... page 86 says the software is not guaranteed to work on 64 bit... I wouldn't have known this without opening it... but if time is the only issue, I'll live with it and hope Panasonic releases an upgrade...
yes, it is. Since I've been using VLC video software, I've had no problems with using it. Just have to change the name of the file from .MOD to .MOV, and it works fine. I'll hope that someday they fix the software issues that bog it down so much.
If you had a MAC and not a windows P.O.S. it would just work. I didn't HAVE TO INSTALL ANY SOFTWARE to make the SDR-H40P to work. Why don't you complain to Micro$oft for making a crappy OS?
sorry, I read reviews on the Internet from Mac users who also had problems with it working correctly. Besides, it's NOT Microsoft's problem, it's the manfacturer of the camera which limits the useability of the camera by overstuffing the software with junk to the point it will only work with software they've tweaked it to work with. THAT is the real problem. So , sorry to burst your bubble,Maccie, but even some Mac users had problems with it, too. Couldn't tell ya the version, though.
hey, i got this camera. it's fucking defective. it's got great specs and great price, i broke it in a week, it fell from my computer desk to the carpet and broke! i'm tearing it apart right now.
No, no, NO...the hardware is FINE...the SOFTWARE is junk! Long as you either have the "correct" Windows ( or Mac ) software, it will work. But the video editing software they sell with it is only good with certain types of PC software ( Go to Panasonic's website and read CAREFULLY which software will and will NOT work with it! ). I have a Dell, with XP "Media" edition, and Media edition won't work. Needs Home edition, or OFfice. Good luck...
Just check Panasonic's website for the info on this camera...it will tell you SOME of the software that will work ok with. It's still slow, my wife loaded it on her laptop with XP Home edition, it worked fine, our Dell's with XP Media edition crash constantly. But double-check before buying, the camera can be made to work with generic video software, but you lose all the use of the purchased editing software, and there's not much other software out there yet for this camera .
I have never used any software that comes with any plug and play device. The software that digital cameras and camcorders comes with is usually crappy or cheap versions.
Your problem is easily remedied. You don't even need to use the software so why are you clogging up your computer with it.
Because you have editing functions to do things with the video..otherwise, you have to purchase other software, and this camera is so new, there wasn't much when I bought it. Besides, I spent the money, why shouldn't I expect value out of the accessories I got with it? I lost out because their software engineering ( and obscured knowledge of the limited PC software it works with ), and limited things I can do with it now. Still love the camera, I just can't do anything with the videos currently.
Uh...because my Dell didn't COME with video editing software for it? And I'd like to DO stuff, neat stuff, with the videos, which is what I thought the included software would help with...other than the fact that it's a certified POS ( the software, not the hardware )...if you know where I can get free video editing software, let me know....
i don't no what you guys are talking about the camera is awesome and yes the only bad things it has is no backup light and bad software but i don't even use the software just use an editing program works great and if i can edit and do things fine on the worst editing software avalible (windows movie maker) than sony or adobe programs should be awesome
I bought this camera about 2 weeks ago,i like the camera,but the software keeps crashing everytime i try and make a playlist,and how come you can VERY finely edit stuff on the camera,i can cut words in half,but when you connect it the the pc you have to use the editing software! the software reads the whole hard drive and includes all the stuff you edit out!plus it takes a REALY LONG TIME to upload to you tube.
Pelsallcat, try this.... exit out of the worthless software when the window pops up, and then just go to Start, right-click, Explore, and then just find the camera ( usually F drive ), and pull the videos off the camera that way...it uses a hard drive, and your PC reads it that way. Still won't help you with editing with the crappy software that came with it, but at least you can upload vids to your PC MUCH quicker manually this way, than go thru the software they provide.
nah,I took the porn off, and it still is a piece of crap software package for the camera. Obviously you must be a Obama supporter, because you can't understand the FACTS as presented - even Panasonic said it wouldn't support the DELL version of Windows (Media Edition), they just didn't print it or make it very clear ANYWHERE that I could find easily before I bought it ( and I looked, too ).
Crappy camera continued. LCD has +/- 10 grad. viewing angle - Worst I ever seen. Resume - total crap with hard drive, excellent OIS and zoom. Video quality = none. Beware!
Viewing angle? the screen swivels...how can it have a BAD angle? I can move it 180 degrees, so you can hold it over your head or down on the ground, and still see what you're shooting. I thought the video quality was acceptable, but hell, it's NOT a $1,000 camera. It's under $400. Low light function is poor, too. But for most video I've used it for, bright daylight, to very late afternoon, I find it decent. Not theatre quality, but you won't get that for $400 or less.
Software was OK for me on Vista home. The hardware is absolute crap.
White balance is none in elect. lamp light. Super noisy video, washed out colors and frame rate drops to 5 per sec in low light. It has 0.3 effect. Megapixel. Subjectively my telephone shoots better video. When connect to PC need 2 more wires and extract the battery. Battery may not be swapped for bigger capacity cause it's in the middle of the camera.
I found a 130 MAh battery for it, the original is only a 70 ? Supposedly there is a 1250 or something huge coming, but the camera is so new, no one has stocked it or it's not available. I've had no problem with having 2 batteries.
No, I need different SOFTWARE....it has nothing at all do to do with the computer. It just seems that their marketing strategy is poor, to not list the software that DOES work with it on the box. If you're buying it without any Internet help, you get screwed. Even WITH it I didn't find the fine-print about Windows Media Edition until after I'd bought the camera already. Luckily the internet SAVED me from tossing it out a window, or taking it back.
works perfectly with iMovie. Get a mac dude. or fix yr pc. 9 min for the app to launch haha something is definitely wrong there. it takes less than 3 sec to launch on my windows box. and honestly who uses winXP media center.
The PROBLEM is that the camera manufacturer (Panasonic) has decided to make their software so complicated, it ONLY works on certain versions of Windows. AND Mac PCs, as well, it seems from some Internet complaints. It's not just a Windows issue, dude. So Ha Ha! to your Mac snideness. Get a life...
I too have this fine camera.....but CANNOT get the damn photos or videos off of it to my computer, which utilises Windoze Vista. Now the outer box of the camera indicates it works with Windows Xp, XP home, professional, Vista. TOTAL CRAP SOFTWARE. Your photos and videos are LOCKED on your cameras hard drive.
My computer cannot read the new HC SD cards...and I do not know how to disable its built in old card readers so that it will allow me to use the new SDHC card readers.
GREMLINGTS - There ARE work-arounds for the software deficiences - I downloaded free software called VLC Media Player, to play the proprietary .MOD files of Panasonic. You have to do a name-change,I used a DOS window, they are actually .AVI file types. You can also pull the pics or vids off the SDR-H40P simply by pulling up Windows Explorer and accessing the camera like a Hard drive. But you have to boot it up to each type, HDD or SD card, can't switch between them, which sucks.
This has been flagged as spam show
Your place looks like a garbage dump, so the camera fits you perfectly.
DiegoALexis2079 2 months ago
Comment removed
DiegoALexis2079 2 months ago
Most external pieces of hardware require an adapter with a power brick. Do you have an External Hard Drive? They require the power, or they wouldnot be designed this way. These tools are not made as a joke. They proivide a need. So read the instructions first before complaining. Will save you a lot of time and you won't have to make videos about a SUBJECT you are not prepared to discuss. Read first.
raymondbalta 2 months ago
I go through the entire process in less than two minutes camera to computer hard drive..
Your problem was / is that you did not read System Requirements on the box.
It's not Panasonic's. You have to read. This is an excellent product. It's not the camera but the user.
raymondbalta 2 months ago
I use this with Ubuntu and it works flawlessly. I have used it with windows but didn't bother installing the software, just copied straight from the camera's hard drive.
No problems
MrScotchpie 3 months ago
the software is just there because you're supposed to have some sort of crap software with any camcorder you sell, use a video converter...that's what i've been doing for the past 4 years.
bakonfreek 3 months ago
I have the same camera, and yes, this is the worst software I have ever had to use. I'm checking to see if iMovie can work with it directly.
BillyAteMySoul 8 months ago
Yes, I'm currently feeling the pain of this as I cannot locate that adapter
ajnabey 11 months ago
I actually never installed the software. I just take the clips straight off the camera.
ThisOnesForReal 1 year ago
I have this camera, used it for about a year. Come to find out, I can't download the videos from the Hard drive. I video tapped the birth of my child with this camera, and may not be able to upload it to my mac or PC. Total waste of money and memories.
MrUnorthobox 1 year ago
my favorite part is that you took a video of this with another camcorder that you can clearly use perfectly fine.
hotdogsplinter 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Here is the EASY FIX. Get a copy of AVS Video Remaker. Connect your SDR-H40p to your computer (I'm running windows 7), then select the video file using AVS Video Remaker. After the file is loaded then save it, and Video Remaker will save it an mpg2 format. Then if you have the AVS Video Converter progarm you can convert it to any format that you want and edit it in any video program that you have.
jmikew1 1 year ago
Here is the EASY FIX. Get a copy of AVS Video Remaker. Connect your SDR-H40p to your computer (I'm running windows 7), then select the video file using AVS Video Remaker. After the file is loaded then save it, and Video Remaker will save it an mpg2 format. Then if you have the AVS Video Converter progarm you can convert it to any format that you want and edit it in any video program that you have.
jmikew1 1 year ago
You are a moron... YOUR COMPUTER SUCKS! thats the problem.
reno142 1 year ago
use AVS video converter with the crack for videos, and just click and drag the pics...I lost the software lol
bakonfreek 1 year ago
Shut up it is true that the software is garbage.. The manufacturer says it doesnt work and your calling him DB for telling the truth.. Get a life stupid
alboss13 2 years ago
@alboss13 Shit software is shit software. I have this camera, it's awesome. But it's such a pain to download videos.
kylezehmahn 1 year ago
try using cyberlink powerdirector. It is the best program to use with these video formats
wased5678 2 years ago
I'll check that out, thanks for recommending
gremlingts 2 years ago
@gremlingts I go through the entire process in less than two minutes camera to computer hard drive transfer..
Your problem was / is that you did not read System Requirements on the box.
It's not Panasonic's fault. You have to read System Requirements. This is an excellent product. It's not the camera's fault. Nice video, but wrong conclusion.
raymondbalta 2 months ago
HELP. I have this same camera and was able to get the videos and stills off of it onto my husband's laptop that had windows vista. I have about a years worth of videos i would like the easiest way possible to get them onto my laptop. I have windows 7 it does not detect software. All i want is to b able to get the videos onto dvds so i can send them to my husband in afghanistan. Its a bunch of videos of our kids. I plug in the usb cord and if i hit pc connect it tells me to plug in ac adapter.
carolburns4 2 years ago
Yes, to upload from the camera, you MUST hook up the AC adapter. It won't work off the battery. Another one of those "Bright Ideas" Panasonic had when designing this device.
gremlingts 2 years ago
@gremlingts Where do you hook the AC adapter up to? The manual says into the battery, but I can't find anything near the battery compartment?
cnasty7 1 year ago
@gremlingts its because if you use your head and think about it when you run off the battery it will drain it and some unbright ppl like yourself don't keep there battery's charged so it will die out during the transfer files and could corrupt or even lose the data you were trying to transfer so before you attack Panasonic on that one there just making sure your don't corrupt or lose files during the transfer process retard
arizmendia081092 1 year ago
@gremlingts
Yes, I'm currently feeling the pain of this as I cannot locate that adapter anywhere in my apartment because it probably got put into storage. The best part? I can't even BUY a replacement for the damn thing online! Apparently this is something that nobody EVER loses. I bet some engineer like me thought "hey, this would be cool!" and just went ahead with this stupid design element that would have been pitched out the window by any half-decent useability review.
thelittleredpool 1 year ago
@gremlingts That's the reason for the adapter and power brick. The transfer is zooming fast. Again. Read the manual and instructions first as suggestged. But, You have to meet system rrequrements also. I'm not an Engineer
raymondbalta 2 months ago
@gremlingts Many external devices require a power brick and adapter. Do you have any external hard drives? Don't complain when you do not know the reasons why and how things are designed. These designers / engineers realy to know their stuff. This Panasonic MODEL SDR-H40P is a breeze to operate., a piece of cake after investing a few minutes in reading instructions, as recommended.
raymondbalta 2 months ago
I've had this camera for a couple of years but I never took them videos off until now. I came across this video while looking for a solution since the software sucks. I found that the MOD files are just MPG's in disguise. You can rename the extension from .MOD to .MPG and then use them in Windows Media or any video editing software.
eiolon 2 years ago
how many megapixels does it have?
ElJavierGodoy 2 years ago
your house look like shit lol
TrapStar972 2 years ago
I would say interesting
offmains 2 years ago
Grow up use a mac
moetazbayoumi 2 years ago
well i,ve had this camera for 18 months, and i agree that the sofware sucks. but why are you using the software ? you r using the sd card. dude i understand you might be upset but there are more important things to with your time. just use the sd card get a better computer and dont use the software from anybody it is a great camera for the price and good luck
frogs84ss 2 years ago
Sd ?? well one of the features we bought this camera was coz it had a hard drive built...can you download the vids in to you lap top without using ur software?
alboss13 2 years ago
the most simple advice is to NOT use any software, I am surprised that people actually use the software. it's as simple as dragging and dropping your video files people, come on.
Iamnotbarackobama 2 years ago
I agree, the only two things that completely ruin this camera are the Video Cam Suite, and .MOD file types. I don't even use the suite, I just dig through my camera's hard drive, and upload directly to You Tube, because it's the only way to get the HD capability out of the camera.
TankCrusher210 2 years ago
omg mine is the same way its shit software and i had to get a vid converter and all sorts of shit with it =[ not fun at all....are there any softwares that will work for it???
i need help please ???
BallzProductions 2 years ago
haha... well my advice for you is... get a better computer... i have the same camera. just with the 60 gig hdd and it took like two seconds to get my shit... first off using the software that comes with a $300 camera was your first mistake, and the second, the wording you decided to use in your video.. from the looks of it.. the only "garbage" was your house.. clean that shit up before you post a video on the internet.. its like 8,900 guests over and you can't even straighten things up a bit
IWATCHVIDEOS5555 2 years ago
Since I DON'T have 8,900 guests over, I don't care. LOL. It has improved some in the 7 months since you posted, though.
gremlingts 2 years ago
Thank You For Saying That Last Part, It Needed To Be Said.
27SD72 2 years ago
I agree.Nice camcorder.Software sucks ass.
mrd7051 2 years ago 2
The VideoStudio Pro X2 supports .MOD file.
You can also use a card reader to easily transfer its videos from SD card to computer.
felinecharmer 2 years ago
Buy a Mac. I never use software that comes with my devices. Typically the factory software from the computer is higher end than software provided by the device manufacturer. Think about the programing development that goes into software for a $3,000 dollar computer as opposed to a $300 camera. Just a tip for future peripheral devices.
OsirisGSD 2 years ago
You had it for a week. Should have taken it back to store and exchanged for something compatible. I work in marketing. Tradition shows that we are legally obligated to only provide info on operating systems a product works with. We are also in the business of selling products. Thank you.
assortedimages 2 years ago
There's no guarantee that other manufacturers wouldn't "hide" their compatibility limitations , either. Uncaring companies resort to legalese when their products cause consumers problems. You may be in the business to sell, but I posted on YouTube to warn others, and at least 4-5 people reconsidered a purchase. So Panasonic lost business due to my posting. I have no sympathy for companies that are only out for the "first sale", and don't seem to care about "repeat customer business".
gremlingts 2 years ago
Firstly, thank you for venting! ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE BOX, it says that it's Mac compatible. I have never come across such deceptive advertising. The Mac cannot recognize it. I even paid 20 bucks for software from Apple that *might* help...and it didn't.
I don't understand what Panasonic thinks people will do with this camera. The are no guarantees that it will work with ANY system!
peterjbond 3 years ago
Yea - I did a review `sorta , on the Panasonic befor I got the SDR-H40 . I`m not really all that impressed with it. #1 No night vision-#2 You have to pull out the fucking battery and plug in the ac adapter to upload vidieos- wich I have to manually look for them under the panasonic drive in windows because the software sucks like you say.I just got this camera and havent had alot of time to mess with it but I bet I`ll find more to bitch about! I do like the 2000 X`s digi focus.
ericrichards0 3 years ago
You have a VERY messy house.
markvtos 3 years ago
Yes, many (other) great minds seemed to spend more time thinking ( and doing ) more important things than housework, like Albert Einstein. His study was messy. Don't bother me, I'm videoing my anti-gravity drive right now....
gremlingts 3 years ago
DAMN RIGHT! :)
luinva 2 years ago
buy a mac douche
PoopOnaStickVideos 3 years ago
The software doesn't work on every Mac either, "bag"....so some Mac users posted in their complaints with it, too. Pbbbbbbbbt !
gremlingts 3 years ago
thanx for the info on the lack of customer care from Panasonic,i think ill be buying the JVC camcorder now at least that comes complete with usable software and has a night light option included for such a big company panasonic has forgotten where its share prices and customer satisfaction is supposed to start,targets and sales do not fair well with disgruntled people,word of mouth is the best advertising ever, this bit of advertising has just cost them my custom and a few more im sure
Bre11o 3 years ago
y dont u just return it and buy a new 1?? problem solved
badamc 3 years ago
Could someone answer this please. I have two computers, one of them recocnizes the video files when I plug this camera in and the other one doesn't, although it has before. Instead of recognizing them as mpeg files it recognizes them as a data file called a MOD. , but the pictures it does recognize. Does anyone know what's up?
mattkudzu 3 years ago
The Panasonic converts the pic file to it's own Proprietary name, which they made .MOD. You can go into a Dos window, and rename all the files to .MOV, and it should be recognized then, I think it's a .AVI type file, I read somewhere. Many software programs won't read it still, my Dell won't, but my wife's newer Dell will, same Media Program...go figure. I use a program , free, called VLC Media Player to view it then.
gremlingts 3 years ago
thanks
mattkudzu 3 years ago
nice to know thanks!
sniper324 3 years ago
Oh, BTW - why is the video in 16:9 format and 4:3 format showing in the same size (4:3) window (16:9 compresses width to fit into the 4:3 window - making everyone tall and skinny...)
cebby66 3 years ago
Let's call a spade a spade - it's a budget camera that they include free "software" with. When has any free software been worth anything? I chose not to install it. I use XP and found that using the wizard (after selecting PC Connect for the USB function and HDD as the source) which gave me a drive window that the files on the camcorder appeared in (already in MPEG format BTW). From here I copied to my computer - PITA that they can't be deleted via the USB connection.
cebby66 3 years ago
mines for sale. i just bought it in july 2008. then i bought the higher priced canon hi def version. i dont need 2. but it worked fine for me as an avg consumer
prwhite55 3 years ago
I'm taking mine back tomorrow.
I also found that a video I shot as a test, comes up on the screen on my laptop very "swimmy" about 3 min. into the video.
This is inexcusable.
For any of you that are past the return date,
& are happy except for the software issue, just change the extension to mpg and use something called Magicbit All In One video converter. changing the name fools it into changing it to mp4 for you, which is a better quality situation.
theonlyrealMugsy 3 years ago
I totally agree about the great cam and the crap software. I have a solution you should check into.
Open source software: MediaCoder. I see you use an SD card. Copy the .mov file to your computer. Run MediaCoder (see my video on that) to convert to various formats. Then share, publish to YT etc.
I hope this helps.
MTEXX2 3 years ago
I'm thinking about buying this, but I'm not sure if it's good.(dont really care about the massive zoom) Does it film/record good quality? And does it "catch" fast stuff or objects? As if it's coming at you? For example for filming videogames(hehe) or skiing etc. ? Thanks.
akselol 3 years ago
YES!! actually it does! i just got this today because it is my Birthday!! i tried this same test while skateboarding and it picked it up with great quality hope this helps
MongoStylin 3 years ago
Yeah, thanks a lot. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna buy it.
akselol 3 years ago
do it work with mac
C00KIEMON 3 years ago
no...
MongoStylin 3 years ago
You don't HAVE to use the software... Just use your normal editing software. Personally, I use After Effects.
technosanta 3 years ago
I have this camera, it is perfect for my kids events. I love the fact that it takes stills too!!! I've had it for about a month, and only downloaded once. I didn't have any trouble with the software, but I didn't edit with it. I used Windows movie maker for that. Thanks for the vid, I'll try editing with the software next time and see how it goes. It's hard to know what to buy, especially when you research and see good & bad for everything, the stores are no help, they just want the sell.
nlsonchlkbrd 3 years ago
If anyone else has this problem don't sweat it, use the freeware SDcopy V1.998 Beta! Its free (search for it on google) and it automatically transfers and converts your videos from your camera to a selected destination on your computer. it is easy to use and has a simple interface. I had the same problem but i did the search and it was worth it...especially if you want to edit with the files because it converts it from mod (DVD) to mpeg format.
tszablewski09 3 years ago
haha thank god i fell into that video, i was going to buy this camera on the net.
tilex676 3 years ago
I agree the camera runs well, but my biggest complaint is that the battery only lasts 90 minutes, and I CANNOT find another! Software sucks, I agree. I'm not going to buy a Mac to speed it up, so I guess I'm screwed.
msevilbad 3 years ago
I had no problems finding a bigger one, Circuit City carried an upgrade,Panasonic Model # VW-VBG130 , About $70 if I remember correctly. There is supposed to be a SUPER battery for this model coming out, will run for 14 hours...but I haven't seen it ( nor looked for it lately, either ). Keep your eyes peeled. good luck, buy a battery online if you can't find one local.
- Jerry -
gremlingts 3 years ago
Thanks for your response, Jerry! I really need something with a minimum 4-5 hour charge, so the 'super' battery is definitely the thing for me.
Most of my accessory purchases are done online, I have just not had any luck finding a replacement that says it works with this particular camcorder. I will look up the model # you provided today, and keep my eyes peeled for the 'super' battery. Thanks again!
~Barb
msevilbad 3 years ago
No, you're not screwed if you can afford to get Cyberlink PowerDirector. This is what I had to get for the software because the software that came with it is WORTHLESS. You can download a trial version of PowerDirector, then have to copy the camera HD contents to your C: drive to access it from PowerDirector, but it works great. The camcorder is a good one. Best of luck.
WiscFiddler 3 years ago
just bought one last night...
you're right... great hardware... garbage software... and I didn't find this out until I opened the box...
takes mine just as long to load as you describe... I figure this is due to the 64 bit operation system on my comp... page 86 says the software is not guaranteed to work on 64 bit... I wouldn't have known this without opening it... but if time is the only issue, I'll live with it and hope Panasonic releases an upgrade...
the camera is pretty awesome...
ozzgod 3 years ago
yes, it is. Since I've been using VLC video software, I've had no problems with using it. Just have to change the name of the file from .MOD to .MOV, and it works fine. I'll hope that someday they fix the software issues that bog it down so much.
gremlingts 3 years ago
If you had a MAC and not a windows P.O.S. it would just work. I didn't HAVE TO INSTALL ANY SOFTWARE to make the SDR-H40P to work. Why don't you complain to Micro$oft for making a crappy OS?
vintonalan 3 years ago
sorry, I read reviews on the Internet from Mac users who also had problems with it working correctly. Besides, it's NOT Microsoft's problem, it's the manfacturer of the camera which limits the useability of the camera by overstuffing the software with junk to the point it will only work with software they've tweaked it to work with. THAT is the real problem. So , sorry to burst your bubble,Maccie, but even some Mac users had problems with it, too. Couldn't tell ya the version, though.
gremlingts 3 years ago
So what you are trying to tell US ALL. that we should NOT buy THIS camera?
Cause the HARDWARE SUCKS??
Ok, i want this camera for cristmas,, are u telling me that i should wish an other camrera? not this one?
I like this camera,, it got whole 42x optical zoom! and WHOLE 2000x digtal zoom!
and the camera got other things that is incredible! so u say that the camera is great, BUT the HARDWARE isn't a special good hardware?
PLEASE answer THIS message as soon as possible.! THANK YOU!
Titanstar1 3 years ago
hey, i got this camera. it's fucking defective. it's got great specs and great price, i broke it in a week, it fell from my computer desk to the carpet and broke! i'm tearing it apart right now.
JuggaloVision13 3 years ago
No, no, NO...the hardware is FINE...the SOFTWARE is junk! Long as you either have the "correct" Windows ( or Mac ) software, it will work. But the video editing software they sell with it is only good with certain types of PC software ( Go to Panasonic's website and read CAREFULLY which software will and will NOT work with it! ). I have a Dell, with XP "Media" edition, and Media edition won't work. Needs Home edition, or OFfice. Good luck...
gremlingts 3 years ago
OK, Thanks..:D
Titanstar1 3 years ago
can you add fish eye lenses to this camera
IdeNiTySkAtEr12 3 years ago
I don't think so, there's no place for an accessory lens to screw on in front.
gremlingts 3 years ago
oh that sucks
IdeNiTySkAtEr12 3 years ago
the software works great: WinVista SP1, Intel DualCore T2330 1.6GHz, 2GB RAM. didn't experienced any slowdown.
mpdasmarinas 3 years ago
I Am about to buy one and saw this. I still like the camera but any suggestions on the editing/downloading software?
dalitigator 3 years ago
Just check Panasonic's website for the info on this camera...it will tell you SOME of the software that will work ok with. It's still slow, my wife loaded it on her laptop with XP Home edition, it worked fine, our Dell's with XP Media edition crash constantly. But double-check before buying, the camera can be made to work with generic video software, but you lose all the use of the purchased editing software, and there's not much other software out there yet for this camera .
gremlingts 3 years ago
I love this camera! though the editing software is crappy but very goo camera!
DonPatch44 3 years ago
LoL XD...awesome review. Lucky me i havent yet bought it.
ecm14m 3 years ago
I have never used any software that comes with any plug and play device. The software that digital cameras and camcorders comes with is usually crappy or cheap versions.
Your problem is easily remedied. You don't even need to use the software so why are you clogging up your computer with it.
monnie110 3 years ago
Because you have editing functions to do things with the video..otherwise, you have to purchase other software, and this camera is so new, there wasn't much when I bought it. Besides, I spent the money, why shouldn't I expect value out of the accessories I got with it? I lost out because their software engineering ( and obscured knowledge of the limited PC software it works with ), and limited things I can do with it now. Still love the camera, I just can't do anything with the videos currently.
gremlingts 3 years ago
Uh...because my Dell didn't COME with video editing software for it? And I'd like to DO stuff, neat stuff, with the videos, which is what I thought the included software would help with...other than the fact that it's a certified POS ( the software, not the hardware )...if you know where I can get free video editing software, let me know....
gremlingts 3 years ago
i don't no what you guys are talking about the camera is awesome and yes the only bad things it has is no backup light and bad software but i don't even use the software just use an editing program works great and if i can edit and do things fine on the worst editing software avalible (windows movie maker) than sony or adobe programs should be awesome
jjstix 3 years ago
Can you shorten the videos and take out chunks with the Windows Movie Maker? Never used it, I'll have to see if it's on my Dell.
gremlingts 3 years ago
yeah you can
jjstix 3 years ago
I bought this camera about 2 weeks ago,i like the camera,but the software keeps crashing everytime i try and make a playlist,and how come you can VERY finely edit stuff on the camera,i can cut words in half,but when you connect it the the pc you have to use the editing software! the software reads the whole hard drive and includes all the stuff you edit out!plus it takes a REALY LONG TIME to upload to you tube.
pelsallcat 3 years ago
Pelsallcat, try this.... exit out of the worthless software when the window pops up, and then just go to Start, right-click, Explore, and then just find the camera ( usually F drive ), and pull the videos off the camera that way...it uses a hard drive, and your PC reads it that way. Still won't help you with editing with the crappy software that came with it, but at least you can upload vids to your PC MUCH quicker manually this way, than go thru the software they provide.
gremlingts 3 years ago
mine works great, this dudes probably got a shit computer which is full of porn and is slow
lloydc199207 3 years ago
nah,I took the porn off, and it still is a piece of crap software package for the camera. Obviously you must be a Obama supporter, because you can't understand the FACTS as presented - even Panasonic said it wouldn't support the DELL version of Windows (Media Edition), they just didn't print it or make it very clear ANYWHERE that I could find easily before I bought it ( and I looked, too ).
gremlingts 3 years ago
Crappy camera continued. LCD has +/- 10 grad. viewing angle - Worst I ever seen. Resume - total crap with hard drive, excellent OIS and zoom. Video quality = none. Beware!
stellar781 3 years ago
Viewing angle? the screen swivels...how can it have a BAD angle? I can move it 180 degrees, so you can hold it over your head or down on the ground, and still see what you're shooting. I thought the video quality was acceptable, but hell, it's NOT a $1,000 camera. It's under $400. Low light function is poor, too. But for most video I've used it for, bright daylight, to very late afternoon, I find it decent. Not theatre quality, but you won't get that for $400 or less.
gremlingts 3 years ago
Software was OK for me on Vista home. The hardware is absolute crap.
White balance is none in elect. lamp light. Super noisy video, washed out colors and frame rate drops to 5 per sec in low light. It has 0.3 effect. Megapixel. Subjectively my telephone shoots better video. When connect to PC need 2 more wires and extract the battery. Battery may not be swapped for bigger capacity cause it's in the middle of the camera.
stellar781 3 years ago
I found a 130 MAh battery for it, the original is only a 70 ? Supposedly there is a 1250 or something huge coming, but the camera is so new, no one has stocked it or it's not available. I've had no problem with having 2 batteries.
gremlingts 3 years ago
stfu t worked fine for me plus... RETURN YOUR IT F IT DOESNT WORK...stfu
doopoo1011 3 years ago
Does this work on 64-bit vista
liamthursfield 3 years ago
srry dude but this works for me perfectly fine
one problem i have with it is im tryin to find/make a fisheye for it but it's impossible
paintballerdudex 3 years ago
yea, i just got this camcorder today and i was so pumped on it, but i got so bummed when i found out it couldnt take a fisheye.
brendanm52 3 years ago
it worked fine for me...you just need a better computer.
CIRCAtsl 3 years ago
No, I need different SOFTWARE....it has nothing at all do to do with the computer. It just seems that their marketing strategy is poor, to not list the software that DOES work with it on the box. If you're buying it without any Internet help, you get screwed. Even WITH it I didn't find the fine-print about Windows Media Edition until after I'd bought the camera already. Luckily the internet SAVED me from tossing it out a window, or taking it back.
gremlingts 3 years ago
HAHA SUCKS FOR THIS GUY!
works perfectly with iMovie. Get a mac dude. or fix yr pc. 9 min for the app to launch haha something is definitely wrong there. it takes less than 3 sec to launch on my windows box. and honestly who uses winXP media center.
jacjac3 3 years ago
The PROBLEM is that the camera manufacturer (Panasonic) has decided to make their software so complicated, it ONLY works on certain versions of Windows. AND Mac PCs, as well, it seems from some Internet complaints. It's not just a Windows issue, dude. So Ha Ha! to your Mac snideness. Get a life...
The Gremlin Guy
gremlingts 3 years ago
I too have this fine camera.....but CANNOT get the damn photos or videos off of it to my computer, which utilises Windoze Vista. Now the outer box of the camera indicates it works with Windows Xp, XP home, professional, Vista. TOTAL CRAP SOFTWARE. Your photos and videos are LOCKED on your cameras hard drive.
My computer cannot read the new HC SD cards...and I do not know how to disable its built in old card readers so that it will allow me to use the new SDHC card readers.
centerline75 3 years ago
GREMLINGTS - There ARE work-arounds for the software deficiences - I downloaded free software called VLC Media Player, to play the proprietary .MOD files of Panasonic. You have to do a name-change,I used a DOS window, they are actually .AVI file types. You can also pull the pics or vids off the SDR-H40P simply by pulling up Windows Explorer and accessing the camera like a Hard drive. But you have to boot it up to each type, HDD or SD card, can't switch between them, which sucks.
gremlingts 3 years ago