Panasonic HDC-TM700 review

The TM700 is one of three largely identical models, along with the HS700 and SD700. All three shoot the same high-quality video, but they have different storage options. The TM700 has its 32GB of built-in flash memory plus an SDXC card slot, the HS700 is larger but has a 240GB hard disk as well as the card slot, while the cheaper SD700 only has the card slot for storage. Personally, we feel the SD700 provides the best value for money; it’s available for under £700 and you can pick up 16GB SDHC cards for around £20, and just one will hold up to two hours of 1080p interlaced video.

We really like Panasonic’s new flagship range of camcorders. You could argue that some digital cameras, like Panasonic’s own GH1, shoot equally excellent video in good lighting conditions and arguably better footage in low light when you have to boost the gain to get a picture. However, a camcorder like this is still more compact, lighter and easier to handle than any DSLR-sized device, and if money is no object then this is the camcorder most people should buy.