Panasonic HDC-TM300

The basics

The TM300 is a twin memory camcorder that records Full HD images either on its 32GB internal flash memory or an SD (or SDHC) Memory Card. A 32GB SDHC Memory Card can hold around 12 hours of recorded video clips (in HE mode). The TM300 can copy recorded video images from the SD Memory Card to the internal memory, or vice versa, with easy operation. It measures 70x72x141mm and weighs 385g.

The good

This Panasonic makes you feel as though the only thing separating you from Michael ‘Blockbuster’ Bay is $100 million worth of CGI and the willingness to spend any length of time with Shia Laboeuf. Triple HD sensors deliver vivid colours and equally vibrant detail, while the bright, stabilised Leica zoom never disappoints. The manual control ring is fast and intuitive to use, and the EVF (although not brilliant) makes it easy to shoot in very bright (or very dark) conditions. 32GB is more than enough storage – about four hours at maximum (17Mbps) bit-rate – and keeps this competent camera’s weight to a trim 400g.

The bad

Panasonic is a relative newcomer to touchscreens, and it shows. The resistive 2.7-inch screen is sharp and clear but the interface isn’t: the on-screen buttons are unresponsive and (obviously) you can’t change them when using the EVF. As usual, don’t believe the claims for still images – while you can shoot photos at “up to” 11MP, they show clear signs of interpolation.

The bottom line

It’s easy to forgive Panasonic for jumping clumsily upon the touchscreen bandwagon when the rest of this cutting-edge camera is so impressive. Great colours and a first-class lens earn it top marks.