Panasonic HDC-TM700 camcorder records high definition video onto Secure Digital memory cards or to built-in flash memory in AVCHD format.

The most notable feature of this camera is FullHD mode (1080p60 for "NTSC" and 1080p50 for "PAL" regions), which delivers twice as much information than traditional interlaced video. FullHD video is recorded at 28 Mbit/s, which is the highest data rate for any AVCHD camcorder to date, including professional models. The downside to the FullHD mode is that it is not compliant with existing AVCHD spec. Even if your player or editing software accepts FullHD video from this camera, it may have trouble playing it back at full speed.

Besides the glorious FullHD mode, the camera also records traditional interlaced video at up to 17 Mbit/s. It can also shoot film-like video called Digital Cinema, which is recorded in interlaced stream using pulldown.

The 46mm lens is larger than on previous models, has wider angle of view, and is half stop faster. It has a built-in neutral density filter which can soak up at least two stops of light; it is hard to figure out exact strength of the filter, you have to look deep into the lens for a tiny piece of shaded film being inserted to or removed from the light path. The filter is completely automatic, and the camera does not report filter strength when the filter is engaged.

The electronic viewfinder, is tiny and has low resolution. It pulls out, but does not tilt up. The 3-inch flip-out screen is reasonably large and shows the image being recorded practically without overscan, which is great for proper framing.

The Camera Function button allows selecting frequently used parameters like focus, white balance, shutter speed and iris, which can then be adjusted with the multifunctional ring. There are issues with ergonomics of the Camera Function button, which are explained in the video.

The accessory shoe, actually the accessory shoe mount, is positioned lower and closer to the front of the camcorder than usual. As result, your shotgun microphone may stick into the frame, and the non-removable port cover rubs against the focus ring.

Shooting in FullHD mode draws lots of power, so the engineers installed a fan to cool the encoder chip. The fan inlet is located in the LCD cavity. With the LCD screen closed, the camera suffocates and the fan speeds up, increasing its pitch. Should you be worried about overheating? Should you use the camera with the LCD always open?

The camera has three different menus, two of which are invoked with hard-to-press buttons on the lower edge of the LCD bezel, while the third menu is invoked through either a small virtual button on the screen or with the Camera Function button. The multifunction ring can select items from the Function menu, but not from the main menu.

Despite unfriendly user interface and some questionable engineering, this camera has one huge ace up its sleeve: FullHD mode, which delivers absolutely gorgeous video. So, if you want to get the sharpest, the most detailed and the smoothest image ever seen from a consumer camcorder, then you just have to get yourself one of these.

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