Camcorder help?

[dbanimal]

Hdc-tm700

Please report back. I'd consider buying one but I need the live HDV capability.

It's due to arrive this Friday (11th), but then I need to get the hang of using it. All reviews I'm reading on it sound great - I can't wait!!

[mp3superfreak]

I have the Panasonic HDC-TM700 and it is AWESOME! I use it and my Canon 7D for video and Wow, I can't believe the quality I'm getting from the TM700. I'm going to do a video review of the Camcorder and put it on Youtube and I'll post the link.

See one of my videos in 1080p HD on Youtube (although YT recompresses, quality is still pretty good):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOuYGVLt9Bc&hd=1

[dbanimal]

Awesome, thanks for the video clip!! Was that an external mic you were using?

[mp3superfreak]

Awesome, thanks for the video clip!! Was that an external mic you were using?

Yes, I have a couple of external mics I use. One is an Audio Technica lapel mic and the other is a Sony Shotgun mic. I don't have the specific model numbers now, but can get them for you if you want. I've been preferring the Sony Shotgun mic lately as it seems to do overall better SQ than the lapel mic. I just turn the shotgun part toward me when I'm narrating, then turn it back around when capturing audio of my subject(s).

The Panasonic TM700 allows full manual control of the external mic, which is VERY nice! It does have the consumer 1/8" jack, no XLR's, but for what the camcorder costs, I'm not complaining. I think Camcorderinfo.com gave this camera top ratings as well. It even has a 1080/60p mode which I use, then put in a Vegas timeline, configure the clip for 0.4 playback and I get 1080/24p in slow motion and it is SMOOTH! My Canon 7D can do this as well, but I have to use the 720/60p mode.

[dbanimal]

Sure, I would like to get those model numbers from you!

What's your overall opinion of the built in 5.1 surround microphone? I'm sure the mic input jack is stereo only correct?

[mp3superfreak]

The mic input is stereo, so if you use a mono mic, you'll need a stereo to mono adapter or it will record on one channel only. The Sony mic I use is stereo (I'm pretty sure).

The internal 5.1 mic is decent for narrating, but doesn't have the pickup pattern of a shotgun mic. It will do fine for starting out, but you may find it is limiting in some situations.

I'll get you those model #'s when I get home.

[dbanimal]

Alright, thanks for the info!

[mp3superfreak]

Ok, here are the mic models:

1) Shotgun mic - Sony ECM-MS908c - $90US at Amazon
2) Lav Mic - Audio-Technica ATR-35S - $25US at Amazon

The Audio-Technica seems to give me more "popping" on my P's and B's and I don't really use it much anymore. The Sony MS908c does a GREAT job with everything from voice to instruments and it is a stereo mic with your choice of 90 or 120 degree pickup pattern. It is powered by a single AA battery. You need special LR44 batteries for the ATR-35s.

I hope this info helps. I'm sure other people may recommend mics such as the Rode Videomic, but it is MUCH larger and may look a little strange on the small TM700. I've had the Sony mic for 7 years or so and had no problems with it at all.

Here is another video and this one is better at showing off the sonic quality of the Sony Mic. Jump forward to about 4 minutes into the video for the sound quality test:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVEoB8jc4TQ&hd=1


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