canon vixia hf m40 vs pan hdc-tm90k I'm torn between the two. I shoot videos for a living (using company gear, not my own) so with this camera I'm not making webcasts or videos for profit. I want something for my kids ball games, vacations and family stuff. I loved my Sony DV but it's down for the count. Both Canon and Pan have there pro's and cons. I want the best color rendition and something that won't be totally obsolete in a few years. Ease of use and editing simplicity. The biggest pro for the Pan is the zoom lens. The TM90K seems to be wider while the Canon looks like it needs an adapter. I'm leaning towards the Pan but don't want to make a mistake. canon vixia hf m40 vs pan hdc-tm90k I'm torn between the two. I shoot videos for a living (using company gear, not my own) so with this camera I'm not making webcasts or videos for profit.... » Read More canon vixia hf m40 vs pan hdc-tm90k I'm torn between the two. I shoot videos for a living (using company gear, not my own) so with this camera I'm not making webcasts or videos for profit. I want something for my kids ball games, vacations and family stuff. I loved my Sony DV but it's down for the count. Both Canon and Pan have there pro's and cons. I want the best color rendition and something that won't be totally obsolete in a few years. Ease of use and editing simplicity. The biggest pro for the Pan is the zoom lens. The TM90K seems to be wider while the Canon looks like it needs an adapter. I'm leaning towards the Pan but don't want to make a mistake. « Show Less
1134713
I was just at the store today looking at the TM90 and the Canon M41, hard to choose between the two! Johnny, do you miss having a viewfinder? And, the green tint scares me...I've read that in a lot of reviews.
1134714
Have you made a decision? I'm in the same boat. Got a bunch of Sony DVs but the camera is huge. Time to move to HD. I like the Canon HF M40 because its got alot of the same optics as the G10 at half the price. The Pan has a much better range on the wide end, so I'm torn. Not sure if the Pan features are as good as the Canon otherwise.
1134715
I went with the Panasonic. Got it yesterday. I'll report back for those interested.
1134716
Johnny,I am new at camcorders and am looking for something easy to download onto my lab top. I am not very computer savvy so I am hesitant to go the HD route. Any thoughts on the TM90 software? Easy to use? compared to Canon 41 and Sony ? Thanks
1134717
I am torn between these exact same two camcorders also. Looking forward to your follow-up post!
1134718
I went with the Panasonic. The price was right, I liked the zoom ratio over the Canon and the fact I could carry it in a pocket of my jacket. I took it to Disney and alsmost lost it on the monorail as it slipped out of that convenient jacket pocket. It took beautiful pictures outdoors and acceptable in dark indoors. The sound quality was fine. However, I noticed that the on-board light casts a greenish-blue hue to skintone. I point at something white, let it adjust and it's fine. So, for the money and family videos, I think it's great. The bonus of the still camera is nice as well.
1134719
Oddly enough, I ended up going with neither of these. I compared these to the Sony CX130. Picked them up in the stores and found the image of the Sony to be more brilliant. The Sony form factor was smaller as well which will be good for traveling. Best part is that it's only $350. It uses SD cards (no internal memory), but that didn't bother me since SD cards are so cheap now.
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UPDATE . . . the teal colorization caused by the on-board light is starting to annoy me. Yes, I still love the camera in daylight. Beautiful pictures sound and color saturation. Image stabalization and zoom are wonderful. However, when that blasted light comes on, it causes the subject to look smurfy. A blueish hue. Panasonic needs to fix that. Why it got past their technical staff is beyond me.
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I am also looking at these two cameras. My needs are a good low light performance as well as action sport shots. I had purchased the Panasonic FZ8 but have returned it because the inside low light pictures were very noisy and grainy. It took great outside pictures and was responsibly fast. I'm currently wanting to try the Sony but don't like the idea of having to buy a memory stick for it, I have a few sd cards that the Canon takes.
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In fact, they are not recording the same quality, HG20 is a set ahead than HF100, 24Mbps against 17Mbps, resulting better quality. Can we see the difference? Who knows? But it's there...I aggre with you, HF100 feels cheap(in fact it's cheaper) but does not give the quality feel of HG20, it's not as ergonomic as HG20...HD part of HG20 lets you to handle it better, HF100 feels too small..But, are these enough to pay about 65-70$ more?
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If you intend to shoot video primarily and stills, as well, I feel the GH3 is clearly the better choice. If you primarily want to shoot stills and some video, too, maybe the Canikon choices would be a bit better. They shoot stills a little better than the GH3, but the GH3 is so geared to video, it is just a natural choice for that. I shoot nature and wildlife video, so having the 2x crop factor of the Panasonic is better, and with the addition of the ETC mode the amount of magnification you can get from a lens is staggering. For instance, a 300mm lens on the Canon (1.6x crop factor) or Nikon (1.5x crop factor) is equivalent to 480mm and 450mm, respectively. With the Panasonic GH3, with the 2x crop, the 300mm lens becomes a 600mm equivalent (to full-frame cameras, like the Canon 5D MK III) and with the ETC mode dialed in (2.4x addl. crop factor w/ NO LOSS OF LIGHT) your 300mm lens has become a 1440mm equivalent telephoto monster lens...insane! Another factor about the GH3 is having no mirror. This means the camera's sensor is closer to the front of the camera and allows just about any lens ever made to be adapted to the camera, usually with an adaptor (Fotodiox brand adaptors are a huge favorite of micro 4/3 camera users...well made and very inexpensive) costing around $20.00. I also like putting my eye up to the live electornic viewfinder, but the swing-out LCD can be used to focus and compose video shots, too. The video recording codecs used by the GH3 are many, stable and of high quality. The body of the GH3 is weather-sealed magnesium, a high-end, professional feature. So, yes, I really REALLY like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3. Put high-end new or used glass on it and get gorgeous images. I use it professionally on ALL my nature-based shoots and always get great shots...when I've done all the right things first! Read bunches of reviews before you buy, but if video is your main need/desire, this is the choice right now.
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I actually tried the HF S200 and was disappointed with its low light performance, so I returned it and placed an order for the HF M400. I don't need all of the bells and whistles, and still photos are not a requirement for me for a video camera. I think their logic in using the pro sensor makes sense. I got the same response when I asked Canon. If you compare them side by side though, the only thing the HF M400 is missing is some of the manual controls, the ability to take high-quality still photos, and a larger display. Other than that, for pure video quality and low light performance, the HF M400 should come out on top (I hope). I actually tried the HF S200 and was disappointed with its low light performance, so I returned it and placed an order for the HF M400. I don't need all of the bells and whistles, and still photos are not a requirement for me for a video camera. I think their logic in using the pro sensor makes sense. I got the same response when I asked Canon. If you compare them side by side though, the only thing the HF M400 is missing is some of the manual controls, the ability to take high-quality still photos, and a larger display. Other than that, for pure video quality and low light... » Read More I actually tried the HF S200 and was disappointed with its low light performance, so I returned it and placed an order for the HF M400. I don't need all of the bells and whistles, and still photos are not a requirement for me for a video camera. I think their logic in using the pro sensor makes sense. I got the same response when I asked Canon. If you compare them side by side though, the only thing the HF M400 is missing is some of the manual controls, the ability to take high-quality still photos, and a larger display. Other than that, for pure video quality and low light performance, the HF M400 should come out on top (I hope). « Show Less
1217377
I chose the Sony HDR CX500V over the HF S100 based on low light performance and stabilization during side by side testing. The low light performance of the S100 showed notable noise artifacts while the CX500V was totally clean and smooth. The stabilization of the CX500V was also head and shoulder above the Cannon. I will miss manual controls and inputs of the Cannon, but in grab and go, day to day shooting of the family, the Sony fits my intended use better in long run.
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I think both are great for video and stills. I chose the Lumix because I work with a Panasonic GH3. Prime lenses are better for definition and color
1242341
HG21 is the only cam on the market with 24Mbps AVCHD and the colors are much better too. there's a comparison on vimeo.com i'd definitely go with canon.
768118
I'm kind of in the same situation Hamlet. They both look great, and I can't decide which one to pull the trigger on. I have a Canon XTi DSLR that I use and love but I want something smaller for travel and one of these seems to fit the bill. Did you make a choice yet? If you have what one did you pick up? I'm also looking at the Sony HX5V.
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blanchedebeaulieu, The FH20 is a much newer camera with more developed technology. The number of megapixels has little to do with the quality of the camera or the pictures from the camera. The size (and quality) of the sensor are far more important and I believe each of these cameras has the same sensor. With the FH20 you'd be getting a newer camera, with greater zoom, new instead of refurbished and for less money. While I think each of the cameras would prove satisfactory to you, I don't think there is really any doubt- go with the FH20. Also, I haven't read anywhere of anyone complaining about a Panasonic lens, whether it's licensed from Leica or not. I'd put more faith in the Amazon guarantee and Panasonic warranty than the label on the lens (For what it's worth, I often buy refurbished- computers, ipods, ipod speakers- and the only time I've had a problem was with a refurbished camera. Sure, it's a small sample size, but I wouldn't recommend refurbished in this category). Hope my experience helps you.
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Charity, I have no real reason to criticize the Panasonic, but I have purchase 4-5 different lenses for my OMD EM-5 and have tried the Panasonic versions. I have always reverted back to the Olympus versions of the lens because of the different "color" casts I get from the Panasonic versions. Seems that the Olympus versions are slightly sharper and the color renditions are much more "spot on" when used on an Olympus Camera. I am assuming that manufacturers work to match their lens coatings to the color adjustment algorythyms in their processors and vice versa. I would opt for the Olympus lens for the Olympus EM-10. That of course is a personal preference based upon personal experience. Charity, I have no real reason to criticize the Panasonic, but I have purchase 4-5 different lenses for my OMD EM-5 and have tried the Panasonic versions. I have always reverted back to the Olympus versions of the lens because of the different "color" casts I get from the Panasonic versions. Seems that the Olympus versions are slightly sharper and the color renditions are much more "spot on" when used on an Olympus Camera. I am assuming that manufacturers work to match their lens coatings to the color adjustment algorythyms in their processors and vice versa. I would opt... » Read More Charity, I have no real reason to criticize the Panasonic, but I have purchase 4-5 different lenses for my OMD EM-5 and have tried the Panasonic versions. I have always reverted back to the Olympus versions of the lens because of the different "color" casts I get from the Panasonic versions. Seems that the Olympus versions are slightly sharper and the color renditions are much more "spot on" when used on an Olympus Camera. I am assuming that manufacturers work to match their lens coatings to the color adjustment algorythyms in their processors and vice versa. I would opt for the Olympus lens for the Olympus EM-10. That of course is a personal preference based upon personal experience. « Show Less
209419
I really like the Panasonic ZS30. I do not have the Fuji f900, although I've heard nice things about it. Google www.dpreview.com. I think they have professional reviews of both cameras. Might also try www.whatdigitalcamera.com. Another good place for professional reviews is www.cameralabs.com. If you go to www.whatdigitalcamera.com, it is a British magazine, and the ZS30 is known as the TZ40 in Europe - same camera. Both the Fuji and the Panasonic are highly rated. Another option to consider - Panasonic has announced that the ZS40 - next upgrade - will be coming out in March. It will have a 30X zoom, RAW shooting, and EVF, and several other new features. Might want to check that one out if you can wait a bit.
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I think you should get the Panasonic TZ5 (or TZ4 if you don't care about HD video). The TZ's will jump to an Optical 16.7x@ 3MEGAPIXELS, and will be in the $200- 230 area vs. the much more expensive 12x...I have both the TZ5 and SX110. They are both GREAT cameras. The TZ5 is lighter and smaller, and you can take video with optical vs digital zoom (clearer video). I bought the SX 110 , because there is a CHDK modification available for it (Google CHDK). You can do timelapse, RAW format, extend the shutter speed to 64 seconds....but if you are using the camera for the day, I would go with the TZ4 or 5, but you better hurry- all of these cameras are discontinued! I think you should get the Panasonic TZ5 (or TZ4 if you don't care about HD video). The TZ's will jump to an Optical 16.7x@ 3MEGAPIXELS, and will be in the $200- 230 area vs. the much more expensive 12x...I have both the TZ5 and SX110. They are both GREAT cameras. The TZ5 is lighter and smaller, and you can take video with optical vs digital zoom (clearer video). I bought the SX 110 , because there is a CHDK modification available for it (Google CHDK). You can do timelapse, RAW format, extend the shutter speed to 64 seconds....but if you are using the camera for the day, I would go with the... » Read More I think you should get the Panasonic TZ5 (or TZ4 if you don't care about HD video). The TZ's will jump to an Optical 16.7x@ 3MEGAPIXELS, and will be in the $200- 230 area vs. the much more expensive 12x...I have both the TZ5 and SX110. They are both GREAT cameras. The TZ5 is lighter and smaller, and you can take video with optical vs digital zoom (clearer video). I bought the SX 110 , because there is a CHDK modification available for it (Google CHDK). You can do timelapse, RAW format, extend the shutter speed to 64 seconds....but if you are using the camera for the day, I would go with the TZ4 or 5, but you better hurry- all of these cameras are discontinued! « Show Less
1420055
It's a very nice camera but if you have little camera knowledge, another camera would work just as well. I suggest the Sony HX10V, it's a lot cheaper than this camera and the black and red models of the HX10V are made in Japan.
928346
I am considering CX150 or CX110. Is there any difference between those two except 16GB internal memory in CX150? I have been researching camcorder for more than week and can't decide. Now boils down to one of these two - no reasons...just due to Sony brand. I know there better rated panasonic and canon out there in the similar price range...any comments???
202192
I have a Canon Vixia HFM 40 which I understand from Canon specs shown at http://www.canon.ca/inetCA/en/arcproducts/method/gp/pid/8607#_030 appears to have the same image sensor as the Vixia HFM 400. I find the video to be satisfactory. Camera won't focus from 1 foot away unless you use some close-up filters that can be bought inexpensively on ebay or for more money from a camera retail shop. I like the HFM 40.
1187705
I have a Gh1 and three Olympus ep1, ep3, and an Omd, regarding photography all this Cameras are better than Panasonic, on video part always Panasonic is better! But you said slower what do you mean by that? Focusing speed in OMD is very fast but it is not like a DSLR camera!, it is fast engh for street photography beside it has in body stablizer which is amazing and it is dust and weather resistant ( body and the kit lens ) read more about them in many photo blogs and pick the one which is better for your need!.