The first thing we'll cover in this Panasonic HDC-TM700 HD camcorder review is the user interface. The HDC-TM700 has one of the most intuitive user interfaces that you will come across in the video camera market.

Open the LCD panel to find a menu button at the bottom of the display. Press it to get a touch sensitive menu popping up on the screen. Navigation is simply a breeze - touch any menu item and you will see additional options.

The camera will also switch to a Manual mode from the Intelligent Auto mode when you press the IA/Manual button. In manual mode, you can select Shutter, White Balance, Iris functions or Focus from the touch screen. Select one and turn the multi manual ring that can be found on the front side of the camera to adjust the function that you selected.

The Panasonic HDC-TM700 camcorder
 

Want to access the manual settings? Simply press the Camera Function button which is located on the left side of the body of the camera and is placed just behind the multi manual ring. Press again and you will come across four different functions and get your desired adjustments by turning the ring.

The HDC-TM700 comes with various ports and accessory jacks. a microphone jack. This allows you to use an external mic. On the right at the bottom of the front side of the camera, there is a port cover. When lifted, the port cover when shows the microphone jack as well as a headphone jack. There is also another port which when uncovered, reveals one accessory shoe jack.
 

Another view of the Panasonic HDC-TM700 HD camcorder

3. Optics And Resolution

Ok, the next thing we want to cover in this Panasonic HDC-TM700 HD camcorder review is the unit's optics and resolution.

The Panasonic HDC-TM700 HD camcorder has CMOS sensors which are capable of delivering still photos with high resolution (14.2 MP camera) and HD videos up to 1920 X 1080/60p. There are four different shooting modes which are HE (5Mbps), HG (13Mbps), HX (9Mbps) and HA (17Mbps).

For the purposes of this Panasonic HDC-TM700 HD camcorder review, the camera I used had 32 GB internal memory. This can however be easily upgraded up to 64 GB.

What are the shortcomings of the HDC-TM700? Well, not many. The only gripe I might have is that the port cover supports have a flimsy feel. Though they are flexible but regular use will probably lead to breakage. Another little gripe is the fact that HDMI cables are missing.

These are the two main issues I uncovered - but if you can overlook these, the HDC-TM700 is a wonderful video camera.

And that's it for this Panasonic HDC-TM700 HD camcorder review. All in all, I'd say the HDC-TM700 is one solid digital camcorder. It is very good for those interested in shooting HD video and want to get into the action with a simple, fuss-free device. Get the Panasonic HDC-TM700 camcorder at a great price here.

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