Panasonic HDC-TM55K High Definition Camcorder
Panasonic's HDC-TM55K High Definition Camcorder is an affordable way to capture 1920 x 1080i HD video and 5MP stills. With an 8GB built-in flash memory and the option to record to SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards the TM55K has you covered. 8GB of internal memory provides hours of storage space while removable memory cards allow you to record to your heart's content - or at least until it's time to recharge the camera's batteries.
The brain of the TM55K is a 1/4.1" CMOS sensor, called a 'MOS' sensor by Panasonic. Helping the image sensor and you to capture excellent video and stills would be tools like a 2.7" touch screen LCD display, 35x Intelligent Zoom, and Power O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization). Features like Face Recognition and Intelligent Auto help out by taking the guesswork out of setting the camera's recording functions. Other features like Eco Mode and VIERA Link add to the camera's conveniences.
- 1920 x 1080i HD Recording
- The TM55K captures MPEG4 AVC/H.264 1920 x 1080i high definition video with stunning clarity
- Memory Card Recording
- The HDC-TM55K records to its 8GB built-in flash memory and to optional SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards
- 1/4.1" MOS Sensor
- Panasonic's 1/4.1" MOS sensor is CMOS sensor that captures 1080i HD video and 5MP still images
- 2.7" LCD Display
- The 2.7" LCD gives you an accurate platform on which to compose and play back your video and still footage. Touch screen icons displayed on the LCD let users operate a variety of functions intuitively without taking their eyes off of the subject they are recording
- 35.7mm Wide Angle Lens
- The 35.7mm wide angle lens on the TM55K fits more people and more of the background into the frame than a conventional 44.1mm lens. This is especially handy when you want to take a group photo in a small room. It fits your subjects in even when you shoot from up close, and makes it possible to pick up even small sounds with the mic. It also gives you entirely new ways to enjoy your camcorder, like taking self portraits or capturing sweeping landscapes without losing the sense of scale
- Power O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization)
- The corrective ability of POWER O.I.S. has been increased by five times compared to previous models, allowing it to correct even slight hand-shake, something that wasn't possible with conventional O.I.S. Even high-power zoom shots, which are highly susceptible to hand-shake, now come out sharp and clear
- Face Recognition
- The Face Recognition function recognizes the faces of registered subjects, and automatically optimizes the focus and exposure for those special people. It continues to track the subject as he or she moves anywhere within the LCD frame, making it ideal for video shooting. It is extremely useful for capturing someone's face in a group. Names can also be registered and displayed on the LCD while shooting. A total of six people can be registered, and the names of up to three people at a time can be displayed in the shooting frame
- Eco Mode
- Automatically turns off the power when the camcorder is not operated for five minutes, reducing wasteful energy use and saving battery power
- VIERA LINK
- Connect a Panasonic HD Camcorder to a Panasonic VIERA HDTV via an HDMI mini cable, and operate the camcorder using the TV's remote control and follow on-screen prompts
- Auto Power LCD
- Automatically adjusts the brightness of the LCD screen according to the shooting environment. In dark places, the screen brightness is reduced to 1/3 the normal level. In bright outdoor places, the screen brightness is double the normal level
- iA (Intelligent Auto)
- This powerful function senses the shooting conditions and automatically makes the settings and activates functions that will deliver optimal results. With both motion and still images, iA does the bothersome settings for you and makes it easy to capture beautiful, well-focused images
- Wind Noise Canceller
- New feature that automatically detects and suppresses wind noise to help ensure natural sounds with lifelike ambiance
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 3.32 Megapixel 1/4.1" CMOS |
| Lens |
3.02 - 75.5 mm f/1.8 - 3.3 |
| Zoom |
Optical: 25x Intelligent (Optical): 35x |
| Filter Size | None |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| System | NTSC |
| Recording Media |
Internal Flash Memory 8GB Video/Image SD/SDHC, SDXC |
| Video Format |
High Definition MPEG AVC/H.264 1920 x 1080i (60 fps) |
| Still Image Resolution | JPEG: 5 Megapixel |
| Audio Format | 2-Channel Stereo |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | LCD |
| Screen Size | 2.7" |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Lux |
4 (1/25 low light scene mode) 1 (Color Night View) |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Light - Yes Flash - Yes |
| Tripod Mount | 1/4" |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Inputs | None |
| Outputs |
1x USB 2.0 1x HDMI C (Mini) 1x A/V |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Headphone Jack | No |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| Power Adapter | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.03 x 2.58 x 4.41" / 51.5 x 65.5 x 112 mm |
| Weight | 0.63 lb / 285 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 67 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Zoom range/performance (75)
- Easy to use (60)
- Great picture quality (51)
- Image stabilization (45)
- Large clear LCD (31)
Cons
- No external mic input (15)
- Poor in low light (6)
Best Uses
- Home movies (47)
- Travel (41)
- HD shooting (33)
- Weddings (21)
- Low light (20)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual user (48), Enthusiast (16)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (43), Yes (11)
Most Liked Positive Review
Best bang for the buck
Mostly use the camcorder for family videos. Love the size, how quickly it turns on and is ready to go, but mostly the steady hand it gives me on zoomed shots. Did a ...Read complete review
Mostly use the camcorder for family videos. Love the size, how quickly it turns on and is ready to go, but mostly the steady hand it gives me on zoomed shots. Did a comparison at a local video store between this, a similarly priced Sony and Canon product, and it was amazing...with the panasonic I could hold it still and keep the shot in focus - not true of the others. In addition it had a slightly higher zoom distance and has the ability to record to both internal and flash memory - that's a biggie, allowing my wife to take the still photos from the flash card and bring them into [...]and print right from the card (rather than waiting for me to create a CD).I haven't found anything bad about the product yet - I was warned that the battery might not last much over an hour, but so far it has been great! Also the price at B&H was less than anywhere else I could find. Very happy all around!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
It Broke!
It died one day. I sent it to Panasonic for repair two months ago because it was still under parts warranty. Apparently Panasonic has no parts that work. They told me they have received...Read complete review
It died one day. I sent it to Panasonic for repair two months ago because it was still under parts warranty. Apparently Panasonic has no parts that work. They told me they have received bad parts three times and are still waiting for parts. I am really getting bummed about this company!
Reviewed by 67 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Zoom
Cons
- Had problems from the beg
- Poor Image Quality
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic HDC-TM55K High Definition Camcorder:
It died one day. I sent it to Panasonic for repair two months ago because it was still under parts warranty. Apparently Panasonic has no parts that work. They told me they have received bad parts three times and are still waiting for parts. I am really getting bummed about this company!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- No External Mic Input
- No Viewfinder
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Panasonic HDC-TM55K High Definition Camcorder:
I bought this the Panasonic HDC-TM55K for myself for Christmas. Its no light and small that I often carry it in my pocket! Right out of the box its simple to use. My favorite feature is the face recognition. You can take a snapshot of up to 6 people (I think its 6) and the camera will recognize their face specifically and maintain focus on them! Also, it has 8MB built in and a SD/SCHC/SDXC slot. Its brother has 2 slots but no built in memory. I like the setup on the TM55K better because if I forget to put the card back in, I always have an 8MB backup. Another great feature is the standby. If you close the display while you are not recording it goes into standby mode. Just flip the viewer open and its on in a blink. If you are recording when you close the display you will keep recording.
The only drawback for me is that there is no viewfinder. That's a trade off that I'm willing to make to get a camera so light and small.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- No External Mic Input
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
Comments about Panasonic HDC-TM55K High Definition Camcorder:
Purchased this to take video of our new baby. Baby hasn't arrived yet, so I haven't had the time to fully explore all the features, but it's been fun to shoot with so far.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- Home Movies
Comments about Panasonic HDC-TM55K High Definition Camcorder:
very simple to use.
just got it and already running
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
Cons
- No External Mic Input
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
Comments about Panasonic HDC-TM55K High Definition Camcorder:
I use my Panasonic TM55 mostly filming my twin boys at swim meets. I particularly like the crystal clear pics in less than adequate lighting, the 35x zoom, and auto focus.
Filming my boys swimming, they go from 3 feet away at the start to 25 yards at their turn in 10 to 15 seconds. Their swimming coach uses the clips for stroke instruction.
I could not be more pleased.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
Comments about Panasonic HDC-TM55K High Definition Camcorder:
Touch screen is extremely easy to interact with and the auto focus is fast and accurate. Lots of options and utility for a handheld camera of this size and price range. Only downfall would be the still image quality, although it is about what you should expect from a video camera and this price range. The 35x zoom is also very handy and surprisingly sharp. Overall good buy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about Panasonic HDC-TM55K High Definition Camcorder:
I bought the camera for a vacation and I was suprised at how user friendly the camera is and using the editing software is very simple. The camera takes great videos, pictures and the sound is awsome. My girlfriend and I were also amazed at how little the camera is. It fits easily into her purse. I would deff. buy another Panasonic video camera at B&H. [...] Nick
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Battery Life
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Lightweight
- Price
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- No External Mic Input
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- Home Movies
Comments about Panasonic HDC-TM55K High Definition Camcorder:
I am pleased with the performance of this camera. I bought a 16 gig class 10 memory card to go with this camera. I feel like that is adaquate space for the camera. I recorded about an hour or so of footage during christmas and total size of the video was about 4 gigs. Its pretty easy to use. Some of the more advanced features are a little hard to get to but I rarely use them anyway. Facial recognition is cool along with smile detection and being able to focus in on specific faces.
I dont care for the low light performace. This is my first HD camera so I wasnt sure what to expect but the video tends to get pretty grainy in low light situations. The built in light really helps with this but it also tends to wash the color out as well. The camera will compensate for this but sometimes its a little slow to recognize the change in colors. From what I understand most cameras have this issue so its nothing to get too excited about but I wish it was better.
In full light, the quality is pretty amazing.
The camera is lightweight, small but not too small. Sometimes you have to press a little bit harder that you should on the LCD screen and the buttons below the screen but again, not a deal breaker.
The battery performance is very good as well.
Overall, for the features and performance, I could not find a cheaper camera. I have to ding the camera one star for the low light performance.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- No External Mic Input
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Panasonic HDC-TM55K High Definition Camcorder:
The camcorder takes great video outdoors. The indoor quality is also very good. Much better than the sanyo I have.
The zoom lens works very well. It is very smooth and the video quality is very good even with the image zoomed in.
The case of the camcorder is made of plastic.
I know they all are, but this one does not feel like it could take much abuse.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good in Low Light
- Great compact size
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Large Clear LCD
- Self intuitive controls
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Limited Zoom
- No External Mic Input
- Range of motion on zoom
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Panasonic HDC-TM55K High Definition Camcorder:
Great size and self intuitive controls. Used for fireworks first time and low lighting conditions. Beautiful video quality and easy to use. Love the photo to video switch.
Only negaive is touch screen and how long they last.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Cluttered LCD
- Menus Hard to Navigate
- Touchscreen can be a pain
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Panasonic HDC-TM55K High Definition Camcorder:
We bought this camcorder to record our new baby girl as she grows up. It is real easy to record and even to take pictures with. The picture quality is really good for how inexpensive this camcorder was. It also has an excellent zoom for the price. The Automatic Focus and Lighting do a pretty good job though it sometimes takes a few seconds for the camcorder to adjust. I haven't used many of the manual controls. The only real problem I have with this is getting around the menu, it is sometimes confusing and isn't always intuitive. The touch screen makes the menu a little bit awkward as well. Overall, great camcorder for home movie use.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
- Poor In Low Light
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Panasonic HDC-TM55K High Definition Camcorder:
I purchased this camcorder to capture moments from my kids. I don't plan on doing any serious editing; I just wanted a good device to capture my kids growing up.
Pros:
Great picture when there is enough light. I recently had a chance to compare the picture quality as compared to a standard def camcorder and it was a huge difference. I really enjoy the image stabilizer, which really helps smooth out the picture. Sound is good. I really haven't had a chance to play with all of the features, but have only had the camcorder for a couple weeks
Cons:
Low light recording is pretty grainy. I have learned how to improve the quality by manually adjusting some of the settings, but still wish the quality was a bit better. The editing software that comes with this camera is not very user friendly, and it takes a while to try and compile a movie to burn. I'm not sure if this is because I have an older computer (which is still plenty fast) or if the files are just so big that any software will have problems running it. I have seen where battery power has been a problem, but for me it's ok. I'm getting 90+ minutes of recording off a charge.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
Comments about Panasonic HDC-TM55K High Definition Camcorder:
Still getting familiar with it. Love the touchscreen.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Software installation
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Indoors/Low Light
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Panasonic HDC-TM55K High Definition Camcorder:
Great and easy to use for filming my daughters grow up. easy to use right out of the box and has the best zoom. its small and compact design make this a great camcorder to take anywhere. The clarity in the 1080 HD lens is supurb. Great value for the medium price range. The software is a little confusing, but not enough hinder the purchase of this product.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- No External Mic Input
- Poor In Low Light
- Poor Sound
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic HDC-TM55K High Definition Camcorder:
we have used the camera skiing and tubing. It has face recongnition and follows the people really well. Does not shake.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic HDC-TM55K High Definition Camcorder:
Very compact. Camera powers ON in less than a second. Has excellent features. Love the touch-features of the LCD screen. Really cool how you can focus on a subject and the camera keeps the focus even when subject is not in the center.
Great buy and excellent service from B&H.
In the Pros and Cons below, I have not graded features I havent used as of now.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Grandchildren home movies
Comments about Panasonic HDC-TM55K High Definition Camcorder:
I bought this for a gift for my daughter and son in law and they are thrilled with it. They say they have read all the literature that comes with it and it is easy to use and works great.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic HDC-TM55K High Definition Camcorder:
I've only used this for Christmas indoor videos. It is simple to use right out of the box and the film looks great. I took a couple of stills and they are okay too. It's small enough to fit my wife's hand. I haven't played with any settings or used it outside yet so this is a very limited review and that's why it's a 4 of 5. So far I love it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic HDC-TM55K High Definition Camcorder:
I was looking for an HD video and still camera in one for under $400. I wanted high zoom and high pixles. The video performs well with great zoom. The still camera goes up to 5M pixles and doesn't look as good as my 6M pixle Kodak DX7630. Unfortunatly I think I'll still need to carry two cameras.
As far as video, the camera works well. Great zoom and good picture quality. FYI, I have a 5 year old Dell 4500 Pentium 4 and it cannot process the downloaded video from the camera smoothly (this is a problem with my PC not the camera).
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Zoom
- Zoom range/performance
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Travel
Comments about Panasonic HDC-TM55K High Definition Camcorder:
great product, easy to use and high quality of image
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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Media
Recording media is not included, be prepared - always carry extra media.
- Price: $6.28
- GBP 4.01
Batteries & Power
Don't get caught without power, always have a spare battery.
- Price: $44.69
- GBP 28.53
Bags & Cases
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
-
- Original: $15.49
- Save: $1.55
- Price: $13.94
- GBP 8.90
What's in the Box
- AC Adapter
- Battery Pack
- USB Cable
- Stylus Pen
- A/V Multi Cable
- HD Writer AE 2.0 Software
- 90-Days Labor & 1-Year Parts Limited Warranty
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