Panasonic HM-TA20 Waterproof Mobile Camcorder (Orange)
- Reg. Price: $199.00
- Discount: -$50.00
- Discount price: $149.00
- Limited supply at this price
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
Remember the Essentials
Recording media is not included, be prepared - always carry extra media.
Panasonic's HM-TA20 Waterproof Mobile Camcorder is not only compact and versatile, it's tough. Triple tough. Yes, it goes out of its way to record high-quality video, photos, and audio, but it's also waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof. That means you can take it on all sorts of rough-and-tumble adventures without fear of it turning into a shiny, pretty doorstop.
Like many ultra compact cameras in its class, the HM-TA20 can shoot up to Full-HD 1920 x 1080 video, giving you the highest possible image quality for large-screen HDTV display. Also standard is the TA20's Electrical Image Stabilization (E.I.S.) to keep your handheld shots from getting too shaky. Add to that the ability to snap high-quality 5MP photos, and you've got a solid and stylish electronic companion that fits snugly in your pocket.
But the TA20 is more than just a tough, reliable warrior-cam. It also revels in flourishes of its own--starting with a large, bright 3" Touch Screen LCD for easily composing your shots. Use it vertically for shooting and horizontally for playing back from an SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card (purchased separately). You can also shoot at night, using either the built-in LED video light or Night View mode--which lets you capture well-exposed images even in dimly lit environments. If self-portraits or rock-steady images are called for, the included mini tripod provides a sturdy foundation to shoot from.
Other fun additions include a trio of image effects--Sepia, Soft Skin, and Monochrome--to enhance the already high quality of your images. And if audio is all you need, then a separate function lets you record just that (in linear PCM stereo, no less). When it comes time to share your recordings with friends, a built-in USB terminal and HDMI port let you easily connect the camera to a computer for editing and uploading or to the nearest HDTV--to elicit every ooh and ahh your footage deserves.
- Tough Design for Active Shooting
- The HM-TA20 is a triple-tough design with waterproofing down to 9.8 feet (3 meters) for use even in seawater, shock-proofing to withstand a 4.9-foot (1.5-meter) drop, and a dustproof structure. This tough, compact, easy-to-carry design is ideal for both everyday and highly active use.
- Waterproof to a Depth of 9.8 Feet (3 Meters)
- Take the HM-TA20 underwater as deep as 9.8 feet (3 meters) and get some great shots in a pool or the ocean. Swim along with tropical fish, capture shots of a beautiful coral reef, or get action footage of a friend snorkeling. Waterproofing also means you can shoot in the rain or snow with no worries.
- Shockproof for Falls from Up to 4.9 Feet (1.5 Meters)
- The HM-TA20 is designed to resist damage even if dropped from a height of up to 4.9 feet (1.5 meters). Panasonic fortified the outer body casing, making it thicker to improve rigidity and strength. This solid construction makes the HM-TA20 a tough mobile camera.
- Dustproof
- A dustproof design keeps the HM-TA20 safe even if handled with dirty hands or used in a place with swirling dust. The camera is protected against sand too, so you can take it to the beach or sports field with no worries. And it's waterproof, so if the body gets dirty you can simply wash it off with water.
- Full-HD (1920 x 1080) Recording
- Record high-quality Full-HD (1920 x 1080/30p) movies with this handy little compact. Save those fun moments forever in beautiful HD images.
- Compact Size
- Even with its compact size and super mobility, the HM-TA20 lets you shoot Full-HD movies and photos. Just slip it into a pocket or hang it from your wrist. It goes wherever you go. Perfect for capturing everyday fun.
- 3.0" Touch Screen
- The HM-TA20 has an easy-to-see 3.0" touch panel with intuitive operation. The touch panel has a simple button layout and is easy to operate. The vertical configuration makes the camera easy to hold for shooting, while the horizontal 3.0" screen simplifies playback. To further increase operating ease, the Rec button is isolated and positioned below the touch panel. So you can simply pick up your mobile camera and start shooting or playback.
- Night View Mode
- The HM-TA20 is equipped with Night View Mode, which lets you shoot with twice the brightness of the previous model. When shooting, this function automatically detects dark scenes and the mode selector button lights up on the LCD screen. Simply press the button to start shooting with Night View Mode. And you can shoot clear images with minimal noise even in dark scenes, such as dimly lit indoor shots or party scenes.
- Voice Recording
- The linear PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) system records sounds that are faithful to the original. You can also shoot a photo while recording sounds. Enjoy playing your recorded sounds and photos simultaneously. This is handy for a wide range of applications, including business meetings and lessons.
- Tripod Stand Included
- A tripod stand comes bundled with the HM-TA20. It's handy for web camera use, or to hold the camera still to prevent blurring while shooting.
- E.I.S. (Electrical Image Stabilizer)
- The E.I.S. (Electrical Image Stabilizer) system helps to correct the kind of hand-shake blurring that often happens with compact cameras. Record all the images you want, whether you're shooting while walking or taking self-portraits, without having to worry about blurring.
- Effect Function
- Give the image some warmth with Sepia mode, make it extra cool with Monochrome mode, or capture beautiful skin tones with Soft Skin mode. Match your shooting to your mood and subject.
- Still Picture Recording
- The HM-TA20 lets you save a smile from someone special, or capture the beauty of flowers bathed in sunshine. You can save memories like these in high-quality images with 8-megapixel (5MP effective) resolution.
- LED Light for Shooting in Dim Locations
- The built-in LED lets you capture bright, crisp images even in dark situations, like indoors or during nighttime events. (The LED light does not go on when operating in Web cam mode.)
- Still Image Capture
- You can cut out and save still images by simply pressing the Photo Cutout button while playing back a video. This ensures that you'll never miss that perfect shot again.
- Easy Web Uploading (HD Writer PE 2.0 Embedded Software)
- Upload your movies onto YouTube and Facebook. As soon as you plug the TA2's built-in USB terminal into a PC, the embedded HD Writer PE 2.0 application (Windows only) launches automatically. With a single click, you can instantly share your movies with your family and friends.
- iFrame Mode
- The camera allows you to record video in iFrame-only mode, which makes it much faster and easier to import into many PC & Mac NLE (nonlinear editing) programs, as it typically requires no time-consuming, storage-eating transcoding.
- Built-in USB
- The TA20's built-in USB terminal means that there's no need to carry around an adapter. And you can charge the battery by simply plugging the USB terminal into a PC.
- HDMI Connection
- The TA20 features a mini HDMI terminal that lets you enjoy images with natural Full-HD quality by directly connecting the camera to an HDTV.
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 5.33 Megapixel 1/4.1" CMOS |
| Lens |
4.1 mm f/2.8 |
| Zoom | Digital: 4x |
| Filter Size | None |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| Recording Media | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Video Format |
High Definition MPEG AVC/H.264 1920 x 1080p, 1280 x 720p, 640 x 480p (30 fps) |
| Still Image Resolution |
JPEG: 0.3 Megapixel, 640 x 480 JPEG: 1.9 Megapixel, 1600 x 1200 JPEG: 2.1 Megapixel, 1920 x 1080 JPEG: 8 Megapixel, 3264 x 2448 |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | LCD |
| Screen Size | 3" |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Digital |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Light - Yes Flash - No |
| Accessory Shoe | None |
| Tripod Mount | 1/4" |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Inputs | None |
| Outputs |
1x USB 2.0 1x HDMI C (Mini) |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Languages | English, Spanish, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Polish, Turkish, Czech |
| System Requirements | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| Power Adapter | 3.7-5.0VDC |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.36 x 4.29 x 0.67" / 6 x 10.9 x 1.7 cm |
| Weight | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 5 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
40%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual user (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (5)
Reviewed by 5 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-5
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic HM-TA20 Waterproof Mobile Camcorder (Orange):
I use this product to film mostly outside. Boating, ballgames etc. The waterproof feature is piece of mind. I'm not the most technical guy so I've been pleased with its' ease of use. The playback picture is good quality. The zoom feature is a little touchy in that it has a tendancy to go from one to the other rather quickly. I would buy this product again.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
Cons
- No image stabilization
Best Uses
- Home Movies
Comments about Panasonic HM-TA20 Waterproof Mobile Camcorder (Orange):
I bought this for easy to do video of my infant son in almost any condition imaginable. The camera works well in the dark, the bath, and can survive if he snatches it from my hands. Quality of the image is best in bright light (go figure), and reasonable in the dark. The only downside is the limited battery life and the relatively slow recharge without the independent charger. But, this was bought for shooting little clips, not feature films.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Great Sound
Cons
- Not MAC Friendly
Best Uses
- Documentaries
Comments about Panasonic HM-TA20 Waterproof Mobile Camcorder (Orange):
in reviews I see a lot of negative things from people who have bought. There is nothing negative if you are aware of all the details before buying.
The ONE detail I did not know is that the camera likes MicroSoft much more than I do. I will likely have to use a PC at the work place to take things off of the camera. Very inconvenient.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- 1 hour battery life
- Bad Customer Service
- Limited Zoom
- Needs wider lens
- Poor Image Quality
- Poor In Low Light
- Poor Sound
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic HM-TA20 Waterproof Mobile Camcorder (Orange):
I started testing the camera and quickly realized that the lens needs to be wider. If you hold the camera in front of you to film yourself you will be lucky to get your whole head in the shot. And mounting it to a surfboard or bike will not get much of you in the shot. The image quality is average for this price range. The only good use for this camera would be to shoot wide in a very well lit situation mounted to a tripod. The Night View mode doesn't do much and it looks bad in low light using any of the camera functions. The audio sounds muffled. Zooming is very difficult because the zoom function is on the LCD screen. Zoomed in makes the image VERY pixilated. Best to leave it wide. Here is the worst part. On a full charge I was only able to shoot for 1 hour before the battery died. I tried it a few times and got the same result. So I called Panasonic support and they said it was a "UK camera" and I had to contact Panasonic UK. That is ridiculous! I wrote Panasonic UK through their website and never heard back. I am very unhappy with this product and the way Panasonic treated me [...]. I was looking forward to this camera and really wanted it to perform like Panasonic advertised. I didn't bother getting it in the water after the way Panasonic was not helping me with the battery issue. The camera is a poor design because there are too many compartments in this where water will eventually leak. After the way they treated me I doubt they would be helpful with honoring a warranty. I have never been so dissatisfied with a product or manufacturer.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Fits in pants pocket
Cons
- Limited Zoom
- No image stabilization
Best Uses
- On a tripod
Comments about Panasonic HM-TA20 Waterproof Mobile Camcorder (Orange):
My intention was to use this camera to capture all the moments I share with my 2 3-year-old daughters. Primarily hand held shots. I received the camera 2 days ago. Read owner's manual cover to cover. Shot mostly very steady hand held footage, with a little on tripod footage as well. Tripod footage looks excellent, but hand held footage was so shaky, I was getting nauseous & a head ache while viewing it. When shooting, I held the camera very steady. Panasonic says this camcorder has image stabilization, but I saw absolutely none. Other than that, this is a very nice little camera that I was eager to use at the lake, etc. Bummer that I have to return it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-5
Media
Required item: Recording media is not included, be prepared - always carry extra media.
- Price: $12.95
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Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
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- Original: $9.95
- Save: $0.99
- Price: $8.96
What's in the Box
- USB Cable
- Hand Strap with Stylus Pen
- Tripod Stand
- 90-Days Labor & 1-Year Parts Limited Warranty
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