The HDC-TM900 High Definition Camcorder is a high-end HD offering from Panasonic. Right off the bat a few of the camera's most desirable features include: 1920 x 1080/24p recording, a 32GB internal flash memory, an SD memory card slot, the option to record in 3D, and a quality image sensor system. These features alone give you detailed, beautiful images, a plethora of recording space, and the ability to shoot fun and unique movies in 3D with an optional lens.
Let's take a closer look at the 3MOS system and 1080/60p recording. Panasonic's proprietary '3MOS' is a 3 sensor CMOS that adds up to 9.15MP (3 x 3.05MP). These sensors work together with another Panasonic technology, Crystal Engine PRO. This engine is a fast processor which writes those gigantic HD files to the HDD or SD card quickly and efficiently. It also allows for high-res zooming when exceeding the optical range. In addition, the engine works to reduce image noise, rendering beautiful, like-like images. These two work together to produce 1080/60p footage. The "p" means progressive; when recording in a progressive frame rate the footage captures is more vibrant and detailed than even "i", or interlaced, HD recording. In the world of consumer camcorders, 1080p is the gold standard.
Of course the sensor and engine wouldn't be able to do their job without a high-quality lens. The TM900 comes with a 35mm Leica Dicomar lens that sports a 3.45-41.4mm focal length, 12x optical zoom range, 46mm filter diameter, and a 1.5-2.8 f/stop. Lens can zoom up to 20x using the Intelligent Zoom; and it features a manual ring for more control and creativity with your shooting. Another way in which the camera works to create clean video is with HYBRID O.I.S. (optical image stabilization). This O.I.S. keeps your shots steady when hand-holding the camera. It reduces the effects of hand-shake for an easy-to-view, clean shot.
Other useful tools of the camera include a very generous 3.5" touch screen LCD. This screen provides you with options like, "Touch Zoom" and "Touch Shutter". The zoom function allows you to zoom in by dragging your finger across the LCD. The shutter function enables instant touch focus on a particular subject in the frame, and the option to switch to still-image shooting. The camera also features 5.1 channel Dolby Surround Sound recording, and 5 built-in electret condenser microphones. You can capture true Surround Sound that targets your subject, while minimizing wind and extraneous sounds.
In addition to all these useful features, the TM900 also gives you the aforementioned option of recording in 3D. Using the optional VW-CLT1 conversion lens from Panasonic, you can capture 3-dimensional footage. Your 3D videos can then be played back on any 3D TV that is compatible with the side-by-side method. Giving the camera a 3rd identity would be its ability to capture up to 14.2MP still images. A dedicated iA mode will automatically switch to 1 of 5 scene modes for optimized capture.
The TM900 also features numerous shooting controls, like face detection or Intelligent Auto, which help to take the guesswork out of video recording. These controls allow you to make recording simple, so you can focus on the moment and not figuring out the correct settings. Other notable features include microphone and headphone connections, an extendable electronic viewfinder, and a cold shoe for mounting optional accessories. And when it comes time to share what you've shot, the TM900 provides you with various options as well, from editing software that lets you upload to the web to a fun in-camera playback feature.
Intelligent Resolution Technology
The Intelligent Resolution Technology incorporated in the new Crystal Engine PRO uses edge detection technology to confirm the edges of objects within the image, then emphasizes the edges for optimal clarity. For example, it brings crisp definition to patterns and the outlines of objects like flowers. Conversely, it reduces noise and enhances the natural smoothness of parts without edges, like the sky. The increased sharpness is especially effective for images with delicate details. This highly advanced technology maximizes the beauty of Full-HD images
- Interlaced Scanning (1080/60i):
Only half of the image data is reproduced in each picture. Fabric patterns run together, and moiré patterns appears
- Progressive Scanning (1080/60p):
Reproduces all of image data in a single picture. Patterns in fabric are crisp and clear with no color bleeding
- Wide mode:
Picks up audio from all directions to reproduce a natural, life-like sound field
- Zoom mode:
In Zoom mode the microphones are linked to the lens action. When you zoom in on a subject, the microphones focus on the sound in that same direction
- Focus mode:
With the five highly directional microphones, this mode enables the microphones to focus on sounds coming from right in front of you, even when the lens is not zooming
- Wind Noise Canceller:
The technology of the previous Wind Cut function has evolved to form the Wind Noise Canceller. The new function automatically detects and suppresses only wind noise, to give you natural sounds with lifelike ambience. Also, unlike the previous Wind Cut function, which switched to monaural recording, the Wind Noise Canceller enables stereo recording. This maintains natural sounds when shooting outdoors
- Bass Setting:
You can adjust the level of low-frequency sound that is included in the audio track while shooting
- Progressive 1080/24p NTSC:
Set the HD camcorder to Digital Cinema mode to shoot in the progressive 1080/24p (24 pictures per second) format for NTSC area, and in the progressive 1080/25p format for PAL area. Progressive scanning captures clear, vibrant images with intricate detail. You also get faithful images with an appealing film-like quality
- Digital Cinema Color with VIERA:
Selecting the Digital Cinema Color mode makes it possible to shoot film-like images that are ideally suited to the Digital Cinema Color of VIERA plasma TVs. Colors recorded in this mode look richer than those recorded using the conventional Panasonic standard. For example, the subtle shades of red and gold in flowers, and the greens of leafy trees are remarkably true to life
- Scene modes: Sports, Portrait, Low Light (motion image only), Spot Light, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Fireworks, Scenery, Night Scenery, Night Portrait (still image only)
- How does the human perceive 3-dimensional images?
Because the left and right eyes are located at different positions on the face, the left and right eyes perceive slightly different images. The difference between the two images is called 'visual disparity'. The brain processes these 2 images with visual disparity to reconstruct spatial conditions, enabling us to see things with 3-dimensional depth
- Shooting:
Images for the right and left eyes are simultaneously recorded through 2 lenses, using a 2D conversion lens that artificially reproduces the phenomenon of visual disparity
- Playback:
The TV alternately reproduces the left and right images, which are viewed through 3D Eyewear. To play back 3D videos, simply insert an SD memory card in the slot of a Panasonic VIERA 3DTV or a side-by-side method compatible 3D TV
- Touch Zoom:
You can easily zoom in and zoom out by simply touching the LCD with your fingertips. Shoot at any angle of view while watching the screen
- Touch Shutter:
Even when shooting movies, you can touch the subject on the screen to instantly focus on it, and easily switch to still-image shooting
- Touch operation for playback:
You can flip through thumbnail pages, display one of the thumbnail scenes, highlight a scene, and more, with easy, intuitive, fingertip operation
- Active mode:
Active mode comes in handy when shooting while walking or playing with your children. The wide correction area corrects even relatively large hand-shake motion. It's especially good for active video shooting
- Portrait:
This mode captures faces beautifully. With Soft Skin mode, complexions are automatically enhanced to make faces attractive
- Scenery:
This mode is ideal for shooting wide landscapes and sweeping vistas, such as at the ocean or in the mountains. It balances the exposure over the entire frame to prevent brighter parts of the image, such as the sky, from being washed out or having blown highlights
- Spotlight:
The camcorder automatically uses this mode for scenes with particularly strong contrast, such as when you're shooting a spot lit area on a darkened stage. It captures the well-lit subject perfectly and prevents washed-out areas
- Low Light:
In dim lighting, the camcorder automatically switches to a slower shutter speed so that images across the entire frame are bright and easy to see
Sports, Portrait, Spot Light, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Fireworks, Scenery, Night Scenery, Night Portrait, Macro
- Microphone:
There is a mic input terminal on the side of the camcorder. Plug in an external mic (optional) if desire
- Accessory Shoe:
Optional accessories can be attached here to increase shooting versatility
- Zoom:
Just rotate the ring to zoom in and out. You have full control of the zooming speed and can zoom in or out to the precise degree you want
- Focus:
Just rotate the ring to focus. You can focus on the exact point you want, even if it's not in the center of the frame. You can also change the focus as you shoot, to get the kind of creative shots you sometimes see in movies
- White Balance:
Select from Auto, Indoor, Outdoor and White Set according to the location, weather or type of lighting. You'll always get the best possible coloring even if the light source changes
- Shutter Speed:
The shutter speed can be adjusted from 1/24 to 1/8,000 of a second. Use a high shutter speed when shooting sports events or fast-moving subjects, and you can get clear, sharp, incredible action shots
- Iris:
Use the ring to adjust the aperture to regulate the amount of light let in. You can also use this setting to attain a shallow depth of field, blur the background, or create frames that emphasize the foreground, for creating movie-like expressions
- Zebra Pattern:
A "zebra pattern" is displayed in areas of the frame where the lighting is excessive and the image is over-exposed
- Brightness Level:
The light level is metered at the center of the frame and displayed as a percentage (%). This serves as a guide when you're shooting a subject that's backlit, or when you want to keep the light level the same even though the lighting conditions change
- Histogram:
The histogram displays in graph form the exposure and contrast conditions over the entire frame. This lets you determine fine gradation details that are difficult to tell by just looking at the screen
- Capture the smiles of only certain subjects - Face Recognition Link:
This function detects subjects who are registered in advance and automatically snaps the shutter to catch the subject's best possible smile. It's great for capturing the smiles of certain people in a group
- Capture the smiles of an entire group - Face Detection Linked:
This function automatically snaps the people within the LCD frame smiles. It gives you shots of an entire group of people smiling, making it great for group shots
- Capture the smiling face of a moving subject - AF/AE Tracking Linked:
Simply touch a subject within the LCD frame. This function will then lock on and start tracking your subject. When the subject smiles, it'll automatically snap the shutter
How to combine motion images that are split onto two types of media as a continuous scene
- Arrange the data that is split onto two types of media on an SDXC/SDHC/SD memory card:
The Relay Recording mode automatically switches from the built-in flash memory (once it's full) to the SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card and continues recording. You don't have to worry about missing an important shot while switching media
- Use the included software:
You can also use the editing software that is included with the camcorder to join the split data as a continuous scene
- Use a DVD burner to create a disc:
If the SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card is not big enough to hold all of the split data, use a DVD burner to create a disc with all the motion images as a single continuous scene
- Natural:
Enjoy more impressive highlight playback with natural switching effects
- Pop:
View highlight playback of the images you've taken, together with a variety of fun effects
- Dynamic:
Enjoy highlight playback with speedy, dynamic effects
- Classical:
Enjoy highlight playback with dramatic effects applied mainly to your subject's faces
- Face Highlight Index:
The Face Highlight Index selects scenes that have faces in them and displays them in an index format. This handy function lets you quickly find and view scenes that have people in them
- Highlight Index:
- Time Frame Index:
The camera automatically selects and displays the most exciting scenes. It determines the level of importance of each scene based on zooming and panning, and whether there are faces. This gives you an easy, convenient way to view all the highlights together
This mode divides each recorded clip into 3 second, 6 second, 12 second, 1 minute and 5 minute intervals, and displays them. This is convenient when you want to find a specific scene within a long clip
- VIERA Link:
Connect your HD camcorder to a VIERA or compatible Blu-ray Disc Player via an HDMI mini cable, and you can control both units in synchronized operation with a single remote control. This kind of simple, easy operation makes it enjoyable to view your recordings
- VIERA Image Viewer:
Just slip the SD card from your camcorder into the VIERA Image Viewer card slot on your VIERA TV, and you're ready to view full-HD moving images recorded
- Easy AVCHD to MPEG2 Conversion:
You can make a copy either in the original high-definition AVCHD format, or in the standard-definition DVD-Video (MPEG-2) format. Choose the one that matches your playback equipment
- Saving 1080/60p Data with a PC:
Use the included HD Writer AE 3.0 software to save Full-HD 1080/60p data onto a PC or an SD card
- Playback with a DVD burner:
To view the disc you just burned, simply connect the HD camcorder to an HDTV via an HDMI mini cable
- Importing Data:
When the camcorder is connected to a PC, the software automatically starts up. Importing data takes only a few clicks of the mouse
- Easy YouTube and Facebook Uploading:
The videos you've recorded are easily uploaded to YouTube or Facebook in their original high quality. HD Writer LE 1.0 lets you share your videos worldwide
- Editing:
It's easy to add titles, rearrange scenes, provide transition effects, and edit images in single frame units
- Archiving:
Make a copy either in the original high-definition AVCHD format, or in the standard-definition DVD-Video (MPEG-2) format