Panasonic HDC-TM90

The Panasonic HDC-TM90 camcorder is capable of shooting at 1920 x 1080/60p high definition. It records video or still images to its 16GB of memory and to SD memory cards. The HDC-TM90 is an affordable video camcorder with powerful 40x zoom and 3D recording capabilities. The optional 3D conversion lens, the VW-CLT1, achieves 3 dimensional recordings that literally pop out at you when viewed. The camcorder records using a single image sensor lens. You can take 28mm wide-angle videos or stills. The processor, Panasonic’s Crystal Engine Pro is the engine that produces sharp images and astounding color in both3D or 2D. Other notable features on the HDC-TM90 are IA (Intelligent Auto) focus, O.I.S. (Hybrid Optical Image Stabilizer) and Wind Noise Canceller.

Panasonic HDC-TM90 | Panasonic HDC-TM90K

Panasonic HDC-TM90 | Panasonic HDC-TM90K

Comparing the Panasonic HDC-TM90 to the HDC-SD80

You can use SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards to store videos in the TM90, as well as recording to the internal 16GB flash memory. A slightly lower priced model, the HDC-SD80, records exclusively to SD memory cards. The HDC-HS80 is a model that comes equipped with an internal 120GB hard disc drive. Since memory is pretty cheap, opting for the TM90 with additional memory cards can save you some money.

The main differentiator between the HDC-TM90 and the HDC-TM80 is that the TM80 cannot record high definition 3D, but the TM90 is capable of 3D recording when used with another lens, the VW-CLT1. The TM80 has stronger zoom (42x) and wide-angle(33.7mm) capabilities, while the TM90 has 40x zoom and .28mm wide-angle.

The ¼.1 inch sensor on the HDC-TM90 is slightly larger than the chips found on the TM80. One other noteworthy point is that the LCD touch screen on the TM90 is a bit larger at 3.0 inches vs. the 2.7 inch LCD screen found on the TM80.

Reviewing the HDC-TM90 Camcorder

This review evaluated these features:
• Ergonomics
• Picture Quality
• Sound

Ergonomics

The HDC-TM90 has a compact body in a black case. The 3.0 inch LCD touch screen is very simple to use in conjunction with other recording features on the TM90. For example, when shooting a video you can use “Touch Zoom” to zoom in and out by simply touching your fingertips on the LCD screen. The “Touch Shutter” function allows you to auto-focus on still images simply by touching the subject on the screen. Reviewing your photos or recordings is easy with the touch screen lens. You have the option of flipping through thumbnail images or displaying a single thumbnail with simply a touch from your fingertip.

The “Focus Assist” function shows which subjects are in-focus by outlining the subject in blue. With a quick glance you know that your picture is in-focus and ready to capture.

Other features that make using the HDC-TM90 easy to use and to share are the VIERA Link and VIERA Image Viewer. Use the VIERA Link HDMI mini cable to connect the TM90 to a VIERA TV or compatible blu-ray player/viewer. To use the VIERA Image Viewer, you simply slide the SD card from your camcorder into the VIERA Image Viewer card slot on your VIERA TV and you are ready to watch HD recordings.

The camcorder is easy to handle and fits comfortably in your hand. There is a support strap on the right side of the camera you use by sliding your hand into it. You’ll find that using the “Quick Start” feature allows you to start recording in the blink of an eye, or in 0.6 seconds. The camera is even “eco-friendly” in that it helps preserve your batteries by turning off the power when the camera has been idle for five minutes.

Picture Quality

With the Panasonic’s HDC-TM90 high definition camcorder, you have the option to record in 3D, as well as in 2D video to the internal 16GB and SD flash memory storage. You will need to purchase the VW-CLT1 3D conversion lens and clip adaptor to record in 3D. When you are done recording, you can watch the 3D recordings on any 3D TV that is compatible with the side-by-side method, including Panasonic’s VIERA 3DTV.

Chances are you are going to create a lot of 2D movies too. The TM90 won’t disappoint you as it provides 1080p (for progressive) recording. Progressive recording, as opposed to interlaced, reproduces images and colors that are more vibrant and true to life. Progressive recording literally stores twice as much information than does interlaced recordings. This accounts for the sharp colors and detailed images that look awesome on your HDTV. The engine behind the recording is Panasonic’s Crystal Engine Pro processor and CMOS sensor.

The TM90 can record at 28mm wide-angle which helps fit larger groups into your picture frame. Alternatively, you can zoom in on your subject using the 40x zoom function. The 3.0 inch touch screen LCD is the main control panel from which you record and review footage. Other standard camcorder features include Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) for keeping your footage steady, and a 40x Intelligent Zoom.

The TM90 doubles as a 5MP digital still camera. Now you don’t have to haul your still-shot camera along with the video camera. You can leave your dedicated still camera at home. Other TM90 features make it super simple to take extraordinary videos. You can focus and zoom with the touch of a finger. The face detection, Intelligent Auto and scene modes are intuitive to learn and use.

Panasonic’s new Hybrid O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) is a major advancement for recording blur-free movies. Should your hand or arm move when zooming or panning across a zone, the O.I.S. recognizes the movement and corrects it so there is no distortion in the final recording.

Sound Quality

The HDC-TM90 camcorder offers excellent audio recordings, too. It features two sound functions, the “Zoom Mic” and “Wind Noise Canceller.” The “Zoom MIc” links the camera’s zoom to the sound being recorded even while zooming in on the subject. The “Wind Noise Canceller” zeroes out unwanted noises like wind blowing across the mic. The wind noise is reduced by as much as 33% to produce great audio in conjunction with your recording.

Pros

• The Optical Image Stabilization feature takes the blur out when your hand moves or when you pan or zoom during a recording.
• Intelligent Auto focus identifies the subject and locks in on it even as it moves across the viewer (like when you record a horse loping across a field). You don’t have to keep refocusing when the subject moves closer or farther away.
• This camcorder is expected to be around $400-$500 less than Panasonic 3MOS 3D high definition models.

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• The 40x ultra-telephoto zooming teamed with the Intelligent Zoom allows you to capture shots from an incredible distance.
• 28mm wide-angle on the HDC-TM90 gets more people into the picture area.

Cons

• A separate lens, the VLTVW-CLT1, is required for 3D recording.
• 3D movies can only be viewed on 3D-ready TVs.

Bottom Line

The HDC-TM90 is a feature-packed camcorder that is perfect for experienced and novice photographers. The TM90 camcorder is capable of producing crisp videos in 3D or 2D, even when zooming and panning. In the mid-price range, it is an affordable camera with a number of powerful functions that make recording your memories easy to do and amazing to watch.

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