Panasonic HDC-TM10 Camcorder

The HDC-TM10 ($599 MSRP), along with the HDC-SD10, represent the newest additions to Panasonic's consumer HD camcorder line. The camcorders are essentially more compact, repackaged versions of Panasonic's previous mid-range HD camcorders (the HDC-TM20, SD20, and HS20). The HDC-TM10 has the same sensor, pixel count, and optical zoom as these larger, cousin models—and it also captures Full HD video at 1920 x 1080. Panasonic didn't change many features or controls on the HDC-TM10 either. It still has the iA modes, a 24p Digital Cinema option, and a touchscreen interface. The TM10 does include less internal memory than the TM20 (8GB vs. 16GB), as well as a slightly smaller lens, an extra optical image stabilization setting, and updated editing software.

Since the HDC-TM10 is expected to retail for the same amount as the HDC-TM20, the decision between the two camcorders comes down to size and design. The TM10 is more compact and portable, while the TM20 is larger but has double the internal memory. The HDC-TM10 comes in black or silver and is due to be available in September 2009.

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Canon Vixia HF S10 Camcorder

The Vixia HF S10 is one of three "flagship" camcorders released by Canon this year. It doesn't have the updated stabilization or the increased capacity of the recently released HF S11. However, it offers the same excellent performance, while giving consumers more convenience than the card-only HF S100. And since we're not really sure the HF S11 is worth the extra money, the HF S10 may be the best buy Canon has to offer this holiday season.

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Sony Handycam HDR-XR520V

The Sony HDR-XR520V (MSRP $1499.99) packs a lot of punch—and a lot of hard drive capacity—into a relatively small consumer camcorder. The retractable viewfinder and the return of last year's excellent manual control dial are just a couple of the features that will intrigue proficient camcorder users. Also intriguing? The incredibly low noise levels, clear and smooth motion, built-in GPS, and 240GB internal hard drive.

There are some downsides that consumers of every ilk will have to weigh for themselves: no manual aperture/shutter control, mediocre low light performance, the lack of 24p or 30p frame rates, and an intimidating array of buttons, switches, and layered menus. It's not the ideal camcorder for a first-time user, nor does it offer every bell and whistle that the experienced videographer could want. It does have some intuitive features and excellent video performance: a combination that might be just what some consumers are looking for.

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JVC Everio GZ-HM400

The GZ-HM400 ($999 MSRP) is the larger, more sophisticated cousin model to the JVC GZ-X900. While both camcorders have similar imaging specifications, the GZ-HM400 is packed with extra controls, 32GB of internal memory, and a splendid adjustment dial that puts JVC's Laser Touch system to shame.

Unfortunately, the GZ-HM400 suffered from the same low light difficulties that plagued the GZ-X900, although it did represent a significant improvement in that category.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 DSLR

The Lumix DMC-GH1 ($1499.95 MSRP) is Panasonic's first foray into the realm of video-capable DSLR cameras. The camera isn't exactly a DSLR, per se, as it uses Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds lens mount system, but its functions just like one. The GH1's video features are quite impressive, and it definitely has the most polished and extensive video controls we've seen on a digital camera. Among the GH1's benefits include options for AVCHD and Motion JPEG recording, the ability to capture full 1920 x 1080 HD video, and direct control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO—even while the camera is recording video. Most importantly, the camera has a live autofocus system that functions just like the autofocus does on any run-of-the-mill camcorder. This may sound like an insignificant feature, but it is something that neither the Nikon D5000 nor the Canon Rebel T1i were capable of. Any way you look at it, the Panasonic GH1 is the most appealing video-DSLR we've seen so far.

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Canon FS200

The FS200 is a stylish little standard definition camcorder from Canon that costs around $299 MSRP. The FS200 records to SD/SDHC memory cards, offers a 37x optical zoom, and is one of the best all-around standard definition cams we've tested this year.

The Canon FS200 is available in three colors: Misty Silver, Sunrise Red, and Evening Blue.

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JVC Announces New GZ-HD620

Victor Company of Japan (the Japanese brand for JVC) announced today the release of the new Everio GZ-HD620, a high definition camcorder with a 1/4.1-inch, 3.32MP CMOS sensor and 30x optical zoom. The camcorder features a light body—weighing only 270g despite its 120GB internal hard drive. The HD620 announcement follows closely on the heels of three new standard definition camcorders announced by JVC last week: the GZ-MG980, GZ-MS230, and GZ-MS210.


JVC is touting the HD620 as the smallest and lightest high definition camcorder with a built-in hard drive. Weighing just 270g (310, with included battery) and measuring 53 x 63 x 115mm, the HD620 may, in fact, fit that bill. The new compact form factor seems to be the biggest upgrade over last year's GZ-HD320, though the 2010 model also boasts an impressive 30x optical zoom. The AVCHD codec, 24Mbps bitrate, digital image stabilization, Konica Minolta lens, and CMOS sensor all appear to be unchanged from the 2009 HD Everio lineup.

The HD620 and all three standard definition camcorders announced last week are so far only announced for the Japanese market, and have not yet been priced. We expect to find out whether these models will be available stateside during the Consumer Electronics Show at the beginning of January.

For complete details (in Japanese only, sorry), see the full product page on the Victor site:
http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/dvmain/gz-hd620/index.html

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