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Panasonic Professional AG-HMC40 AVCHD Camcorder with 10.6MP Still and 12x Optical Zoom | 
| Brand: Panasonic
Category: Photography
Buy New: Too low to display
as of 3/11/2010 18:06 CST details
Seller: Amazon.com
Rating:  reviews
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Optical Zoom: 12
Display Size: 2.7
Maximum Focal Length: 48
Minimum Focal Length: 4
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0
Dimensions (in): 15.4 x 9.7 x 9.1
MPN: AG-HMC40PJU
Model: AG-HMC40PJU
UPC: 791871304891
EAN: 0791871304891
ASIN: B002I9S9PE
Release Date: September 1, 2009
Shipping: Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | HD formats: 1080/60i, 1080/30p, 1080/24p (Native); 720/60p, 720/30p, 720/24p (Native) | | • | Three latest design 1/4.1 Progressive 3MOS Imagers for full HD resolution | | • | Long record time: 3 hours with included battery (7 hours continuous with 5,800mAh Battery) | | • | Touch Panel 2.7 inch Widescreen LCD displays Thumbnails & Audio Metering | | • | HDMI out, Component Out (mini D terminal), Composite Video and Stereo Audio Out with included cable |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
The AG-HMC40 handheld combines Full HD AVCHD video recording with high-resolution 10.6-megapixel still photo capture, giving you the benefits of two professional cameras in one affordable package. Compact and lightweight, the HMC40 is a versatile HD camcorder offering high-quality AVCHD recordings, high-resolution still photo capture, an easy-to-use SD card workflow, and professional audio capabilities for a wide range of applications and markets including schools, government agencies, event videographers, web designers and more.With a full resolution 3-megapixel, 1/4-inch 3MOS imager, the HMC40 produces stunning 1920 x 1080 video in AVCHD (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264), delivering images far superior to HDV. When used for digital still photography, the camera captures photos with 10.6-megapixel resolution directly onto the SD card as a JPEG image. The camera can also be connected directly to a PictBridge photo printer (no PC required). And unlike HDV tapes, video and photos can be accessed randomly and immediately from the SD cards and played back on a number of consumer devices.
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| Customer Reviews:
Panasonic does it again March 8, 2010
Brad Wilson (Fayetteville, AR USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Having used the AG-DVX100 in its various incarnations, Panasonic has established itself as THE price to performance leader in this price range, and the latest models do not disappoint. Although color and white balance can't quite live up to the DVX100, with manual white balance (which should really be done manually anyway regardless of the auto settings on any camera given a little time beforehand), it is very solid. Both shotgun mics in the 1/8" jack and using the optional XLR adapter are excellent. The built in mic is terrible for all but the most spontaneous of shots, but I would rather judge a camera in the audio area based on its input options rather than on whatever is built-in.
Simply superb for documentary, indie film, or basic TV purposes. Unbeatable in its price range. You can get better, but you will pay much, much more. The SD card is awesome too, I couldn't be happier to finally be rid of moving parts. Manual controls can take some getting used to since they are really just controlling the internal electronics, but they are well thought out and uncluttered.
To put it very simply, I've used several TV broadcast cameras that cost 5 or 10 times as much, and yes, they are better. But unless you want to burn that kind of money, this is as far as I'm concerned the current monarch of "prosumer" grade video cameras. Both JVC and Panasonic are titans in video cameras and this lightweight entry has a very respectable number of professional features passed down from its older siblings.
Professional Camcorder February 6, 2010
M. Everest (CA)
1 out of 4 found this review helpful
Very difficult to get started because Booster software had to be ordered and mailed. The Serial No. on the camera is not the Serial No. used to register the product. The Serial No. has to be obtained on-line. Panasonic website is quite difficult to manuever. It was very difficult to find anyone who knew anything about this new camera.
Best camera in it's price range January 5, 2010
M. Lozano
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I've owned this camera for about two months now and I believe I've found the holy grail as far as the best quality picture producing camera in it's price range. HD is one of the best inventions that advanced technology has produced in the past ten years and the Panasonic AG-HMC40 is one of the best HD prosumer cameras on the market today. For twenty years I have been buying and using various brands of camcorders and have always stuck with Sony, but I have lately been impressed with some of the new AVCHD cameras from Panasonic. I already own three other CMOS camcorders and have been impressed with the CMOS technology.
I would not hesitate a bit to recommend the AG-HMC40 to anyone looking for the best prosumer HD camera in this price range. If I had to pick a word that best describes it: "spectacular!"
 A nice upgrade from the JVC HD-7 December 28, 2009
E. Mamaradlo (Daly City, CA)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
Needed a HD camcorder that would replace my dead JVC HD7. The JVC had better manual controls in terms independent controls of Shutter and Aperture. Manual Zoom was okay on the HMC40, handling was okay (very light weight), top handle is removable (but sometimes had to put back in -- screws don't align with socket). The image quality was okay too (not too saturated compared to the HD7). Auto White Balance is okay, but not great -- just do a manual white balance. The touchscreen is a nice novelty (has dedicated record/ Zoom/ quick menu/ full menu/ Erase buttons at bottom of screen), and there are 3 independent USER1,2,3 buttons to customize the camera. It's only 12x zoom.
Converting AVCHD to DVD MPEG2 is a bit lacking -- I get super pixelated results. On the internet, they recommend a high end encoder because the Adobe Media Encoder or Vegas Video don't do a good job. The Optical Stabilizer is Excellent compared to the JVC HD7's terrible stabilizer. Over a good camera, you just need a fast PC/Mac to do post-processing. In the CD disc, there is a utility to convert the AVCHD files to HDV, MPEG2, and Canopus DV codec. Still testing that utility...
I recommend Class 6 SDHC card to record, although the manual said I can use Class 4. On a 16GB SDHC card with Highest Quality recording, you can record up to 1hr 30min. Stock Battery last about 90min. I highly recommend the extended battery from Panasonic -- records up to 7hr with LCD screen open!
I did not get the XLR adapter, but was satisfied with the RODE Video Mic connected to the HMC40's miniplug. Also I like the option to connect to a pair of headphones. Overall a nice cam for less than $2000. Get this cam if you're starting out or on a tight budget or just need a second camera.
Great, convenient, high quality December 22, 2009
N. Nelson-Hopkins (West St. Paul, MN USA)
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
I recently upgraded to this camera and am very satisfied. I am a film student and the Hmc40 fit perfectly with my budget.
The image quality is indeed awesome, and the battery lasts extremely long. Almost unnecessarily long compared to my last cam.
I highly recommend it
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