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Popular Gadget | Panasonic HDC-TM10K Hard Drive Full HD Camcorder | Panasonic's twin-memory HDC-TM10 high-definition camcorder records onto both an 8 GB built-in drive and an SDHC/SD memory card. It weighs just 0.5 pounds, yet its compact body design has a high-powered 16x optical zoom capabilities and advanced features to produce beautiful 1920 x 1080 Full-HD videos.

        

The 16x optical zoom of the HDC-TM10 is supported by the Advanced O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) function--an essential element to achieve clear zooming, as it minimizes the hand-shake that often impairs video quality while zooming. Panasonic’s Advanced OIS detects and corrects for hand-shake around 4,000 times per second and works with the high-powered optical zoom to produce clear, stable zoom shots. The new Active mode also extends the hand-shake correction range to allow the shooting of clear, crisp images while walking or moving. 

As with most Panasonic camcorders, the HDC-TM10 features the iA (Intelligent Auto) function, which automatically sets the most suitable Scene mode according to shooting conditions. These include Advanced O.I.S., Face Detection, which adjusts the exposure so faces are captured perfectly; Intelligent Contrast Control, which helps ensure proper contrast; and Intelligent Scene Selector, which determines the shooting conditions and automatically selects the Scene setting that will provide optimal results. Both camcorders are also equipped with AF/AE Tracking (Auto Focus/Auto Exposure Tracking), which automatically tracks a moving subject for consistently beautiful images. This feature maintains the focus and exposure even if the subject moves or turns to one side.

The SDHC/SD memory card not only brings significant advantages to smaller and lighter camcorders, but it also differs from a hard-disk drive in that it has no transport mechanism, making it highly shock-resistant and enabling faster recording starts.

The HDC-TM10 records Full-HD images onto the built-in memory or an SDHC/SD memory card (optional), and features a Relay Recording function. When the built-in memory is full, this function automatically switches the recording media to the SDHC/SD memory card to provide uninterrupted recording. Video data that is recorded using both media types can be merged inside the camcorder and saved to an SDHC/SD memory card.

A touch screen lets users operate a variety of functions by simply touching an icon displayed on the LCD. This allows intuitive operation without having to look away from the subject.

The power turns on and off by opening and closing the LCD. This start-up allows users to save battery power by keeping the power turned off when the camcorder is not in use, while making sure that unexpected shooting opportunities are not lost. The power-saving Eco mode automatically turns the power off when the camcorder is not in use for five minutes.

To avoid missing critical shooting opportunities, when the Pre-Rec function is on, the camcorder continuously records three seconds of images into an internal buffer memory. When the Record button is actually pressed, the three seconds immediately prior are added to the beginning of the clip.

This feature automatically adjusts the brightness of the LCD screen according to the shooting conditions.

The HDC-TM10 is equipped with a video light and flash for convenience when shooting in dimly lit places.

This function is for users who want to view recorded images quickly, as "highlights" can be created and played back according to a set time interval.

To avoid the two-step process previously required to save Full-HD videos from an SDHC/SD memory card or built-in memory onto a DVD for playback, the HDC-TM10 features a one-touch function that makes this process easier.

The HDC-TM10 is compatible with Panasonic’s VIERA Link to allow quick and easy viewing of Full-HD video content, as well as with the VIERA Image Viewer function on a VIERA HDTV. This allows users to play videos on a large screen by simply inserting a recorded SDHC/SD memory card into the SD Card slot of a Panasonic VIERA HDTV. It provides instant playback of video clips recorded in the AVCHD format in Full-HD quality. Similarly, video recordings can be easily played by using a Panasonic Blu-ray Disc player.