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Customer Reviews for Panasonic HDC-TM90 16GB Flash Memory Camcorder - Black
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Panasonic HDC-TM90 16GB Flash Memory Camcorder - Black
Model: HDC-TM90K Black
SKU: 2051186
UPC: 885170040168
This camcorder features 21x optical/1500x digital/40x Intelligent Zoom to bring you up close to the action and optical image stabilization to prevent distortion caused by vibration for smooth recording. The 3" touch-panel LCD allows easy operation.
Average Customer Rating:
4.5
out of 5
(39 Reviews) 39
Rating Snapshot 39 reviews
5 stars
28
4 stars
7
3 stars
2
2 stars
1
1 star
1
90% of customers would recommend this product to a friend
(
35 out of
39)
Customer Reviews for Panasonic HDC-TM90 16GB Flash Memory Camcorder - Black
Review 1 for Panasonic HDC-TM90 16GB Flash Memory Camcorder - Black
Upgrade from earlier Panasonic Avchd
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: It's an all round great little camera for the money!
What's not so great: No ac power ( non battery) supply available.
We had one of the first Panasonic AVCHD video camera, and were not quit satisfied, but... The on button stuck & we had promised to video tape a friend's wedding in just a few days. A lot of quick research on line & local hands on searching we found the updated Panasonic was still out camcorder of choice. It's much more user friendly than the earlier one and had some great feature. The menus were easy for my husband to work with & he really likes the touch screen. I like the fact that we will have no more ruined sound tracks while on vacation because the wind noise suppressor is always on unless you intentionally turn it off. The weeding was ocean side & we actually got the vows as the microphone zooms in when the camera zooms in! We showed the raw footage to the brides mother & she was ecstatic. We are very pleased with our choice of cameras. OH did I mention how small & light it is - it's easy to carry (fits in an evening purse or a suit jacket pocket), has a really go stabilizer to keep the dreaded jitters away & adapted beautifully to changes in the ambient light indoors & out
We would give a really high recommendation to this camera. Of course, you do need a video editing program that will do justice to AVCHD footage & a computer with decent memory & speed to do itr justice & get the best from the HD video. Would also recommend a spare battery & and separate charger if you travel or tape recitals, sports, etc..
We would give a really high recommendation to this camera. Of course, you do need a video editing program that will do justice to AVCHD footage & a computer with decent memory & speed to do itr justice & get the best from the HD video. Would also recommend a spare battery & and separate charger if you travel or tape recitals, sports, etc..
About me... Video enthusiast, Love capturing special occasions, lots of travel
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
0points
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Review 2 for Panasonic HDC-TM90 16GB Flash Memory Camcorder - Black
Excellent Little Camera!
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: compact, nice touch screen, easy to use.
What's not so great: short battery life. I would suggest buying the extra longer life battery.
I bought this camcorder to record my daughter's volleyball games. It is very easy to use, love the touch screen and it's very light and portable. It takes great video. I've had it for a month and so far, so good. I'm very happy with this purchase.
About me... Love shooting sports, Parent with kids
I would recommend this to a friend!
+5points
5out of 5found this review helpful.
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Review 3 for Panasonic HDC-TM90 16GB Flash Memory Camcorder - Black
Great Gift
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
4.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Features
4.0
What's great about it: Picture quality, Ease of controls
Bought this as a gift for my dad. Its very easy to setup and use. The picture quality is great. Bought this during thanksgiving and got a great discount on it. Overall a great product and this being my first handy cam purchase im happy with it. No down side to it so far.
About me... casual user
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
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Review 4 for Panasonic HDC-TM90 16GB Flash Memory Camcorder - Black
The sound clips & distorts @ high levels of input
Customer Rating
2.0
Value for Price
4.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
4.0
Features
4.0
What's great about it: all features except one
What's not so great: the audio feature
Overall, this is an easy to use, feature ladden camera. My only concern was noticible audio clipping during higher than normal levels of audio input..It was going to be used to record church services and in the Intelligent Auto mode, it produced a playback buzz mostly when the congregation was singing - and therefor the overall room audio level was high, and the automatic sound leveling circuits seem to be set to high, and over-drive the audio amplifier. This can be compensated for with the microphone level adjust, but when set low enough to reduce the audio clipping it was too quiet when one person was speaking.
I really liked the camera,it's features and handeling. But I took it back to Best Buy as a result of this malfunctioning feature, one that may not show up in most video shooting, other than a church event or a concert.with higher than normal audio levels during the course of the event.
I really liked the camera,it's features and handeling. But I took it back to Best Buy as a result of this malfunctioning feature, one that may not show up in most video shooting, other than a church event or a concert.with higher than normal audio levels during the course of the event.
Also, the microphone seemed sensitive to the slightest vibration such as barely touching the velro hand strap. This produced a loud scratching sound I believe through camera body conduction.
About me... Semi-pro videographer, Video enthusiast
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+7points
11out of 15found this review helpful.
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Review 5 for Panasonic HDC-TM90 16GB Flash Memory Camcorder - Black
Excellent video and features
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Artimus
from Bethlehem,PA
on 01/26/2012
Value for Price
4.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
3.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: Excellent picture quality
What's not so great: Record button a little inconvenient to comfortably use when hand in strap.
Extremely versitile in all lighting conditions. Sunset shots outstanding. Audio picks up well and zoom is great. I've never had a camera that delivers quality videos as good as this.
About me... hobbyist
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
2out of 4found this review helpful.
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Review 6 for Panasonic HDC-TM90 16GB Flash Memory Camcorder - Black
Extremely happy with the camera!
Customer Rating
5.0
What's great about it: Everything
What's not so great: Nothing
Easy to use and video is amazing on my 55" LED LG TV! Very happy with this purchase and would highly recommend to others.
I would recommend this to a friend!
-3points
0out of 3found this review helpful.
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Review 7 for Panasonic HDC-TM90 16GB Flash Memory Camcorder - Black
Fantastic Deal!
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
4.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: Love all the features!
What's not so great: It takes a little bit of time to learn how to use all the features.
Given the cost, I was amazed at how well this device delivered. The quality of video is exceptional compared to my previous Sony camcorder. I also love the face recognition feature, where this device will take automatic snapshots of familiar smiling faces during video record mode. Another feature I find impressive is how one can easily edit videos on the camcorder. For instance, you can splice out segments from a recorded video. Finally, I appreciate the ease of transferring video & images to the PC for review. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with this purchase!
About me... Parent with kids, Love capturing special occasions
I would recommend this to a friend!
+7points
7out of 7found this review helpful.
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Review 8 for Panasonic HDC-TM90 16GB Flash Memory Camcorder - Black
Great HD cam
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: Quality, speed, and image resolution
What's not so great: Nothing
This model takes superb HD video, and has all the features needed for prosumer videographers. Video light, touch screen, excellent zoom range from wide angle to tele all make it very easy to produce terrific looking HD videos. Also works seamlessly with Panasonic TV's so that the TV remote controls camera playback functions. 5 Stars!
About me... Video enthusiast
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
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Review 9 for Panasonic HDC-TM90 16GB Flash Memory Camcorder - Black
Crisp and clear movies. Excellent value.
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: Picture quality, ease of use, extra features
What's not so great: Nothing yet.
Have taken movies in all kinds of light with excellent results. The 5 meg stills are excellent and the 2meg 30 frames per minute are a kick.
Has lots of extra features you can use if you want more control over your pictures.
Has lots of extra features you can use if you want more control over your pictures.
The zoom is terrific. I found that if you just touch the zoom control lightly you can control a slow zoom in and out very easily.
Has a built in memory card which is really handy.
Couldn't ask for more. At this price it's a steal.
About me... Love shooting sports, Video enthusiast, Love capturing special occasions
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
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Review 10 for Panasonic HDC-TM90 16GB Flash Memory Camcorder - Black
Great value for the price.
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: Excellent video
What's not so great: doesn't charge by USB
Saw a lot of good reviews on this one & have been very pleased with it. Comfortable grip. Easy to use. Good features & have been very pleased so far with the video quality.
About me... Love shooting sports
I would recommend this to a friend!
+3points
3out of 3found this review helpful.
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Review 11 for Panasonic HDC-TM90 16GB Flash Memory Camcorder - Black
A decent camcorder worth buying
Customer Rating
4.0
Value for Price
3.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Features
4.0
What's great about it: Picture quality and ease of operation
What's not so great: Battery life
A decent camcorder worth buying. Very good picture quality, stabilization works as mentioned and very smooth zoom operation. Light weight and compact. Did not buy 3D lens hence, cannot comment for 3D performance.
Cons:
1) Battery life is too bad for 16GB recording capability. Also, those are expensive to buy as a backup.
2) Given software does not have many features to edit
3) For charging we have to plug in with camera, which I felt is not safe due to its light weight
Cons:
1) Battery life is too bad for 16GB recording capability. Also, those are expensive to buy as a backup.
2) Given software does not have many features to edit
3) For charging we have to plug in with camera, which I felt is not safe due to its light weight
About me... Parent with kids, Love capturing special occasions, casual user
I would recommend this to a friend!
+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
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Review 12 for Panasonic HDC-TM90 16GB Flash Memory Camcorder - Black
Tried several others - this was the best
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
4.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: Easy to use, great features for the price, incredible optical zoom range
What's not so great: Expensive batteries, aftermarket batteries don't work, no remote
I tested several other camcorders and was very disappointed with the picture quality after burning the movies to DVD. A particular problem was with pixels that appeared to crawl, particularly on horizontal edges. It made the movies unwatchable. It is entirely possible that it was an artifact due to the software I was using to process the movies (iMovie on a Mac), but it was certainly unacceptable, and I was not about to buy a different computer and/or movie software to accommodate a camcorder. Then I did some reading about the iFrame format (developed by Apple and supported by several brands, including this Panasonic model). The iFrame format gives up a little in HD quality (720p instead of 1080) but it looks great and is far easier to work with, with very speedy file transfers. The movies look great on my 50" Sony HDTV.
The only feature I wanted that was not available on this camcorder is GPS. On the other hand, the optical zoom range is FAR better than the competition. I like to film my son's concert performances and being able to zoom in from the balcony is well worth foregoing GPS. Oh, and I wish it came with a remote control.
A warning - this camcorder is VERY sensitive to the batteries you use. The Panasonic brand batteries are quite (outrageously) expensive. I tried a cheaper, supposedly compatible aftermarket battery and the camera rejected it! I ended up sending it back and buying a spare Panasonic battery. I downgraded the "value for price" rating due to the battery cost. I also picked up a cheap battery charger so that I could recharge batteries without tying up the camcorder.
The camcorder was very easy to figure out by trial and error, though I then did the unthinkable and actually read the manual. There is some good information in there so it is worth at least skimming it to better familiarize yourself with all the features.
The camcorder is very small and light weight. I ended up buying an inexpensive light weight tripod so I could leave the old, heavy one at home. It is nice not lugging around a bunch of heavy video gear any more.
One thing I also liked on this camcorder compared to the SONY and especially to the Canon models is the sensitivity of the touchscreen and menu layout. This units is much easier to use (lighter touch, easier navigation).
I am using 32GB class 10 SD cards and have had no problems. The manual specifies class 4 or above but I figured faster is always better. I haven't used the 16GB internal storage - I figure that is for emergencies should I run out of SD cards. Well, I did record one thing on the internal storage - an image of my name, and contact info in case an honest person finds my camcorder and would like to return it.
Overall, I am very pleased with this unit and I think you will be too.
About me... Parent with kids, Love capturing special occasions, casual user
I would recommend this to a friend!
+14points
14out of 14found this review helpful.
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Review 13 for Panasonic HDC-TM90 16GB Flash Memory Camcorder - Black
Don't understand all the great reviews...
Customer Rating
3.0
Posted by: Qigong
from Newport News, VA
on 01/03/2012
Value for Price
4.0
Picture Quality
3.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: Manual white balance
What's not so great: Video quality is poor
...that rave about this camera. Personally, I am very disappointed in this product and will probably return it. It has all the features you'd expect from a video camera in its price range, but the video quality is definately NOT as great as other reviewers have claimed. The video quality from this camera is barely better than the Kodak Playsport, which has no features and a pinhead-sized lens. I have experimented with the auto settings and used the manual settings under many different lighting conditions, and I can't get a good picture out of it. As an experienced photographer and videographer, I cannot squeeze a decent image out of this thing no matter what I try.
About me... Semi-pro videographer, Video enthusiast
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
0points
2out of 4found this review helpful.
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Review 14 for Panasonic HDC-TM90 16GB Flash Memory Camcorder - Black
This is the Perfect Camcorder
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: Size and quality
What's not so great: can't buy a 41.5mm filter
I was heading to Disney World and needed something small to take decent pictures. My regular SLR Nikon D7000 stayed home because the mission was not photography, it was fun. (Love the D7000). When I saw the new SD camcorders also act as 5MP cameras, I knew I had my solution.
Since the last camcorder I owned was actually a separate Camera + VCR set up (1970's), I was thrilled to see how far these have come.
This camera is amazing. The 1080P picture looks GREAT on my 58" Plasma, the stereo sound has a surprising dynamic range from the little mic's built into the front of the camera.
The coolest thing is the photo capture capability when watching the videos. I taped my daughter riding the Hulk at Universal. During one of the corkscrew turns, I paused the video and was able to capture a snapshot of her in her seat in an inverted position. That would be very difficult with a still camera (even my beloved D7000).
The low light capability was most impressive as well. The Disney Electrical parade and the memories show displayed on the castle, both turned out amazing (sound and all).
I just ordered the 3D attachment since my Plasma is 3D I think it will be fun to play with. From the reviews on the adapter, I don't have the highest expectations, but it will be a neat toy to have.
Since the last camcorder I owned was actually a separate Camera + VCR set up (1970's), I was thrilled to see how far these have come.
This camera is amazing. The 1080P picture looks GREAT on my 58" Plasma, the stereo sound has a surprising dynamic range from the little mic's built into the front of the camera.
The coolest thing is the photo capture capability when watching the videos. I taped my daughter riding the Hulk at Universal. During one of the corkscrew turns, I paused the video and was able to capture a snapshot of her in her seat in an inverted position. That would be very difficult with a still camera (even my beloved D7000).
The low light capability was most impressive as well. The Disney Electrical parade and the memories show displayed on the castle, both turned out amazing (sound and all).
I just ordered the 3D attachment since my Plasma is 3D I think it will be fun to play with. From the reviews on the adapter, I don't have the highest expectations, but it will be a neat toy to have.
About me... Love capturing special occasions, casual user, love toys
I would recommend this to a friend!
+28points
28out of 28found this review helpful.
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Review 15 for Panasonic HDC-TM90 16GB Flash Memory Camcorder - Black
nice less expensive hd camera
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
4.0
Picture Quality
4.0
Ease of Use
4.0
Features
4.0
What's great about it: size and price
What's not so great: all the features at first
we had a cd camera and this is our first hd camera, read all kinds of reviews and this is the one i keep coming back to. love it.
About me... Parent with kids, Love capturing special occasions, casual user
I would recommend this to a friend!
-11points
2out of 15found this review helpful.
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Review 16 for Panasonic HDC-TM90 16GB Flash Memory Camcorder - Black
Amazing Camcorder
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
4.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
4.0
Features
4.0
I used this camcorder and was BLOWN away by the quality of the image.
It was so crisp and real that my dog barked at the TV when it was a video of himself
AMAZING FOR THE PRICE
It was so crisp and real that my dog barked at the TV when it was a video of himself
AMAZING FOR THE PRICE
About me... casual user
I would recommend this to a friend!
+8points
10out of 12found this review helpful.
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Review 17 for Panasonic HDC-TM90 16GB Flash Memory Camcorder - Black
Great Camera for many scenario!
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
4.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Features
4.0
Video Review:
(click to see the video)
What's great about it: Easy to use, good price, easy switch from one mode to another
What's not so great: Grainy in 1500x Zoom, Have to use AVCHD Converter when using on Mac
I'm a roller coaster enthusiast, haunted house reviewer, and semi-videographer for my company. I have used this already for Haunted House Video Snapshot, commercial shooting for local business, and a few video blogs. I can't wait to officially use it at the theme parks next spring! I am looking forward to it and I love the zoom which will be able to capture the facial reaction as the people arch over the first drop.
The only cons that I have found at this time is that you would have to buy AVCHD converters to be able to successfully use on Final Cut Pro or iMovie for the beginners, etc... So be sure to prepare for some downtime while the files are being converted to .mp4 files.
About me... Semi-pro videographer, Video enthusiast, Love capturing special occasions
I would recommend this to a friend!
+32points
32out of 32found this review helpful.
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Review 18 for Panasonic HDC-TM90 16GB Flash Memory Camcorder - Black
IMPORTANT CAUTIONS, especially for Mac Users
Customer Rating
3.0
Value for Price
3.0
Picture Quality
4.0
Ease of Use
1.0
Features
3.0
What's not so great: incompatible 60p mode, audio automatic and manual gain control
What attracted me to this model was the potential to record in 60p vs 60i (60i supported by most other consumer camcorders). HOWEVER, there are a 2 areas the buyer should beware, as Panasonic technical support grossly misrepresented the capabilities of this product:
1) There are 4 AVCHD quality modes that record in 60i (as many other HD camcorders). Then there is one recording format that records the highest quality of 1080/60p. When transferring via USB or directly from the memory card to a Mac with iMovie, ONLY THE AVCHD FORMATS ARE RECOGNIZED. I spoke with Panasonic about how to get the 60p format to Mac, and they specifically said 'no problem' and that I just needed iLife '11 to recognize this newer camera. Made sense, so I bought it, and guess what: Panasonic is wrong--you cannot recognized the 60p video with Macs. I then called Panasonic back and spoke with another technician, who clarified and confirmed that indeed, you cannot access 60p video from the Mac. Although he apologized sincerely for the other technician's misrepresentation, they grossly misled this consumer about their product. In order to access 60p, you must use their included Windows based software, and even then, you are now dealing with converted formats. (By the way, I tried converting the 60p using their software to something Mac would then recognize, and no such luck).
THEREFORE, buyer beware, 60p is not accessible in Mac-land and is not easily accessible even in Windows.
THEREFORE, buyer beware, 60p is not accessible in Mac-land and is not easily accessible even in Windows.
2) The audio automatic gain feature is very poor for recording dynamic audio--notably piano performances. No matter what audio features I turned on or off, the audio easily distorted without doing a good job of cutting back. Then Panasonic recommended using the manual control to reduce the volume. However, there is yet another problem with this recommendation--you cannot adjust the audio WHILE RECORDING. So you have to go into the menu, guess at how much to reduce the volume, and if it then distorts during your recording--oh, well, you're stuck. You have to stop recording, go several layers into the menu, and guess again at how far to reduce the volume. Very poor GUI engineering on this feature.
Conclusion about 60p: Panasonic designed a feature (60p) and released it to market prior to making it equally accessible as the other formats on this camera--a prime example of what NOT to do in product launches.
Conclusion about audio: The Canon Vixia models have incredibly smart audio automatic gain control and manual control. If you are recording dynamic sources (e.g. music performances), then consider the Canon Vixia series.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+54points
58out of 62found this review helpful.
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Review 19 for Panasonic HDC-TM90 16GB Flash Memory Camcorder - Black
Better than Sony
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: aka1ceman
on 10/05/2011
Value for Price
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
4.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: Quality, features
What's not so great: Battery life is average
My last 3 camcorders were Sony, and all 3 didnt last. I gave up on Sony and it was the best thing I ever did. Features are great, its light weight, and quality is excellent. I wish it had a longer battery life, a little over an hour, so purchase a 2nd to keep on hand. Software is generic but it does get the job done with little experience.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+11points
12out of 13found this review helpful.
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Review 20 for Panasonic HDC-TM90 16GB Flash Memory Camcorder - Black
Great Camcorder
Customer Rating
4.0
Value for Price
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
4.0
Features
4.0
What's great about it: right out of the box you can get going, easy to use
What's not so great: nothing yet, other then needing to read up on how to do some things.
The only problem is that i don't know enough about them, how to put it on the computer or a disk, how to erase it from the built in hard drive, the battery seems better on this one than others but that's going on what others said in their reviews.
I would recommend this to a friend!
-8points
2out of 12found this review helpful.
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