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Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2012-06-17T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Excellent for a NYC student filmmaker!

Let me start off by saying that I had been saving up for years before buying this camcorder. I researched many different models and brands for many months, and I finally decided that the HMC40 was perfect for me. After buying it and getting to know it, I know that I made the right choice. I'm a student filmmaker at Brooklyn College. I've been making movies ever since I was 13, but I had always used low quality consumer-level camcorders. Now that I'm in college, I knew it was time to take it to the next level. The top three camcorders I was interested in were the Canon XA10, the Canon XH-A1s and the HMC40. After much deliberation, I decided that the HMC40 has the look, feel, features and quality that I was looking for. The HMC40 offers a wide variety of shooting modes, ranging from low-res modes to full HD 1080p at 60i and 24p (24fps was a must for any camera I would own, mainly because I plan on making many films). Users also have full control over the frame rate, iris/aperture and mic input. I purchased a Rode VideoMic to go along with this camera, and it works beautifully. I can't wait to begin making some short films with this camera. I've already shot a teaser trailer for one of my upcoming films this summer. Please feel free to check it out (I've attached the video to this review). It was shot with this camera (using a very affordable SanDisk Extreme Class 10 32GB SDHC card) , the Rode VideoMic and a Glide Gear Slider Track. I hope you enjoy. If you're a student, independent filmmaker, event videography or anything of the nature, this camera only has my highest recommendations! The XA10 is a little too small and limited and the XH-A1s is a little too overpriced. The Panasonic HMC40 wins in my book. =u)

Dan D.

2012-05-13T21:00:00

Rated 3 out of 5

great images but has limitations

Images on this are fantastically sharp. Camera is very light and can be held a long time. But the optional XLR adapter is less than perfect, in particular the way it handles multi channel input. Small chips have low light issues. Don't like how it adjusts exposure by way of ISO.

MICHAEL B.

2012-03-16T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Excellent value!

I recently used this at a major company corporate training event and was extremely pleased. When I first received the camera I was very disappointed with the build quality, but after putting it through use for 3 solid days, I am very happy with the purchase. This is a very solid camera in its price range. The low light ability is a lot better than what people are saying about it. If you don't want to spend a lot of $$, but still get beautiful HD content, this camera is a no-brainer!

Fotoram

2012-02-12T19:00:00

Rated 2 out of 5

not as good as it looks

looks good, but in a side by side comparison, not as good as the sony HDR-CX560V

rj

2012-02-05T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

great cam .

good cam , have had it for more than a year , using it almost twice a week and works perfect , its good for shooting weddings.Excellent for the price . excellent Adorama service , on time delivery .I would recommend you buy all your gear in Adorama.

juice p.

2011-04-26T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

THE BEST CAMERA IN PRO CLASS

I love this camera and have been using it since i bought it from Adorama along with all the accessories, this is one camera that made me shelf the canon ag series, real time transfer footage to final cut, clip select, and so much more.This is a camera for your regular user to one that does on scene broadcast quality breaking news for major network, only thing you need is a very good tripod atleast in a $ range and you are good to go.

COVER T.

2011-01-11T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Amzing for the price

When I got this the battery last forever, its easy to use and its amazing, good audio, juts small screen and viewfinder.

MOOSYMOOSY

2010-11-07T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

No more DVs!

I use this camera in weddings and its perfect in video, but you have to buy the XLR audio adapter If you have excellent audio too. Don't forget to say bye to DV's.

ROSA M.

2010-05-08T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

excellent product

its light weight , easy to use ,gives excellent image quality and its affordable just wish it was more Mac friendly.

juice p.

2010-02-20T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Brilliant video quality

I only miss a greater LCD-Panel. I would like it to have a 3.5 inch LCD-Screen instead of the 2,7 inch.

partylogger

2010-01-25T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

More than I expected

I go to a school that uses a bunch of hvx200's and a few new hpx170's. I have to say that the untrained eye wont be able to tell the difference. I use it in my freelance videography business. I record in the PH720 24fps mode and burn my DVD's in in the DV24p format. the quality is simply amazing. In my school they use final cut 7. The camera records in a 4:2:0 Color space. When final cut ingest these .mts files it converts them into their prores format, thus converting it into the 4:2:2 color space. It looks [...]good. You need to plan your lighting well before you record. the AVCHD Format is fragile and can only handle light color correction on its own. The 1080P format is good enough for amateur videograpy and some pro stuff in the right lighting. Converting from 1080p 24fps AVCHD to 720p 24fps XDCAM or any other format that records to 4:2:2 will give an awesome file to work with. A higher bitrate format is better for effects and green screen. I recomend a decent microphone before you decide on the audio quality, RODE and AZDEN are a good place to start.

CHRISTOPHER F.

2010-01-09T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

First Camera

The camera is great have used it to film in snowy conditions and it held up perfectly. Am currently shooting a short film and looking for work to help pay it off. The only drawback I can tell you is the top mounted handle does not have a record button which makes it difficult to tape low angle shots on the fly being left handed.

Bob D.

2010-01-09T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Great camcorder for the money!

I used it for the first time at a wedding and the footage was outstanding. I should have used a brighter light at the reception, but that's my fault for not thinking ahead. Overall, I don't know if you can find a better HD camcorder for the money. The 32gig SD card is a big plus as well.

DAVID W.

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Panasonic AG-HMC40 Specifications

  • Pick-up Device

    3MOS (1/4.1-inch progressive modes supported)

  • Picture Elements

    Total: Approx. 3.05 megapixelsx3
    Effective (video): Approx. 2.51 megapixelsx3 (16:9)
    Effective (still image): Approx. 2.32 megapixelsx3 (4:3), Approx. 2.65 megapixelsx3 (3:2), Approx. 2.51 megapixelsx3 (16:9)

  • Lens

    LEICA DICOMAR lens with optical image stabilizer, motorized/manual mode switching, 12x zoom, F1.8 to 2.8 (f=4.0mm to 48mm), 35mm equivalent (video): 40.8mm to 490mm (16:9)
    35mm equivalent (still image): 41.3mm to 496mm (3:2), 40.8mm to 490mm (16:9), 45.0mm to 540mm (4:3)

  • Optical Color Separation

    Prism system

  • ND Filter

    Auto On/Off by IRIS

  • Minimum shooting distance

    35.43 inches (0.9 m)

  • Gain Selection

    Motion Image: 0 dB to +24 dB (Variable in 1-dB steps; USER button allocation; up to +34 dB using the High Gain setting)
    Still Image: 0 dB to +18 dB (Variable in 1-dB steps)

  • Shutter Speed (Preset)

    Motion Image 60i/60p mode: 1/60 sec. to 1/2000 sec. (7 steps)
    30p mode: 1/30 sec. to 1/2000 sec. (8 steps)
    24p mode: 1/24 sec. to 1/2000 sec. (8 steps)
    Still Image 1/2 sec. to 1/2000 sec. (16 steps)

  • Shutter Speed (Synchro Scan)

    60i/60p mode: 1/60.0 sec. to 1/250.0 sec
    30p mode: 1/30.0 sec. to 1/250.0 sec. 24p mode: 1/24.0 sec. to 1/250.0 sec.

  • Slow Shutter Speed

    60i/60p mode: 1/2 sec., 1/4 sec., 1/8 sec., 1/15 sec., 1/30 sec.
    30p mode: 1/2 sec., 1/4 sec., 1/8 sec., 1/15 sec.
    24p mode: 1/2 sec., 1/3 sec., 1/6 sec., 1/12 sec.

  • Minimum Luminance

    Approx. 1 lx (Gain: +34 dB, Slow Shutter: 1/2 sec.)

  • Digital Zoom

    2x/5x/10x (Assigned to the USER button, only available for 1080/60i, 720/60p)

  • Filter Diameter

    43 mm

  • Recording Format

    AVCHD

  • Compression Method

    MPEG-4 AVC/H.264

  • Compression Method

    MPEG-4 AVC/H.264

  • Compression Method

    MPEG-4 AVC/H.264

  • Recording Media

    SD Memory Card : 512MB, 1GB, 2GB (FAT12, FAT16)
    SDHC Memory Card : 4GB, 6GB, 8GB, 12GB, 16GB, 32GB (FAT32)

  • Recording Media

    SD Memory Card : 512MB, 1GB, 2GB (FAT12, FAT16)
    SDHC Memory Card : 4GB, 6GB, 8GB, 12GB, 16GB, 32GB (FAT32)

  • Recording Video Format

    PH mode: 1080/60i, 1080/30p (over 60i), 1080/24p (native), 720/60p, 720/30p (over 60p) and 720/24p (native) HA, HG and HE mode: 1080/60i only

  • Transmission Rate

    PH mode: Approx. 21 Mbps (VBR, Max. 24 Mbps)
    HA mode: Approx. 17 Mbps (VBR), HG mode: Approx. 13 Mbps (VBR)
    HE mode: Approx. 6 Mbps (VBR)

  • Interval REC

    1 sec. / 10 sec. / 30 sec. / 1 min. / 2 min. / OFF

  • SD Memory Card

    Max. recordable clips per card: 900 (after formatting, without removing/inserting the card)
    Max. playable clips: 1,000 (up to 1,000 clips displayed)

  • Thumbnail View

    Selectable from 20 frames/page, 9 frames/page and 1 frame/page

  • Editing Functions

    Delete, write-protect

  • Formatting Function

    Yes

  • Recording Pixels

    [4:3] 9 megapixels / 8 megapixels / 5 megapixels / 0.3 megapixels
    [3:2] 10.6 megapixels / 7 megapixels / 4.5 megapixels
    [16:9] 10 megapixels / 6 megapixels / 3.5 megapixels

  • Quality

    Fine/Normal

  • Flach Function

    No

  • Number of Recordable Still Pictures

    [4:3] 6030 (9M 3520 x 2640 pixels)
    [3:2] 5300 (10.6M 3984 x 2656 pixels)
    [16:9] 5580 (10M 4224 x 2376 pixels)

  • Video Signals

    1080/60i, 720/60p

  • HDMI Output

    HDMI x 1 (HDMI Type A terminal), 1080/60i, 720/60p, 480/60p (Not compatible with VIERA Link)

  • HDMI Output

    HDMI x 1 (HDMI Type A terminal), 1080/60i, 720/60p, 480/60p (Not compatible with VIERA Link)

  • Component Output

    Mini-D x 1, Y: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 ohm, PB/PR: 0.7 Vp-p, 75 ohm

  • A/V Output

    1.0 Vp-p, 75 ohm

  • A/V Output

    1.0 Vp-p, 75 ohm

  • Sampling Frequency

    48 kHz

  • Quantization

    16 bit

  • Compression Bit-rate

    PH mode: 384 kbps, HA, HG and HE mode: 256 kbps

  • XLR Input

    Exclusive terminal for AG-MYA30G

  • Internal Microphone

    Stereo microphone

  • Headphone

    Stereo mini jack (3.5 mm diameter) x 1

  • Built-in Speaker

    20 mm (round) x 1

  • External Microphone Input

    -70 dBV (Mic sensitivity: -50 dB equivalent, 0 dB=1 V/Pa 1 kHz) Stereo mini jack (3.5 mm diameter) (Not compatible with plug-in power microphone)

  • USB

    Type mini B connector (compliant with USB ver. 2.0)

  • Camera Remote

    Super mini jack (2.5mm diameter) x 1, for zoom and rec start/stop operations
    Mini jack (3.5mm diameter) x 1, for focus and iris controls

  • LCD Monitor

    2.7 inches, wide LCD color monitor, Approx. 230,000 pixels

  • Viewfinder

    0.26 inches, wide LCD color viewfinder, Approx. 113,000 pixels

  • Power Supply

    DC7.2V (using with battery), 7.3V (using with AC adapter)

  • Power Consumption

    7.8 W (max., when the AG-MYA30G XLR microphone adapter is connected)
    5.8 W (in standalone condition)

  • Operating Temperature

    32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)

  • Operating Humidity

    10% to 80% (No condensation)

  • Dimensions (W x H x D)

    5-11/32 x 5-5/16 x 11-31/32 inches (136 x 135 x 304 mm) excluding the projection part

  • Weight

    Approx. 2.16 lb. (Approx. 0.98 kg) camcorder only
    Approx. 3.08 lb. (Approx. 1.4 kg) including SD memory cards, supplied battery, microphone and XLR adapter

  • Warranty

    Panasonic 3 years limited warranty

About Panasonic AG-HMC40 3MOS Handheld AVCCAM Camcorder

FEATURED REVIEWS

Excellent for a NYC student filmmaker!

By Dan D.

Let me start off by saying that I had been saving up for years before buying this camcorder. I researched many different models and brands for many months, and I finally decided that the HMC40 was perfect for me. After buying it and getting to know it, I know that I made the right choice. I'm a student filmmaker at Brooklyn College. I've been making movies ever since I was 13, but I had always used low quality consumer-level camcorders. Now that I'm in college, I knew it was time to take it ...

View full Review

First Camera

By Bob D.

The camera is great have used it to film in snowy conditions and it held up perfectly. Am currently shooting a short film and looking for work to help pay it off. The only drawback I can tell you is the top mounted handle does not have a record button which makes it difficult to tape low angle shots on the fly being left handed.

Panasonic AG-HMC40 3MOS Handheld AVCCAM Camcorder Features

  • HD formats: 1080/60i, 1080/30p, 1080/24p (Native); 720/60p, 720/30p, 720/24p (Native)
  • Three newly designed 1/4.1" Progressive 3MOS Imagers for full HD resolution
  • 12x Leica Dicomar lens (13 elements in 10 groups), 43mm filter, zoom range of 40.8 - 490mm (35mm equivalent.)
  • Extremely slow, smooth zoom for the precise control needed for dramatic sequences
  • Time Date Stamp enables shooting Legal Depositions or Surveillance
  • Long record time: 3 hours with included battery (7 hours continuous with 5,800mAh Battery)
  • Remaining battery time readout in minutes so shooter is warned (Info Data Secure Battery)
  • 3-second pre-record function captures the shot from the beginning
  • Shooting assist functions: focus expand, focus bar and Face Detection feature in Auto Mode
  • Waveform monitor helps with luminance for green screen where lighting has to be evenly distributed
  • Professional interface with HDMI out, Component Out (mini D terminal), Composite Video Out and RCA Audio Out
  • Additional features include: three user set buttons, Time code (DF, NDF, REC RUN, FREE RUN) and USER BIT, two scene files, auto functions (Auto Focus, Auto White Balance and Auto Neutral Density)
  • Connects directly to PictBridge photo printers
  • 2.7-inch 16:9 Touchscreen LCD display (Just touch the thumbnail for playback)
  • Manual and remote control connection for Zoom, Focus, Iris, Start/Stop functions (similar to HMC150). Focus ring can also be used for Iris and Zoom
  • Min. Illumination: 1 lux, (F1.8, Gain: +34dB, Slow Shutter: 1/2 sec.)
  • Syncro Scan Shutter, 60i- 1/60-1/250, 30p- 1/30-1/250, 24p- 1/24-1/250
  • Selectable Gammas & DRS Dynamic Range Stretch
  • Lightweight, yet durable, design with removable handle

What's in the box:

  • Panasonic AG-HMC40 3MOS Handheld AVCCAM Camcorder
  • AC Adaptor/Charger
  • 2640mAh Battery Pack (Secure)
  • AC Cable
  • DC Cable
  • Button-Type Battery (Remote)
  • Eye Cup
  • Component Video Cable
  • AV Cable
  • Handle
  • Lens Hood
  • XLR Adaptor Terminal Cover
  • Original Box
  • Item Note: Missing CD-ROM; Touch Pen; AVCCAM Restorer (Windows PC/Mac); PIN-BNC Conversion Plugs; Shoulder Belt; Wireless Remote Control; Panasonic XLR Microphone Adaptor and Mount