Cameras & Camcorders

[rick95]

So when is this camcorder going to be available in Future Shop stores? I'll be visiting my home country this summer so I want to get a camcorder before then.

Anyone know the difference between the Panasonic HDC-TM700 and TM900?

Thanks for any help.

[XL]

OK, I see the TM700 available on the website.... http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/panasonic-panasonic-32gb-high-definition-flash-camcorder-hdct...

Details are sketchy on what I can find on the Internet, but 900 appears to be 3D ready (just need to add the 3D adapter).  The very new 900 model is not even listed on the Canadian Panasonic website.

Personally, I would get neither camcorder models because of the top mounted microphones.  Top mounted microphones don't work well outdoors because there is no ceiling to reflect sound back to the camera.  These Panasonic models need bulky external microphones to work well.

[rick95]

But I saw that (competitor) is already ordering the camcorder and that it can be pre-ordered. The only reason why I'm buying it in Future Shop instead of (competitor) (which is certain that the camcorder will be available in (competitor).) is because I have a $600 gift card for Future Shop.

[XL · Accepted solution]

If I was in your situation.... I would wait.... and see when the competitor will be shipping this product. When product is available in Canada, then go to Future Shop and speak to a sales rep on the situation to take advantage of the gift card.

You still have 4 months before summer is here.  Perhaps reevaluate the situation a month before your trip.

Good Luck

[rick95]

Ok thanks XL.

And sorry for putting the competitor's name. I did not know that we weren't allowed to say them.

[XL]

Yes, I've made that mistake many times with the moderators keeping me on track.....

Out of curiosity.... how did you come to shortlist the TM900?  If for 3D, have you considered the Sony HDR-TD10?  I hear it will be available mid-April.  I prefer the smaller form factor for 3D and front facing microphones.  While the TM900 is cheaper than Sony's TD10, you still need to add the $400 VW-CLT1 adapter making it more expensive than the Sony TD10.

Also I hope you have researched how you plan to use your 3D camcorder.....

• does the software you plan to use support 3D (the newly released Pinnacle Studio 15 doesn't support it)
• do you have a 3D TV screen and a 3D player?
• Is your computer strong enough to render the images?

[rick95]

Sorry for the late response.

the TM900 came to my shortlist not just because of the 3D, but it's suppose to have better quality pictures than the TM700 which I was also considering. But I don't have a 3D TV...yet. I'll be getting one after I return from my trip. But I don't mind the extra $400 for the 3D lens conversion. I have a very computer with a quad core CPU so I think that should be enough. I just hope that the camcorder comes out before I go on my trip.

I see it says that it was released in March, is this true?

[Swaney]

TM-900 was shipped to our store sometime last week. It should now be available in most of our stores, for the West Coast that is anyways.

[jcrowe87]

As of March 31st, the TM-900 is available in at least a good amount of the East Coast stores.

[rick95]

So it is already out in Ottawa?