The Panasonic TM900 (Panasonic HDC-TM900) 3 MOS 3D High Definition Camcorder is a high-end HD camera by Panasonic designed with desirable features including a 32GB internal flash memory, 1920 x 1080/60p recording, an SD memory card slot, a quality image sensor system, and the option to record in 3D.
Panasonic HDC-TM900: new features
The main one being that it comes with the ability to shoot Full HD 3D. It may not be able to do this out of the box (the VW-CLT1 3D lens adaptor is available as an extra for around £280) but the mere fact it is ready for 3D shooting future proofs the camcorder, and the combined package with lens is actually less than the TM750 3D bundle that came out earlier in the year.
The Panasonic HDC-TM900 has also had tweaks made to its Intelligent Zoom ratio as well – up from 18x on the TM700 to 20x. While T3 has never been enamoured by digital zooms, Panasonic's is one of the best we have tried, as it uses it doesn't pixelate the image, but relies on its sensor to do the work.
This also goes for the Hybrid OIS on board – electric stabilisers never work well but Panasonic has expertly weaved electronic enhancements with optics to offer one of the smoothest pictures we have seen.
The Disadvantages of the Panasonic TM900 (Panasonic HDC-TM900)
1) Possible Blurred Images
The Panasonic HDC-TM900 generates a considerable blurring especially when the corrective lens is shifted by panning and or tilting the camera. This results in production of poor quality images.
2) Poor Zooming Mode
Just like the preceding Panasonic HDC-SD750, the HDC-TM900 camcorders does not properly zoom in and out when the 3D feature is use. You need to turn off the 3D for enable proper zooming of this camera. This can lead to production of poor images.
The good: Generally excellent video quality and a straightforward, if somewhat unglamorous, interface highlight the Panasonic HDC-HS900, TM900, and SD800's capabilities.
The bad: Wonky white balance and lack of a built-in neutral density filter are the two biggest drawbacks of an otherwise very good series of prosumer camcorders.
The bottom line: Panasonic's trio of prosumer camcorders, the hard-disk-based HDC-HS900 and flash-based TM900 and SD800, deliver generally excellent video quality and provide the full set of manual controls and features advanced users want. But you have to be willing to baby the white balance a bit. The TM900 is my top pick of the three for its EVF, but if you're on a tight budget the SD800 should suit just fine.
