Panasonic HDC-TM300

To start this is the review of Panasonic HDC-SD300 = review centre do not have this model listed so this is the closest I can find to give you some feedback. This is technically a great camera but the user friendly interface is lacking so much that it detracts from the possibilities. It looks great, has the great stats but after one month I have still not been able to work out the quickest way to turn off or turn on the flash for example. What is the size of the remaining space on my SD card - no idea.

Negative - no hooks to be able to put a neck cord on it.

2. a very tedious menu system - at least three different starting points to begin to search for "backlight compensation" for example.

3. Manual focus only works when the viewfinder is pulled out and the larger screen closed.

4. The plastic stick to use on the touch screen has no better place to be "hung" than around the viewfinder - it will be lost and then the screen get messed up "through our own fault".

5. The viewfinder cannot be raised up to cope with for example shooting from the ground - do we have to lie on the ground to be able to view it?

6. The battery delivered is too weak to deal with anything over 2 hours of serious camera work.

7. The wide angle has to be purchased for hundreds on top of the expensive initial outlay - it is far too bulky to be taken seriously.

8. The battery has to be removed in order to use mains power.

9. Pictures taken do not remain on the screen for long enough to evaluate them. To switch to view picture is a long and tedious operation - not possible when on a shoot.

10. Most important - perhaps Panasonic are not to blame here - I cannot access the pictures nor video with my Mac, I loved the plug and play firewire on Sony machines. This is another long and weary tragedy which I have no great desire to get stuck in.

Good points:

1. Very small and smart looking, a good stable shape.

2. Video and photo quality are good according to other reviews - I cannot judge since I only have the device for one month - not long enough to be able to view anything on external devices - my fault.

3. The various features making it foolproof for idiots is good - except for the flash switch - on/off - where is it? In which menu do I have to search?

4. The power supply plug is a real one - not some sort of specialised Panasonic only, like Apple and Sony prefer to come up with hindering universal use.

5. Pre-record is a good feature - for when shooting fast moving subjects this is no doubt a great aid - as long as you can edit the rubbish later.

6. Lots of manual possibilities not too lost in the menu systems but just buttons at the front - for aperture, speed and white balance.

7. A good 43 mm screw for additional lenses - not a weird special bayonet system which will not take foreign lenses.

8. Power save switches off to save battery and also machine run time.

9. Crossover between optical and digital zoom is almost impossible to discern.

10. Viewing screen is bright and clear and in most situations sufficient for evaluation.

I hope to be able to write another report in 6 months to give a full evaluation once I get access to the wonderful shots I have taken!