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Panasonic AG-HMC40 Review

Sep 29, 2009 12:00 PM, By Barry Braverman

Diminutive camcorder works the mosh pit.

The Panasonic camera is small, yes, but more importantly, it is well-balanced. Unlike other compact camcorders that are front-, back-, or side-heavy, the HMC40 enjoys a comfortable center of gravity, making the camera ideal for protracted handheld assignments such as weddings or navigating the mosh pit at a Flaming Lips concert. The camera's optical image stabilization (OIS) function is also considerably more effective than I'm used to seeing in low-cost camcorders. The technology implemented in the HMC40 was apparently borrowed from Panasonic's ample Micro Four Thirds Lumix still cameras.

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Speaking of which, the camera boasts an impressive still photo capability. At 10.6 megapixels, or the equivalent of 4224x2376 pixels (16:9), the camera achieves a level of performance sufficient for many corporate and event shooters to leave their dedicated still cameras at home.

Mimicking the big boys

The Panasonic HMC40 features two user-settable scene files (or "looks") that may be stored internally and/or saved to the SD card, thus facilitating setup and matching of multiple cameras or recalling a favorite look. As in the higher-end Panasonic AVCCAM and P2 models, the HMC40 stores settings for parameters such as Detail Coring (to help shooting in low light) and Dynamic Range Stretch (for shooting in high-contrast environments), as well as for Master Pedestal, detail, gamma, knee, and color matrix.

One noteworthy feature in the HMC40 is the built-in waveform, a tool particularly useful for ensuring a smooth wash of light and levels when shooting greenscreen. The shooter simply references the waveform to verify an even 55 percent to 60 percent across the screen and he's good to go.

Continue the discussion on “Crosstalk” the Millimeter Forum.
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