[MorningGlory90]

Ok, I received my Panasonic SD10 a few days ago, however I had to wait until today to test it as I did not want to use it without a screen cover (yes I'm fussy I know, I just didn't want to get messy finger marks all over the touch screen!).

It's a bit late now so I'll post more tomorrow on my opinions and reasoning as to what made me buy it, but overall I am very pleased with it so far and I have no regrets about buying it, and I also got it from Amazon for £365 before they raised the price a few days after a purchased it so that was lucky.

I also to give people a better idea got a video of it on my first little test to help people hopefully, as at the moment there don't seem to be any on it.

YouTube - Panasonic HDC-SD10 Camcorder First Zoom Test HD 1080i

I plan to do some more soon as I stated in the vid desciption.

Right, finally, I thought it would also be a good idea on this thread for other people who own either of these models to give some input and what they think of it to give others who may want to buy a better idea.

Any questions on the camcorder I'll try my best to answer them, also, any ideas on what things to video to give a better idea on the camcorder in different situations feel free to say, I might not be able to do all of them however I'll try.

[A n d r e w]

Is it just me, or is there something seriously wrong with the audio in your clip?

[chrishull3]

Originally Posted by A n d r e w

Is it just me, or is there something seriously wrong with the audio in your clip?

No Andrew not just you , but i wish people who want to show footage would show watchable footage not the cam waving about all over the place no afront meant and i am realy glad morning glory is pleased with the new cam.

[MorningGlory90]

After seeing this I may as well not have bothered with this thread or anything. I'll just let someone better do it. This was only a first test where I had little time and practice to get something proper.

And there's nothing wrong with thr audio, that noise your hear was something called the wind.

Later.

[A n d r e w]

Originally Posted by MorningGlory90

And there's nothing wrong with thr audio, that noise your hear was something called the wind.

I wasn't being critical. I noticed that the audio keeps cutting in and out - apparently a separate issue from the wind buffetting. Thought I'd draw your attention to it in case there's a problem with either your camcorder, or the software you're using to edit.

[steveh07]

Originally Posted by MorningGlory90

After seeing this I may as well not have bothered with this thread or anything. I'll just let someone better do it. This was only a first test where I had little time and practice to get something proper.

And there's nothing wrong with thr audio, that noise your hear was something called the wind.

Later.

Hi Morning Glory90,
Like yourself I have only just purchased one of these SD-10's and pretty pleased with it so far (then again the last camera I bought would give you shoulder ache!)

Looking forward to more posts from you and others that have bought one.I did post a new topic before you and had no replies so far.my post was...

"
Hi all,
I now own an sd10,a pc and a ps3.
Took the sd10 for a test film yesterday (using out the box settings) and using the software bundled with the cam (hd writer1.5) burnt the footage onto a disc and tried watching it on the ps3..looks great IMO but (I am a complete newbie at this!) the PS3/sony tv played it at 1080i? not 1080p.
So I wanted ask anyone in the know...

1) Anyone also purchased this cam? and what settings do they find the best so far?

2) How using the bundled software can I make 1080 p discs (do I need a blu ray burner) and can the film footage actually be blu ray quality anyway?

Kind regards
steve

So MG90 what settings are you using at present?

[Mandark]

Hi all. I have the TM10. I've got a number of videos on YouTube - nitebot's Channel (the butcher!) with mixed results. Observations so far. The YouTube uploader in HD writer 1.5 is great for Standard Def videos but doesn't do Hi Def which is duff as most people who bought the camera would want to upload HD videos. This means I have to mess around with converters, like freeby Super. I'm struggling with motion blur effects. I'm going to complain to Panasonic about it! I'm hoping to acquire a program which does automatic HD YouTube optimisations like I think imovie does.

I use the second highest quality setting (1920 x1080 high) because that was the default but I've read that the norm is the third quality setting (1920x1080 normal) for smaller file sizes. 1440x1080 offers much smaller file sizes and is still good for YouTube.

As for burning to disc, I've not done that yet. AVCHD can be burned to DVD using HD writer and played back in HD quality on a blu ray player. The problem is you only get short videos but that's better than nothing.

I've tried playing with some of the scene settings and turning the intelligent auto and image stabiliser off and on again. But it's all been too much for me so far, so I stick with the default most of the time! Happy to hear any tips.

[steveh07]

Hi Mandark,

A couple of questions for you if you dont mind?

Originally Posted by Mandark

Observations so far. The YouTube uploader in HD writer 1.5 is great for Standard Def videos but doesn't do Hi Def which is duff as most people who bought the camera would want to upload HD videos.

This is crazy!?..why not in HD? Is there a way around this?
And wheres the info to complain to as well!?!
Also if the footage you shoot is in the best quality can you make a second reduced copy in writer 1.5 just for net purposes?

This means I have to mess around with converters, like freeby Super. I'm struggling with motion blur effects. I'm going to complain to Panasonic about it! I'm hoping to acquire a program which does automatic HD YouTube optimisations like I think imovie does.


As for burning to disc, I've not done that yet. AVCHD can be burned to DVD using HD writer and played back in HD quality on a blu ray player. The problem is you only get short videos but that's better than nothing.

Worked great so far burning to disc and viewed on a PS3.
Can you explain why only short videos? and how long is short?Is this because of a dvd's disc space?

I've tried playing with some of the scene settings and turning the intelligent auto and image stabiliser off and on again. But it's all been too much for me so far, so I stick with the default most of the time! Happy to hear any tips.

Still using the default settings at the mo....

[Mandark]

Some answers Steve.

This is crazy!?..why not in HD? Is there a way around this?
And wheres the info to complain to as well!?!
Also if the footage you shoot is in the best quality can you make a second reduced copy in writer 1.5 just for net purposes?

I really don't know. May be it's easier to optimise for YouTube using MPEG2. I've tried uploading the raw files directly to YouTube using its uploader, such as with my catamaran videos. The detail is impressive but I get motion blur effects and the sound gets wrecked. So I tried converting to AVI and what's described as MP4. That loses picture quality and still has the blur. It's a problem I've spotted with some Panasonic camcorder footage. I think I read that each manufacturer creates avchd files slightly differently and this may be the problem. But there are some excellent videos with Panasonic camcorders such as this one. TM300 in this case.

YouTube - Panasonic HDC-TM300 HD Camcorder at KL Bird Park

Worked great so far burning to disc and viewed on a PS3.
Can you explain why only short videos? and how long is short?Is this because of a dvd's disc space?

Yes with a single sided DVD having only 4.7Gb, that's soon swallowed up by avchd files. I think you get 45mins to an hour depending on quality settings. That's probably ok for a lot of people though. Double sided would be even better. Blue ray recordables have 25Gb - costs £9-25 depending on site. LG's externeal blu ray recorders are around £200. Not bad compared to the new Panasonic under the TV recorders.

[lurcher]

BD"s are available around £2 del , have a look at 7 dayshop.

Julian

[Mandark]

Ah thanks for that tip!

[MorningGlory90]

I did overreact a bit, and now I've realised what the was in the past day or so. The main reason is that in 1080i it only plays on the TV and through my PS3 which is what I use smoothly, on the computer it just lags, which is why the audio is not in sync with the vid. Sorry and I'm glad that's cleared up.

steveh07: Hey there, Thanks for your message, no problem at all you aren't interfering. I'll be happy to explain and answer your queries and anyone elses. Glad you like the camcorder just like I do.

Right, at the moment I am playing it safe with the settings and I just use it in iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, it works fine for me and gets great stuff.

As for the 1080p HD writer question I am afraid I cannot help there as I don't really use the software nor plan to do anything in terms of 1080p at present. Very sorry.

I went and used this at the Status Quo gig last Thursday 23 July at the Doncaster Racecourse, I filmed the majority of songs with it and I was really happy. I only have two up at the moment, although I've got about another half a dozen or so more to put up. Here's one to give you an idea, admittedly, being lower light and getting dark it does get some graining, however the lights remedy most of this and in my mind the footage I was happy with.

YouTube - Status Quo The Oriental Live at Doncaster Racecourse 23/07/2009 720p HD

Ok at first I put the vid up yesterday but since I was less educated then, the video because it was in 1080i came out bad and could not keep up. After some searching around, I managed to convert it to 720p HD still looking good to play smoothly online and computer using DivX Converter 7 Pro. It's great and only costs 14 pounds and is simple (though you can download a free trial), and most importantly, does the job. I can also upload the vids after conversion a lot quicker and still retain great quality in a smaller size. YouTube thankfully accepts DivX files. You'll also after 15 days need to pay another 7 or so pounds to retain the sound enhancer as well. Although for me that's fine as the program is simple and does everything I need, so now I can play the 1080i footage on my TV and also easily convert it to play on the PC.

EDIT: Not sure if this is entirely helpful but after a little look which I should have noticed earlier, DivX converter (Pro) 7 can also convert to 1080p.

When I have all the songs up I'll update. Shouldn't take me as long now.

I also wrote a review on Amazon if anyone is interested, its rather long.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-HD...8629057&sr=8-1

To find my review it is the 5 star one with the title 'Fantastic HD camcorder in extreme simplicity and portability.'

Hope all that helps.

[Mandark]

Divx is a good solution for YouTube. I've been trying .mov quicktime files using Adobe Premiere Elements which works well but you can use any converter. Gets rid of that motion blur I had problems with, but gives black borders.

YouTube - Armstrong Cannons at the Needles

[agneepath]

Hi Mandark

I'm interested in the Panasonic TM 10 - would you recommend it? I cant seem to find too many user reviews in this forum and so would like to hear your experience in using it.

BTW - this would be my first HD camcorder purchase.

Thanks

[Mandark]

Yes I would agneepath. I've got a review going through approval on Amazon which should be up soon.

I gave it a good work out over a week in the Isle of Wight. In short, it's great and does everything for you. It's small, light, well made. Fits easily on one average size hand and is easily balanced by holding the LCD screen. It's like a Japanese car - automatic everything which helps complete novices. The stabiliser is good. Autofocus good. The face detection quickly picks out faces of people walking towards you. Auto light kicks in as soon as the sun goes down or in dim indoors. Video playback on the LCD screen is fantastic. Great on my Viera TV too. LCD touch screen is great too and I'm used to an iPhone. The biggest issue I had was a shaky max zoom (I read in one review the stabiliser overcompensates making things worse) but people say that was more me than the camcorder!

I think the price is close enough to the SD10 to justify buying the TM10 over it. £40-50 in it. I found the built-in memory very handy especially as the SDHC card I'd ordered hadn't turned up before I left. So I used the memory for 3 days before I was able to get a card.

I think as a straightforward consumer camera I see no real issues. May be wannabe film makers might want something with a better image sensor. But I filmed my hovercraft and yellow catamaran footage (youtube) in the rain and it didn't come out too bad. The TM10 (and SD10) has got to be on the shortlist for the average punter looking for an HD camcorder.

[Mandark]

Anyone else here got one yet? They seem to be selling well on the online sites I've seen.

[agneepath]

I'm planning to but the TM 10 as soon as Amazon have it back in stock. I much prefer the the colour of the TM 20 but an extra £40 for an extra 8GB of internal memory doesnt seem worth it.

[Mandark]

Well it might be for some but I think the real issue is that the TM10 is quite a bit smaller. But the TM20 isn't that bad for size. Played with one in Currys!

[agneepath]

oh... i assumed they would be identical apart from the extra 8gb.

[Pughie]

can anyone help?

Just received my new Panasonic HDC-SD10. I am delighted with the camera. However, not so impresssed it is not supported by my video editing software Cyberlink Power Director v7 Ultimate.

Does anyone know of a reasonably priced PC video editing package that will support the HDC-SD10??

Thanks in advance

[alaniho]

just got this from amazon and very happy with it. I was initially a little dissapointed that it does not seem to have a Leica lens like most of panasonics best cameras. But its HD shot in normal light are brilliant and its low light performance is not as bad as some might say. i got the 16gb card at 16.99 off Play.com also. Can anyone now reccomend a good bag to store this and some memory cards in??

[tdenson]

I've had an SD10 for a few weeks but only just realised that it doesn't support remote control (I just hadn't noticed the lack of a remote control in the box). Is this correct ? If so, it's a real bummer as I like to be able to place it up high on a tripod and use the remote control for zooming (e.g. at a wedding). I was replacing an SD5 that I lost and I just rather assumed that all cameras these days had remote control. I may return it to Amazon.

[Mandark]

Originally Posted by alaniho

just got this from amazon and very happy with it. I was initially a little dissapointed that it does not seem to have a Leica lens like most of panasonics best cameras. But its HD shot in normal light are brilliant and its low light performance is not as bad as some might say. i got the 16gb card at 16.99 off Play.com also. Can anyone now reccomend a good bag to store this and some memory cards in??

I got the small Lowepro edit 100 bag for £20 from Argos. Lowepro have pricier and cheaper ones in their range.

[spongly]

Hi all,

Thought I would post this into this thread as I've just got an SD10 for my birthday. Generally really pleased with the test shots I've made so far but one annoying thing I'm hoping other owners might be able to help me with.

Is it possible to make it run silently? By that I mean turn off the start/stop beep? I was hoping to use this cam mainly for wildlife and the beep could disturb what I'm watching.

I couldn't see anything in the menu's or basic guidebook.

Anyone able to help?

Thanks in advance.

[agneepath]

Originally Posted by Mandark

Yes I would agneepath. I've got a review going through approval on Amazon which should be up soon.

I gave it a good work out over a week in the Isle of Wight. In short, it's great and does everything for you. It's small, light, well made. Fits easily on one average size hand and is easily balanced by holding the LCD screen. It's like a Japanese car - automatic everything which helps complete novices. The stabiliser is good. Autofocus good. The face detection quickly picks out faces of people walking towards you. Auto light kicks in as soon as the sun goes down or in dim indoors. Video playback on the LCD screen is fantastic. Great on my Viera TV too. LCD touch screen is great too and I'm used to an iPhone. The biggest issue I had was a shaky max zoom (I read in one review the stabiliser overcompensates making things worse) but people say that was more me than the camcorder!

I think the price is close enough to the SD10 to justify buying the TM10 over it. £40-50 in it. I found the built-in memory very handy especially as the SDHC card I'd ordered hadn't turned up before I left. So I used the memory for 3 days before I was able to get a card.

I think as a straightforward consumer camera I see no real issues. May be wannabe film makers might want something with a better image sensor. But I filmed my hovercraft and yellow catamaran footage (youtube) in the rain and it didn't come out too bad. The TM10 (and SD10) has got to be on the shortlist for the average punter looking for an HD camcorder.

My Panasonic TM 10 Finally arrived from Amazon today! I ordered it three weeks ago for £417 (along with the free Panasonic 12 GB card) Amazon reduced the price to £400 today, so I emailed them and within an hour they refunded the difference. Great customer service

The camcorder seems an excellent buy - will report back in more detail after I've had a play with it.

[scotsman_77]

I got my TM10 yesterday from Costco. They have it on special at the moment - £299 + VAT (£343). You need to use a voucher but they have loads at the door on the way in. Costco also throw in 2 years warranty and have a great reputation.

Really pleased so far; and it's not making me need to upgrade the iMac too quickly. I expected AVCHD editing to be more painful than it's been on my 3 yrs+ old machine.

I'm also interested in a bag that would hold the camera + spare battery + memory cards.

[agneepath]

Originally Posted by scotsman_77

I got my TM10 yesterday from Costco. They have it on special at the moment - £299 + VAT (£343). You need to use a voucher but they have loads at the door on the way in. Costco also throw in 2 years warranty and have a great reputation.

Really pleased so far; and it's not making me need to upgrade the iMac too quickly. I expected AVCHD editing to be more painful than it's been on my 3 yrs+ old machine.

I'm also interested in a bag that would hold the camera + spare battery + memory cards.

That really is a great price for the TM 10. Shame there is no costco within 50 miles of me

I'm very pleased with my purchase so far - although I'm kinda surprised the TM 10 isn't more popular in this forum. Anyway - let us know how your're finding the TM 10 - any tips would be most welcome!

[darleysam]

I've been using an SD10 for a few weeks now, took it on my band's trip to Newcastle for a week and filled two 16gb cards, and now I'm looking for the best way to get it off the cards and into an editable form. I tried the bundled software (HD Writer? Forget its proper name) and that seems okay, but I'm wondering if there's anything better/faster/easier to use?

[tdenson]

Originally Posted by agneepath

That really is a great price for the TM 10. Shame there is no costco within 50 miles of me

I'm very pleased with my purchase so far - although I'm kinda surprised the TM 10 isn't more popular in this forum. Anyway - let us know how your're finding the TM 10 - any tips would be most welcome!

I've never really understood the attraction of the TM10. The on board memory is just extra complexity to operating the thing and managing recorded footage. SD cards are so easy to put in and take out.

[bill leslie]

Hi

I've just bought A hdc-sd10. Seems to record fine and plays back on camera. But.... when I download to my PC using the HD Writer AE1.5 package there is no picture on playback, only sound. I've tried adjusting the framerate of the preview. I've tried downloading VLC player - again no pucture on playback. And I've tried exorting clips as Mpegs from HD Writer program, but still no picture.

Anyone have any ideas?

thanks. Bill