I recently purchased a Panasonic TM300 as a small carry anywhere partner for my Sony EX1. I’m amazed at the image quality and the ease of import into FCP. I’m finding the AVCHD transfer using the log and transfer tool in FCP as fast and user friendly as XDCAM transfer software for the EX1. The conversion to Prores 422 runs smoothly on my 2008 Macbook Pro (4gb RAM, 7200rpm HD). These small cams running AVCHD can produce excellent results with FCP and a reasonably powerful machine.

e.g. July 1 on Vimeo (http://www.vimeo.com/5479697)

I’m also enjoying the viewfinder and manual focus on the TM300 and have no complaints other than the current lack of availability of spare batteries in the UK.

Hi Phillip good to hear it is all working well, I also have a small AVCHD camera mainly for my holidays but I also use it as a lock off b-camera to my panasonic 301.

As you say the import into FCP is very smooth and the canon hf11 I have shoots at full 1920x1080i 25p 24mbs so it matches the 301 very well once all the media goes to pro res.

Just a note that clipwrap 2 is due shortly and this will just re-wrap the AVCHD files for use in FCP, the advantage being that it will not use huge amounts of disc space with pro res that is not required.
I have been using clipwrap 1 to do my m2t Z7/S270 files for sometime and it is very good.

Hi Phillip,
I've been looking at the TM300.

What are your thoughts on it after several more months?

Do you use the video and audio Gain control much?

Tried the focus tracking in 60i? Done much shooting in low light, like bars, dances, family gatherings on dark winter evenings?

Do you shoot much 24p, and if so, how do you like it on the TM300?

Found any spare batteries yet (generic)?

thanks,