Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

Razor sharp indeed Mark. Thanks for sharing.

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

I just picked up a TM900 from B&H because I couldn't resist the $599 price. What a great camera, and thank you all for your painfully extensive discussion about this.

I've been mainly testing it out in low light, and it's killing my HMC40 in that department.

I'm looking to post some clips soon, as the snow is finally falling here and I'd like to see how the camera handles it.

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

Enjoy your new cam. At that price it was a steal!

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

That's interesting that you say it's better than the HMC-40 in low light considering they both have 1/4" chips.

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

It's gotta be the way the circuitry in each camera processes the signal and adds gain. The noise on the 900 is much less pronounced than the 40 up to 18dB.

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

On another note, I'm looking to buy some batteries for the 900. I'm tired of paying Panasonic's bloated battery prices, and have found some Chinese knockoffs on ebay that I'm considering.

Does anyone have any experience with these?

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

These pirate batteries were a long time coming to market, and for such a popular camera I'm wondering why. And why did Panasonic change from the TM700's battery? What's going on here?

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

A lot of people are fired up about Panasonic changing batteries between the 700 and 900. To me, it just looks like they're trying to get more money out of us.

And I believe that this is the very reason that the knockoffs were later coming to market -- the battery construction is different and had to be "figured out" by third-party manufacturers. I read somewhere that the same was true when the 700 first came out -- it was a good 6 months before knockoff batteries were available.

I think I'll take a chance on these, and let you know how it goes.

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

Is it these ones? I'll have one too.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-VW-VBN...em256a0 99d8e

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

This is what I just ordered:

eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

More on HD Writer AE 3.0
 

I used HD Writer AE 3.0 to make a new video from original TM900 clips, this time inserting transitions and adding a title and music track to see how fast the process is and how quality is affected.

The 3:51 minute video took 24 minutes to render. This is very fast, and means there was smart rendering - only those parts needing re-rendering were re-rendered (transitions, titles, fades, adding music).

I normallly do not add music, as I am interested in the natural sounds, and it is hard work to coordinate music and video for the music to be effective. Here I kept the music low as an experiment, leaving the natural sounds (bird songs) prominent. The music was recorded by me (original instrument ensemble).

The 108060p video (which makes use of the iZoom feature a lot) is at

DSLR/TM-900 Fusion
 

Sometimes really bad ideas and really good ones are hard to distinguish. Anybody tried this before using the TM900 or other lightweight camcorder with a DSLR? Posted originally on 7D forum. Stop laughing! : )

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-eo...ml#post1706202

Re: The Panasonic TM900 - Improvements for the next model
 

Interesting idea Roger - I never thought of doing that! (and I have all the items in your picture).

On a different tack, almost exactly a year ago I was deliberating whether or not to get a discounted TM700 or wait and see if Panasonic announced an improved model. Well, you all know that I did the later and I've been delighted with the TM900's performance.

However, no cam (I currently have 5 HD Cams) is perfect... so I bet there are people out there wondering the same about the TM900. Buy now or wait, especially since its price seems to have come down gradually over the last few months (and no doubt one or two outlets are offereing them at sale prices).

So, for those that want to know, here are a few things that Panasonic could do well to improve on if and when a new model gets announced in January. This assumes they follow the same product refresh pattern as previously - I fully accept this may not be the case (because of the tragic events in Japan earlier this year).

TM900 Weaknesses - My Suggested Improvements

In no particular order:

1. Needs to go wider than 35mm. Personally I'd be prepared to trade a little off the (amazing) telephoto end in order to make this possible. 30mm or even less (as long as barrel distortion does not get out of hand) would be most welcome - indoors especially.

2. The on-board mic seems particularly prone to picking up even the slightest breeze. If I ever use it I just use it as a stereo mic anyway. Personally, I'd like them to completely re-design the mic unit so that it can at least give "acceptable results" in what people would otherwise call pleasant outdoor weather - i.e. just a light breeze! Sure, I know no on-board mic is going to produce stella results but of all the cams I own this one craps out on the audio well before any of the others...

3. Some menu changes/improvements. There are some terrific features and the cam has a good deal of manual control but certain menu options get cancelled/become unavailable as soon as the cam is turned off and then back on again (i.e. need re-setting etc.). A flexible "Custom" area in the menu structure would be terrific. I'm sure others might detail the suggested menu improvements required!

4. Panasonic did a couple of naughty tricks regarding the battery and charging arrangements when they moved up to the TM900 and all its sisters from the previous year's models. We're stuck with the newer battery design now (and I must say the 1 large and the, supplied, 1 small Panasonic batteries I have have given stella performance) but I think they really should go back to providing an off-camera battery charging option (i.e. on the "cable block"). Using the camera as a battery charger is impractical for obvious reasons (as it must be off to charge for those that don't know). Sure you can go out and buy a separate charger...so it's an irritation rather than a deal breaker, as they are not expensive.... but I think the TM700 arrangement was better.

5. Everyone would want me to add "better in low light". This is the thing we all want improved on every camera we own, is it not! However, in truth, it performs remarkably well considering the size of the sensors in that 3MOS imaging block (I put up a quick low light test on YouTube some time ago if anyone is interested). If you want a true low light king then get a different camera - but the TM900 is not what I'd call bad in low light. Comparison with my elderly Sony HC1 soon shows me how far small sensor camera performance has come in just a handfull of years!!! It wipes the floor with the Sony V1 too! Sure my EX3 and 7D are well above it - but so they should be. Use the right tool for the right job, horses for courses and all that.

Don't get me wrong, it's a stunning performer for the price and size and I still love it!

Please feel free to add/refine suggested improvements or point out other weaknesses for those considering buying, especially if I missed anything obvious.

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

Good Start Andy. I'd like to add to your list if the price isn't driven up significantly:

6. Fix auto exposure levels for outdoor shooting and be able to offset iA exposure levels to match manual exposure if you need to jump between manual and iA.

7. Provide spot focus via touch screen. Sony uses this on some of their cameras and its a very handy feature.

8. More rounded bokeh (more blades on iris)

9. Add LANC control.

Its a great camera and worth every penny. With a few of these mods, it would be even better!

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

This is my number 1

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

Wow - that was quick!

In particular, how could I have missed the tendency to overexpose in bright conditions in iAuto - silly me. (This cold I'm recovering from must have been even worse than I thought - I got it as an unwelcome Xmas present...)

Good additions!

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

I've been waiting for a TM900 replacement myself as an upgrade for my HV20. So i'm waiting for the "next" round of things as p50/60 is on my Must Have List and i'm hopeing the Canon will have it this round. If they do it better than Pana's next TM900 i'll go with them. But at this stage they seem to be way behind the ball in many areas but i'll have to wait and see. One thing is for sure though... with the success of the 700 and now the 900... if the next one follows suit and the Canon drops the ball i'll have no hesitation in grabbing a Pana!

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

Firstly, I would like to see Panasonic Australia support this model, my only only way of purchasing one is as a “grey import” - fortunately I have not required service. With this lack of interest I sometimes wonder if there will be a new model. Locally I can still buy a TM 700 at about double the price of a “grey” TM 900.

Andy, I have found charging the battery on camera to be very useful as it is possible connect a 9.3 volts supply to the camera and so avoid using the camera battery. If not actually using the camera the on-board battery is recharged by the external supply. All that is needed is a 12 or more volt battery and a few dollars worth of readily available components.
I miss LANC, but a lot can be done with a motorised control ring and the Infrared remote.

My improvement list - in addition to those already mentioned by others: -
A prerecord that can be left on permanently rather than be reset after every shot.
The ability to connect an HDMI cable without opening the finder to facilitate use in a compact under-water housing or when using the camera remotely.
An infrared remote sensor on the rear of the camera as well as on the front.
A removable infrared cut filter to enable the use of infrared illumination.
A couple of ideas from my nikon D300. It has a large and complicated menu system, however it is possible to set up a small customised menu with one’s most used items arranged in an order of one's choice.
Also in the Nikon it is possible to have consecutive picture numbers i.e. numbering can continually increment and not return to zero with each formatting. A similar unique and permanent number displayed on the TM 900 would be useful.

Aother TM900 video
 

showing off the TM900, in good and dim light.


A day in a famous city: A hall, a bell, a horse winny, flags, street music, holiday decorations, Amish, food, memorials, holiday light show.

108060p, manual shutter, aperture and sometimes focus.

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

I just noticed that if no one beats me to it this will be the 500th post in this thread. I would just like like to say that I have and continue to learn more about my SD900 from this thread and to hope that all the posters here have a prosperous and productive new year!

All the best

Mark

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

And to you too Mark - and everyone else who has helped make this area of the forum so useful!

500 posts (501 now...) and 65,500 views in just shy of a year. Not bad for a tiny little cam.

I guess it's yet more evidence that these little Panny's punch well above their weight - as many shots in Mark R's latest video will easily confirm.

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

I just got a TM900. They're really selling cheap now, so I wouldn't be surprised if there's a new model coming out soon. I noticed Panny has discontinued the TM90.

I'm thinking about adding an external mike, as the on-board mikes pick up a lot of handling noise. Anyone recommend a relatively cheap mike, perhaps a Rode model?

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

Rode Videomic Pro is definitely the one I'd recommend - search back in this thread and on the Audio section and you'll see a number of posts and pics by me (the first lot on Page 6). Note that the original Rode Videomic is way too big for general use on the TM900!

Someone had good success with the new small, stereo Nikon mic (ME-1 was the code I think) so that's a possible option [Note, I did not initially think the TM900 would power it but this was later shown to be perfectly possible by another poster - Ian, on page 24 - but he did comment that it was "good at picking up wind noise"].

I (generally) read about variable results with the Sennheisser MKE400 mic so look at that one very carefully before you consider buying it.

Those would be my suggestions.

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

Thanks, Andy.
That Rode looks positively huge on the TM900! And I see you had problems getting yours to fit on the mount.

Using a TM900 as a secondary cam to HMC40/80
 

I currently own an HMC-80 and use it as a primary cam. It's an awesome cam until it gets into low light. My back-up cam is still my old Sony VX-2100. It's great in low light but only shoots SD and lousy 16:9. Like me, it's getting old too. When I film a wedding, I'll use the Sony as a stationary at the rear of the church. As many would attest, it's a pain to edit SD footage into a HD production.
What are your opinions or experiences with using this TM900 as a secondary cam to one of Pani's other AVCHD cams such as the HMC-150, HMC-40/80. I'm in the market but like to do my research first.
A search did not turn up anything with this subject matter so please except my apologies if I missed a thread in the 500+ on this cam.

Thanks!

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

Is it really discontinued? The two comparable models in this price range in Japan are the TM750 and the Z10000:

panasonic.jp via Google Translate

(click on the Products link and then Digital Video Camera link.)

The former looks like the TM900 and the latter doesn't resemble anything else in the Panasonic US consumer video line. I'd be thinking that Panasonic would replace the TM900 with something that would compete with the Sony NEX-VG20, but what do I know?

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

I have just been looking through the thread for advice on monopods and fluid heads etc. the Manfrotto 561BHDV1 comes recommended with the fluid head included but I would like to know if for the TM900 it is really necessary to have such a large sized monopod for such a small camera? Would one of the smaller offerings from Manfrotto or another manufacturer be sufficient? Also can one get away without a fluid head using only a monopod at a pinch? I am keen on saving weight and space at the expense of some loss of functionality. I do though want smooth pan shots!

What would you recommend?

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

My original post says the TM90 - not the TM900 - is discontinued. How did my text change when you quoted me??

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

Mark,

I use the Monfrotto 561B, which is a fine monopod. I also have its smaller brother, the 560B-1 with the same 3 short feet and fluid coupler at the base. The 560B-1 is shorter (66" vs 79") , lighter, and comes with the 234RC head which is not suited for smooth video tilting.

560b-1

I removed the 234RC head and replaced it with the Velbon PH-368 for $29 from B&H.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/152289-REG/Velbon_PH_368_PH_368_2_Way_Panhead.html

This head will not impress your friends, but works very well in this application, especially for tilt only. I lock the pan on the head and use the Monfrotto's fluid foot and use the tilt on the Velbon head. The Velbon is a slightly bulkier than I'd like, but is very smooth and the overall package is light, and inexpensive. You could certainly mount a different head, should you choose to do so. The larger 561B has the sliding mounting plate for balancing the camera, which really isn't much of an issue for the TM900. The larger 561B has a non adjustable tilt counterbalance, requiring you to hold the handle on the light TM900 in many situations to keep the head from springing back towards level. The 561B is the more professional rig, but is really suited better for heavier cameras.

All in all, I tend to use the shorter, less expensive 560B-1 with the TM900 unless I need the extra height. Both pods benefit from an occasional drop of WD-40 or other light oil on the lower fluid coupling's ball-joint to keep it moving buttery smooth. Great gear.

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

Mark,

You'll be fine with the smaller 560B-1. Also, if you tighten the bottom ball joint slightly, it will function correctly and also allow the monopod to stand on its own with supervision. The unit is very versatile in that you can use no head or any smaller fluid head for tilts.

This entire project was shot with the 560B-1 and GH2:

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

Hello - I'm just back from my trip to Africa and I want to thank everyone here for all of the great advice I got before I left.

I may not have professional quality video, but I am sure that I have the best amateur footage ever! It didn't hurt that the lead guide on my trip was the guide for Alan Root when he shot his Serengeti documentaries for the BBC.

The main components that I ended up using were:
Manfrotto 561BHDV-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head
Giottos AA1501 Tripod Strap for Giottos and Manfrotto Tripods
Petrol Deca Mini Hood for Camcorders with 3.5" LCD Monitor Screens, Rigid Panels
Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone for Digital SLR Cameras
Micover Slipover Windscreen for Nikon ME-1

The monopod worked out really well. I did most of my shooting out of the roof of the car while standing on the back of the car seats. The mini legs at the bottom helped with stability, and the extra length enabled me to place the base on the floor of the car and stabilize the monopod with a beanbag at the edge of the roof opening. Panning and tilting and stabilizing were not perfect, but half the instability was caused by my sister and friend moving around in the car.

The hood was very helpful for shooting in the bright sun. I used a capacitive stylus to reach the touchscreen when the hood was in place.

The Nikon ME-1 with the windscreen worked very well, although there is so much talking going while I was shooting I doubt I have much sound I can use!

I ended up shooting mostly in automatic mode. Things moved so quickly that just getting into place and getting the animals framed correctly was about all I could manage. In a few cases, I used the backlight compensation feature and I used the manual focus mode for shots where I had to zoom in above 20 or 30x. I tried using the prerecord feature, but in reality I ended up with a lot of footage in the beginning of shots or even in the middle of shots that just needs to be cut.

The main limitations that I had were the ability to zoom in further while maintaining quality shots and the lack of better stabilization with more fine-tuned zooming, panning, and tilting. But that is the difference between filming Big Cat Diaries and going on vacation.

I've just started uploading some of my unedited video:
Male lions - YouTube

My next step is to figure out how serious I want to get about editing this video. I've definitely been bit by the bug. My guide, an assistant guide who has a serious interest in recording Masai culture before it is lost, a Masai tracker who does a wonderful job bridging the gap between his culture and ours, and I all have a dream to make a documentary on the stages of life for a Masai warrior, centered around the tracker's graduation to Masai elder in the next two years. I'm serious enough that I left behind all of my video equipment so that they can start filming without me. (Glad to hear how the price of the TM900 has come down!)

I will be posting some more of my video over the next few days as I get it uploaded.

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

Great to get the real-world feedback Carol and the detail in your lion shots is staggering. This is unprocessed footage straight from the 900? You talk of 30x zoom - you're happy with that digital zoom look? And I hear what you say about the voices near your mic.

You left behind all your equipment? What? Just came back with the SD cards?

tom.

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

I know its a little crazy sounding, but yes, I came home only with my SD cards. Sometimes the right thing to do is a little crazy. My guide was so generous to me to help me bring home "National Geographic" video. It was obvious to me that as helpful as he was to photographers, his heart was in video. Without ever saying so, I knew he'd had a dream when working for BBC that he could one day shoot his own video. Also, once I had the idea about the documentary, it was obvious that it was also the dream of the other guide and the Masai tracker to document Masai culture. These three men had a profound impact on me on my trip. It was so transforming that I am not sure who I am anymore now that I am home.

I had had experiences like this traveling when I was younger, but it was a long time ago. I had recently lost my parents and some friends and battled some health issues which left me feeling stronger ties to the dead than to the living. I signed up for this trip in an act of optimism about the rest of my life and it definitely delivered! Leaving my equipment was another act of optimism.

It also does not hurt that I can work a couple of days and replace my equipment. The question is, what to replace it with. I love the TM900, but I also think I might want something where I can add a bigger zoom lens. I will probably wait until I see what I will use the camera for and concentrate on editing for now.

As for my video, the lion video was unprocessed video straight from the camera. I am trying to upload unprocessed clips for the others on my trip, since it will take time for me to edit the video. (I returned with 5 full 32GB SD cards.)

I haven't been able to evaluate the zoom yet. In a choice between using the zoom or not getting the shot, I used the zoom. In the beginning of the trip when I didn't know how close I would be later in the trip, I used the zoom more. I got more discerning as the trip went on. Without my camera, the only way I can play my video on my big screen tv's is across my network and that is tied up with uploading the video to YouTube.

Here are a couple more links that have uploaded:
Giraffes - YouTube
Leopard - YouTube
Lioness with Cubs - YouTube

Carol

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

It's my first post here but I have been a reading tons of helpful information on this forum ever since I registered. I purchased my TM900 and I just started to use this camcorder to take sports. I've recently started to edit my 1080 60p footage on Premiere Pro CS5 and have tried to output this to DVD via Encore CS5.
I did a 5 minute game preview video, and it completed with no problems. However, the full 28 minute game video is giving me problems. When I start to "build project" in Encore, it will start the process but after less than a minute, it will show an error saying "Encode Failed". I've checked my settings for both the 5 minute video, and the 28 minute video, but I have not seen any differences. The preview and the full video have the same source material (from the TM900 1080 60p) together with simple video and audio transitions, and some music. I have searched both this site and google, but I have not seen any specific information that can help me resolve this. I was unsure if I should post it in this thread or there is a more appropriate place to post.
I have made another video project using my canon dslr footage, and output to DVD using Encore. And I have not experienced this same problem. Which is making me start to think that it may have something to do with the TM900 file format working with Encore?
I'd appreciate any guidance.

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

Just an update - I tried another method and I was able to get it to work.
I exported the project from Premiere as media into a MPEG2-DVD format. And then, I imported the file into Encore as a timeline. It seems that Encore does not transcode it anymore, and the quality seems good for a DVD.

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

My first thought is that maybe it has something to to with the 60fps. Was your sequence in Premiere 60p or 30p? Perhaps if you're bringing a 1080/60p sequence into Encore to encode, it doesn't like it.

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

Re Mercalli ver 2

I have been using a trial version of this program and everything seems fine except for the fact that I cannot remove the the red diagonal lines on the final clip. I suspect that they are only in the trial version but there is no mention of them in the Prodad site. So far no one has replied to my eMails. Can anyone confirm that these lines are only in the trial copy?

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

Re Mercalli Ver. 2's red diagonal lines.

I have just had an eMail from Prodad. The red lines are in the trial version only - to remove just pay money.
It seems to be easy to use.

How does it compare with Adobe's Warp Stabiliser?

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

Is there any way to use a wireless mic along with a shotgun mic on the TM900?

Re: The Panasonic TM900 Users Thread
 

Should be able use a Y-cable breakout from 1/8" stereo male plug to two mono female plugs.