Panasonic HDC-TM700

[arsenal01]

I would like to hear comments from fellow forumers and experts here.

I am on the verge of buying HDC-TM700 (http://panasonic.net/avc/camcorder/hd/hs700_tm700_sd700/) from amazon, in fact one click away from ordering

It seems a good price, as compared to local set (cheapest ~SGD1900), even after shipping cost and GST (via vpost or borderlinx).

Newbie Questions:
1. Can this product be used here? (e.g. video format matters? NTSC vs PAL)
2. How about (international) warranty? Just in case it has to be sent for repair, can Panasonic Singapore accept this unit?
3. Overall experience with Amazon and VPost/Borderlinx?

Thanks

 

[ktee]

Amazon deal is good. It seems better than pricejapan (but the jap model is 96GB).


Amazon $1,246.74 (incl. freight+tax)
Pricejapan $1,753.73 (incl. freight+tax)

But for a price diff of $523, i wld get the 32GB anytime.

Shipping from borderlinx or comgateway to SG is not a problem. I think the cost is around $50.

I am also keen to get this. C0urt is selling the 32GB at 2,299! 1k extra.

 

[obfuscate]

The difference is NTSC vs PAL, NTSC used in Japan and US is cheaper than PAL sets. Panasonic has a tendency to sell Japanese language only cameras in Japan. If you wish to purchase Panasonic stuff from Japan, it will be worth the while to check if English is a selectable language for camcorders.

 

[ktee]

The difference is NTSC vs PAL, NTSC used in Japan and US is cheaper than PAL sets. Panasonic has a tendency to sell Japanese language only cameras in Japan. If you wish to purchase Panasonic stuff from Japan, it will be worth the while to check if English is a selectable language for camcorders.

Pricejapan set does come with English menu and it is NTSC.

http://www.pricejapan.com/front/e_good_info.php?code=947&category=9

Someone in clubsnap bought from PJ before.

 

[ktee]

Ha. Just ordered from Amazon, with free lowepro video bag. Hope all goes well. & ready for my holiday trip in Nov.

 

[arsenal01]

I hope amazon put the correct dimension (for the box), but with free bag, don't you think it will increase the shipping cost?

Product Dimensions: 6 x 8 x 5 inches ; 3 pounds
Shipping Weight: 3 pounds

Also, have you checked the warranty? I haven't received any mail yet from panasonic whether unit purchased in US can be covered in Singapore (in the event we need to send for repair due to defect, etc)

 

[ktee]

I estimated the frieght cost to be about $50. I ordered Irobot machine & shipped fr Borderlinx before. It is much bigger size and freight is about $60 to 70.

Warranty - this is a gamble when ordering fr Japan or US. But as this videocam dont hv moving part (like DV-machine), it shld last 1 yr. After all, we dont use the videocam as often as we use our camera.

Worse is to pay local panasonic (lucky same model as local set). Pay the repair amt which shld still be cheaper than pay locally. Saving of >700 wld cover this.

Another option is to claim from Amazon. hahaha, which will cost >200 from DHL.

 

[harky]

I did not get TM700 but instead i get HDC-SD700 From Harvey Norman, undnerstand tht ship form oversea is cheaper but than if anything problem need to ship back quite troubles... somemore warranty only 1 yr. ..
i use to own a canon dv cam which spoilt within the 5yr but than i was luckyn tht i had bought the extended warranty.. i saw the invoice (it was quote abt hundred for repair, nt sure is true a not) but always ahha just in case... anyway i use this cam for long term... wont change within the yr too... only change when spoilt

HDC-SD700 $1869 (Cash Payment) + extended the warrantly up to 5 year,and the price is $336/-
FREE: 8GB + 16GB, Case, Tripod, Extra Battery

This was quote by them thur Email...

BTW at first i was quote with default freebie 8GB , Case, Tripod..(price 1899) later i request for more discount and more freebie...

 

[arsenal01]

yeah, me too was looking for SD700 actually (was hoping less than $1K), but not available in US, so moved attention to TM700

also $300 difference (based on SG price) is more than enough to buy 32MB SD card class 10.

 

[ktee]

Diff in price is about 600. TM700 got 32GB internal memory (SSID), whereas SD700 has none, which is much faster than any SD card. To get fast storage result you need at least class 6 SDHC cards. i think the sd card that HN gave to you is not class 6. A 16GB Sandisk video-class SDHC card (20MB/s) cost $80. A 30MB/s 16GB card cost 115 & 32GB is 229. Come to think of it, the 96GB set from pricejapan (about $1753) is also worthwhile, if you need the capacity.

the sdhc card is more expensive in Amazon - a 16GB 30MB/s card cost about $126.

But HN extended warranty is better than BD or C0urt's. My TV also from HN w 3yr ext. wrty.

 

[harky]

hahaha this kind of cam cannot be less than 1k ba?? 3CMOS ..

anyway i ask courts, best denki, gain city they dont quote me the gd price. End up Harvey Norman give the best ofter..
TM700 is abit over ex in local.

 

[harky]

ya i think FREE gift dont come gd.... haha

wait for yr end IT fair lor

 

[ktee]

Just checked, the HDC-TM700 has a 32 GB built-in solid-state memory for 13 hours and 40 minutes of recording (in HE mode) &

"The on-board 32 GB memory space is good for about 2 hours and 40 minutes of 1080/60p recording and a little more than four hours at the next highest video setting. The TM700 is also SDXC compatible, so you can currently expand the memory by 64 GB (though SDXC cards will soon reach 2TB capacity), provided you want to spend the money for a card. The battery lasted for roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes of continuous shooting."

 

[harky]

bTW which brand card is better??

Kingston
scandisk
PNY ?? (just come though this brand just now but in local like no warranty right)?

 

[ktee]

I prefer Sandisk which is more 'pro'. The Extreme is nice but very ex - 229 for 32GB - can buy a camera liao.

 

[harky]

for card i think 16gb for me @ max as i worry the card will spoilt sometime u wont know man


hehee if u want to get a extra battery think it better to get
Energizer® XP8000 Portable Charger? I tink can charge when u use right??? can use for mobile, netbook ttoo

 

[ktee]

I definitely need another battery. Lucky this camera dont need motor to drive the 'tape'. ha. The included batt only last <2hr.

I will put that energizer down in my 'to-shop' list. I will go SLS to chk chk see see the battery.

 

[harky]

Haha not cheap abt 100+++ but it better than u get a cam battery as this can use for other stuff too..... but energizer got 3yr warranty..
ARIGO MOBILE POWER is another brand but 1yr only

I was plan to get the Filter for SD700 too wonder any where to buy?? LOL just in case dust fly in and i dont want to to clean the len inside na..

 

[ktee]

Yup. gd idea. Better than gettin a 1hr pana batt.

The filter can be easily got from SLS - alan photo is ok. Ask 3 shops & you will know the best price there.

 

[arsenal01]

hahaha this kind of cam cannot be less than 1k ba?? 3CMOS ..

anyway i ask courts, best denki, gain city they dont quote me the gd price. End up Harvey Norman give the best ofter..
TM700 is abit over ex in local.

TM700 in US after conversion is around SGD$1.2K (with shipping and GST), hence SD700 is possible to be less than SGD$1K if available. I asked around, the best price I got was TM700-SGD$2K and SD700-S$1.7K in Singapore.