Small camcorder, big results

By making the HDCTM20K (already loaded with a 16GB hard drive!) compatible with the super-small SDHC/SD memory card, Panasonic has created one of the most flexible 3CCD full-HD camcorders available. And helping expand your recording capacity, right out of the box, the HDC-TM20K8 includes an 8GB SD memory card with purchase! Additionally, the HDC-TM20K fits comfortably in the hand and can be used for long periods of time without causing fatigue.

Never miss a detail

HD images contain six times as much information as standard images. HDTV has 1,080 horizontal scan lines, SDTV has 480. That translates into much higher resolution and much finer detail. With HD images on an HDTV, pictures are so clear and sharp that you can see textures. To make sure you never miss a detail, the HDCTM20K features iA (Intelligent Auto) mode for smart control over what you record. iA helps avoid problems in difficult shooting situations by automatically making the optimal camera settings and activating certain functions. For example, iA now includes AF Tracking, a new function that "locks" on and follows a subject as it moves, so images are sharply focused and properly exposed.

Advanced O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization)

Panasonic's advanced O.I.S. helps suppress the effects of hand-shake as you shoot, for both motion and still images. This system uses gyrosensors to detect even tiny amounts of hand-shake, then shifts a lens and adjusts the optical axis to compensate — all at an astounding 4,000 times per second. It also covers approximately three times the stabilization area of Panasonic's previous SD9 model. Because the system is optical, there's only minimal loss of image quality even when viewed on a large-screen TV. In addition, to shoot high-resolution still images, the normal O.I.S. Mode 1 is joined by an O.I.S. Mode 2, which has a higher stabilization capability. The O.I.S. corrective lens shifts and stabilizes the image the instant that the shutter button is pressed, to enable greater precision in stabilization. You get all the beauty and minimal blurring.

World-class optics and 16x optical zoom

Developed specifically for full-HD digital camcorders, the world-class Leica Dicomar® lens system is made using a multi-coating process that prevents light reflection and glare, which can make colors bleed and images appear washed out. It also prevents rings or light, or "ghosts". The TM20 also features a 16x optical zoom. You can zoom close to catch dynamic shots of distant objects. And because the zoom is optical, there's limited image degradation. Also, Panasonic's Advanced O.I.S. helps prevent blurring — typically a big concern when shooting with a zoom. This combination of optical zoom and Advanced O.I.S. gives you the ability to take fantastic zoom shots.

Included with purchase

AC adaptor, lithium-ion battery pack, video component cable, AV cable, USB cable, IR remote, AC/DC cables, HD Writer AE 1.0 software, and 8GB SD memory card.

Comparison Specifications

• 16x variable speed optical zoom, 40x-1000x digital zoom, 35mm film camera equivalent: 44.1-706mm
• 3CCD camera system, 16GB internal hard drive, records onto SD/SDHC memory cards, AVCHD recording format / 8GB SD card included
• 2.7" widescreen LCD monitor (230,400 pixels) with 170° viewing angle
• HDMI jack (mini), hi-speed USB 2.0 connection, component video output, AV output, audio output
• Advanced Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.)
• Simultaneous motion video and still picture recording (2.1 megapixel, 1920 x 1080, 16:9 format)
• Minimum illumination: 9 lux (1/30 low light mode), 1 lux (Magic Pix® mode)
• Auto/manual focus, auto/manual iris
• Captures JPEG still images (2.1 megapixel, 16:9 format)

Additional Specifications

• Image sensor: 1/6" MOS
• Leica Dicomar lens / Lens F-stop: F1.8 (wide angle)/F3.3 (telephoto)
• White balance: auto, indoor1, indoor2 sunny, cloudy, white set
• Backlight compensation
• LED video light
• Soft-skin mode, tele macro mode
• Easy-to-use mode dial
• Dolby Digital/5.1 channel surround / zoom microphone
• Fade in/out
• Auto/manual focus, iA mode with AF tracking and touch screen

Manufacturer Specifications

• PictBridge compatible (999 images max)
• USB host function, disc copy function (when using a DVD burner (VW-BN1), data from SD card can be copied to a 12-cm DVD disc)
• Intelligent contrast control
• One-touch navigation, media remaining indication
• Date recording
• On-screen display language: English, French, Spanish
• Recording modes: HA (17 Mbps/VBR), HG (13 Mbps/VBR), HX (9 Mbps/VBR), HE (6 Mbps/VBR)
• Recording format: MPEG4-AVC/H.264 (AVCHD standard compliant)
• Help mode

Dimensional Specifications

• Dimensions: 2.52" W x 2.64" H x 5.0" D
• Weight: approx. 0.60 lbs

Panasonic HDC-TM20K8 Warranty Details

1-year parts, 90-day labor warranty