Panasonic's HS700 and TM700 3MOS HD Camcorders Get Priced

Panasonic has two new 3MOS HD camcorders hitting store shelves in April, the HDC-HS700 and HDC-TM700. Both 3MOS camcorders shoot full HD (1920 x 1080 resolution) video at 60 frames per second, take 14.2 megapixel stills, and include manual controls. The camcorders also sport a 35mm wide-angle Leica lens.

The HS700 and TM700 feature a 12x optical zoom lens which can be extended to an 18x Intelligent Zoom through the use of Intelligent Resolution Technology, a 3.0" touch-screen LCD, as well as a manual ring which gives you control of the zoom, focus, aperture, shutter speed and white balance. Both new camcorders also have SD / SDHC / SDXC memory card expansion, Power O.I.S. image stabilization, and a 5.1-channel surround sound system with zoom microphone.

"For video enthusiasts looking for a feature-rich, high-performing, yet affordable High Definition Camcorder, Panasonic's new TM700 and HS700 3MOS models will be a hit this year," said Chris Rice, Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "Last year's TM300 was extremely popular and won several honors and awards for its video quality and performance, so with the improvements we have made with the TM700/HS700, including extended zoom, wider-angles and a more advanced image stabilization system, we are excited to give consumers the ideal tool they need to capture their memories with superb quality."

The HDC-TM700, the successor to last year's HDC-TM300, has 32 GB built-in memory for 13 hours and 40 minutes of recording (in HE mode). It will be available mid-April with an MSRP of $999.95.

The HDC-HS700 records to its 240 GB HDD, and can store 102 hours of recording (in HE mode). It will also be available mid-April with an MSRP of $1,399.95.