• After witnessing the continued decrease of involvement in the SpotterNetwork staff in serving SN members with troubleshooting issues recently, I have unilaterally decided to terminate the relationship between SpotterNetwork's support and Stormtrack. I have witnessed multiple users unable to receive support weeks after initiating help threads on the forum. I find this lack of response from SpotterNetwork officials disappointing and a failure to hold up their end of the agreement that was made years ago, before I took over management of this site. In my opinion, having Stormtrack users sit and wait for so long to receive help on SpotterNetwork issues on the Stormtrack forums reflects poorly not only on SpotterNetwork, but on Stormtrack and (by association) me as well. Since the issue has not been satisfactorily addressed, I no longer wish for the Stormtrack forum to be associated with SpotterNetwork.

    I apologize to those who continue to have issues with the service and continue to see their issues left unaddressed. Please understand that the connection between ST and SN was put in place long before I had any say over it. But now that I am the "captain of this ship," it is within my right (nay, duty) to make adjustments as I see necessary. Ending this relationship is such an adjustment.

    For those who continue to need help, I recommend navigating a web browswer to SpotterNetwork's About page, and seeking the individuals listed on that page for all further inquiries about SpotterNetwork.

    From this moment forward, the SpotterNetwork sub-forum has been hidden/deleted and there will be no assurance that any SpotterNetwork issues brought up in any of Stormtrack's other sub-forums will be addressed. Do not rely on Stormtrack for help with SpotterNetwork issues.

    Sincerely, Jeff D.

Your Input, Please: Canon Vixia HF S20 vs Panasonic HDC TM700

Bob Hartig

Bob Hartig

EF5
Joined
Jul 2, 2004
Messages
1,781
Location
Hastings, Michigan
I went last year without a camcorder--just couldn't afford one. Need I say that 2010 was NOT a year to be without one. I can't let that happen again. With a bit of cash coming to me, I'm now looking again at something under $1,000. I want hi-def, I'm fine with flash memory, and I want decent low-light performance.

So far two models seem to fit that bill: The Canon Vixia HF S20 ($685 at Fumfie) and the Panasonic HCD-TM700 ($799 at B&H). From what I've read, the Panasonic seems to have the edge in low-light performance, battery life, and audio quality), but both cameras have gotten great reviews.

Anyone here have experience with either? I figure I'll probably get recommendations for other cameras as well, and that's fine. Also, I'm open to older models, but if you recommend one, please give me an idea what the price might be.

Thanks!
 
Bob, I've got the HS-300 Panasonic cam which is the previous version of the TM700. I'll have it with me in Chicago next weekend. I would highly suggest the Panasonic after using mine for a season.
 
Yeah, Ben, I know you've spoken pretty glowingly about that 300 of yours. After reading further rave reviews about the TM700 and some comparisons with equivalent models by other companies, I'm pretty much sold on it. The Panasonic looks to be a fantastic camera for around $750. Just waiting for a check to arrive now so I can pull the trigger.
 
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