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Question

New Baby=New Camcorder: Panasonic TM90/SD90 vs Canon M31

Jul 27, 2011 4:44PM PDT

I'm looking at a few cameras on sale right now. I'm looking to spend around $500.
The Panasonic SD90 is on for $499, The TM90 is $550.
The Canon M31 is in a package that includes a case, a 4 GB SD card and a 1M HDMI cord for only $450.

I was leaning towards the Panasonic as I had read some negative reviews of the M31, but at only $450, it seems like such a good deal. I've tried looking on Youtube for comparisons of the video quality and really have had a hard time with the differences.

I also looked at a Sony xc130 for only $380.

I'm just not sure which is the better deal based on the price.

If the M31 wasn't so cheap I'd go with the panasonic in a second, but I feel as though it's a $750 camcorder for only $450!

Anyone have the TM or SD90? Or the M31? Any idea which is a better value for the money?

I'm just looking for clear video to play on our 50" TV. I've looked for a high image processor and a low lux rating and its brought me to these two choices. Also an external mic may be nice for longevity of the camcorder. I wont be using one anytime soon, but maybe eventually. Also, the 3D aspect is interesting, but would probably never be used.
Maybe in the far off future, it may be handy.

I'm pretty basic on what controls I need. Not a high tech user at all. Point and shoot ability most important. Good video and audio.

Oh and I have intel i3 330M prcessor with 4 GB memory and windows 7.
No idea of what type of editing softwear I'll want to use. Probably whatever comes with the camera.

Thanks for all the help!

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
batt
Jul 27, 2011 4:56PM PDT

Oh right, i read the battery life on the M31 is bad.
Anyone know anything about that?

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Just one thing.
Jul 28, 2011 11:21AM PDT

All stock batteries are usually a low number of minutes. Nothing really new about that.