JVC GZ-HM340

Part 18

Panasonic HDC-TM10 Comparison

The GZ-HM340 and Panasonic HDC-TM10 are similar camcorders when it comes to performance, but they are very different when it comes to interface and design. Even both camcorders are the same size, they each offer a very different recording experience. The HDC-TM10 uses a touchscreen interface, while the GZ-HM340 has JVC’s Laser Touch system. Overall, we like the touchscreen a bit more, but both systems have their frustrating quirks.

One significant advantage of the Panasonic is the fact that it has far more manual control options than the JVC. Both camcorders have good auto modes, although the HDC-TM10 has some more valuable automatic controls (like AF/AE tracking). What are the significant differences when it comes to performance? Well, the GZ-HM340 is better in low light, while the Panasonic HDC-TM10 did better in our stabilization and still image tests.

There isn’t really a clear cut winner between these two camcorders unless you like having access to lots of manual controls (then you should go with the Panasonic). If you’re going to be doing the majority of your shooting in auto mode, then it is difficult to say what the better option is. Our recommendation would be to go for whichever camcorder you can find at a lower price (keep in mind, though, that the GZ-HM340 has double the internal flash memory of the Panasonic HDC-TM10).