Panasonic HC-V700M

Excellent video quality. Solid image stabilization. Sharp LCD

Occasionally inaccurate white balance. No Wi-Fi

The Panasonic HC-V700M lacks some of the useful Wi-Fi features found on competing consumer camcorders, but excellent video quality in a variety of lighting scenarios more than makes up for it.

Excellent motion with 1080/60p record mode; Cheaper than the competition

No 24p frame rate option

If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck on an HD camcorder, the Panasonic HC-V700M should be near the top of your list. It’s a mid-range model, so it doesn’t have high-end features like a viewfinder or lens ring, but it’s got solid...

Compact and light ; Exceptional video quality ; Uncommonly good night shooting ; Wealth of features for the money

Disappointing still shots ; Short battery life

Measuring 4.2-by-2.7-by-2.5 inches, and weighing 11 ounces, the HC-V700M is too plump to fit into pants pockets and most jacket pockets. But it’s compact and light for a traditional camcorder, and, looking around the unit, I saw that Panasonic...