The Best Prosumer Video Camera For Under $1000

We don't like making recommendations, but after months of researching video cameras, we feel obligated to share what we have concluded.

Quite simply, our conclusion is that the Panasonic TM-700 is an exceptional value for the money. Actually, our first recommendation is to get the Canon T2i, but if for some reason, you're not feeling it and still want a video camera, then this is the one you want.

Why?

As far as we know, this is one of the few, if not the only video camera for under $1000, that will let you film at 1080, 60p frames per second. Most cameras only allow you to film at 1080, 60i frames per second.  This makes a big difference, especially if you like slow motion. And who doesn't like slow motion? Even our beloved Rebel T2i only shoots 1080 at 30p frames per second.  It also has a very cool time lapse feature that the T2i doesn't.

We've had this camera for three months and have grown to enjoy it more with each passing day. It's light, easy to use, and takes professional quality footage. The sound it records isn't bad either, although you probably want an external microphone for most professional applications.

We should note that when we first posted this the price for the camera was below $750, but has since gone up about $240. You might want to just keep an eye on the price and see if it drops back down; otherwise, get the T2i.

Again, as with the T2i, we highly recommend getting the extended warranty. You just never know.

If you want to see what this camera can do, just check out the video on our home page. It was shot with the TM-700.  Take notice of the footage beginning at the 1:05 mark, especially the bridge scene. Nice, isn't it? We don't know what quality this video was shot at, but the You Tube video only plays back at 720p. In other words, the You Tube video is not the highest playback quality and still looks good.

Or this one:

The Best Hi-Definition Video Camera For Under $1000