Editorial Review

For a manufacturer of today's increasingly tiny digital camcorders, thebiggest design challenge is to pack the immense number of features now availableon even the lowest-priced models into a compact product while keeping thefeatures easy to find and easy to use. With the entry-level PV-DV51, Panasonicsucceeds at this task beyond all reasonable expectations.Read more

Features

• MiniDV
• MiniDV camcorder
• 18x optical, 440x digital, zoom with digital image stabilization
• 2.5-inch color LCD monitor
• Records still images onto tape
• Uses the included lithium-ion battery

Reviews (10)

not a good value for money
I am using this camcorder for last 2 and half year (well, I don't use it much). And for some time facing the problem of picture geting split into several small rectangular squares, which is very difficult to watch. And recently this camcorder broke where the plastic hooks with the hand strap (you can see a very cheap plastic being used).

poor product
I purchased eight of these cameras last July 02 and they have been a huge disappointment.I have many of the precursors to this model, the pvdv-101.There are two issues with the Pvdv-51.Out of eight cameras, three of them had case breaks in the exact same spot, just where the hand strap connects to the rear section of the camera.I am a teacher and use these in a high school setting.With the first camera break, I blamed student negligence.However with the third that happened (in my hand!) it's clear to me that there is an engineering fault.I suspect the grade of plastic usedisn't strong enough but that's only speculation. Think again before you buy this!!
I bought Panasonic PVDV51D camcorder about 5 months ago and it is already giving several problems. The picture gets split into several small rectangular squares and it is very difficult to watch it. I called the panasonic service center and they said it would cost me 149$ (plus 12$ shipping and handling)flat rate service charge no matter what the problem is! ( about half the price of a new camcorder). I would strongly recommend not buying it or buying extended warranty since the warranty that comes with the new product is deceptive i.e. though it covers parts for a year, they would charge you too much in the form of LABOR charges. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Video Cameras (Camera)    2. Camcorders (Camcorder)    3. Image (picture) stabilization (stabilizer)   

Editorial Review

The PV-DV201 is a great introduction into the world of digital video. Featuring a 20x optical zoom, along with digital image stabilization (during both recording and playback), which helps eliminate those shakes and bounces common to high zoom levels, this model has everything you need to start capturing beautiful footage. You can use either the 2.5-inch color LCD monitor or the electronic viewfinder to frame your shots. Read more

Features

• MiniDV
• Digital camcorder uses MiniDV tapes
• 20x optical zoom (300x digital) with dual digital electronic image stabilization
• Built-in digital still camera mode stores images on SD or MMC cardss
• 2.5 inch LCD high-resolution monitor
• Arcsoft editing software and USB driver included

Reviews (11)

Some good, some bad...
The Good: We've had our 201 for two years now, and have been happy with the video performance and features. The still cam is weak, but with the specs on it, it's more of a convenience than something one would want to depend on. Perfectly appropriate for the price at the time we bought it. The bad: The hand strap attach point broke off, and the GE extended warranty won't cover what they consider a non-functional part. There are 4 strap attach points, 3 metal, one plastic, and that's the one that let go. Without the hand strap, you'd have to hold the camera with both hands to use it. The case is very thin, and no other physical attachment exists internally. I also found a report of someone buying 8 PV51 cameras (similar to this one), and three of them broke in the exact same place as mine. Still waiting to hear from Panasonic, but I'm betting since it's out of warranty I'm out of luck. And I'm going to cancel my worthless GE warranty policy as well.

Great camcorder @ great price.
Update to previous reviews. The driver for win2000 or winXP is available NOW on panasonic website. With Firewire, WinXP actually detected it and it's plug and play. OK yea i said o.k.
when i took it out the box....IT FELT CHEAPRead more

Editorial Review

Panasonic PVGS400 The PVGS400 is a 3CCD ultra-compact digital Palmcorder MultiCam camcorder with 3CCD camera system, Leica Dicomar lens, and 4.0 effective megapixel still picture recording.Read more

Features

• Remanufactured to like-new condition; includes 90-day warranty
• Compact 3-CCD DV Palmcorder for peerless video quality
• 12x optical zoom and 700x digital zoom with digital image stabilization
• 4.0-megapixel digital still picture capability, SD memory card slot
• Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack; 2.5-inch LCD screen with color viewfinder

Editorial Review

Panasonic's PV-DV600 digital Palmcorder camcorder is a compact high-resolution camcorder that uses the Mini DV digital format. It's a perfect choice for home users who demand both high quality and flexibility. The 18x optical/300x digital zoom allows you to use seven zoom speeds to zoom in for close-ups or zoom out for wide-angle shots. The camera includes digital electronic stabilization technology in both record and playback modes to remove excessive movement from previously recorded images as well as while shooting. Read more

Features

• Records video in digital Mini DV format
• 18x optical zoom
• Built-in digital still camera
• Analog-in port to archive older footage in DV format
• Infrared ability for video recording in near darkness

Reviews (1)

Nice Balance of features, performanceand price
I selected this camera based on DV (of course), the 18x zoom, and "Analog In." Additional, "nice to have" features include IR shooting, and still camera mode. Be advised that while video performance is excellent, this unit is only an adequate still camera, and a low resolution one at that. Low-light performance is average - the inclusion of a small light is a nice touch. While feature packed, the menu system is a triffle cumbersome.Read more

Editorial Review

Panasonic is one of the first companies to produce a camcorder that records on DVD, and the VDR-M20 brings the features of current digital camcorders to this exciting format. You can record video onto either DVD-R discs, which can be recorded once, or DVD-RAM discs (one is included), which can be recorded and erased like videotapes. These discs can be played on most DVD players and DVD drives.Read more

Features

• DVD camcorder
• 12x optical and 240x digital zoom with digital image stabilization
• 2.5-inch color LCD, black and white EVF
• Digital still mode records quality images
• Built-in USB port

Editorial Review

If you're torn between getting a camcorder anda digital camera, look no further--the Panasonic PV-L759lets you have both in one full-featured package. Althoughnot lightweight, the Panasonic PV-L759 is relativelycompact. With its large 4-inch LCD screen, picture-in- picture still, and video mixing capability--plus extrassuch as motion- and audio-triggered recording--thePanasonic PV-L759 is a high-powered video tool.Read more

Features

• Also functions as a digital still camera
• Lets you download captured and live stills to a PC
• Lets you insert stills into video (picture-in-picture mode)
• Extra-large 4-inch LCD screen
• Motion- or audio-triggered security-recording feature

Reviews (5)

This is awesome
I have just bought this camcorder and it is great.I was looking to buy a digital camera, 640 by 480 resolutionor lower.I decided to save my money and buy a camcorder instead.When i saw this camcorder, i could notturn it down and so i bought it.To my surprise it performed in both modesabove par.I was also surprise with the amount of features it had, somuch, i haven't figured some of them as yet(I bought it today).Anyway, iwould recommend this product to anyone who wants a good camcorder for theirmoney.

It is terrific! The best purchase I have made for baby pics.
This is a great product. The digital still feature allows me to put pictures on e-mails and the videos are great! I would recommend it to anyone. The software is great too!!!

Does it all....or seems to!
Bought this camera and found it to be a great!I really loved the digital camera function.The camera doesn't take the best picutes in low light situations but I found it well lite situations it did great.Easy todownload to the computer.The video functions were what I thought wereexceptional.I have used a Sharp ViewCam many times and I think thisPanasonic camera outdoes the Sharp hands down.I especially was impressedby the many extra features which I did not know were out in the market.Only disadvantage is that it is a heavier camera than I would have liked. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camcorders - VHS-C (VHSC, Compact)    2. Video Cameras (Camera)    3. PVL759   

Editorial Review

Read more

Features

• Remanufactured to like-new condition; includes 90-day warranty
• MiniDV camcorder and still camera with 3-megapixel CCD
• 10x optical zoom lens (700x digital zoom) and image stabilizer
• Low-light recording settings and built-in auto pop-up flash
• Rechargeable Li-ion battery pack lasts for up to 1 hour and 15 minutes

Editorial Review

Digital pictures aren't unique to digital camcorders anymore--the Panasonic PVL652 functions as both a VHS-C camcorder and a digital camera. It also features a large, 3-inch color LCD, 20x optical zoom, high performance two-hour battery, and special digital effects like strobe, wipe, and 16 x 9 widescreen. You can even digitally add color filters to your video without having to attach one to the lens.Read more

Subjects:  1. Video Cameras (Camera)    2. Camcorders (Camcorder)    3. Image (picture) stabilization (stabilizer)   

Features

• NTSC
• Superior Image Rendering with the Leica Dicomar Lens
• 410,000-pixel (NTSC), 3CCD Image System Provides F11 Sensitivity for Superior Image Quality
• High-Sensitivity Slow Shutter
• High Image Quality with 12-Bit A/D Conversion
• RGB Gamma Processor Provides Rich, Cine-Like Tones

Reviews (12)

XL2 vs DVX100 (A, B)
Can't seem to decide between the two, will try to rent each out for a day and see the difference. But can't help notice (i) XL2 has a 20x optical zoom compared to DVX's 10x and (ii) the DVX weighs twice (10 pounds) the XL2 (5 pounds).

a serious improvement over the DVX100
I have been using the DVX100A in Iraq for over a year; I had started shooting on the previous model, the DVX100 -- and then upgraded to this one. Filming in 24p(Advanced) letterbox format. Between the two cameras I have shot 300 hours of material in difficult conditions. The DVX100A is a very serious improvement over the DVX100 -- and the difference lies in better signal processing that stretches the exposure range of the camera. My material shot with the DVX100A has much better latitude -- the skies don't burn out so much, detail is better, colors are richer -- and the blacks are far nicer and less noisy.
A great camera for advance amateurs and above
If this is your first camera, you will be in trouble. Because, yes, the manual is very limited, and it has a lot of advanced features. However, this camera was not made for the beginner's market. This is my third video camera, an upgrade so that I can produce higher quality independent films. First, the 24P feature, it shoots 24 frames per second and I must say, it does look like film. It looks rather spectacular, actually. The first day I had it, I was a little overhwelmed. But, with every feature available as both automatic and manual, a little experimentation, the quality of my images has improved drastically. The 24P does take a little work and knowledge in order to make it work, but the result is well worth the time. Also, there is a spectacular user website out there with hundreds of users and experts who can help. Personally, I love that everything can operate manually, as I now am able to correct for poor lighting when shooting scenes that do not allow studio lights, like birthday parties, and the such. For a year, this was my dream camera, and once I got it, I was not disappointed. For any people out there who are considering this model, feel free to contact me, and I will either answer any questions I can or direct you to someone who can. This camera is an independent filmmaker's dream. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Panasonic PV-D209 camcorder uses VHS-C tapes, which you can play in your VCR with the included adapter. It offers a range of advanced features, including a 26x optical and 150x digital zoom, digital image stabilization, and a built-in autolight. It also offers programmed recording, so you can automatically set certain intervals of recording time, and a motion sensor mode, which starts the camera within seconds of perceiving motion and stops 30 seconds after the motion stops.The Panasonic PV-D209 can also record in time lapse mode, enabling it to act as a security device or to create time lapse effects. The Panasonic PV-D209 comes with a VHS PlayPak. ... Read more

Features

• VHS-C format
• 26x optical and 150x digital zoom
• 7 fade options
• Time-lapse and motion-sensor modes
• Digital electronic image stabilization

Reviews (4)

Quite decent
Considering the fact that this is not a new model, the camcorder offers a decent variety of features, clear recordings, and, most impressively, a long-lasting battery.

A great "first" camcorder - and a keeper, too!
I bought my Panasonic PV-D209 when it first came out a year ago, and I absolutely love it! Though I'm very tech savvy (I'm an IS Manager by trade), this was the first camcorder I ever owned, and I still use it. (Hey, it's only been a year!) The PV-D209 is a VHS-C recorder, but itshoots gorgeous, bright, and detailed video. Superb monaural sound (you'llswear it's hi-fi stereo) from the built-in mike. The PV-D209 is apalmcorder - you slip your hand in through the palm strap to hold it -which means that it's a lightweight, comfortable unit that makes for smoothpans and transition shots. The camcorder may be small, but it's packed withgoodies. The four-speed power zoom feature offers up to 26x natural and150x digital zoom, backlight compensation, automatic or manual focus, anddigital electronic image stablization (EIS). The built-in special effectsinclude time lapse recording, 7-color fade-in/out screens, Y2K complianttime/date stamp, and titling. It even has a security mode whereby thecamcorder starts recording as soon as motion is detected - great forhidden-camera monitoring at home or in the office! This is a great littlecamcorder for newbies - it comes with everything you need to start taping,and with the menu-driven screens, it's easy to add professional-lookingeffects. You won't be scratching your head in confusion - aneasy-to-understand instruction manual is included. You also get a 70-minutebattery, battery charger, cables to connect the camcorder to your TV orVCR, and an adapter for playing camcorder tapes in a regular VCR, and ashoulder strap. The battery charger doubles as an AC adapter, so you canrun the camera off AC power for indoor taping and save battery juice. Toget the most out of your PV-D209, I recommend recording in SP modeexclusively (SLP mode isn't that bad, though) and using premium VHS-Ctapes. Invest in a good 3 or 6 hour battery and keep it charged. Thecharger provides for refreshing the battery - purging the voltagecompletely before recharging - which should be done after every 5 rechargesto keep your batteries in good working order. If you want to copy yourvideos to standard VHS tapes for friends, connect the camcorder directly toyour VCR. There is a big difference in picture quality - you get superiorresults if you copy directly from the camcorder. To sum up, the PV-D209offers great quality video recording and the professional features andeffects you would expect from a name like Panasonic. It's easy to use, evenfor rank beginners, though powerful enough for a pro. [For the money], it's anaffordable, high-quality alternative to spending [more on] an 8MMcamcorder ... or a digital camcorder. Whether preservingprecious memories or just having fun, the PV-D209 is the camcorder for you!

AWESOME
Only two words. Buy it. I mean, it's even convenient in busy Chicago. I'm tellin' ya, if it works here, it works everywhere. It's durable, with awesome quality! It is, as we would say here in Chicago, "DaCamcorder" ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Video Cameras (Camera)    2. Camcorders (Camcorder)    3. Image (picture) stabilization (stabilizer)    4. PVD209, PVD, 209   

Features

• VHS-C camcorder
• 20x optical and 150x digital zoom with digital image stabilization
• 2.5 inch color LCD moniter and EVF
• Autolight for low-light shooting situations
• Integrated motion sensor

Reviews (4)

Excellent all-Around
I have owned this palmcorder for over a year and have never had any problems of ANY sort!I have used it to film 4th of July celebrations (excellent sound by the way....you could still hear and understand people talking even with the fireworks we were lighting!)....Christmas parties...Honeymoon in Hawaii on a catamaran (you could actually see the dolphins under the water with this camera!). Quality Assurance-type Evaluation
After carefully analyzing the two prior reviews, it appears there is conflicting history.My previous experience with Panasonic products is most positive.We have a decided problem with sounds in that I am deafened by damage to the acoustic nerve.This would be a factor since there is little or no sound discrmination.Do believe we will purchase one of these units for home and business (Insurance Claims) use.bk

cool to the neat max palmcoder:)
hey i like iti like the tv thingim able to keep track of any thingin motionlike a fressbeeor my friend thrwing astick in the trees and and if its too bright and sunny out side i found out by emermenting with the palmcoder to close the tv thing and look thru the black and white eye scop thing :)it does not have a buil in lightso when i recorded our churches christmas cantandawhen the churches lights are on no problem:) but when thevery brigh stage spot lights we our curch borrwed and the main lights our outor dimmmedthe people in the bright spot lights look like glowing light bulbsbut as the spot lights go dimm you are able to see the people facestheback light i cant see how it works hardley but heyas long as it records perfect and good quilety soundthat's fine :)(...) i do not see anything wrong wih the sound it sound clear to me (...) ... Read more

Editorial Review

With an ultra-compact design that weighs a little over a pound, the Panasonic PV-DC352 is a feature-filled camcorder that can easily be toted around on vacations and to special events. It features a large, 2.5-inch LCD screen, 10x optical zoom, remote control, and digital still capability with a Secure Digital (SD) memory slot.Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder
• 10x optical, 700x digital, zoom with digital image stabilization
• 2.5-inch color LCD; color EVF
• Records digital stills up to a resolution of 1280 x 960 onto included 16 MB SD card; also compatible with MultiMediaCards
• Ultracompact size

Reviews (2)

Good intermediate DV Cam
This is my second camcorder in 3 years. Panasonic includes many features inside this DVcam with a very cheap price. Compared to a similarly configured SONY DVcam, this Panasonic wins hands down. You can save up to $300! The videos are sharp, the rotating flash works wonders and often I had to explain to my curious friends about the flash as they were fascinated with the design. The still pictures are very clear and the best thing is that you can take night shots in color! SONY can't do that! Definitely a good buy.

1st choice after lots of research!
I purchased this camera in August 2002 and have used it extensively for the last two months.Fantastic!About me...I own a digital camera and this is my first digital video camera so I needed to do the research to spend the $.You can read the tech info here and the tech reviews at other sites (zdnet.com, bizrate.com, etc.) so I'll keep my review simple:Read more

Subjects:  1. Video Cameras (Camera)    2. Camcorders (Camcorder)    3. Image (picture) stabilization (stabilizer)   

Features

• Wide-angle lens that zooms from 4.5mm to 45mm (or 32.5 - 325mm in 35mm still equivalent)
• High resolution and exceptional low light performance due to its newly developed 1/3? CCDs
• IEEE 1394 FireWire interface (in/out) for transfer of digital video/audio to a computer for editing, enhancement, duplication and more
• Records in conventional 4 - 3 aspect ratio as well as 16 - 9 letterbox image capture modes
• Optical Image Stabilization uses a gyro sensor and linear motor with virtual real time compensation to deliver superb picture quality with minimized jitter

Reviews (2)

AG DVC80
I am a television video producer, I deal with professional video equipment every day and knowing what good video looks like is part of my job. I have been using the AG-DVC80 as my personal video camera for about half a year now. I am 100% satisfied with it. I use my video camera almost every day to take video of the same events in my life that everyone else with a home video camera takes. I use it for birthdays, weddings, parties and so on. I will occasionally use my AG-DVC80 for video production, when a full sized ENG camera is not needed or available. To the majority of the population, the quality of the video and audio that this camera produces can not be distinguished from the video and audio of the DVC-PRO cameras we use for production. I occasionally see this model and the DVC100 being used in TV shows. Trading Spaces, Wild Boys and MTV Cribs are a few of the shows that I have noticed these cameras being used. Great camera for the budget filmmaker
The Panasonic AG-DVC80 is kind of a little brother to the fantastic, 24p-shooting DVX100. Most of us who aren't planning to convert video to film probably don't need 24p, and the DVC80 offers just about all the same features as the DVX100 for a thousand dollars less. The only thing I miss (so far) from the DVX100 is the ability to shoot time-lapse images. The DVC80 delivers great video, has a fine Leica lens that goes wider than most without an adaptor, and has a vast array of image control features. The manual is a little thin on the use of the various image controls -- this is not a beginner's camera. Yet it is a great camera for documentary filmmakers, commercial users, and the like. I'm shooting several independent film projects (docs, shorts), and so far this camera offers everything I need. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Panasonic SV-AV10 is one of the many new convergence devices on the market today. This particular device captures digital stills, shoots MPEG-4 movies, acts as a voice recorder, and plays back MP3 and AAC files. Plus, the machine itself is about the same size as a Motorola StarTac cell phone. The package includes various software to support the multiple functions, an SD card reader-writer, and 64 MB SD card.Read more

Features

• MPEG4 recorder
• Fixed-focus lens
• 2-inch color LCD
• Records both digital stills and voice onto the included 64 MB SD card
• Plays back MP3 and AAC files

Reviews (34)

This camera is good depending on what you want it for...
I carry this camera everywhere.I bought mine when it was still pretty new and I didn't really know much about other cameras.
Not worth the $ if you're doing more with your camera later
This camera may look ultra cool, but believe me, it's not. Unless you don't care much for how your picture quality is, then this camera may be ok, but if you do or eventually will, you are better off getting a better quality camera. Not professional, but not that bad either
Ok, it may not take pictures/movies like professional digital cameras can, but it's still a good camera if you looking for something to do for fun. It's small enough to carry in your pocket, you can operate it on the fly when you need to, so its pretty reliable there. You have to mess around with the software a bit, and experiment with the camera a bit too but once you get the gist of how it works, you wont regret buying it. However, this camera is NOT worth paying full price for($200-$400). I bought a used one at Circuit City for only $125, I've had it for about a year and it still works great! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Video Cameras (Camera)    2. Camcorders (Camcorder)    3. Image (picture) stabilization (stabilizer)   

Editorial Review

The compact Panasonic PV-DV73 MiniDV camcorder offers advanced features such as digital still photo capability and the ability to create high-quality MPEG-4 video clips. The PV-DV73 features a 1.3-megapixel CCD, 10x optical zoom, and 3.5-inch color LCD.Read more

Features

• NTSC
• MiniDV camcorder with 16x optical and 320x digital zoom with electronic image stabilization
• 1.3-megapixel resolution
• Large 3.5-inch color, swivel LCD, cinema mode
• Saves digital stills to SD memory card; 8 MB card included
• Connects to PCs and Macs via Firewire (IEEE1394); USB transfer for stills

Editorial Review

The stylish Panasonic PVDV953 is a stylish digital video camcorder boasts a 3CCD camera system that's the same used in Panasonic's professional broadcasting equipment. It also offers such advanced features as 3-megapixel still image resolution, MPEG4 video capability, and a Leica Dicomar lens..Read more

Features

• NTSC
• 3CCD MiniDV camcorder with 10x optical and 700x digital zoom with electronic image stabilization
• 800K pixel resolution on each CCD for 3.0 MP total resolution; Leica Dicomar lens
• Large 3.5-inch color, swivel LCD, cinema mode, MPEG4 video
• Saves digital stills to SD memory card; 16 MB card included
• Connects to PCs and Macs via Firewire (IEEE1394); USB transfer for stills

Reviews (12)

Great Camera
I have had this camera for about 2 months and to date it has been great with a couple of little niggles. Beware Panasonic Service Rip-Off---STAY AWAY!!
As the owner of a very similar Panasonic digital camcorder (the PV-DV702), all I have to say is that when everything is working well, this is a great camcorder. Good camcorder for a beginner like me.
I've never owned a camcorder before, so I have nothing to compare this to.But, it's been an overall good experience for me.The "quick start" in the manual had me shooting movies and stills in no time.Read more

Features

• 3CCD sensor dedicates one chip to red, green, and blue for true-to-life color rendering
• MiniDV recording format offers up to 540 lines of horizontal resolution
• 12x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer
• 2.5-inch LCD screen with color viewfinder
• 4.0-megapixel digital still picture capability, SD memory card slot

Reviews (10)

Best digital Recorder on market
Very easy to use and perfect for my honeymoon vacation because of its compact size. We are very happy with this purchase.

Charger cooked, need help
Hi,
Best Choice by FAR!!
If you're looking for a cheap little camera of so-so quality, this is not it.But if you want crisp, clear, vibrant photos, stunning videos, and a solid camera you can rely on, this is the one you've been searching for!
Read more