Product Description

Panasonic offers a complete line-up of Palmcorders to suit many different needs and applications. From VHS-C format camcorders to the latest in Mini DV digital technology the Palmcorders incorporate features designed to be both sophisticated and simple to use. Whether you want to capture your baby's first steps or create full-motion multimedia presentations, Panasonic has designed a Palmcorder with your needs and budget in mind.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #126453 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Panasonic
• Model: PV-DV100
• Platforms: Windows NT 5, Windows, Mac OS 9 and below, Mac OS X, Windows 2000 Server, Windows XP, Windows Me, PowerMac, Windows NT 4, Mac, Windows NT, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows NT 3.5
• Display size: 1.5

Features

• Mini DV format
• 18x high-definition zoom, 300x digital zoom
• 2.5-inch color LCD monitor
• PCM stereo sound with audio dubbing capability
• Electronic image stabilization

Amazon.com Product Description
The Panasonic PV-DV100 digital camcorder's 18x high-definition zoom and 300x digital zoom allow for clear close-ups. The five-mode autoexposure aids in preparation for almost any shooting condition. With the PhotoVu Link you can transfer still images on the Mini DV tape via a serial cable to your PC. This camcorder offers several editing features. You can apply digital effects in both record and playback modes, while the PCM stereo feature allows you to add new audio while maintaining existing audio.

Customer Reviews

SUPERB CAMCORDER
SUPERB BUY I wanted a small, cheap camera for recording vacation shots,etc, and for outputing Digital Video from a NLE PC. The first two cameras I got had problems on the CCD, one of the pixels had burnt out, but these were quickly changed and the unit I have now is perfect. I am used to S-VHS quality, and this is the first time I've seen DV, and I can only say that it's superb. Very good resolution and color definition, sound is good and sensitive. It would be a good idea to invest in a Neutral Density filter. Really outstanding, results at a superb price - buy it.

Disappointing
I purchased this product nearly two weeks ago. I insisted on a MiniDV format over Hi8 because I wanted the best quality images. Perhaps I expected too much from Digital but I am disappointed in the quality of the video it produces. My camera was purchased primarily to be used indoors and even with additional lighting to the room it still gives off a grainer, darker image even after a various number of adjustments. The quality of the images is less superior to images that are produced by a friend's non-digital Hi8 (Sony). Fortunately, I made my purchase from an establishment that will accept returns for full refund, so back it goes. If I am going to be disappointed in the video quality then let it be because I purchased a cheap camera but at the [high] price tag, I want something I'm going to be happy with.

On the positive side, I can say it is very simple to get started using the camera even if you have never used a camcorder before.

I'll try a Sony next.

A great value for beginners
After eight months, I still love my PV-DV100. I only wish I'd bought it sooner to record vacation footage a few weeks before. I can't wait to videotape my new baby when he or she is born this week! Compared to an average consumer-grade analog camcorder, the video is clearer, and the 16-bit sound is crisp (which I appreciate when playing back movies through my home theater system and making movies on my PC). Images look great on my 32-inch TV. I've actually started producing music videos for local bands with this camera, with good results.

Pros: Small, lightweight design, image stabilization (but always use a tripod when you can!), easy control layout, 18X optical zoom (newer ones at this price only offer 10X), plenty of input/output jacks, and great (but not HDTV great) picture quality.

Cons: (1) Microphones record camera's motor sounds (barely noticeable, only in the quietest footage). A cheap external mic would probably solve that problem. (2) Camera doesn't focus smoothly when panning from a bright scene to a dark one. You can avoid this by setting your AE mode accordingly for each scene you shoot. A simple fix, well worth the [money] saved by not getting a professional model.