5 comments about Panasonic PV-GS31 MiniDV Camcorder w/26x Optical Zoom.

1. We returned this video camera due to video picture quality. The camera requires a lot of light to have a decent video, even after changing settings, the video had a "grainy" look. We just needed something basic to replace our 10 year old video camera and thought this would work, but the picture was worse than our previous camera. Purchased the PV-GS65, next model up with 3CCD's and love this model. As a matter a fact we still had the GS-31, used the same tape, shot the same footage, and reviewing the two different shots, the GS-65 did 100% better.
   
   The camera has a great feel in your hand, although the menu button can be difficult to press.



2. I bought this camera for its great price, good reviews, and overall reputation as a great camcorder for the novice shooter. I returned the camera after three weeks, however, due to abysmal low light performance among other things.
   
   The catalyst for purchasing this camera was the impending birth of our first child. I took the camera to the hospital and filmed some of the labor/delivery and follow up. Unfortunately, when we returned home to view our footage, much of it was grainy and plagued with shadows and silhouettes.
   
   The camera does include a light and a MagicPix option, but unless you're using a tripod, you're bound to end up with a strobe-light effect (Perfect for recreating "Thriller music videos," but not much help otherwise.)
   
   I also found the image quality with the GS31 to be fairly lackluster and pixilated. Granted, you get what you pay for, but I was really taken aback that my 1992 camcorder shot much better footage.
   
   That being said, the camera did a lot better in good/outdoor lighting (albeit still somewhat pixilated), and the zoom is incredible. The camera is very light and smaller than I anticipated.
   
   In the end, I returned the camera in favor of a more significant investment (...)
   
   I will say that Amazon did a great job with customer service throughout. Also, if you do buy this camera, make sure to buy the DV cable (firewire for Macs) through Amazon or some other online retailer. (...)



3. I liked it and it is working fine.
   
   Cons
   no USB cable and night times is not the right time to shoot video or photo both.



4. its nice light small but its an ok i give it 3 and a half star...



5. It's an ok camera. For what I wanted, it worked. I was just wanting something that would record video better than my camera phone, and therefore it did the job nicely. If you want better picture quality, less noise, better dynamic range and the ability to add a mic, then look elsewhere. But if you just want a camera for quick captures that doesn't cost an arm and leg, then this camera will do just that.

5 comments about Panasonic SVAV100 D-Snap MPEG4 Digital Video Recorder w/10x Optical Zoom.

1. The camera would be as advertised if it was not for the MPEG2 file fomat and they use and lack of software control over your files. Sure you can copy and rename the files off the SD card, but don't save them to your computer first using the supplied software, it uses some compression method to create one huge file from all your little ones. And they will be little, 10 minutes record time in high quality for $900.00 + cost of 512 MB SD card, please.
   
   Lastly you cannot edit the panasonic MPEG2 formats like others using Adobe or Ulead, you can burn them straight to DVD but splitting tracks, adding effects, and doing the things that make a video look slick don't work well if at all. Many players don't have the codec available to play back the files either!
   
   Check the net for more info, plenty of angry folks on the camcorder forums discussing the workarounds for panasonics mistakes and misleading product info.



2. The comment from reviewer "Xdeth" about using Ulead editing software is completely wrong. I've been using Ulead VideoStudio 8 to edit SV100 videos for over a year. Yes, as many others have stated, the ".mod" files need to be renamed to ".mpg" to use Ulead and much other software.
   
   As for the camera itself, what other memory card based MPEG-2 (DVD quality) camcorder can you toss in your pocket like a wallet? I take it everywhere. I have also dropped it a few times and have a few dents to prove it. I am very pleased with it's ability to withstand physical abuse.
   
   While it only records 12 minutes in MPEG-2 on 512MB card, it's not much of an issue. I keep an extra card in my wallet. I also have a 40 GiG portable rechargeable X-drive Pro hard drive with built in media card ports. I can off-load files with the press of a single button without a PC.
   
   Furthermore, how often does anyone ever take more than 12 minutes (MPEG-2) of continuous video? For those who do need the extra recording time, do as I did. Buy an extra SD card or an X-drive Pro.
   
   I bought this camcorder specifically for the MPEG-2 file quality. I only shoot the higher compressed MPEG-4 video when I know I'm going to email the clip.
   
   Another plus is it's 10X optical zoom.
   
   The only downside is the inability to shoot in low light and only 640 by 480 still photos. Since there is no other tapeless MPEG-2 pocket camcorder out there, the AV100 stands alone in it's catagory.
   
   My recomendation: Do buy this AV100.



3. I own this this camera since February 2004. It is very well built, light and handy, fits in any pocket.
   
   Video quality with light is very good. In low light conditions is very bad or no video at all.
   
   It is complicated to manage the files. Panasonic uses a trick to edit the video files. Files extenssion is .MOD, it is not .MPG. The change of extenssion was done to allow the edition of the recorded files with included Panasonic software and you will not find another compatibility for edition.
   
   If you backup the files in CD's or DVD's you will need to replace the extension of the files to play it in your DVD Player except for Panasonic DVD players.
   Example: File name MOV01.MOD must be changed to MOV01.MPG.
   
   You may want to use VLC software in your computer instead of Panasonic software included.
   
   From my point of view this product is not completely developed yet.



4. The fact that this records files with an .mod suffix is irrelevant. When you rename them as .mpg files they are fine. Actually, Premiere Elements 2.0 doesn't even require you to rename them, it deals with .mod files just fine.
   The video is very good, with just a bit of jagged lines when there's fast motion.
   The point is, this camera is meant to be an easy thing to put in your pocket so you are always ready to grab some video and it does this superbly.
   It's not quite as good video as a higher end DV camera, but it's not meant for that. It's a great addition to your camera collection.



5. I found no flaws with the d-spap av100, except for the fact that whenever I plug it into the TV, there is no audio. Maybe it is just me, but if anyone knows what my problem is please let me know.
   
   rskurban@comcast.net

No comments about SVP HDDV-3000 12MP Max. 6-in-1 Multi-Functional Camcorder with Rare Huge Flip LCD! (16GB SDHC Card & Tripod Included).

No comments about Sony HandyCam Hybrid DCR-DVD108 Camcorder w/ 40x Optical Zoom PLUS 3pc Filter Kit - Extra Battery - 2GB PRODuo Memory Stick + MORE! DCRDVD108 BigVALUEInc Accessory Saver Bundle - Brand New USA!.

5 comments about Canon Elura 85 MiniDV Camcorder w/18x Optical Zoom.

1. I bought this camcorder recently and I am satisfied with its performace. The only reason I am taking off a few ** (stars) from this product is due to the reason that you cannot transfer videos from MiniDV to your computer using USB port. It required IEEE 1394 firewire cable (Cannon does not supply this cable with the camcorder) and a computer which has compatible port (not common in many computers and so you end up buying a suitable card for your computer if you wish to transfer the videos).



2. This camcorder has been reviewed by several experts and has received very good recommendations. See for yourself at www.dvspot.com or www.camcorderinfo.com.
   As for the reviewer that complained about the firewire...ALL digital camcorders use firewire for video transfer to a computer since USB only has a transefer rate of 1,1 Mb/s vs Firewire which has a rate of 400Mb/s. 4 minutes of finished video takes up 4 Gb!!
   Nobody would want to transfer video using USB 1. NOBODY, not Sony, JVC, Panasonic, or Canon ships their camcorder with a firewire cable ($14,99 Amazon.com). Please get your facts right before you give a great camcorder 3 stars.



3. I like the features this camcorder has (although I have to confess I didn't buy mine on Amazon). I don't give it full stars because the picture quality just seems average instead of bright and sharp. The analog to digital conversion feature is getting hard to find in camcorders, and lets you run VHS tapes from your VCR through the camcorder and into a PC (or onto the camcorder's digital tape), and that's a major plus with this machine.



4. This is only the second camcorder I have owned. I've had it for about 2 months. So far, it has exceeded my expecations. I haven't gotten into the details of what you can do with it. But, the picture and the sound on the camcorder have been great. I would definitely recommend it.



5. I have not used this camcorder very much at all in the past two years I've had it. I've maybe recorded about 10 tapes with it and watched a few back on playback. Today I was getting it ready to film the birth of our second child and all of a sudden a message came up telling me to "Remove Cassette Immediately". I pushed the eject button and the cassette is totally stuck and will not move. I called Canon and they told me it would be around $150 to fix. I researched other blogs and electronics trouble shooting websites and read several comments from others with this exact same problem. VERY DISAPPOINTED!

5 comments about RCA EZ201 Small Wonder 60 Minute Point-and-Shoot Camcorder (Black).

1. I love this thing! I am currently in Iraq and I use this to send videos of all kinds of stuff to my family. I love the integrated software and it is super easy to upgrade. Just download the file, plug in your cam, and double click the file.



2. This little camera delivered the goods on what it said it would do. It shoots great vhs quality movies in long play mode,and near dvd quality in HQ mode. The memory manager is very simple but does the job very well. You can watch your movies on your tv,computer or the camcorder itself.All options proved to have a good picture. The memory cards are easy to use and access as long as you read the directions,the website also gives great support on it's support page. It does eat through those doulble A's,get some lithiums or rechargeble's,last alot longer that way. For about 100 bucks you get a heck of a camera with sd expansion capability,and the same picture quality of a flip. Get the Small wonder you won't be dissapointed!



3. This is a great little camera except for the trash software that comes with it, which has locked up any number of different computers. No, the video quality isn't the same as you get from an actual DV camcorder, but that's to be expected at the price. The only drawback is the software, which has locked up any number of different computers and operating systems. If they'd get a programmer with a clue, this would be a great product. As it is, it's complete garbage. Don't waste your money on this piece of trash.



4. This little movie camera was such a great deal. I use it whenever my son is in a performance. Granted, it's not professional quality but I can slip it into a small bag and film my son's performances. It's easy to shoot the movie and be able to watch what I'm recording without looking at the screen the whole time. You can upload the movie to any computer as the software is built into the camera, and it's very easy to upload the movie to youtube or other video sharing web site.



5. Good price and fast service. Easy to use just point and shoot, works on AA batteries. Great for sending video email to family and friends. Would recommend to anyone and will shop again.

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