5 comments about Panasonic PVGS12 Digital Palmcorder MultiCam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom.

1. I bought this Camera for my 13th Birthday and I was happy until i tried to put the video onto the computer. I you realy want to edit video on the computer then you NEED to get Firewire for your computer.After I got Firewire The video worked fine, but I suggest you get a good editing softwear like Adobe. windows is ok to start but has very low video capture. When you burn it on to a DVD using windows is is all blury but can still make out picture. So a Great Camera but you have to get firewire to make it better. Firewire is only like 25$.I love this camera and I hope you will to.



2. This camcorder is absolutely wonderful. Though I don't think I'd pay top dollar for it. While it works great recording and playing back, there is minimum software availible ( Id didnt recieve any) and figuring out how to download it to the computer to burn to a DVD took a while. Though I only paid $195 for this camera that also came with a brand new camcorder bag and additional battery. I kinda wish I would have spent the extra money to invest in a DVD camcorder. But, if you are willing to take the time to learn how to burn to DVD, then this is a great camera!



3. This camcorder is good but not great. Sure its not expensive but with this amount of money you can get a much better one on ebay. 1/6 in ccd is average for this price range. It has no mic input. But it does last a good amount with the battery, has acceptional quality under lighting when i use two or more lights...for my movie aspire which is a musical. During shots that have fast sequences, you can tell as it looks jagged and not smooth. This had to be fixed in post, which, if you're only paying 250 for this cam, you probably won't waste your time fixing this in post. The manual white balance is nice.



4. I know the frustration of wanting some software with this product. Yes its a nice little camera and all but if you want to get some actual video out of it to be put on your computer you could use video capturing software like snag-it which has a free download and trial. Granted the video will not be the best of quality but if you absolutely have to have this on video on your computer snag-it will give it to you but at low quality. You can also snap still images from the videos using it too. Hope this helps



5. After using the Palmcorder brand for 6 years, I just purchased a second one to use for a 2-camera setup (both running at different angles since I produce martial arts instructional videos). For those new to digital camcorders, my opinion is that this is a great camera. For those who are intermediate and advanced, naturally you already know that you will want to spend a bit more for a bigger, better camera to meet your needs.
   
   The Palmcorder takes good video but you should have additional lighting available. They say it's good in low-light conditions, but admittedly I've never found that to be true, even with a LOT of experimentation. Outdoors, though, or indoors with normal lighting? You will find a good video result.
   
   The audio is passable but connecting an external mic, you will hear a slight "buzz" in the background (removable in post). A pain but still passable for the price.
   
   Zooming in and out finds zero noise, but I rarely zoom much anyway. If I need a closer shot, I get the camera closer since the pixelation is always noticable to some degree when zooming. It's not "too" bad zooming in just a bit, but beyond 1/3 of the bar you see will find a lot of pixelation.
   
   Tape change is great vs. Canon (Canon tape door is at the bottom and you have to remove it from the tripod, whereas Panasonic and most others are on the side). Battery life is 1 - 2 hours depending on the age of the battery. My first one is over 6 years old and I just had to change it last month. 5 years isn't bad.
   
   Manual controls could be improved but passable. Automatic controls work well for new users and you will probably not even need the rest. If you want to learn it, though, it's a simple process.
   
   For best shots, I recommend a good tripod to keep the camera steady (for all cameras, too), particularly if you zoom in. There are lots of techniques for holding the camera steady when zoomed in but the Palmcorder must lose it's mind after zoomed in too far. It comes out with a lot of pixelation. Read that as "don't zoom in unless you absolutely have to and you'll be fine."
   
   I've used my Palmcorder in all sorts of weather and conditions, and it's worked like a dream. Good video, good audio, good battery life and easy controls. The only "bad" thing you might encounter is that in humid weather, you need to acclimate the camera for 15 - 30 minutes or so. But since you have to do that with every camera, anyway, it's not Panasonic's fault so no biggie there.
   
   All in all? This is a great camera for the price, as well as being a solid piece of equipment that you will enjoy. It's good to learn with as well as being a good backup camera or using as a 2-camera system.

No comments about STC HD1 High Definition Retro Style Digital Video Camera.

No comments about JVC GZ-HD7 Accessory Kit (Includes 4 Year Extended Warranty, Lowepro Carrying Case and Memory Wallet, High Capacity Battery and Charger, SD Memory Card and Multi-card Reader, 57in Tripod, 3-Piece Filter Kit, Universal Screen Protectors, Lens Cleaning Kit, and LCD Cleaning Kit with Microfiber Cloth).

No comments about Sony HVR-S270U Camcorder, 1080i HDV.

No comments about Canon VIXIA HV30E "PAL" High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom, 200x Digital Zoom, 2.7" LCD Screen.

2 comments about Panasonic PV-DV901 Digital Palmcorder.

1. This has to be the greatest item I have ever laid my hands on and thats saying alot since I'm a multimillionaire with everything that I want. There is not a better camera available in the world.



2. This camcorder has many good control designs and it is excellent in recording DV footage. However the digital still photos onto SD cards function lacks any High-Res performance. Photos will seem spotty. If you want great digital pictures better buy a 3 mega pixel digital camera instead. The Cam's VCR play back directional pad, the zoom slider, record button, menu button & its switch ...all contribute to the cam's easy functionality. The cam I bought came right out of the box with 5 bad dead red/green pixels on its side LCD panel. I had to sent it to repairs within the week. Panasonic service at Elgin, IL took over a little over 3 months to get it repaired. Some what irratating...and poor service. The unit is repaired now and works properly. I highly recommed to get a service plan on it. Make sure it works right with in 90 days. Its a cool cam but sure wish it had a image motion stablizer.

5 comments about Sony DCRTRV530 Digital8 Camcorder with Builtin Digital Still Mode.

1. this model is being discontinued by Sony, replaced by the TRV-520. Biggest change is the new one will no longer play the hi-8 tapes, only digital. Smaller screen, other minor changes. but because it's being discontinued, you can get it really cheap elsewhere. .... by the way, camera is awesome. A little bulky by today's standards, but it can do tons of stuff.



2. ...Comfort and user friendliness is important to me and this just didn't have it. The zoom function was difficult to control and it was hard to reach the zoom button on top of the camcorder and it just didn't feel right to move the lever left to right as opposed to front and back. The viewfinder was only B+W. My Sony Cam from '91 felt more ergonomically correct than this unit. Glad the TRV530 is discontinued. The TRV117 is a much better choice.



3. I recently bought the 530 some time ago and let me tell you it was the biggest mistake of my life.

   I am so happy this camcorder is discontinued because it won't make others as angry as it made me.

   First off, the digital stills are laughable. VERY WEAK!

   The camera is bulky. I can't even get my finger to rest confortably on the zoom. I end up holding the damn thing with two hands!
   Okay, the optical zoom is good (that's where it gets ONE star from me). However, the digital zoom is so awful that its pointless that its even there.

   Picture is very grainy at times when seen on my TV. This had my family very disapointed as I was filming my first born's first few steps. I was REALLY angry.

   This camcorder was a bust for Sony and I'm glad they threw it out.

   I will be getting the MINI DV soon.




4. Excellent, digital and optical zoom. Special efects wonderfull. I would be great better resolution for taking pictures.



5. This camera is excellent for capturing videos, and the still picture quality is ok if you are outdoors. For shooting still pics indoors & especially during night-time, you must have a very bright light source or a brightly illuminated room. The optical zoom is great. The memory stick is a nice addition but Sony should have provided a 32 MB memory stick as a standard accessory. The software is good enough to get started but I recommend Adobe Premiere and an iLink (firewire) cable if you are serious about editing video. Battery Life is adequate but I recommend buying another battery. Overall I highly recommend it.
   
   Pros:
   1. Portable, small and light weight, but big enough to hold steady.
   2. Extra-large 3.5 inch LCD screen.
   3. Photo quality is ok but you may need a separate camera if you are a stickler about quality.
   4. Reversable swivel screen for viewing from any angle.
   5. No detectable motor noise or hum when recording.
   6. Easy operation and simple controls.
   7. I've dropped it several times with no problems.
   
   Cons:
   1. Battery must charge in unit... not easy to remember. Get a charger or a second battery because you will forget to charge it and may miss the good shots.
   2. Software is fair but useable.
   3. Included memory stick is insufficent for camera, buy 32 or 64 MB memory stick.
   4. You must remove camera from the tripod to change tapes.

5 comments about Sony DCR-TRV330 Digital8 Camcorder with Built-in Digital Still Mode.

1. i would like to purchase this product
   i am from Bali - Indonesia, can give me lower price



2. Bought this camera less than 2 years ago and I thought it was pretty good, except the digital part. Terrible pictures, it isn't worth the extra $$. However, the camera recently broke, despite extremely mild usage. The camera will no longer close with a cassette inside. I now know that this defect is fairly common, but an expensive repair. I'm looking for a different camera, different brand. Sony has a quality problem.



3. I've been looking around at prices and i'de say this is the best price I've found. I was checking out other cameras and found one for $500. It was not as good as this one and cost more. Its worth your cash and the specs are nice! Like the 25x optical zoom is crazy. The digital zoom doesn't really make a difference after u get over 200x zoom on that. So dont think that 700x zoom makes much of a difference. I'de say buy it asap.



4. This Digicam sulks..I used it for < 2years and it has gone kaput. When I reported this to the Sony Service center they asked for $300 repair cost. They are living in anachronistic times when they quoted this sky high rate. You can get a new one (and that too the latest model ) for a little more than $300.



5. Numerous reports of camera stopping (type DCR trv38 and problem in google and you'll see what I mean) . The screen goes blank and that's the end of your DCR. Costs about $300 to repair. Reports from 2 months to 2 years usage and not linked to how often used or how treated. It is a problem with the "board" and your camera WILL die it's just a matter of when. It happened to us and we are thinking it was just us. We're buying a new DCR and you can bet it won't be a SONY even if they gave us one--they are too unreliable.

5 comments about Canon Optura 300 MiniDV Camcorder.

1. I bought this camera as a supplement to by TRV80 to use on hiking trips in the southwest when space and weight are a factor. I love the picture quality and the 2 megapixel shots are definitely better than sony's although not quite as good as a dedicated digicam at the same resolution. As for why I chose this unit over the Sony's 330, it was largely due to price. I could buy two of these cameras for the cost of the sony and since I do not need the hotshue or the minor increase in still resolution, I felt the Canon was more cost effective. I should point out that the rest of this review will focus on problems I had with the unit. I can't be sure if these negatives are common with vertical compacts like this or if the issues are Canons alone so I will let you be the judge. Also, if you are planning to use a tripod or have a way to brace this camera while shooting, most of what I am about to say will be irrelevant. However, if you are using it on the go and will be taking action shots or using it at maximum telephoto range, you may be disappointed.

   Location of Microphone - It is located on the top of the viewfinder (by the way, the viewfinder is fixed and cannot be adjusted). Up until now, I did not notice that I breathe heavily as it never factored into my other videos. This unit had me holding my breath while I shot so I did not ruin the scene.

   Location of Zoom - This problem will vary with the size of someone's hands but I found it to be difficult to operate and hold the camera steady unless I used my pinky to control the zoom. My hands are small and I needed the top three fingers to steady the camera while I moved it. This problem is further exacerbated by tendancy of the zoom too move to quickly if not properly controlled.

   Photo/Tape switch - A seperate switch is used to move between the SD card and the Tape. Sony integrates this function on the start-up dial switch which makes it easier to remember to turn to the desired setting when turning the camera on. As it was, if I had last used the photo setting and turned the camera off and then wanted to shoot video, I almost always screwed-up and started recording in MPEG format on the SD. Not a terrible problem but it wastes time and may cause you to miss quick moving wildlife scenes.

   In fairness to the mechanical functioning of this unit, it probalby deserves four stars and not three. However, if you do not need the still camera feature, there are better cameras out there for your money and I just can't excuse the location of the microphone.




2. I bought this goodie for less than $700 bucks from onecall.com, an authorized canon dealer so this qualifies me to a get a free 128MB SD card.
   PROS: Really compact compared to lot of other cameras i compared with that had the same features, it really fits in my jacket pocket. Out door videos are amazingly great, had to be with 1.3MP of video quality, the other option i was looking at was sony 330 but that was way too pricey for me.
   Still shots are exceptional although you cannot compare it with a stand alone digital still.
   Menus are not complicated, even my wife can use it without hassels.
   I had read reviews about the motor noise from the tape but i found that it had absolutely no noise when you record at the desired sound level in a quite atmosphere.
   I know lot of reviews state that the microphone placement is bad as it sits right on top of the view finder but i didn't find this to be a serious problem as it picks up the subjects sound very well. The only problem with the mic placement is the sound variation when you speak vs. the subject speaking.
   Zooming capability is amazing, the zoom is really smooth when compared to sony.
   Image stability is excellent as long as you stay with in the optical zoom, once you hit the digital zoom(beyond 40X) you need to be really still, the manual provides you with few tips to increase the stability. Also, i rarely go to the digital zoom as 10X optical is more than enough for my use.
   lots of predefined shooting modes.
   This goodie provides a lot of digital effects.
   The previous review said that s/he acciendtly recorded MPEGs instead of DV, but the on screen icons give you a clear indication of the media you are recording on, so no problem their as long as you see the on screen info.
   LCD resolution is fantastic and i liked the fact that it is not too big, there by minimizing my battery drain.
   The best feature i personally like compared with sony pc101/105/109 is that this one has all its control on the body, sony has a touch screen menu option and you could mess up your screen if you are not really careful.
   Cons: The most outstanding problem i found with optura 300 is the low light recording. This provides 3 various low light recording but in the dark the super night shot mode any moving images create a drag effect and the recording resoultion is also grainy. Having said that the indoor + low light mode is adequate when shooting inside a home with no day light. The only problem is when it is pitch dark sony seems to be doing better.
   Battery life is terrible, the battery provided with canon lasts 30-40 minutes, so i had to go in for an upgrade on the battery.
   but i guess all camcorders have the same problem.
   Overall it is a great camcorder for indoor and outdoor use.



3. I would highly recommend this camera to anyone who is in the market for a camcorder. I purchased the optura 300 several months ago and have been utilizing it heavily ever since. The camera takes excellent movies of both indoor and outdoor events. I could not be happier with my choice. I did purchase a longer-lived battery which has worked out well. I keep the standard battery charged as a backup, but the larger battery has never died on me even during days that I shot a significant amount of footage.

   I would like to point out of few issues I have had with it:
   1) The instruction manual leaves much to the imagination, especially with how to download the recorded motion pictures onto a PC. There are many other gaps in the manual.

   2) This camera is not for the technologically challenged. I would guess that this is not limited to this specific camera, but is an issue with the entire class of cameras. To burn DVDs and do any kind of editing, the user must have a video capture card & firewire installed on their PC. In addition, downloading movies onto a PC requires LOTS of hard drive space. I installed a 2nd hard drive for this purpose. In addition I needed to install a DVD RW drive so I could burn DVDs. I also upgraded my RAM. Although all of these are easy installs in newer PC's, it can be a daunting task just for a person to figure out what is actually needed not to mention knowing how to actually install it. Combined with shortcomings in the manual, I could see this being fatal for some users. If you are technologically challenged, I would recommend the cameras that burn directly to DVD.

   3) At the extreme end of the zoom, the camera seems to have trouble focusing and is very shaky. This is not that big of an issue as long as the user keeps this in mind while framing the video.

   4) I am not really happy with the quality of the still images captured by this camera. These images can be saved onto a flash card or onto the digital tape. With perfect lighting, the images are good, but I have found that when the flash is needed, the images are completely over exposed. The red-eye reduction feature does not work at all to reduce red eye.

   Please do not let these negatives taint my review. I love this camera but I wanted to put all the issues that I have found with it out there.




4. I bought this camera just a day before my trip to Alaska and it worked out great. Since there was not much time to read the thick manual, the controls were intuitive enough to operate. The video quality was great.
   Pros:
   - Great size. Very compact
   - Great video quality with 2 Mega Pixals
   - Easy to operate.

   Cons:
   - Still pictures come better in light. Not good if the light is less
   - Red eye reduction does not seem to work well for still pictures
   - In the video, the sound recording seem to pick up wind and other noises more than you actually hear.
   - Some times still pictures are not in focus.




5. I bought this camcorder in the fall of 2003 (it is Jan 2005 as I write this). We bought it to take with us on our trip to Disney World. It replaced our Sony 8mm Steady Shot camcorder that we bought back in 1994. I wanted a camcorder that was small enough to pack into a belt pack. The old 8mm required a good-sized camera bag that was a pain to lug around places like Disney World.
   
   I really liked the fact that the camera could take still pictures too, as it meant there was a chance we wouldn't have to lug our Olympus D510 (2MP camera).
   
   It worked quite well for that trip. An added benefit of it being so small was the fact that I could bring it along on long hikes. I took it with us the next year when we went to South Dakota to hike the Black Hills & Badlands.
   
   Outdoors, this camera is excellent. The still photos are OK, I wouldn't recommend getting this camera to replace a camcorder AND digital camera, you won't be satisfied.
   
   Inside and in low-light, however, the camera leaves a lot to be desired. It is understandable, the small lens can only gather so much light. I would say that our older 8mm camera performs better in low light. For indoor shots, I usually try to make sure we have ample lighting. The lack of an acessory shoe on this camera prevents you from attaching one of those [annoying] video camera spotlights.
   
   The swing out LCD is the right size for viewing, it rotates around completely so you can use it for self-portraits, or just getting some really odd-angled shot (my relatively new Canon A85 has a similar LCD, though much smaller).
   
   The one thing that I find is the most useful as of late is something I did not research as a requirement when shopping for a camcorder. The Analog->Digital pass-through feature blew away two other Analog Video capture cards. My old Dell (4550) came with a video capture card that would drop numerous frames. I bought an ATI All-In-Wonder card to import all my old analog and it didn't even compare to the pass through on the canon. Now I connect my old 8mm to the Optura 300, set the video mode to pass through and capture the video through the 1394 port, storing as .avi (on a nice big drive).
   
   I've never used any of the funky digital effects. I would suggest saving your $$ and not making the inclusion/lack of effects part of your criteria for choosing a camcorder. You can do everything you need in your video editing software (I use Adobe Premiere Elements 1.0 now).
   
   Somehow I have become a Canon-Fan over the past few years. When I bought this camcorder it was the only Canon gadget I owned. This past year I added the Canon A85 and the Digital Rebel to my collection of digital toys. To add to that last note, I am 'looking' at another camcorder and am only looking at Canon models (the Optura Xi to be exact).
   
   I realize it might be late in the game to be rating this camera as the Optura 400 & 500 are out now. If you are researching those please take my experiences with Canon & the Optura line as positive notes on their offerings.

2 comments about Panasonic PVL552 VHS-C Camcorder w/ 4.0" Color LCD & Viewfinder.

1. I think this camcorder is good only if u are after a really good LCD screen.It is pretty clear. It is a very cheap price.



2. We almost bought the PCV-L552 for its big view finder and 27x optical zoom, but after a lot of digging on obscure web sites, we found this older camera suffers from a dew detector light that goes off too easily, shutting down camera for hours. The PV-L424 just came out in 2004.