5 comments about Sony DCRPC109 Compact MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom.

1. I replaced a 7 year old Canon HI8 camcorder with this one. I've had the 109 for a couple of months now and here are my comments.

   GOOD:
   Size: It is really small and compact. Well built and solid.
   Motor noise: My camera has no motor noise. Absolutely none. I have seen some reviews that say their camera has motor noise. My suggestion is, if you get one that does, replace it. Perhaps you got an early one or a gray market?
   Battery life: I get about 2 hours with the standard, tiny battery. Interestingly, the same reviewer that said he had motor noise claimed to get less than an hour with his battery. There must be something wrong with his camera.
   Low light: Seems to be pretty good and better than competition.
   Simplicity: It is very easy to use as a point and shoot. There are only a few buttons. The LCD screen doubles as a touch screen for the menu.
   Docking station: Makes it convenient to plug-in to the computer because the docking station is always connected to the computer, and to a wall outlet for charging.

   BAD:
   Small LCD screen: I guess this is a tradeoff with the small camera size (but if you have seen Sony's new T1 still camera, they know how to put a large LCD on a small camera). Also, the LCD can wash-out in sunlight, like most other cameras.
   Docking station: Although convenient, the only way to recharge the battery is to plug the camera into the docking station. This means, for trips, you have to take the camera, the cord, and the docking station with you. This is inconvenient and bulky. Sony could have easily made the cord plug into both the camera and the docking station for recharge, but Sony instead has elected to release an optional "compact" battery charger for around $70. Typical Sony. Similarly, the camera itself has analog video outputs. To get digital outputs, you have to go through the docking station.
   Microphone: It is placed on top of the camera, so it does pick up some non-directional noise (from places other than directly in front of the camera). It seems to be somewhat directional though because it doesn't really pick up noise from the shooter.




2. I've owned so many Sony products, this one is a dud. Someone already mentioned the horrible placement of the power in, the little rubber flipper gets in the way of everything. The PicturePackage software is a complete joke. SonyCopy.exe crashes every time I try to open my pictures. The lens cover is not automatic, and needs to be open no matter what you want to do. If its not open, it screams 'cover not open' at you until you MANUALLY open it. The device shows up as Camcorder 2 in Windows XP, you cannot browse your memory stick thru windows explorer. The resolution of the still shots is HORRIBLE. Do not buy this camera. Ugh. I'm stuck with it because I bought it at a retailer that won't take it back after 14 days.



3. I've had this little guy for about 9 months now, and I have no major complaints. While this camcorder suits the needs of those who want good performance in filming normal activities, it may fall short of higher expectations.
   
   I bought this camcorder because it is small, compact, good-looking, and has a touch-panel feature (highly amusing and useful). The 1.0 Megapixel picture quality becomes pretty obvious during playback, though. Again, for those who just want to film family, school, and random events, I doubt anyone would complain about this small setback. But for those who want to make quality movies or semi-professional documentaries, the features and pixels may not be enough.
   
   I use this camcorder recreationally and it is a blast to use. I guess one word to describe my experience with it is: Complacent. If you want to film on a more professional level, I recommend the Sony DCR-HC85. It has 2.0 Megapixels, a built in flash, a 3.5 inch touch-panel LCD, and among other great features. It is slightly bigger and heavier, but it is nonetheless an excellent camcorder for more demanding purposes.
   
   Recreational: Sony DCR-PC109. More serious filming: Sony DCR-HC85.
   Overall, you can't go wrong with the DCR-PC109.



4. After I recorded a few tapes using this brand new camcorder bought from Amazon, it got snowflake-like noise all over LCD screen. Since I did not use it for the first month after I got it, I could not return it and had to send it to SONY repair center for service. After I got it back, it constantly complains about dirty video head and I have to use a cleaning tape each time it does that. My worst experience with any electronics I ever had.



5. I found this on clearance today on the Sony website.
   Limited quantity. $ 549.

5 comments about Canon ZR20 Digital Camcorder.

1. Since I've only had the camera for less than one week, this is just my first impression:

   I researched around and finally went with the ZR20 for the following reasons: Price, Compactness, and base features. The ZR20 has a great price after rebate if you shop around. It is very small (palm size for my hand), although it's not as small as the Elura. The size is very important to me up to a point. It has to be small enough so that I will end up using it instead of debating if it's too big to lug along because I wanted a camera for everyday videos-around the house and on trips. Between the ZR and other cameras in this base range, the ZR definitely wins. Other important features I wanted were analog video IN and hot shoe. The ZR has S-Video as well as composite video IN which means I can easily transfer my video from my 8mm and VHS tapes. It also has a hot shoe (which the smaller camera seems to lack) for a video light if needed. The closest competitor for me on the ZR decision was the Panasonic PV51, but it was just too big and did not have the analog video IN like the ZR.

   After I received the camera, I started to tape within 5 minutes. It was very easy to use and the firewire connection worked right off the bat. I was able to capture the videos to Premiere quite easily. Premiere even had the ZR10 controls build in-the ZR20 and ZR10 is virtually identical for this purpose. So far the camera is exactly what I had expected. There are a few issues that are worth mentioning. The tape transport mechanism (loading and removing tapes) seems to be very fragile. Loading an older DV tape that I had required a slight nudge to get the transport to load. This has happened twice in the beginning, but has not happened again. Canon specifically says in the manual to remove the tape when you are not using the camera. I am not sure if this is true for all DVs, but seems cumbersome. I left the tape in the camera for a couple of days and the next time I turned it on to shoot again, it gave me a HEAD CLEANING warning. I took the tape out and turn the camera off and back on, put the tape back in and started to shoot. The message did not appear again. I shot quite a bit of indoor footage in dim and average light. It was OK for what I expected-note, I shot in the automatic mode, not the programmed indoor mode. I don't really have any thing to compare with either. Assuming the tape transport is not going to be a continuous issue, I am very happy with the camera at this time. As for recommendations, I would recommend if you are looking for a base DV to play with. Look over the features and go to the local store to "handle" the models you are interested in. No matter what "great" features any camera has, if it's not comfortable to use, you will end up not using it. Since I have not had the camera long enough, I have no idea of it's quality, so can not recommend based on that.




2. The Canon ZR20 is a Digital MiniDV camcorder with a 2.5" LCD and a color viewfinder.

   Zoom And Image Stabilizer

   The camcorder has 10x optical zoom and 200x digital zoom. The image is not shaky at high magnification levels, since the camera is equipped with a digital stabilizer.

   Picture

   The camcorder records video and still pictures. The still pictures can be recorded on a MiniDV tape and one tape can hold around 700 still pictures. The picture quality (the CCD has 460,000 pixels) in the video mode is very good with low noise level.

   Sound

   The camcorder has a stereo microphone and a built-in speaker. The microphone input allows you connect an external microphone. You can select between 12- and 16-bit recording.

   Features

   The camcorder comes with a Li-Ion battery, A/V cable, S-Video cable, power adapter, battery, remote and a shoulder strap. There are several AE modes, including fully automatic "Easy Recording".

   But in addition to automatic settings (focus, white balance, etc.), you can manually adjust focus, white balance, shutter speed, exposure (AE Shift). The camcorder allows you apply faders and digital effects and has widescreen mode.

   It also features FireWire (i.Link, IEEE1394) jack, so you can connect it to another digital camcorder, MiniDV VCR or a computer for editing or making a copy. The remote control allows you search for still pictures on the tape using Data Code recorded during the shooting.

   The camcorder features both composite and an S-Video inputs/outs and LANC editing terminal. The timer allows to perform recordings at predefined time. There is a Low Light recording capability (low shutter speed and high exposure time).

   Remote

   Unlike entry-level digital camcorders from Panasonic, the wireless remote control is included here.

   Bottom Line

   The ZR20 is a nice camcorder with good feature set. But the menu system is unnecessary complicated and the Canon camcorders are not among the most reliable (unlike Panasonic ones).




3. Very small and compact, but well laid out so for as the user is concerned. Has both a color viewfinder and a 2.5" LED that extends out from the left side. To save battery power, you can only use one at a time however. Some of the settings are a bit confusing, but going through the manual (well written by the way) will quickly supply answers to any questions you may have.

   Low light capability is not as good as some others, but the camcorder works well in light ample to read by. By comparison with my Nikon FM (50mm F1.8), the Canon ZR-20 will do a good job
   down to what would be about 1/60 of a second on ISO 100. It will do a fairly decent job a couple of stops lower, but gets "grainy" at low light levels. Daylight however is excellent. I also found the still feature works well in daylight, but gets rather "grainy" in low light (like an old "GIF" at about 320x240). I'd guess in good light that stills work out to be about VGA level (640x480), which serves.

   This is not a digital camera, and if your major interest is in that direction, you'd be better off buying a regular digital camera. On the other hand the stills I've taken in daylight looked pretty good on a TV, and the recordings create images that are the equal of anything you can get off the air or from your local cable provider. This is using the video in and audio in jacks on a regular TV, as none of mine have the S-video feature. Which no doubt would be even better yet.

   Tape loading seems a bit slow, but I guess this is the way it is. Works OK, but my old VHS camcorder is a lot easier to load.

   Digital is definitely the way to go, and Canon optics seem to be
   pretty good. Lens is a F1.8-2.9 zoom with a range of 4mm to 40mm. I'd guess this works out to about 40mm to 400mm on a 35. The digital zoom can be set at two settings, one giving 40x and the other 200x. The 40x setting is very marginal, and the 200x is nothing but a waste of time. On the other hand the optical zoom is good, and you can shut off the digital zoom if you wish.

   If you're looking for a good small camcorder, this might be the one for you. It is small, but seems to be fairly well thought out except that the mike probably should have been mounted somewhere further away from the tape transport area...




4. I bought this camcorder to use for family and work purposes. It is very easy to use, and the picture quality is good. It was simple to connect to my tv for viewing. I haven't tried to connect it to my computer yet, but I will have to get a firewire adapter for my desktop first. No video editing program was included, so I will have to get one of those, too. Although basic, the ease of use and small size make this an ideal camcorder for my needs.



5. I would like to take this time and give my input about the Canon ZR 20 MiniDV. First off let me say that the size of this thing amazes me enabling me to fit it in my pants pocket (compared to my old vhs). There aren't that many high end features on this but for the basic everyday recording this is an excellent camera. Be aware that this DOES NOT have NIGHT VISION if you want it purchase the ZR-40 series. I purchased this at the [store] that sells mac computers. It cost me [money] and for [the same amount] at [a different store] i could have got the ZR-40 but they were out :(. Overall i really do like this camera not overpowered with features but does the job well (my first canon camera). From now on i'll stick with them in the future (Much better than JVC and SONY). Down the road I'll upgrade my pc to firewire for video editing, that looks pretty fun. But if yourlooking for a good quality camera with a GLASS lens not plastic like the others and something stylish and small than go with any of the Canon ZR Series (10,20,25mc,30mc,40,45mc,50,50mc)

   Hope this Helped in your camera buying experience!

2 comments about Samsung SCD5000 DuoCam MiniDV Camcorder/4MP Digital Still Camera.

1. The video quality indoors is absolutely horrible, even with the night shot features, and every possible combination of settings, etc. I tried really hard to find reasons to keep this camera. But in the end, the video quality was too horrible to justify it as a $... digital still camera.

   Outdoors, the video was OK producing ever so slightly washed out colors, but here is the real problem. Moving between light and moderately dark areas of a small room produced horrible video. During playback you either got something that looked like pure night or the sun all in one room. The video recorder does not gracefully adjust between light and moderately light areas of a room. Occasionally when using the zoom, a pure white line would be recorded vertically as part of the video!!!!!

   Now for the camera. One thing that annoyed me after a few minutes was the constant manual flipping of half of the device between still and video. I did a comparison between the Samsung still digital camera and my Sony 3.34 MP camera that I already owned. Disappointment again. Horrible color from Samsung (washed out colors). I was not impressed with the quality after comparing about 10 different pictures of varying light, indoors, outdoors, etc. Hands down the Sony 3.34 MB won.

   I returned the Samsung camera and bought instead the Sony TRV70 for about the same price (I would like to have tried the TRV80 but $... more was just not in the cards for an 1" more LCD). What a difference. When it comes to color and light (indoors especially), Sony seems to have those two figured out. Awesome video recording indoors with the Sony. All around the video was so much better with the Sony. The still are not as good as my Sony 3.34 but if you can live with reduced picture size, the quality is pretty good (plus no manual flipping of half the device). I'll still probably take both the video and the camera on the next trip (pending cooperation from the wife). Really, if you ignore such frills as Bluetooth and Internet connectivity from within your camcorder (!!!), you can probably buy something much cheaper than the TRV70.

   One day, we'll all carry one device that produces high quality video and stills. But for now, that day is not here yet.




2. This camcorder is a piece of junk. The low light is really horrible. The picture is grainy and the autofocus is slower than my grandma. Spend a little extra a get a quality camera...not this one!

5 comments about Sony DCRTRV80 MiniDV 2Megapixel Camcorder with 3.5" LCD, Memory Stick, Bluetooth Wireless Connectivity, and Networking Capability.

1. Well it started out good... It was nice having high-quality Mini DV recordings, the wireless connectivity, firewire to my computer, and all the other bells and whistles. BUT... after having this Sony for a couple years, and the warranty is out, I am stuck with a dog! It worked fine until right before the warranty ran out. While it was still under warranty, it went in for repairs due to audio cutting out, and all they did was clean it. After a few weeks, it started happening again. TWICE they were unable to fix it! I gave up and just bought a Canon. If Sony can't even fix their own products, I don't think I want to buy them!



2. Buy another camcorder! This one will be a waste of your time and money. On paper this camcorder is great. However, not only is it overpriced and full of extraneous features. It is also difficult to use, has a poorly written manual and horrible support. I tried the SONY product support line at 888-449-7669 twice, but got little help.

   Additionally, writing to the memory stick produces poor quality images, and there is no built in video light. Finally, the PC software that comes with the camera leaves much to be desired.

   My excitement about buying this camera and all its accesories has been replaced with utter contempt for SONY. I now understand why the company has been having so many problems.




3. I am technically competent, but a novice at video photography. Therefore, I spent weeks reviewing a a number of various cameras. I ultimately decided on the TRV 80 because of: the HAD technology, the 3 1/2 touch screen, the digital still, the still pop-up flash, along with the features rich capabilities of this camera. I have used it for about a week and have found it to be very easy to use. The controls are intuitive and the manual has been very easy to navigate. You should also consider the need for various accessoriies. I purchased it with a bundled package which included: tripod, 2 additional batteries, wide and telephoto lenses, case, tapes, cleaning kit, USB card reader, and a four year MAC parts and labor warranty. Add on package was less about two hundred seventy dollars and well worth it. Also spent a long time looking for editing software with good reviews. Settled on PYRO Digital Video, which indluded a 1394 PCI card and software compatable with the Sony camera. They have beginner, intermediate and Pro versions available. So far I am extremely pleased with the camera, and accessory packages. I am able to take great videos now and when I master the advanced features I'm sure the quality of the movies produced will improve. Highly recommend this product and suggest you consider the add on packages, especially the 4 year warranty.



4. What a camera indeed. I just got it three days ago and after reading the manual I see there will be a lot of learning ahead for me. There are so many features this camera has I know I will not use most of them. The video is sharp and the photos are better then expected (acceptable but I will still use my digital camera when needed or preferred). The supplied 8 MB memory stick is only worth a tease, you will have to get at least a 128 MB or greater! Being in the Air Force and stationed in Germany this will be one treat to carry along on up coming trips!



5. The Best Camcorder i have ever had by far. Bluetooth is the coolest thing, and the picture quality is supurb. I would reccomend this to anybody who wants a high quality camera. Yes, you spend a few extra dollars, but in the long run it is worth it.

No comments about Sony Handycam DCR-HC96E - Camcorder - widescreen - 3.3 Mpix - optical zoom: 10 x - Mini DV.

5 comments about Panasonic PVDV701 MiniDV Digital Palmcorder Camcorder with 3.5" Color LCD Monitor.

1. Mine did. When customer service finally found the unit lost in its repair facility, they were of little or no help in making it right. I have had to have it repaired three times in 6 months. Until I brought my attorney into it, Panasonic was slow to help.



2. Nice camera but Windows XP users should be advised that this camera does not support XP drivers and will not work with Windows XP. I wish I had known this prior to purchase. Panasonic says that XP drivers will be ready in early Summer of 2002. We can only hope.



3. I purchased this unit because I liked the features and the price was reasonable. It comes with a light that fits in the hot shoe, and a remote control. It has both digital and analog inputs/outputs, and USB & firewire interfaces. However, my experience has not been good. Thirty days after my purchase, I used it for the second time. I noticed a dead spot in the video. I contacted Panasonic Customer Service and they instructed me to send it to the Service Center for repair. Well, as of 4/3/02 they have had it for three weeks and they are still waiting for a part. Worse yet, they said that they are consolidating the Factory Service Centers and it will be 7-10 weeks before a technician is assigned to repair the unit. In my view that is ridiculous. They will not replace the unit. Panasonic seems to be completely comfortable with this absurd repair time. I WOULD STAY AWAY FROM THIS UNIT, and any other Panasonic product unless you can get the retailer to extend their return policy to 60-90 days -in writing.



4. I was going on vacation and decided to get a videocam/still camera to record the festivities. After reading reviews from many different sites (epinion, various computer and video mag sites) I decided on the PVDV701. I have used it numerous times for still shots and video without a single glitch. The monitor is bright, the menu system easy to use, and the video quality is great. I have read some complaints about drivers and repairs. Maybe I've been lucky, but I also did things to prevent myself from getting in the same situation. I bought a 3rd party extended warranty which covers everything, including replacement of the unit, which anyone should do anyway for a 800 dollar investment. Also, I have experienced the same problem with the Windows XP drivers, but in foresight, I bought the Pyro Digital Video 1394DV card/software package at the same time. It included a firewire care and software for 69 dollars which is more than worth the investment. I get my video via Firewire and still shots via SD card and USB. Using USB to pull down video cannot be fast or good quality (this is just my opinion, considering the slow rate of USB data transfer). My videos come down at full speed, no dropped frames and highest quality audio that the camera will allow.
   I've been to the Panasonic site and the have updated all but one of the drivers to XP compatability, which I have updated and have had no problems with them.
   For the price and the features I think I got the best value for the money.



5. I bought this camera because it earned Editors' Awards from ... extremely reliable on their reviews. Considering that comparable models from other makers...were priced well above [$], the sub-[$]price was also a significant plus.
   I've owned this since March and it has delivered fully in every aspect. Very small yet not too small, it is very light and portable. It shoots great pictures, and contrary to other reviewers here, I haven't had any trouble at all using it in conjunction with my Windows XP PC for editing using Pinnacle Studio 7. Not one problem. In fact, I did some really heavy duty stuff with the PC and the camera delivered with aplomb.
   For anyone with average/moderate video needs, I think this camera would be perfect. Highly recommended.

5 comments about RCA CC9370 AutoShot Compact Digital Camcorder.

1. I purchased this camera in July 2001 and generally it has worked very well. It took great movies and I had no trouble connecting it to my firewire card to download movies. However, since we purchased it we received intermittant e04 errors that we could not always correct by resetting the camera. The RCA website is no help, in fact it will not even allow you to register a camcorder as a product! Overall the it did take great movies, however I have been very dissatisfied with the camera's reliability and with RCA's support of it.



2. I just got one of these camcorders off of this same site. When I got the camera there was no battery pack and or charger. its been about six months and I still cant find one anywhere not even on this site. Ive wasted about a hundred dollers on differnt chargers that dont even work. now the camera sits in my room with no use to it because I cant find a battery. also its to late to return it so now im stuck...... ...............THANKS TO WHO EVER I BOUGHT THIS FROM



3. I picked this camcorder up for a song. I've had it 3 years now and it still has not given me any problems. It is solid for the light use I give it without sacrificing quality.
   I have yet to be disappointed by anything other than the still photo function. No built in memory makes for a weird playback sensation as a still shot stops the video and then fades from a still shot to the moving video again. My recommendation is to use this as a dedicated video camera and buy a good still camera.
   All in all, this camera has been a good buy. I have used it in the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and across the USA with none of the pesky dew problems panasonic has or the mechanism problems of the jvc.



4. FYI, the two cameras the RCA 9360 and RCA 9370 are the same, only the 9370 comes with a battery charger (A cost saving idea). Causes some grief because with the 9360, you actually use the camera as a battery charger. Not really obvious. It is also important to remove the battery if you are not using the camera (you can charge the battery and forget to remove it, and it will be dead when you need it). Recommend buying a battery charger for the 9360.
   I really like the camera. It has a lot of abilities. I use Pinnacle studio, and it works great. Had a problem with Ulead, it doesn't seem to work - The camera doesn't connect. Once the Pinnacle downloaded the movie, it was simply amazing. Of course, then you are in another world of editing. Wow. Then, you get to buy a bigger hard drive and DVDs, etc, etc. Expensive, but totally wonderful.
   I also got a Panasonic digital video camera at the same time - It is really wonderful, too, but has no video light. The RCA requires you to then figure out how to work on a movie with a video light, but with the Panasonic, you need to stop.
   The manual for the CC9370 can be used for the CC9360, and the 9370 manual is available on Amazon at:
   http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00004Z583/104-4032710-9364765?v=glance
   Thanks Amazon...
   Do a google search for the 9370 or 9360 by searching "rca cc9370 manual", to find batteries, the manual, and accessories.
   I think it is great.
   Using the firewire with the RCA camcorder was a learning experience also. If I remember correctly, there was a $50 firewire cable available, but then I found a firewire card at FRYs in Anaheim with a free cable for $20 on sale. Using the cheapo cable, I was able to do my movies. What fun. Was using my HP laptop with no built-in firewire, but with a firewire card stuck into it. Then USB 2 came around, and ruined it for the firewire guys, but the camera has a firewire port anyhow, so use it. Gotta get with it, guys, you don't want to get lost. Buy, buy, buy.
   Anyhow, just want to say that the RCA camera is really a great unit, and I have had a lot of fun with it.



5. I just purchased this camcorder and so far am pleased. There is a port on it called a service port which is labeled in the manual but does any body know the purpose of this port and what connects it to what?

5 comments about Sony DCRTRV19 MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD and Remote.

1. I absolutely LOVE this camcorder and the NightVision Feature is Ultra Cool. The unique hi-tech touch screen is also an added plus. I had a problem with the LCD but it was fixed for free by SONY and I've had NO PROBLEMS since. Can't say enough great things about this gem. All kinds of features, "LIKE BACKLIGHT" and excellent DV Quality! A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++=
   
   Calvin



2. I have been using this camera for four years now and had been very happy until my camera fell victim to the "CCD issue" in which the screen goes blank when trying to record. Some history...this CCD problem happens in almost all of these models and has resulted in a class action suit against Sony. They now have to repair all TRV-19 cameras free of charge, including shipping to and from your home. (If you need more info on this please visit the Sony website.) I went forward with the repairs and when I received my camera back it was working correctly and the repairs appear to have been made but a small cover piece is missing. I phoned the customer service number on my invoice and the supervisor states this piece was not on their inventory taken when they received my camera and there is nothing else they could do. So I have a functional camera now but not in the same condition that I sent to them and they really could care less--it's my word against theirs. So much for customer service. If you need to send your camera in please take lots of pictures of the condition before shipping and remove all removable parts because there is a good chance you won't get them back. I was really wanting to purchase a Sony big screen TV but this experience has ruined that plan for me. I WILL NEVER BUY FROM SONY AGAIN. I know most (if not all) electronic corporations have customer service issues but this one takes the cake. They did not want to do the right thing in the first place my fixing a problem that has been confirmed as a manufacturing defect. It's disheartening that it took a lawsuit to get Sony to do what they just should have done in the first place! And...I missed getting my baby daughter's first crawl on video because of this defect--wouldn't you know the camera broke down right then...ugh! Yes...I am frustrated. I hope some of my vent has helped you...thanks for your time.



3. Can I use the USB port save the movies to my computer? I wanna make Youtube movies,Can I & how well dose it work???????????...?
   
   
   elliot2698 (at) yahoo com ,I wanna buy one ,
   elliot
   Eureka Northern Califoria



4. Bought this handycam when it was new. 2003 I think. Probably have went throught 50+ tapes, and this camera hasn't flinched. Bought the extended warrenty and haven't used it. Just what i was looking for.



5. OK......I have had the DCR-trv19 for several years now and the CCD bug got me while I was on tour with the camera. I was very mad but found out the sony will fix it for free and pay for the shipping. Just google your camera's model # with the letters "CCD" also and the link will come up where you can sign up and print out your shipping receipt. It's a slam dunk. a great camera and they support it to the end. Even though I have a hard disk recorder and an HD camera, I still use this little gem alot. It's small, durable and great pic quality.

5 comments about Panasonic PVDV103 MiniDV Compact Camcorder with 2.5" LCD.

1. Let me just tell you that PANASONIC IS HORRIBLE!!! I have never in my life been soo upset over any electronic...EVER! I got this video camera as a birthday present in May 2004 for my first cruise. I played with the camera for just an hour and set it aside until my vacation. I left for my vacation a week after i got the video camera. I turned the video camera on of course on the plane to tape my friends being goofy then did not turn it on until we were settled in our hotel. I taped about 2 min while walking around and did not touch it again until of course our taxi ride to the cruise ship. While we were in the cab i turned my brand new video camera on to find the words "dew detected" and to hear this clicking noise! i almost immediatly broke down in tears. I tried to ask everyone if they knew what it meant, but had no luck. I saw a couple of people on the ship with the same camera and they were having no problems with theirs. i was soo desperate to video the beautiful sights from the ship that i even asked someone to borrow theirs and put my own tape in it! Every day i tried to play with it, fix it, turn it on, off, etc...but nothing! i got home and exchanged it for a brand new one! they couldnt tell me the reason why this was happening, but it did. I walk out with my brand new video camera that i wish i had for my trip, but its ok...my new niece was being born so at least i would have it for that! I used it a couple of times and then just put it back in my drawer until i needed it again...which was last week! I turned it on and it said "dew detected" and the tape compartment will not close! i cannot believe this is happening to me AGAIN! i have used this camera only 3 times! I am furious! i called panasonic only for them to tell me that it was going to cost me $250 to fix it. I explained to them this is my second camera that this happened to and they dont care! My next step, after reading the same complaints, is to take it up with a manager or someone else that has power other than some customer service rep who could care less about my needs. I am going on vacation next week and need a new camera. i am furious! Can someone please tell how they got a new camera? I am thinking just throwing it out?I am soo furious that this has happened to me again!



2. I have had mine for 3 years and not a one problem with it. Would recommend Panasonic to anyone.



3. I found a trick to go around it , well i am not sure how long this will last but for now it did the trick
   I have used a paint tape, a blue masking tape , and covered the front of the camcorder where the microphone is, because i assumed that they have put their moisture detector overthere, and in fact after sealing the speaker/microphone holes in the front, the camcorder is back to working fine even after removing the tape --- good luck



4. it works ok but looks rough it was supposed to be refurbished would not buy again if i had to do over!



5. I love everything about it. I just wish I would've known ahead of time that I didn't have the right hardware to upload the content.
   
   Thank you!

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.