Panasonic PV-DV100 Digital Camcorder

by Panasonic

Product Details

Product Manual [1.85mb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004T12M
• Item model number: PV-DV100
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #45,553 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1973

Product Description

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

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SUPERB CAMCORDER, October 2, 2000

By 

MICHAEL R. W. Davison (Rio de Janeiro - Brazil) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Panasonic PV-DV100 Digital Camcorder (Electronics)

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.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, January 29, 2001

By 

Lynn (NY, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Panasonic PV-DV100 Digital Camcorder (Electronics)

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great value for beginners, May 29, 2002

By 

"boreks3" (Indianapolis, IN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Panasonic PV-DV100 Digital Camcorder (Electronics)

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.