Customer Reviews

Panasonic PVDC352 MiniDV Ultra Compact Digital Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, SD Slot, MPEG4 & Digital Still Capability

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased this camera in August 2002 and have used it extensively for the last two months. Fantastic! About me...I own a digital camera and this is my first digital video camera so I needed to do the research to spend the $. You can read the tech info here and the tech reviews at other sites (zdnet.com, bizrate.com, etc.) so I'll keep my review simple:

PROS:
- Compared to several sony dv cameras it has better/more responsive zoom, much better focus, and better/sharper/clearer LCD
- JVC and Cannon reviews left a lot to be desired and hands-on Sony didn't compare although they are a little smaller
- Very comfortable to hold/use -- buttons are well-placed and easy to understand
- Very simple to hook up to TV or computer to review (I recently got windows XP and it works like a dream using firewire *must purchase separate* and the associated software)
- Battery that comes with camera has lasted w/o fail...ran out of tape first!
- MPEG capability is great and all you do is hook up to computer, download and email...super easy
- Still shots recorded on tape do record about 5 sec of sound then camera continues filming

CONS:
- Instruction manual is easy to use for basic camera operation but was no help in advising on downloading to computer

You will find lots of reviews on the 252 but 352 is better resolution, comes with a flash, and a few other extras (compare closely).

I suggest getting a UV filter for lens to protect it (352 comes w/Leica Dicomar lens) a nice camera bag to protect your investment, a firewire to download, and if you don't use windows XP & aren't computer savvy, research hooking up & downloading...my desktop has windows 98 and I (novice) couldn't get it to work (too many periphials etc I think).

Last 2 suggestions...1)buy online and shop around b/c there are cheaper prices out there (I challenged Amazon on their price today b/c I got it much cheaper so watch their price the next few days); and 2) go to an electronic store first to touch/feel/examine the hardware before you buy...many online stores (esp w/cheaper prices) have a shorter return period.

Thanks for reading!

This is my second camcorder in 3 years. Panasonic includes many features inside this DVcam with a very cheap price. Compared to a similarly configured SONY DVcam, this Panasonic wins hands down. You can save up to $300! The videos are sharp, the rotating flash works wonders and often I had to explain to my curious friends about the flash as they were fascinated with the design. The still pictures are very clear and the best thing is that you can take night shots in color! SONY can't do that! Definitely a good buy.