Customer Reviews

Panasonic PVDV103 MiniDV Compact Camcorder with 2.5" LCD

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I was looking for an inexpensive camcorder with high quality audio and video, digital download capabilities (i.e., miniDV), and good portability. I tried out numerous camcorders and read up on many more, and I eventually settled on the Panasonic PVDV103. The first distinguishing feature is that it's seriously SMALL -- noticeably smaller than the comparable models from Canon and JVC. It fits really well in the palm of my average-sized hand, and most the controls then just fall naturally under the fingers. As a result, it's a pleasure to use even for extended hand-held filmimng sessions. The audio is very clean, unlike the Canon ZR-series, and the video has wonderful, natural colors. Downloading an image via Firewire is easy and trouble-free. I only have three minor quibbles with this camcorder: 1) it doesn't have the Sony-style night vision capabilities for filming in dim or dark situations; 2) its optical zoom is 10X, which is good but not superb; and 3) its image stabilization isn't quite as solid as Canon's or Sony's. All in all, for the price (and even for hundreds more), I don't think there is a better all-around camcorder.

Panasonic makes a great DV. I'm on my second one. The video quality is solid. The import to the PC works well. They have been reliable. Nice and light. Everything you'd want.

The only downside in my experience on my prior Panasonic was it broke after about a year of fairly frequent use. Their service policy is a flat $250 charge to fix it, regardless of the problem. That was about half the price of the unit new, which seems out of line.

Otherwise, if it doesn't break, great unit.

When shopping for a camcorder the first thing to pick is format. I dismissed analog because of the lower resolution and poorer picture/sound quality. I considered miniDVD, but this is a relatively new format and is therefore significantly more expensive at the moment. I chose miniDV because it seems to be the most popular digital format right now. I also decided that I did not want to use the camcorder for taking still shots that are stored on removable memory. Even the very expensive models have low resolution that will yield poor pictures. My advice is to stick with a separate digital camera and save some money on the camcorder. I have had good luck with Panasonic tvs, dvd players, projectors, and cordless phones so I naturally considered them when shopping for a camcorder. Consumer Reports also rates Panasonic camcorders highly in terms of reliability and picture quality. I chose this particular model because it had all the features I needed, is very compact compared to other brands, and is reasonably priced. I think this model will please and adequately serve any home movie makers.

Purchased this item two months ago. I used it four times and now it shows a "dew detected" warning. The camera then shutdown and no longer works. I did some research and found this is a common problem, not only with this model, but several other Panasonic products. The problem is due to a detective module that Panasonic uses and the only way to fix it is a repair bill of $150. I have tried several times to contact Panasonic, but have received no response. Until Panasonic upgrades their parts and customer service I would buy elsewhere.

the "dew detected" sign is another way of Panasonic saying that the camcorder needs "servicing" and that you will have to send it in to be fixed for a price of at least $80. There are TRILLIONS of forums on the lack of reliability of this camcorder.. so DON'T BUY IT.. or any other camcorder from Panasonic.. because they're just unreliable.

If I could give a rating of 0 I would. I had this camera for about 3.5 months and maybe 30 minutes of recordings. I got the "DEW DETECTED" message and this camera has been useless since then. I would not recommend this camera to anyone. Save your money.

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

It had been a good camera, but recently, the cassette compartment won't close. It makes a funny clicking sounds and does not close. 1.5 years seem a little short for reliability.

At first the PVDV103 seemed like the best camcorder. Then after 2 years it started to fall apart. First, the battery had some problems. The battery would charge then after 10 min. of filming, it would show that 1/2 of the battery was dead. It would then quickly go dead. Other times, it would just be fine.

Also, the progressive feature sometimes turnes itself off, which can be annoying. I am also not as impressed with the image quality as I was 2 years ago. The viewfinder color quality is also very poor.

Overall, without those problems, the PVDV103 is just okay. For the money you pay you could get a better camcorder.

I purchased this DV Camcorder 13 months ago. Naturally 3 weeks after the warranty expired it shorted out. I will not eject the tape, not record, not play, nothing. I contacted Panasonic who told me, "Your camera needs to be repaired. $249.00 to start the process." Let me be the first to say I'm staying away from Panasonic forever. Terrible camera. Please save your money.

PS: Shame on you Panasonic.