Panasonic PV-L759 Palmcorder Camcorder

by Panasonic

Product Details

Product Manual [2.49mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 4.2 x 4.6 inches ; 3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00000J3I1
• Item model number: PVL759
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #46,615 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 Review

If you're torn between getting a camcorder and a digital camera, look no further--the Panasonic PV-L759 lets you have both in one full-featured package. Although not lightweight, the Panasonic PV-L759 is relatively compact. With its large 4-inch LCD screen, picture-in- picture still, and video mixing capability--plus extras such as motion- and audio-triggered recording--the Panasonic PV-L759 is a high-powered video tool.

The Panasonic PV-L759's most impressive feature is its ability to function as a digital camera. Unlike most camcorders with still-picture capability, the Panasonic PV-L759 doesn't take stills on the VHS-C tape; instead, it has a separate CompactFlash card that can store up to 400 digital images. You don't need a video adapter card to transfer the images to your PC; just hook the camcorder to your computer with the supplied serial cable, and the included software will let you download captured images. You can even download images as you take them. The Panasonic PV-L759 also lets you insert still images into a video recording with picture-in-picture technology.

In our tests, the Panasonic PV-L759's video recording features were more than adequate, including a large selection of fade options, an auto light for dark situations, backlight compensation, manual shutter-speed selection, and a manual-focus option. The camcorder's color filters are interesting, although we didn't use them in most situations. We were surprised to find that the Panasonic PV-L759 doesn't have the black-and-white, sepia, negative, and solarized effects most camcorders have these days.

The powerful 300x digital zoom is useful for faraway events, although we experienced some loss of detail at high digital magnification. The digital electronic stabilization is also useful for sporting events, distant subjects, and shaky situations.

The Panasonic PV- L759 has a unique security detector that triggers recording at the first sign of motion or sound. (You choose which one.) Although this might have good applications for actual security, we found it fun for normal social recording as well--for example, we left the camera in a room and it started recording when people entered. One final handy feature is a remote-control holder on the shoulder strap, which prevents you from losing the device.

Pros:

• Built-in digital camera
• Large LCD screen
• Powerful 300x zoom
• Motion and audio detection
• VHS-C format for universal playback

Cons:

• Not lightweight

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Does it all....or seems to!, August 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Panasonic PV-L759 Palmcorder Camcorder (Electronics)

Bought this camera and found it to be a great! I really loved the digital camera function. The camera doesn't take the best picutes in low light situations but I found it well lite situations it did great. Easy to download to the computer. The video functions were what I thought were exceptional. I have used a Sharp ViewCam many times and I think this Panasonic camera outdoes the Sharp hands down. I especially was impressed by the many extra features which I did not know were out in the market. Only disadvantage is that it is a heavier camera than I would have liked.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Digital Stills R great 4 E-mail, Not Photo quality, July 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Panasonic PV-L759 Palmcorder Camcorder (Electronics)

This is a very good Camera I couldn't be happier, but if you think that this can replace a Digital camera your mistaken. I bought this as a camcorder and the digital still camera was a bonus to me, but I will still need to purchase a Digital camera to get photo quality still shots to display on my mantel. Like I stated if you want an exceptional VHS-C camcorder that has the option to attach a photo to an E-mail to help get your point across then you will be more than happy with this camera as I am.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely impressive and easy to use ...A great choice., July 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Panasonic PV-L759 Palmcorder Camcorder (Electronics)

Having just purchased the L759 Palmcorder I've used it as a camcorder and a digital camera. In both modes it functions extremely well. The ability to use this camera as TWO different devices is FANTASTIC! It also saved me an additional $700 for a stand alone digital camera. Try it you'll LOVE it!