Panasonic SVAV25 2MP D-Snap Multi Audio/Video Device

by Panasonic

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.1 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches ; 4.3 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0001E3XE0
• Item model number: SV-AV25
• Batteries: 1 D batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #20,072 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 2, 2006

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The ultra-compact Panasonic SVAV25 D-Snap digital video camera does it all. In addition to capturing high-quality MPEG4 video and digital still photos to an SD memory card, you can also use the SVAV25 as a digital audio player and voice recorder. The SVAV25 features a 2-megapixel digital still resolution, 2-inch flip-out LCD for reviewing your video and photos, and 2.5x digital zoom.

Video and Still Optics
Using the MPEG4 format, the SVAV25 saves video to Secure Digital (SD) and MultiMedia (MMC) memory cards (an 8 MB SD card is included). With the small size of MPEG4 files--featuring resolution modes of either 320 x 240 or 176 x 144--you can easily post video to your Web site or send files to friends and family via e-mail.

The following shows the approximate amount of continuous video that can be recorded on several sizes of SD memory card (including larger optional cards):

• Super Fine (320 x 240, 1 Mbps): 0.9 minutes (included 8 MB card), 7 minutes (64 MB card), 15 minutes (128 MB card)
• Fine (320 x 240, 420 Kbps): 2 minutes (included 8 MB card), 17 minutes (64 MB card), 35 minutes (128 MB card)
• Normal (176 x 144, 300 Kbps): 2.5 minutes (included 8 MB card), 25 minutes (64 MB card), 50 minutes (128 MB card)
• Economy (176 x 144, 100 Kbps): 8 minutes (included 8 MB card), 70 minutes (64 MB card), 150 minutes (128 MB card)

The SVAV25 has a 1/3.2-inch CCD for a 2-megapixel resolution--capturing enough image data for print enlargements up to 8 x 10 inches. It features 1600 x 1200 (2 MP), 1280 x 960 (1 MP), and 640 x 480 (VGA--great for sending in e-mail) resolution modes. You can zoom in on subjects using the 2.5x digital zoom.

Audio
In addition to its motion and still image capability, the SVAV25 can also be used as a digital audio player--just slip in an SD card loaded with tunes and listen via the included earphones. It's compatible with MP3 and AAC audio files. And with the built-in microphone (monaural), you can easily record voice memos, lectures, interviews, and reminders to the SD card.

More Features

• 2-inch flip-out LCD with 117,000-pixel resolution
• Connects to your PC via USB 1.1 connectivity
• Lens: F4 (4.5mm focal length)
• Measures 1.06 x 2.43 x 3.06 inches (H x W x D)
• Weighs 3.2 ounces

What's in the Box
This package includes the Panasonic SVAV25 digital camcorder, 8 MB SD memory card, battery pack, AC adaptor, stereo earphones, USB cable, carrying case, cleaning cloth, hand strap, and CD-ROM with USB drivers for Windows and the following Panasonic software (not Mac compatible):

• SD MovieStage Ver. 2.5 displays MPEG4 motion images and JPEG still images in thumbnail form and plays them back on a PC. You can also cut and edit motion images and send e-mail with motion images attached.
• SD Jukebox Ver. 4.0 Software transfers music from your SD memory card to your PC and allows you to rip CDs to your PC and convert music data to different PC music file formats. When ripping CDs, music information from the CD database (CDDB) is obtained automatically, including album title, artist and song title. You can also organize your songs by artist, title or personalized playlists. There is also a "Mood Analyzer" (Music Sommelier) that automatically selects songs to match your mood.

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Product Description

PANASONIC SVAV25 -- The S-Snap Digital Video Camera does it all! In addition to capturing high quality MPEG4 video and JPEG digital still photos, you can also use the SVAV25 as a digital audio player and a voice recorder. Plays back SD cards loaded with MP3 or AAC audio files -- great sounding headphones included Built-in monaural microphone for recording memos, lectures, interviews and reminders Weighs 3.2 ounces Package includes 8MB SD card, battery pack, AC adapter, earphones, USB cable, carrying case, cleaning cloth, hand strap, drivers for Windows 98SE+ and software on CD-ROM Silver finish

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Get something else..., January 28, 2005

By 

Thomas F. Harper Jr. - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Panasonic SVAV25 2MP D-Snap Multi Audio/Video Device (Electronics)

This product simply tries to do too much and fails at doing a good job at anything. I rarely return items unless they're really unsatisfactory, but this went back.

My requirements werent huge...we just had a baby and I wanted something small, solid state, and simple to take candid photos and video of the baby without lugging around a regular camcorder. As long as the video and sound were halfway decent enough...something upstream of "what the heck is that?!?", I'd have been happy.

The video even in the extra fine mode is grainy and jerky. The sound accompanying the video is muddy. The photos taken if taken up close are washed out white by the flash.

You MUST use the included clunky panasonic crippleware to copy the movies from the device or the sound on them doesnt work. Inexplicably. You can in fact see the device as a separate hard disk, and play movies, but it sounds like you're underwater and someone above water is talking to you. You can convert the movie files to even crappier quality formats suitable for showing your friends and relatives how technically inept you are.

By the way, if you indeed use the barely acceptable 'extra fine' mode, the included 8MB card can record all of 20 seconds of video. In the 'extra fine' mode, regular mpeg4 codecs will not recognize the file and you have to install a panasonic provided codec that I was only able to find on the company's japanese web site. Going to the regular US site and choosing the product led me to a promising looking page of downloads, manuals and so forth. Choosing any link takes you to valuable information about hair dryers and other sundry products.

Once your friends and relatives manage to download the 4.7MB codec, they can then view your handiwork.

In order to copy mp3 files to it, you also MUST use the included s/w which requires a serial # thats printed on the cd's paper case. Lose that, and you're SOL. I found whole forums dedicated to people bemoaning the fact that they've lost their serial number and when going to load the s/w on a new machine, couldnt do so.

The unit plagued me with "Check Card!" at various times when trying to record video or take still shots. When it did this I had to eject the SD card, wait a few seconds, then reinsert it. All was then well.

I didnt try the voice recording/playback area. I was afraid of something really, really bad happening.

Here's where its going to be good for you. You only have a couple of hundred bucks, you need something thats pocket sized, you need some vaguely recognizable video quality in full daylight and dont need to know what people are saying during the video, and/or you're taking some photos from a long enough distance (more than 2-3') where the flash wont wash them out. And you dont mind loading a bunch of proprietary s/w onto your machine.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Convenience - YES. Design - NO, November 20, 2004

By 

Rachel Adler (New York, NY, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Panasonic SVAV25 2MP D-Snap Multi Audio/Video Device (Electronics)

Being my first digital camera, I was impressed by all the features available in a gadget the size of a credit card. Although the pictures/video may look a bit blurry on the screen, they came out perfectly when uploaded to my computer.

However, the one thing that killed it for me was the size and, more importantly, design. I found it somewhat uncomfortable to take pictures what with the location of the buttons and all. There is one located adjacent to the screen (when you open it up) and a button on the side, which I thought was much more convenient. I also didn't like how it automatically returned to the beginning of the photoalbum whenever you would delete a picture or simply choose to return to the page last viewed.

This is a WONDERFUL camera for putting in your pocket and spontaneous use (although, it could be a bit quicker in start up). My camera survived a month-long trip to Europe as well as several local trips around town. If you want convenience, this is your best bet. If you have large hands, though (no joking!) or need some room to move your fingers, you'll find the design too stuffy for your liking.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good all in one gadget, September 21, 2004

By 

Eduardo M. Kitahara "Masami" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Panasonic SVAV25 2MP D-Snap Multi Audio/Video Device (Electronics)

This is an interesting and good all in one gadget. Fits in your pocket and easily you have a digital camera, voice recorder, mp3 player and even a camcorder (but don't expect great quality images!!!)... The picture (2MP) quality is just ok, but if you want more, you should buy na SLR camera. This is a convenient pocket sized camera that goes everywhere! Take a picture and improve it later at your PC (reducing noise, color balance, etc). As a camcorder, it's a good equipment to produce internet videos... But don't move it so fast (blur easily!)... the images will not be sharp enought! If you have an extra SD card (at least 256 MB), you will enjoy 4 hours of good sound quality. The supplied earphones are good enough but don't expect an IPOD overall quality! So, if you want an interesting all in one gadget, this Panasonic could be your choice!