Panasonic PV-L559 Palmcorder Camcorder

Other products by Panasonic

Product Details

Product Manual [1.72mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 4.2 x 5.6 inches ; 2.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds
• Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.
• ASIN: B00000J3HY
• Item model number: PVL559
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #8,580 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)

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  Camera & Photo > Camcorders > VHS-C

• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1999

Product Description

Amazon.com Review
The Panasonic PV-L559 offers a powerful zoom and a versatile LCD screen in a compact, affordable package. It's a great choice for those who want advanced features but also need the flexibility of the VHS-C format.

In our tests, the video from the Panasonic PV-L559 was clear and colorful, although due to the nature of the VHS-C format, it wasn't as bright or sharp as Hi8 or digital video. VHS-C has a major advantage when it comes to playback--it uses normal VHS tape, so you can play it in any VCR (using the included adapter).

The Panasonic PV-L559 offers a 150x digital zoom and advanced recording features, such as image stabilization. It includes a fade feature for transitioning between scenes, with seven different effects in eight different colors. It comes with a light for shooting in dim conditions--you can set the light to remain on, off, or to switch on automatically when needed. The three-inch, color LCD screen swivels a full 180 degrees, so you can record from different angles or include yourself in the video. You can adjust the brightness of the screen as well. The Panasonic PV-L559 offers programmed recording, which gives you a window of 24 hours to set a start time and recording length before recording begins. This camcorder also has a security mode, which triggers recording when it senses motion.

Pros:

• Powerful zoom
• Motion sensor
• LCD screen lets you record from multiple angles
• Automatic light useful for dim conditions

Cons:

• No special image effects (other than fade)

Product Description
Looking for a state-of-the-art palmcorder? Stop right here. Full VHS compatibility. Not only does it comes with a VHS PlayPak (so you can play the tape in your VHS VCR), but it offers a crisp, clear first-generation picture for your enjoyment. Its telescopic lens gives you the ability to produce extraordinarily clear close-ups of your subject matter, along with superior clarity to those provided by digital zoom. Plus, with four different zoom speeds, you are able to go from a wide angle shot to a full telephoto in 2-16 seconds. The PV-L559 uses DEIS to compensate for unintentional hand and camcorder movement to help stabilize recordings, even if you're recording in a moving vehicle or a crowded room. It features MotionSensor, which is perfect for simple home security applications as it starts camcorder recording when motion is detected. Color Digital Fade lets you select from 7 fade variations with your choice of 8 colors for flexibility in transition from one scene to the next.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great picture and easy to use., July 15, 1999

By A Customer

We have had our camcorder for two weeks now and are amazed at how easy it is to use and the quality of the pictures. We record alot of sporting events and the LCD screen is great--you can watch the game instead of the old styles where you have to look through the view finder. Our son likes to analyze his hitting and throwing after the game by watching on the LCD scree.

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to learn to use and simple to playback, November 19, 1999

By A Customer

Great camera for a first time buyer. It comes with a simple to understand manuel. All the features of the more expensive models at an attractive price. Great value.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A camcorder easy enough for Grandma, December 7, 1999

By A Customer

Very good camcorder for those looking for less buttons, easy to use and great results. The LCD screen is great for recording yourself and with others, knowing you got the shot you wanted and those tri-pod shots to difficult looking through a view finder. A movement activation option for those who what to see what goes on while their away is rather cool. It works so well in low level light, we haven't used the built-in light source yet. A camcorder you don't have to carry a manual around and with the quality of those you do.