Panasonic Palm Video series, solid not spectacular...
Feb 01 '00
Ahh the Panasonic Palm Video series, a reliable if not basic model. If simplicity is what you want, then you'll get it when buying any product in the PV mold.
In the proceeding paragraphs I will give an honest look at the camcorder, I will explain why I suggest you to look elsewhere, and what important features are missing from the series. I will give you strong alternatives, and fact supported reasoning.
I guess I should just come right out and admit from the get go that I am somewhat "spoiled" with my JVC DVM-70U. But who couldnt be, the JVC is a strong, strong item, and with a little saving it's worth the price of admission.
for the positives
-ease of use...it's always been a talent of mine to pick up on complicated electronics immediately, well this camcorder I didn't even have to use that ability. It was self explanatory, and I imagine even the technology impaired out there could use the PV series with ease.
-strong zoom...the digital zoom is excellent, and a good value, even with the cheaper PV models.
-quality...the quality is about as good as you can expect with VHS-C, if not somewhat lacking in color, and a bit bland.
-somewhat sturdy...seems like it could take some bumps and bruises, also decent shake reduction option.
-decent size...not too big, not too small.
Now I will take the time to describe to you my problems...first off VHS-C is a dying breed. Even if the camcorder claims digital, there is no way it is fully digital with VHS-C. Flat out Mini-DV is the future. Fully digital, amazing quality and sound, tiny, and worth every penny. Mini-DV allows your camcorder many more effect possibilities. It is the future of digital camcorders which segues me into the fact that the PV series is a bit too "standard". Yeah you heard me, where is my editing feature? I cannot live without it, using my JVC I can edit things in different order and even make a blooper reel at the end of the film. With my JVC I also can make incredible titles on the computer and download them into my camcorder, this is much better than the lame white letter titling on the PVs. No digital stills with the PVs, nothing of the sort...
All in all it boils down to the PV series is as basic as you can get, and even the $899 one isn't anything special. If you are really and truly interested in buying a digital camcorder, I strongly suggest that you go all out, save up a bit and go for a strong JVC-DVM series (if you like what you hear about the JVC I have a full review on the JVC-DVM70U), you will thank me after you realize all the amazing extra's you are receiving!
And finally because of the way I see this technology moving, I cannot recommend this product, despite it's positives...
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Epinions.com ID:
JuiceJW
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Member: Justin (The Juice)
Location: Auburn, AL
Reviews written: 153
Trusted by: 360 members
About Me:
What little you may know of me is probably too much already..
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