Lights, Camera, Action
Feb 09 '00 (Updated Mar 04 '00)
This weekend I was given the opportunity to use a palmcorder for the first time. All of my prior video experiences were with one of the old “monsters”. The Panasonic PV L600 was a real treat!
The most prominent feature of the PV L600 is the choice of using a fold out LCD screen or the standard viewfinder. This full color LCD screen is a huge improvement over the black and white viewfinder. It measures 3 inches square and folds away from the side of the palmcorder. It can also be tilted up or down. This would be great of you were in a crowd and needed to hold the camera high to see over heads. You tilt the LCD screen to see exactly what you are filming. Since this is so lightweight your arm will not tire as fast as with an old fashioned recorder.
The light weight of the palmcorder (2.25 lb.) makes it easier to hold steady. There is also a digital image stabilizer that helps prevent “shakiness” if you are recording in an unstable condition, such as from a moving vehicle or in a jostling crowd.
Actual recording and playback are very simple. All of the buttons are easy to reach and functions are clearly marked. There are two recording speeds SP or SLP, which is 3 times longer than SP. Recording can be done manually or on a program. You can set a recording start and stop time or set a 5 or 10 second recording to be done each minute. This means it would record 5 seconds or 10 seconds of each minute of elapsed time.
Playback can be done right from the camera or the tape can be inserted in a special “carrier” called a playpak. The playpak is the size of a standard VHS tape and allows for usage in your VCR.
I was impressed with the fact that this palmcorder came with a built in light. With older camcorders you had to purchase a separate, usually expensive, light accessory or forego recording in dim places. .
Camera had a 150x digital four speed power zoom. The auto focus functions up to ½ inch from subject, but manual adjustments can be made fairly easily.
A retractable lens cover now protects the lens. No more hunt for the always-missing black caps.
There were a lot of other features to make your tapes look more professional. Fading in and out offers an interesting way to open or close scenes. I had a lot of fun playing with the “Titler” feature. When the date is set correctly the palmcorder auto-displays a title greeting on selected holidays, such as Christmas, New Year, Valentines Day, Independence Day and others that always fall on the same date. There are also some pre-programmed manual titles that can be used for birthdays, vacations, weddings or anniversaries.
Picture quality was excellent. I thought the sound quality was good but could have been improved on. I noticed if the person doing the filming spoke, the sound appeared to be coming from a distance and did not have the clarity of the viewing subject’s voice.
Overall it was a fun experience. I hope I have another opportunity to “play” with this camera. The Panasonic palmcorder PV-L600 may be half the size and weight I am used to, but it has more features and is extremely “user-friendly”. I recommend it to anyone looking for a palmcorder.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
auntnono
|
|
Member: Norma Mueller
Location: Anaheim CA
Reviews written: 56
Trusted by: 104 members
About Me:
My boss told me I was TOO honest!
|
|
|
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.