Panasonic Camcorder PV-L352: For Awesome Home Videos
Written: Dec 05 '02
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Pros: Easy enough for anyone to use; quality videos
Cons: None
The Bottom Line: An excellent choice!
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| beckish's Full Review: Panasonic Palmcorder PV-L352 VHS-C Analog Camcorde... |
Last summer we decided to buy a new video camera because our old one was acting up. Off we went on a shopping expedition, and we came home with a Panasonic Palmcorder Camcorder PV-L352.
So why did we choose this one? Price was a definite consideration; we paid right around $250 for it. The prices have since come down even further judging by the quote here on Epinions. Secondly, we liked the features this camcorder offers. Both my significant other and I love to video tape events, and this video camera appeared to be one to admirably meet our needs.
What Do I Like?
First, this video camera has a pop-out video screen so you can watch what you are taping in a mini-TV type venue rather than having to keep your eye pressed to the viewer. (They call this the "LCD Monitor". I really like this feature as I wear contact lenses and keeping my eye pressed against anything for any period of time gets pretty uncomfortable after a while! You just press the button and the pop-out viewer opens up on the left side of the camera. I also found it is much easier to focus the camera on what you want to video using this feature because the larger picture gives you better depth perception and focus ability. This feature is enough reason to purchase this camera in my opinion! Our old video camera was good, but this one knocks it out of the water simply because of the pop-out viewer.
Secondly, I like the ease of use with this video camera. Panasonic products are inevitably good in my experience, so I had no qualms about purchasing another Panasonic. This camera is so easy to use that our children have figured it out with no problem. You simply push the button to pop out the view finder, move the switch to "camera" and you are on your way!
Next, I like the user manual. It is logically organized and easy to follow; critical elements in a good user manual in my opinion! I was able to quickly locate and read the section I wanted to know about with no trouble.
So What Can You Do With This Camera?
First, record videos. This camera has the smaller video cassette that fits into a standard VHS cassette player. This means you do have to buy both the smaller cassettes and the cassette player unit, but this is a minor inconvenience considering how much lighter this unit is than a standard one that uses standard sized VHS tapes.
You can also edit your videos, a wonderful feature! The manual provides clear instructions on how to do this and didn't confuse me at all. (And coming from an electronically-challenged person, this is a strong compliment).
Another wonderful feature is the ability to program your recording time. We like to set up the video camera and let it go during gatherings. With this feature you can position the camera where you want it, start it recording, and then just remember when the tape might run out to insert a new one. We have gotten many delightful videos by using this feature.
The camera has the ability to zoom in, and it is four-speed power zoom which allows for good zoom quality. You can choose from slow zoom or fast zoom, depending on your current need and what you are video-taping.
Another nice feature is the ability to "backlight", which adjusts the amount of light coming into the camera. Very helpful when you are taping in shadowed areas.
Other features are the high speed shutter, auto fade, focus, color digital fade, and digital zoom.
One of the most delightful features of this camera is the "motion sensor". This means you can set the camera to record when motion is detected. What a great option! Especially helpful if you are video-taping things like wildlife in a remote area. And incredibly fun to play with, too!
Negatives
So far I have experience no negatives. I am incredibly happy with this camera.
Final Thoughts
If you are in the market for a new video camera, I highly recommend you consider the Panasonic Palmcorder Camcorder PV-352. You are sure to be happy with the results you get from this video camera. We have watched the videos from our Orcas Island trip last summer time and time again, and they have become very dear to our hearts. The price is right, and the quality is exceptional.
Happy recording!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 250.00
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