Panasonic Palmcorders: Convenient with Good Features
Written: Apr 07 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Lightweight; easy to use; consumer-friendly design
Cons: None
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| ChrisJoker's Full Review: Panasonic PV-L759 VHS-C Analog Camcorder |
In December of 1998, my wife and I purchased the Panasonic PV-L758 palmcorder. In terms of features and performance, it’s pretty much the same unit as the PV-L759. Just a few cosmetic touches here and there to make the newer model.
My first camcorder was a fantastic college graduation present from my parents in 1992. It was a full-size VHS Panasonic camcorder, part of their “Slim-Cam” line. I loved that camera, and replaced it only when it finally wore down and would be too expensive to repair in comparison to purchasing a new camcorder.
My previous positive experience with a Panasonic camcorder was certainly a factor in selecting the new camcorder. I’d run the other one into the ground, so to speak, for 7 years and hadn’t had a problem with it before, which was reasonable as far as I was concerned.
For anyone considering a camcorder purchase, the first question is usually “Which format?”. You need to determine your own needs and desires to help answer this one. Why did I concentrate on VHS-C camcorders? Because I like the convenience of being able to put the camcorder tape into an adapter and playing the tape directly in a VHS VCR, without having to hook up the camcorder’s output cables to a V or VCR first.
I also enjoy working on editing together videos as a hobby. I use just a couple of VCRs and some very nice tools that my wife purchased as gifts for me. I don’t anticipate spending the money for the (what I consider) very expensive computer editing tools available. For that additional reason, having the flexibility of using the VHS-C tapes in a standard VCR is desirable to me. And since my wife was more interested in using a smaller camcorder (as compared to a full-size VHS model), a VHS-C model seemed like the best choice for our specific needs.
We had been reviewing the sales at area electronics stores carefully in anticipation of making this purchase. When we went to make the purchase, we naturally looked extensively at the numerous models available. What attracted me to this particular model was the range of features and ease of use for the (sale) price.
Among those features are the numerous fade options available. Beyond just the ability to mix and match styles of fades and the colors, I found the ability to “freeze” a fade to create a simple halo effect to be a nice feature. While other camcorders may also offer this feature, the placement of the buttons to easily activate this feature was a strong selling point to me.
In fact, all of the buttons necessary to activate the various features were well designed. Just like any piece of increasingly-complex electronic equipment, there are still tons of buttons and steps to learn in order to operate the features of the camcorder, and you’re probably going to be frustrated as you try to learn them all. I’m no different. I still sometimes fumble my way through the various options, but that comes with the territory. As I looked at the other lines of camcorders, I felt some of the designs were not as user friendly as the Panasonic models.
If you’re considering a VHS-C format camcorder, I strongly recommend taking a good look at the Panasonic line. You’ll find well designed, feature-packed cameras. Watch those sales for a good price, and then get out there and have fun filming your life!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
ChrisJoker
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 in Electronics |
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Member: Chris
Location: Montgomery County, PA
Reviews written: 175
Trusted by: 82 members
About Me:
A new dad, addicted to The Simpsons & game shows, trying to stay sane.
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