Panasonic PVDV201 MiniDV Digital Camcorder with Built-in Digital Still Mode

Like most purchasers of camcorders, I am having my first child in August. Thus, I decided to buy a camcorder to take hours of video that I will never watch again. On the other hand, if I didn't buy a camcorder, I would be a horrible parent, right?

Anyways, I did a fair amount of research online and in print (Consumers Reports). I finally decided to purchase the Panasonic based on the recommendations of several electronics salespeople.

First, the PV-DV201 is a MiniDV format digital camcorder. The Digital8 camcorders (generally sold by Sony) are a little cheaper for the tapes. On the other hand, the camcorders are a bit larger and a fair bit heavier. If you have old 8mm tapes you want to replay on a camcorder, Digital8 is probably the format for you. This was my first camcorder, so I went with the MiniDV format because of the weight difference, and also because the picture quality seemed a bit better.

One caveat about the PV-DV201: The digital zoom requires you to press a separate button, which is a bit awkward. That being said, it is rare (in my experience) that you will need zoom power in excess of 20X, which the 201 provides. The digital zoom is a bit of a marketing ploy.

If you have previously fallen for the Sony marketing blitz, and think that only Sony can make good consumer electronics, just shop the prices, and you will see Sony is $100-150 more for comparable features.

I found this camcorder to be a high quality starter camcorder in the digital format, for a very reasonable price.

My title pretty much says it all. I was looking for an inexpensive DV solution ever since my son was born, and it took me a month to come up with this one.

While this camcorder is considered low end, I have to say it is definitely much better than low end. The resolution is fine for home movies (much better than VHS or 8mm, and much better than other DV camcorders in it's price range) and I like the fact I can edit and do whatever I need to do with the footage I shoot, with little to no generation loss.

Pros:

Good solid digital video recording and PC transfer. I'm using Windows XP, and while Adobe Premier will not transfer the video to the PC, I'm able to transfer from Windows Movie Maker....

2.5" Color LCD.

MultiMediaCard support for still images.

Hot Shoe for a lamp only.

VERY light!

FireWire!!!!

PCM Stereo....

Cons:

Software is not Windows 2000 or XP compatible (all video transfers are done through Microsoft's software, not Panasonic's).

Stills cannot be transferred at all through USB on Windows XP (ME and 98 work fine).

Still images are poor (no amount of Photoshop work will help...get a real camera).

Words of caution...more than likely you will need more Hard Drive space than you have. 18 minutes of higher resolution DV will take upwards to 9 GB of Hard Disk space. And while you're at it, you could probably use more memory as well.

Buy Panasonic PVDV201 MiniDV Digital Camcorder with Built-in Digital Still Mode Now

I've used the camera for about three months. It is everything I expected. I wanted a lightweight, small, easy to use camera with the ability to take still photos. The video picture quality is very good. The stills are pretty good considering this is a low end model.

I use Windows ME and the software provided is very, very good and easy to use. It would have been nice to be able to plug in a better mike but you can't. Also I'm left-handed and like most cameras for us, the buttons are a little hard to use.

Overall I don't think you will go wrong buying this camera. If you have Windows XP I would contact Panansonic to see if there are upgrades for the software.

Read Best Reviews of Panasonic PVDV201 MiniDV Digital Camcorder with Built-in Digital Still Mode Here

My husband bought this camera for me for christmas and i got it the other day as an early christmas gift so we could use it this holiday season filming our 15 month old son and family occasions, This camcorder is great. The software that comes with it is easy to use. the only thing it lacks is editing ability for the movies that you can upload to your pc. all in all its a great camcorder in my opinion.

Want Panasonic PVDV201 MiniDV Digital Camcorder with Built-in Digital Still Mode Discount?

Update to previous reviews. The driver for win2000 or winXP is available NOW on panasonic website. With Firewire, WinXP actually detected it and it's plug and play.

I have used this camera for more than 2 years. I LOVE it.

1. There's no gap between clips. Canon ZR shows blue screen on playback every time you hit the pause button when recording REALLY annoying. This one just stitch the clips together nicely.

2. Transfer to computer with firewire or USB really simple, easy to use. TIPS: you can get firewire card with cable for less than $20 now.

3. Handling is excellent nice grip, light weight.

4. Long battery life. I was planning to buy a spare and found out no need for it.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.