All the Basics, None of the Goodies

Author's Rating:

Pros: Nice Price

Cons: Short on features

Author's Review

The Panasonic PV-DV100 is Panasonic’s low-end digital
camcorder offering. It is an extremely reasonably priced
digital camcorder which comes with all of the basic
features which are now standard on virtually all models.
Among these features are several which are not available on
conventional analog camcorders such as Digital Photo
Mode, Camcorder-To-PC data transfer, digital effects, and
digital zoom.


Digital Photo Mode

This perk of digital recording allows people to save a good
deal of money by performing the same task as a digital still
camera (albeit at a reduced resolution).
While some may initially argue that you could just freeze
frame a traditional camcorder for the same effect, this is not
entirely true. The digital photo mode offers a couple of
advantages. First, it will automatically “mark” the spot on
the tape where the photo is stored, allowing for quick
retrieval. Also, the digital format allows for transfer to a
computer.


Camcorder to PC Transfer

For many, the most appealing feature of digital camcorders
is the ease with which video and still photos can be
transferred to a computer. Panasonic makes it even easier
with the DV800 by providing three separate systems for
transferring data. The DV800 comes equipped with an
8MB card, an IEEE 1394 PC Interface (Industry standard
“firewire”), as well as a PHOTOVU LINK.

Digital Effects

Similar to effects available on analog camcorders, digital
camcorders now have expanded “effects” options which
allow for additional movie-making options. My favorite
digital “effect” is the “trailer” which produces a sort of
“drugged” video where any moving objects are followed by
a fading trailer.


Digital Zoom

Consistent with most of Sony’’s latest camcorders the
TRV-820 comes equipped with a powerful digital zoom.
While the resolution drops rather dramatically the digital
zoom does come in handy up to around 250X.


Final Verdict

Because the DV100 is the lowest priced digital camcorder
there are likely some who will be comparing this camcorder
to high-end analog camcorders. These features (which are
only available on digital format models) represent the
incentive for consumers to spend the extra money and
purchase a digital camcorder. Should you decide that you
do not necessarily need these features then you may want to
consider less expensive analog camcorders. Conversely,
for those who feel that the digital features are a necessity
but who don’t want to blow their budget this may be just
the camcorder for you. (I would also like to suggest the
comparably priced Sony TRV120.)


Internet Deals (“Superkrank Specials”)

I have found that there are usually a number of internet sites
which offer electronic products at considerable discounts.
This is true for the PV100. There are two sites in specific
which have better deals than the Epinion’s list price of
$900. Both “1-888-electro.com” and “store.yahoo.com”
come in with prices just under $700. (Please note that I am
not in any way associated with these sites and can in no
way vouch for them. I am simply striving to keep the
consumer knowledgeable about discounted rates available
on the internet.)