Home :: Cameras :: Camcorders  

Analog Camcorders
Digital Camcorders
Panasonic PV-DV800 Digital Camcorder with 3.5" LCD and Adobe Photo Deluxe Software

Panasonic PV-DV800 Digital Camcorder with 3.5" LCD and Adobe Photo Deluxe Software

List Price: $1,299.99
Your Price:
Product Info Reviews

Features:
  • Records video in DV format
  • 18x optical zoom
  • Built-in digital still camera
  • 3.5-inch wide-angle color LCD monitor
  • IR filter for video recording in near darkness


Description:

Panasonic's PV-DV800 digital Palmcorder camcorder is a compact high-resolution camcorder that uses the high-quality Mini DV digital format. It's a perfect choice for home users who demand both high quality and flexibility. The 18x optical/300x digital zoom allows you to use seven zoom speeds to zoom in for close-ups or zoom out for wide-angle shots. The camera includes digital electronic stabilization technology in both record and playback modes to remove excessive movement from previously recorded images as well as while shooting.

The PV-DV800 also works as a still camera, capturing 640 x 480 snapshots onto either Mini DV tape or an included 8 MB Panasonic MultiMediaCard (MMC). The MMC card holds 60 images at 640 x 480 or 240 at 320 x 240. Though this is a handy feature, don't count on it to replace a dedicated digital or still camera. The 640 x 480 images are great for onscreen viewing (Web pages, e-mail attachments, etc), but the resolution is barely adequate for even 3-by-5 inch prints. Adobe's Photo Deluxe image-editing software is included for touching up your stills.

The PV-DV800 offers several different digital effects in addition to zoom capabilities. The "digital mirror" creates a mirror-like symmetrical image, while "strobe" digitally freezes a series of images. "Mosaic" turns the image into a mosaic pattern, and "slim" expands the image vertically. The PV-DV600 can also stretch the image horizontally and form multiple impressions of images in motion and gradually fade them out for a "trail" effect. The PV-DV600 gives you the option of playing back your recording in either B&W, sepia, or color.

If you're upgrading from an older VHS or 8mm camcorder, the PV-DV800 includes analog-in plugs to let you transfer your old movies to the new digital format.

For best results in low-light situations, Panasonic has included a color-enhancement light. If you're looking for a stealthier way to shoot in low-light conditions, the camera's infrared capability allows you to record video in near total darkness in B&W, blue, or green. The PV-DV800 has a 12-bit/16-bit PCM stereo with two sets of stereo audio tracks--this means you can add a second track of music or narration. This camcorder includes an 8 MB MultiMediaCard, PhotoVu Link (serial connection), and a Firewire interface (IEEE 1394). This camera is a step up from Panasonic's PV-DV600. In addition to the 600's features, the 800 includes a 3.5-inch wide-viewing-angle color LCD monitor, a higher-capacity 2-hour 50-minute lithium-ion battery, and a blank tape.

© 2004, ReviewFocus or its affiliates