Features:
- MiniDV
- MiniDV camcorder
- 18x optical, 440x digital, zoom with digital image stabilization
- 2.5-inch color LCD monitor
- Records still images onto tape
- Uses the included lithium-ion battery
Description:
For a manufacturer of today's increasingly tiny digital camcorders, the biggest design challenge is to pack the immense number of features now available on even the lowest-priced models into a compact product while keeping the features easy to find and easy to use. With the entry-level PV-DV51, Panasonic succeeds at this task beyond all reasonable expectations. Compared to the quality of the footage, ergonomics and features may sound like secondary considerations when discussing a camcorder. But quite frankly, virtually any digital camcorder will capture images superior to those of analog formats like VHS-C and Hi8. The PV-DV51 is no exception. Not only does this inexpensive Panasonic produce better images than many other entry-level DV models I've tried, but the untutored naked eye would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between footage shot with this camcorder and models three times the price, which means the vacation videophile will be well satisfied. The PV-DV51 hides its abilities inside a rather traditional and uncluttered exterior. The DV51 isn't cute or fancy; it looks like most other camcorders, if a bit smaller and a bit lighter. But the DV51 makes up for its lack of styling with ergonomic excellence. Frequently used buttons such as the VCR/power/camcorder thumb switch, the zoom toggle, fade, menu, manual control and electronic image stabilization buttons, as well as the playback transport controls (play, rewind, fast forward, pause) are all logically and conveniently arrayed. The on-screen menu list is only six choices deep, and all the varying suboptions are outlined in the instruction booklet, which makes locating even the most obscure feature or option relatively easy. Power handling also is excellent. The small lithium-ion battery takes only an hour to charge for about an hour's worth of shooting (90 minutes if you use the black-and-white viewfinder rather than the LCD), about average for DV models. The camcorder also is equipped with a FireWire jack for connection to a PC, an A/V mini-jack (cable included), and an S-video output (cable not included) for connection to a TV or VCR. Like most of Panasonic's digital camcorders, the DV51 offers an 18x optical/300x digital zoom lens. So why is this model so inexpensive? On the technical side, the PV-DV51 offers just 640 x 480 pixel resolution when shooting digital stills. More expensive models offer more than a million pixels of resolution in still mode. In addition, stills are stored directly onto the tape, while other camcorder models have the option to store these images on a dedicated memory card. The other cost savings come from the small 2.5-inch LCD screen and monochrome viewfinder; shooting for lengthy periods makes you realize why you might want to spend more for a unit with a 3- or 3.5-inch screen. Despite these minor limitations, the PV-DV51 is an excellent choice for the weekend video warrior seeking a simple, easy-to-use, feature-packed, low-cost camcorder that produces great pictures. --Stewart Wolpin
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