Rating: 
Summary: Super For The Price
Review: As a beginner of camcording, I reviewed all the many cameras on the market and decided to purchase this one for its ease of use, size for traveling, and clarity of recording. I have never owned a camcorder and after one day of testing, I feel very comfortable at recording and playback. Actually, I take it everywhere and having a wonderful time using it. The only drawback is - you cannot download to a PC. However, I have ordered a cable and software from Pinnacle to solve this problem. I highly recommend this product, if you are a first time user and you want great pictures with minimal experience.
Rating: 
Summary: not a good value for money
Review: I am using this camcorder for last 2 and half year (well, I don't use it much). And for some time facing the problem of picture geting split into several small rectangular squares, which is very difficult to watch. And recently this camcorder broke where the plastic hooks with the hand strap (you can see a very cheap plastic being used).
Rating: 
Summary: Think again before you buy this!!
Review: I bought Panasonic PVDV51D camcorder about 5 months ago and it is already giving several problems. The picture gets split into several small rectangular squares and it is very difficult to watch it. I called the panasonic service center and they said it would cost me 149$ (plus 12$ shipping and handling)flat rate service charge no matter what the problem is! ( about half the price of a new camcorder). I would strongly recommend not buying it or buying extended warranty since the warranty that comes with the new product is deceptive i.e. though it covers parts for a year, they would charge you too much in the form of LABOR charges.
Rating:
Summary: good enough
Review: I like it mainly due to its built-in digital camera which I have 2 in 1 without carrying camcorder and digital camera at the same but you can not switch from taking video to taking picture at the same time. With this PhotoShot built-in digital still camera you can record up to 1000 images on one 80-minute tape in LP mode. It is worth.
Rating:
Summary: poor product
Review: I purchased eight of these cameras last July 02 and they have been a huge disappointment. I have many of the precursors to this model, the pvdv-101. There are two issues with the Pvdv-51. Out of eight cameras, three of them had case breaks in the exact same spot, just where the hand strap connects to the rear section of the camera. I am a teacher and use these in a high school setting. With the first camera break, I blamed student negligence. However with the third that happened (in my hand!) it's clear to me that there is an engineering fault. I suspect the grade of plastic used isn't strong enough but that's only speculation.The second major problem has to do with the video heads. From the first week of use, these cameras have been plagued with head clogs. I use only Sony Premium tapes (do not mix brands). Again, I have other Panasonic cameras that I use and they do not have these problems. The dry erase tapes will work for most clogs though sometimes the tape has to be run through many many times to clear the problem. Some clogs have not been fixable and are waiting to go out to have their heads "professionally" cleaned.
... Finally, Panasonic's customer relations has been poor with this issue. I have had no success on the phone or in print resolving my problem and will be switching to another similarly priced camera when replacing these models. I've been testing a Canon ZR-60 and am pleased with it's performance. This camera also has an external mic input which the Pan does not. Over the years, I've invested more than 100 grand in equipment in Panasonic and this is my first major disappointment.
Rating:
Summary: poor product
Review: I purchased eight of these cameras last July 02 and they have been a huge disappointment. I have many of the precursors to this model, the pvdv-101. There are two issues with the Pvdv-51. Out of eight cameras, three of them had case breaks in the exact same spot, just where the hand strap connects to the rear section of the camera. I am a teacher and use these in a high school setting. With the first camera break, I blamed student negligence. However with the third that happened (in my hand!) it's clear to me that there is an engineering fault. I suspect the grade of plastic used isn't strong enough but that's only speculation. The second major problem has to do with the video heads. From the first week of use, these cameras have been plagued with head clogs. I use only Sony Premium tapes (do not mix brands). Again, I have other Panasonic cameras that I use and they do not have these problems. The dry erase tapes will work for most clogs though sometimes the tape has to be run through many many times to clear the problem. Some clogs have not been fixable and are waiting to go out to have their heads "professionally" cleaned.
... Finally, Panasonic's customer relations has been poor with this issue. I have had no success on the phone or in print resolving my problem and will be switching to another similarly priced camera when replacing these models. I've been testing a Canon ZR-60 and am pleased with it's performance. This camera also has an external mic input which the Pan does not. Over the years, I've invested more than 100 grand in equipment in Panasonic and this is my first major disappointment.
Rating:
Summary: Think again before you buy this!!
Review: If Celia reads this review, I would like to know what specific cable you bought from Pinnacle to use to transfer still pics to the computer. I can't seem to find any info on that. Amazon has cables but I don't know which one I need. It would be helpful if on the despcription of the product, there was a despcription of the accessories and what you need, not just a list. the video is very good on this one and I find it very easy to handle. I'm just frustrated about not being able to get the still pics on the computer. Another big note. We have had this less than 2 years now and we had the same case break by the handle that the guy had mentioned above. Not happy with this camera at this point. Going to move up to a DVD camcorder and not panasonic(if they even make them!)
Rating:
Summary: Great video but no info on what cable to use for still pics
Review: If Celia reads this review, I would like to know what specific cable you bought from Pinnacle to use to transfer still pics to the computer. I can't seem to find any info on that. Amazon has cables but I don't know which one I need. It would be helpful if on the despcription of the product, there was a despcription of the accessories and what you need, not just a list. the video is very good on this one and I find it very easy to handle. I'm just frustrated about not being able to get the still pics on the computer. Another big note. We have had this less than 2 years now and we had the same case break by the handle that the guy had mentioned above. Not happy with this camera at this point. Going to move up to a DVD camcorder and not panasonic(if they even make them!)
Rating:
Summary: my camera was fun for a while till it broke
Review: Ok, just as the other guy said this camera breaks where the plastic hooks with the hand strap. He was right. Same thing with me. Even with a refund at Best Buy to fix it they said it was "abused". I dont think so. I take care of my cameras.
Rating:
Summary: my camera was fun for a while till it broke
Review: Ok, just as the other guy said this camera breaks where the plastic hooks with the hand strap. He was right. Same thing with me. Even with a refund at Best Buy to fix it they said it was "abused". I dont think so. I take care of my cameras.
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