Features:
- Also functions as a digital still camera
- Lets you download captured and live stills to a PC
- Lets you insert stills into video (picture-in-picture mode)
- Extra-large 4-inch LCD screen
- Motion- or audio-triggered security-recording feature
Description:
If you're torn between getting a camcorder and a digital camera, look no further--the Panasonic PV-L759 lets you have both in one full-featured package. Although not lightweight, the Panasonic PV-L759 is relatively compact. With its large 4-inch LCD screen, picture-in- picture still, and video mixing capability--plus extras such as motion- and audio-triggered recording--the Panasonic PV-L759 is a high-powered video tool. The Panasonic PV-L759's most impressive feature is its ability to function as a digital camera. Unlike most camcorders with still-picture capability, the Panasonic PV-L759 doesn't take stills on the VHS-C tape; instead, it has a separate CompactFlash card that can store up to 400 digital images. You don't need a video adapter card to transfer the images to your PC; just hook the camcorder to your computer with the supplied serial cable, and the included software will let you download captured images. You can even download images as you take them. The Panasonic PV-L759 also lets you insert still images into a video recording with picture-in-picture technology. In our tests, the Panasonic PV-L759's video recording features were more than adequate, including a large selection of fade options, an auto light for dark situations, backlight compensation, manual shutter-speed selection, and a manual-focus option. The camcorder's color filters are interesting, although we didn't use them in most situations. We were surprised to find that the Panasonic PV-L759 doesn't have the black-and-white, sepia, negative, and solarized effects most camcorders have these days. The powerful 300x digital zoom is useful for faraway events, although we experienced some loss of detail at high digital magnification. The digital electronic stabilization is also useful for sporting events, distant subjects, and shaky situations. The Panasonic PV- L759 has a unique security detector that triggers recording at the first sign of motion or sound. (You choose which one.) Although this might have good applications for actual security, we found it fun for normal social recording as well--for example, we left the camera in a room and it started recording when people entered. One final handy feature is a remote-control holder on the shoulder strap, which prevents you from losing the device. Pros:
- Built-in digital camera
- Large LCD screen
- Powerful 300x zoom
- Motion and audio detection
- VHS-C format for universal playback
Cons:
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