Features:
- MiniDV
- Digital camcorder uses MiniDV tapes
- 20x optical and 300x digital zoom with digital image stabilization
- 3.0 inch LCD monitor and color viewfinder
- Digital camera mode stores stills on SD or MMC cards
- Arcsoft Editing software package included; magicVU infrared mode allows recording in near total darkness
Description:
The Panasonic PV-DV401 is a no-frills camcorder that's ideal for anyone who wants a digital camcorder but doesn't need a lot of extras. While perfectly adequate for general use, the camera didn't overwhelm us with good design and fantastic footage. The PV-DV401 is great for a family, but not the camera of choice for digital-video hobbyists. Digital camcorders generally do very well in brightly lit environments, and the PV-DV401 was no exception. Low-light shooting wasn't too bad either; the picture was decent without being too grainy--a flaw of many digital camcorders. The lack of manual exposure control left much to be desired; in certain environments the auto exposure struggled between letting in too much light and letting in too little light. For nighttime shooting there is a nifty infrared mode where you shoot visible video in practically no light at all. Video playback was standard fare; however, at this price range it would be nice to include a remote control as a standard accessory. The large 3-inch LCD viewscreen is a big plus; it was very comfortable to look at during both recording and playback. The overall design of this camcorder seems uninspired. With so many manual functions, digital effects, and settings, Panasonic could have done much better by bringing them out as buttons on the camera rather than tucking them away in hard-to-navigate onscreen menus. The jog wheel at the top of the camera performs many different camera functions, but it began to get tedious to use because of its odd placement and design. We inadvertently pressed the nearby photo button several times while trying to access the jog wheel. Digital camcorders have been getting progressively better and cheaper the last few years. The PV-DV401 follows that trend, but has nothing to differentiate it from a crowded field. Simply put, it's just an average camera. --Bao Tran Pros: - Large LCD viewscreen
- Infrared low-light shooting
- Lightweight and small
Cons: - No manual exposure control
- Awkward design, menu, and buttons
- No remote
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