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Panasonic PVDV103 MiniDV Compact Camcorder with 2.5" LCD

Panasonic PVDV103 MiniDV Compact Camcorder with 2.5" LCD

List Price: $499.99
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Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Dew Detected warning won't go away
Review: After 6 months of pleasant experience with this DV103, all of a sudden the "Dew Detected" "Eject Tape" warnings popped out, and it wouldn't go away even though the users manual said it would go back to normal operation after the msg was gone. Problem is that it never did. It's still under Panasonic warranty on parts, but the labor will cost $150 to start with, by Panasonic service center in Illinois. Other than this problem, overall performance and quality is satisfactory. I am disappointed in how many users have the same problem, quite a few. and on DV203 too.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Stay Away
Review: After six months of ownership the camera will not connect to the computer for transfer of video. Contacting Panasonic revealed a flat labor cost of $200 for any repair with no alternatives or concern for me as a consumer. That is about half the cost of the camera. Stay away from Panasonic and try another brand.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Does not record very well in low light..
Review: I purchased this camera and returned it after a few days. It
is a general overall good camera with nice features. Outside
recording and indoor recording with ample light were great.
Indoor recording without a lot of lights on produced a grainy
picture. Not a bad one , but not as good as my old sony analog
8mm. I was disappointed, but for the price it was an ok camera.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: a fantastic mini-camcorder!
Review: I was looking for an inexpensive camcorder with high quality audio and video, digital download capabilities (i.e., miniDV), and good portability. I tried out numerous camcorders and read up on many more, and I eventually settled on the Panasonic PVDV103. The first distinguishing feature is that it's seriously SMALL -- noticeably smaller than the comparable models from Canon and JVC. It fits really well in the palm of my average-sized hand, and most the controls then just fall naturally under the fingers. As a result, it's a pleasure to use even for extended hand-held filmimng sessions. The audio is very clean, unlike the Canon ZR-series, and the video has wonderful, natural colors. Downloading an image via Firewire is easy and trouble-free. I only have three minor quibbles with this camcorder: 1) it doesn't have the Sony-style night vision capabilities for filming in dim or dark situations; 2) its optical zoom is 10X, which is good but not superb; and 3) its image stabilization isn't quite as solid as Canon's or Sony's. All in all, for the price (and even for hundreds more), I don't think there is a better all-around camcorder.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: a fantastic mini-camcorder!
Review: I was looking for an inexpensive camcorder with high quality audio and video, digital download capabilities (i.e., miniDV), and good portability. I tried out numerous camcorders and read up on many more, and I eventually settled on the Panasonic PVDV103. The first distinguishing feature is that it's seriously SMALL -- noticeably smaller than the comparable models from Canon and JVC. It fits really well in the palm of my average-sized hand, and most the controls then just fall naturally under the fingers. As a result, it's a pleasure to use even for extended hand-held filmimng sessions. The audio is very clean, unlike the Canon ZR-series, and the video has wonderful, natural colors. Downloading an image via Firewire is easy and trouble-free. I only have three minor quibbles with this camcorder: 1) it doesn't have the Sony-style night vision capabilities for filming in dim or dark situations; 2) its optical zoom is 10X, which is good but not superb; and 3) its image stabilization isn't quite as solid as Canon's or Sony's. All in all, for the price (and even for hundreds more), I don't think there is a better all-around camcorder.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Buyer beware
Review: If you purchase this product, I hope you are completely satisfied. It is my opinion that the reliability of Panasonic products has slipped in recent years, and this was confirmed to me when a product I purchased quickly failed. The reason I'm posting this is to warn you that the warranty that accompanies Panasonic products only has value if the company chooses to stand behind it. In my case, they weaseled out of it, leaving me with a total loss and no further recourse. Good luck with your decision.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Stay Away
Review: Panasonic makes a great DV. I'm on my second one. The video quality is solid. The import to the PC works well. They have been reliable. Nice and light. Everything you'd want.

The only downside in my experience on my prior Panasonic was it broke after about a year of fairly frequent use. Their service policy is a flat $250 charge to fix it, regardless of the problem. That was about half the price of the unit new, which seems out of line.

Otherwise, if it doesn't break, great unit.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Great DV's from Panasonic
Review: Panasonic makes a great DV. I'm on my second one. The video quality is solid. The import to the PC works well. They have been reliable. Nice and light. Everything you'd want.

The only downside in my experience on my prior Panasonic was it broke after about a year of fairly frequent use. Their service policy is a flat $250 charge to fix it, regardless of the problem. That was about half the price of the unit new, which seems out of line.

Otherwise, if it doesn't break, great unit.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Dew Warning a common problem
Review: Purchased this item two months ago. I used it four times and now it shows a "dew detected" warning. The camera then shutdown and no longer works. I did some research and found this is a common problem, not only with this model, but several other Panasonic products. The problem is due to a detective module that Panasonic uses and the only way to fix it is a repair bill of $150. I have tried several times to contact Panasonic, but have received no response. Until Panasonic upgrades their parts and customer service I would buy elsewhere.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: PVDV103
Review: The PVDV103 is a Great camcorder. It is compact and records in high quality.


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