Rating: 
Summary: Small, [inexpensive], Good
Review: The old programming expression is "Fast, [Inexpensive], and Good: Choose two.". That can be extended to camcorders by changing it to "Small, [inexpensive], and Good: Choose two.".However, the PVDC252 manages lets you choose all three. It is relatively [inexpensive], quite small, and very good. You can get smaller cameras (but not much), [inexpensive]cameras, and better cameras, but this one is a nice compromise between all three. Size: It is smaller than my digital camera. Fits perfectly in your palm (hence 'palmcorder'), which makes it very easy to hold steady, unlike many of the smaller models. Despite its small size, the controls are fairly easy to use, with the exception of the 'menu' button, which is awkward to hit one-handed. I'm not quite sure how they manage to fit the minidv tape in there! Quality: Image quality seems fine. Perhaps a little washed out on cloudy days, but this is not a surprise using any camera. Audio quality is EXCELLENT. Using the built in microphone on a fairly windy day, a person standing several feet away from the camera talking in a soft voice is perfectly audible. There is NO tape mechanism noise, which seems to be problem with other cameras in this price range. Cost: If you pay more for a camera, you would get either 1) smaller size (not necessarily a good thing, this guy is small enough), or 2) Better image quality. You probably wouldn't notice much difference in image quality, unless you stepped up to one of the 'prosumer' cameras that'll set you back a couple thousand or so. My only gripes are the somewhat clunky menu system (however, it's not really necessary for day-to-day operation), the slow tape eject mechanism (not so bad considering that they probably need to rearrange space and time to fit the tape in the camera), and the somewhat awkward position of the various plugs, a common problem on all small cameras. Bottom line: Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Great ultra-compact DvCam
Review: The PVDC252 wasn't really on my list for Christmas as I was eyeing vetical-type Dvcams, specifically the JVC GRDVM76U. Then I happen to see the PVDC252 in an electronics store and it really caught my attention. The 'silver barrelled' lens looked really nice, plus the cold shoe attachment, and of course the price caught my attention. It had everything the JVC had, only that it is in the traditional 'horizontal' design. I played around with the unit and it grew on me quite quick. I did final research and even looked up the Sony MicroMv DCRIP5, but I kept going back to the PVDC252. A full week before Christmas, I bought the PVDC252 - and I never looked back :-) The dvcam was really good for the price and yes, very compact (length-wise). It came with a lot of goodies (IR remote, wired remote, USB cable, charger/adaptor). Handling of the unit is simple and controls are wel within reach. The video output is quite exceptional and PC connectivity via Firewire is a snap (I used Adobe Premiere to capture my vids to my HD). Got an additional battery (Lenmar LIP120) as a backup. The main battery works just great too, giving 1hr+ of recording time. The LCD is clear and easy to view, while the viewfinder is also easy to use, despite being quite small. It also has a built-in speaker so you can hear audio while playing back your recorded movies on the unit. Secure Digital slot for taking snapshots - of course don't expect digital cam-quality images - it's still best to leave that to dedicated digital cameras and IMHO, the digital 'photoshot' features in DV camcorders is just an extra convenience, not a replacement for digital still cameras. Nevertheless, the photoshots are decent for email/electronic scrapbook purposes. :-) The zoom lens works smoothly and can be easily controlled. Audio pickup is very good. The camera feaures a 'zoom mic' too, which allows you to zoom in the audio in the same location you are zooming your view. And the wind cut feature is good to help mask wind noise while recording. And one thing very noticeable (or not noticeable) is that no motor noise gets recorded in (unlike some Canon models). Conclusion: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - worth the price! And get a good dvcam bag with it (the Case Logic DVC-30 Camcorder case fits very well, check it out here in Amazon's listing).
Rating:
Summary: Small but Mighty
Review: This is the coolest camcorder I have ever seen. It took me a while to figure out what all it can do, but it's truly remarkable. It's nice that it comes with two controllers one that's a tethered remote and the other one has every button that you can possibly think of. The wireless controller is really nice because if you want to video tape yourself then all you have to do is put the PVDC252 on a tripod, turn the LCD screen towards you and press record on the controller. I haven't used it on the computer yet, because I haven't had the chance yet. It's also cool that you can record still pictures on the tape or on a memory card it comes with. The only two things that aren't as great, is that the software isn't editing software for videos and the eye piece you look into is so small there's not point. All in all this is remarkable little gadget. It's kind of funny when you eject the Mini DV tape out because you see the whole inside of the camcorder itself. This camcorder is a little pricy by itself and for the Mini DV tapes, but it's worth it. (I didn't order from this site though. I found it cheaper somewhere else. Hint: shop around online a lot before you buy this product)
Rating:
Summary: Small but Mighty
Review: This is the coolest camcorder I have ever seen. It took me a while to figure out what all it can do, but it's truly remarkable. It's nice that it comes with two controllers one that's a tethered remote and the other one has every button that you can possibly think of. The wireless controller is really nice because if you want to video tape yourself then all you have to do is put the PVDC252 on a tripod, turn the LCD screen towards you and press record on the controller. I haven't used it on the computer yet, because I haven't had the chance yet. It's also cool that you can record still pictures on the tape or on a memory card it comes with. The only two things that aren't as great, is that the software isn't editing software for videos and the eye piece you look into is so small there's not point. All in all this is remarkable little gadget. It's kind of funny when you eject the Mini DV tape out because you see the whole inside of the camcorder itself. This camcorder is a little pricy by itself and for the Mini DV tapes, but it's worth it. (I didn't order from this site though. I found it cheaper somewhere else. Hint: shop around online a lot before you buy this product)
| 
