Camcorder info?...

[Mark_H]

I can get this Panasonic Camcorder, Model PV-DV103, brand new for $200. Seems like a sweet deal, anbody have any info, experience with Panasonic Camcorders? I may pick it up when I get taxes back.
Thanks for any info.
http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/images/models/pv-dv103.jpg

PV-DV103
Digital Palmcorder® MultiCam™ Camcorder with 2.5" diag. Color LCD Monitor

MSRP $449.95

[exciv2000]

zoom both optical and digital? megapixels?

[Mark_H]

zoom both optical and digital? megapixels?

Hi Def Zoom 10x
Digital Zoom 700x

Not sure on the megapixels, takes digital still pictures too.

[LeonZ]

I have had good luck with Panasonic Camcorders, they are good quality. It should have a warranty and you can't go wrong with this price. Plus, there is always eBay if you don't like it.

[exciv2000]

yeah, sounds like a good cam. The mexapixels is for the movies too since it uses digital tape. I have a JVC and love it although I hardly ever use it... bought it for our honeymoon and that was pretty much the last time I used it.

[preludeshfan]

i think a good video camera has more to do with the type of video tape it uses than the lens appratus. i have a sony digital Hi-8 supposed to be pretty good and i have been very pleased with it on the rare 3-4 times i had been used in the last 3 years. i suppose i should have decided if the usage it would get would justify the price to buy it.

[Robie]

The minimum things you want in a camcorder are. . .

1. The highest Optical Zoom. . .the digital zoom on every camcorder is worthless, unless you like looking at colored blocks flickering--good for envoking a seizure.

2. Image Stabilization. You will be glad you did. It makes all of your videos look a lot more professional, and keeps people from getting motion sickness.

3. Night Shot/Low Lux - Just trust me on this one. . .

Believe it or not, you will never use any of the other beeps and whistles that it came with. The ones with digital cameras built in them are nice, but I would recommend saving the cash and getting a digital camera separately if that is all you want it for.

But then again for $200, that sounds like a steal, so I would go for it, especially if this is your first one.

Robie

[john]

What format tape does it use? I shopped around a LOT before I got my canon miniDV camcorder.

And echo what Robie said - digital zoom is a joke. And the built in still camera functionality - at least on mine - sucks.