If you're looking for a knockout camcorder, we recommend the Panasonic PV-DV910. With its high-resolution digital format, ultra-compact size, and large selection of useful features, the Panasonic PV-DV910 is our camcorder dream machine. It's a good choice for both home users who want the highest quality audio/video and professionals who want high-end editing capabilities.
The Panasonic PV-DV910 isn't much bigger than a point-and-shoot still camera, yet it packs plenty of punch when it comes to recording. It uses the MiniDV format, which gives you over 380 lines of horizontal resolution and lets you download and edit video on your PC (although you do have to purchase a 1394-compliant video capture card separately).
The Panasonic PV-DV910 was a pleasure to use. Once we got the hang of the menu wheel, utilizing the host of advanced features was a snap. We particularly enjoyed the wide range of digital effects, from strobe-like recording and negative, sepia, or solarized effects to the multiple fade-in/fade-out options. The Panasonic PV-DV910 also takes still shots--up to 750 on a tape--along with a portion of audio. This is a great feature if you have a video capture card and don't want to buy an additional still digital camera.
The 3-inch color LCD viewfinder was big, bright, and clear. It swivels a complete 180 degrees, allowing you to tape yourself or let your subjects see themselves as you record. The Panasonic PV-DV910's 18x optical zoom gave us sharp, clear close-ups, and its amazing 300x digital zoom let us in on extremely far-away action--just be aware that video detail decreases with high digital magnification. We found the PV-DV910's electronic image stabilization helpful in events with fast action or when we were mobile ourselves.
One of the Panasonic PV-DV910's best features is its ability to dub audio onto a prerecorded tape. In addition to being able to replace the original soundtrack with new audio, you can also layer a new soundtrack on top of the old one--a great feature for adding background music or commentary. We also found the Panasonic PV-DV910's included light useful for shooting at night or in dimly lit areas.
Overall, the Panasonic PV-DV910 was both easy to use and offered a great range of fun and useful features.
Pros:
- High-quality digital video and audio
- Large, bright LCD screen
- High-powered optical and digital zooms
- Two-track audio dubbing
Cons:
- More expensive than most nondigital camcorders
1 Not bad, but needs improvement
I bought this camera after reading lot of reviews. This is the first video camera that I have bought. Few things which PV-DV910 lacks is that it does not come with any software so as to edit the Digital Video in the PC, no firewire cables - even though it has IEEE1394 port for transfer. Eventhough it says 300x digital zoom, the system does not go beyond 36x. The performance is very poor in low lighting. Out door in normal sunlight, it is great. Overall not too happy for the money that I paid for it.
2 Panasonic PV-DV910 Digital Palmcorder
The key features I liked - So small and light to carry around - The photos taken using the "photo shot" (transferred to PC using ATI pro TV card) are really so clear - excellent price (paid $750)
I recommend this camcorder for every one.
3 Very Good Product
I got this camera as a christmas gift and have been using it 1-2 hours per week since then with no problems. I also purchased a firewire editor (studio dv) and it works great with the PV 910 allowing titles, sound effects, non linear editing and much more. I love the light included with the camera and the size/weight. I highly recommend it.
4 Great When it Works - If It Works
Beware! I'm not as unlucky with this as some others. Thecamera worked great through my wedding and honeymoon. After that it'sbeen all downhill. I've spent the better part of the last yearsending my camera back and forth to Panasonic. Customer Service is the biggest oxymoron possible here. I've now got one more problem--my AC adapter died. Panasonic wants $150 for a new one, and it's backordered for 3 months. It's time for Sony. If you do buy this product the EXTENDED WARRANTY IS A MUST. You will use it, I guarantee it. I only wshi I knew that when I got mine.
5 My first Camcorder
This is my first day to carry my first camcorder in my two hands.It fits in your hand just like if it is made for you.So small in size but, unbelivable in it's features. The photos are really so clear and the Zoom is great. Also that small Light in the top is useful and add some beauty to the camera.It is completly can't not be compared with Sony camcorders that are so unflexible and weak.I really recommand this cam for every one, beginners or profesionals. Hope you will enjoy it.
6 Panasonic service
I have had my Panasonic PV-DV910 only three weeks when it accidentally fell on a hard floor and the camcorder stoped working. I was very concerned since nothing seemed to work and I promptly sent it to the Panasonic repair center in Illinois. I thought that it would be quite expensive to have the camera repaired and that the warranty would not cover it since it was my fault that the camcorder broke. To my surprise, the camera was returned to me in less than 3 weeks, repaired, at no charge. I didn't even pay for S&H. Panasonic returned the camcorder to me in time for Christmas and New Year. Panasonic repair center deserves 5 stars for an outstanding service! As far as the camera is concerned, I love it. I did a lot of investigation prior to deciding on this particular model. For the price, this camera is an outstdanding choice, with great digital resolution and great features.
7 Excellent Camera!
This is my first camera I have ever owned and it is the perfect machine. At first I had trouble with it. The LCD screen after two weeks of owning it went white. I called amazon.com and they were terrifc to me! They sent another out right away and I recived it within a few days. I have had no trouble sice with my new one. I would recomend this camera because of the iLink. Thats the main reason I bought it. I also got a iMac DV special addition and it works very wll with my camera. This camera is a must!
8 Good Value for beginners and semi-experienced
I have sporadically used camcorders in the past, and with the birth of my first son I decided to invest in a dv camcorder to relay videos back to the grandparents. I purchased two camcorders to compare them, one being the DV910, the other a JVC GRDVM-50u. After two weeks of using these two, I liked the DV910 due to it's ease of use, it's larger lcd and it's "feel' as a camcorder. It is easily twice the size of the JVC, but it isn't large at all for being a camcorder. And the "light" that comes with the unit is handy too. It doesn't have as many digital effects as some of the other camcorders on the market, but enough to keep my amature self busy and happy for a long time. My one disappointment in the unit is the lack of the iLink or Firewire cable to do the DV download to the computer. Panasonic lists one in the manual for $. The JVC actually came with software and two other cables for connection to a PC, but it too lacked the iLink cable.
Overall, I would say my experiences with the Panasonic DV910 have been positive, and would recommend one anyone looking to get into DV Camcorders.
9 poor repair service
When my camera was 4 months old, it malfunctioned. Per instructions, I checked the error code, recorded the code and sent for repair. The response was frustrating to say the least, I would assume an error code would give an indication of the region of problem since there are a series of codes. However, the response is a clerical person calling to get authorization for a blanket charge of $295 plus shipping to even look at the camera. There is no refund if the problem proves simple to repair. I will not take another chance on needing Panasonic service for future equipment purchases.
10 Good mini-dv camcorder
I've been using my camcorder for several months. I work in TV and use professional Panasonic gear everyday. This format is very similar to the professional format we use for field production and playing programs on air. The video quality is excellent as are the features. The menu is easy and straightforward. The camcorder does lack the ability to title but I never used that feature on my old VHS anyway. The only complaint I have about this model is the CCD is not as light sensitive as I would have expected for a consumer model. The camera is equipped with a hot shoe light and you will need it in low light situations. Other than that, this is a great little camcorder from a good company.
11 Good camera but could use some improvements.
I've had the camera for about a month now and for the most part I am please with it. There are however, serveral design flaws that are annoying.
1. The auto shutoff. It should be user selectable. The support rep I spoke with said it was to preserve the video head and tape mechanism, not to mention the battery life.
2. There is no video titling!
3. You cannot access the menus while in record mode.
There are a few more but you get the idea.
It's still a nice camera.
12 Very Nice...
I just got this camcorder a week ago, and I have been using it constantly. This camcorder is very small and weighs about a pound. A common complaint about the camcorder is the fact that the tape loads from the bottom but I don't find it to be very inconvenient. I found that the digital zoom is great up to about 36X but as with almost every camcorder the picture loses quality and gets shaky as you zoom in some more. The camera does shut itself off after 5 minutes (during recording, not playback). A previous comment stated that it takes quite a while to turn the camera back on after this, but I timed my own camera and it took 3 seconds, which is no time at all. Overall I've had a great week with this camera and I am not disappointed at all.
13 Great product
this camcorder has some wonderful features and the 300X digital zoom is great! also, the included light is very convenient for low-light filming and nightshooting. there are many special effects which i have yet to use, but its nice to know that they are there if i need them. the still-shot camera is great too. its nice to be able to email pictures to family and friends. this camcorder is very light and compact, and the resolution is great.
14 Reluctant to recommend
10 days into using the camera on a vacation it locked up and had to be repaired. Panasonic refused to replace the camera. I now have a repaired camera for the price of a new one.
15 Attention indie film makers!
I am currently using this camera to make a documentary with a friend and it is serving our needs quite well. The ditigal tapes can be transferred to 16 mm film for a minor expense compared to filming and editing with 16mm. This will be a revolution for anyone wanting to do film projects!
16 Wonderful camcorder
I found that the resolution of the camcorder was much better than anyone I have ever used. The size was perfect and it fit in my hand, just as they said it would. I purchased the optional 3 hour battery and can shoot all day. I highly reccommend this camcorder to anyone who wants to take great video
17 Excellent starter camcorder
I recently purchased this camcorder to record my 10-month old as she grows up. After doing a lot of research I settled on this one. I've been happy with it ever since. You can get better camcorders, but not at this price. If you don't want to pay the premium for the Sony name, then this is a great choice.
18 Panasonic support
I was tring to get suport for their staff before this one was no surprise you will never get anything from them if something will mulfunctions It will be probably easier to but something else.
19 First Video Camera that we use
Got the camera for my wife at Xmus. We both love it for the following reasons:
1) Battery life is great. It is always available unlike our old video camera. This is due to Lithium vs Nicad batteries.
2) Lightweight and relatively compact. Of course we would like it smaller - but the next step up cost another $600. This is pretty good and my wife likes the screen.
I have to admit - I don't understand the reviews regarding the battery life or quality unless it is an old model. The model I bought at Xmus is GREAT!!!
20 It's too tough for an amateur
I upgraded from a Sony Hi8 to take on a trip through Europe. I had lots of problems because it always shuts off automatically. My old Sony did the same but could reboot in jus ta few seconds. This one takes forever so you have to be "timing" when you want a good shot. Plus the batteries seemed to drain really fast.
21 No comparison to SONY DCR-TR7000 @ $656.95
New Digital8 Video Recording Up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution Video8/Hi8 Playback New 20x Optical/360x Digital Zoom New NightShot with Slow Shutter 0 lux up to 10 feet away using the built-in infrared system LaserLinkTM Wireless Transmitter with TV Control Wireless connection between your camera and TV, up to 16 feet (requires optional IFT-R10 receiver.) TV Control will power your TV on, and set it to the proper video input (most Sony TVs with Remote Control capability) Steadyshot¨ Picture Stabilization i.LINKTM DV Interface (IEEE1394) Edit, Dub, Archive, or Playback between two digital components (bi-directional). Photo Mode: Store hundreds of individual still images on the tape. 7 Mode Program AE: Lesson Mode, Spotlight Mode, Beach and Ski Mode, Landscape Mode, Sunset and Moon Mode, and Low Lux. Advanced Color Viewfinder Intelligent Accessory Shoe Digital Effects: Still, Flash Motion, Luminance Key, Slow Shutter, Trail, Old Movie 8 Picture Effects Slim, Stretch, Mosiac, SSolarization, Monotone, Sepia, Neg. Art, Pastel Fader Effects: Black, Mosaic, Bounce, Monotone, Overlap New Analog Recording Capability Record from an analog source and converts to digital video through A/V inputs. Imaging Device 1/4" Color CCD 460k pixels Focusing Full Range Inner Focus-Auto/Manual Shutter Speed 1/60 - 1/4000 (In AE Mode) Viewfinder Color 113K pixels Accessory Shoe Yes-Intelligent Video/Audio Recording System Digital Component Helical Scan System Audio/Video Outputs Yes (Phono - Stereo) Audio/Video INputs Yes (Phono - Stereo) S-VIDEO IN/OUT: Yes External MIC Input Yes (Stereo Plug-in Power) Headphone Jack Yes (Stereo) Control L (LANC) Yes White Balance Auto Exposure Auto/Manual (Dial)
22 Troublesome Camcorder
I found the PV-DV 910 to be rather touchy. The heads need to be cleaned often and the battery pak drains when not in use.
23 Nothing but problems.
I bought one of these cameras to film a once in a lifetime, 3 month Central American vacation. I figured I'd spend the extra money and get the high quaiity offered by digital video. I literally filmed 5 minutes of my vacation when the camera malfunctioned. A warning told me that I need to get the heads cleaned. Now Im no camera expert, but Im also not an idiot. Video heads generally work for more than 5 minutes before requiring service. I figured I could simply contact Panasonic and have them send me a head cleaning cassette in the mail. I may lose a week or two of filming, but at least I'd get the bulk of the vacation. I called the customer service number in the owners manual and asked for help. I'd like to say I got it, but I didnt. So I called again, and again........ Every time I called I was greeted by a different service person who had no way of connecting me with the person I'd spoked to before. The only thing they all seemed to have in common was a lack of compassion and no sense of urgency whatsoever. I was told all kinds of reasons for why my camera didnt work and offered no real help. You see there is only one service center for the PV DV 110 on the face of the planet. If you (I mean when) have problems with your camera, you will have to send it to THE service center. I dont need to explain that this is a slow process. That is why I opted for my only other choice, the cleaning head. Long story short, I orderd one, they sent me the wrong one and told me it was my fault. If I had it to do over again, Id buy a Sony. Panasonic doesnt care.
24 Does it all, and does it well
We bought a top Sony analog model last year as a gift, when digital cameras were just coming out. When we went shopping for ourselves, this one blew the Sony away on all fronts.
It's smaller, lighter, easier to use, has a color viewfinder (which is SO much better outdoors where things like flowers just seem to vanish in black and white) and the digital interface is tremendous. Digital gives you a 300x zoom that only a Private Investigator could love but the optical zoom is very, very good. The best part about digital, though, is that it give you a tiny tape (we backpack) and an interface to your PC that is absolutely tremendous.
Using the "fire wire" interface to the PC works flawlessly. I bought a PC card that Panasonic recommended (mine came from "Radius") and I was instantly hooked. I can capture any image from the videotape, even a single frame from a moving picture, and turn it into a digital snapshot. It's a terrific software/hardware add-on, almost a MUST if you buy a digital vidcam. No, it won't replace film for this purpose - it's still too grainy to hang on the wall - but for sending a photo of the kids by email it's wonderfully easy and addictively fun.
Do try to find a spare battery, though - any Vidcam with a TV screen eats up electrons. The spare is "big" only in the sense of run-time, by the way - it's still smaller than a "C" battery. This is a very compact camera in every way but functionality.
25 A good product, with some drawbacks
I was quite excited to acquire the PV-DV910, until I discovered 2 major "problems": the camera has no input device (i.e., if you want to translate your VHS into digital, tough luck), and most ridiculous, the unit shuts off every few (short!!!) minutes, so that when you record, and stop for a while, waiting for the best shot, the camera shuts off automatically, and by the time you reboot, you have lost a valuable shot.
26 photos are poor quality
This camera boasts 380 lines res but they "forget" to say that it is interlaced. That means that each frame has 190 lines of resolution. This is the standard for TV. Printing 190 lines image is almost worse than sketching by hand!
When you pause your VCR you are actually looking at 2 frames (190+190=380 lines). This is great for video. Some fancy software can merge 2 frames into 1 image to get 380 lines BUT if your image moves (or your hand when taking the picture) then you get a terrible image.
My experience... If you want to print the images get a progressive scan video cammera (Cannon Elura, Optura or one Sony model). Otherwise quality is great!
