The stylish Panasonic e-wear SVAV30 (Silver) combines a digital video recorder, digital still camera, digital audio player (with new SD-Jukebox software), and a digital voice recorder into one ultra-compact package. This palm-sized camcorder features a user-friendly interface and improved video resolution over its predecessor, the SVAV10. The SVAV30 also offers a docking station for recording and viewing footage on a television.
The new user-friendly interface makes recording easy, without having to scroll through menus. The SVAV30 features enhanced picture quality with an MPEG4 frame rate (15 frames per second) for video and 640 x 480 resolution for JPEG still images. A swiveling 2-inch LCD screen and two record buttons allow you to shoot comfortably with the unit in either the horizontal or vertical position. A new 2x digital zoom helps bring subjects into closer view.
The SVAV30 includes a built-in flash for taking digital still pictures in low-light situations. A built-in USB interface makes it easy to transfer music from a PC to an SD Memory Card for playback, while the included SD Jukebox software provides a simple way to catalog and save numerous digital music files in a single database on a PC. The SVAV30 is compatible with the MP3 and AAC formats. A built-in speaker lets users listen to any recorded audio.
Improving on its counterpart, the SVAV20, the SVAV30 features a unique A/V docking station that connects to a TV for viewing video and still images, or to a VCR for recording favorite TV programs and viewing them on the go. The docking station also includes a built-in battery recharger to power up the player.
- 64 MB Secure Digital memory card
- Weighs just 3.25 ounces
- 2-inch LCD screen
- Software includes SD Jukebox 3.0 and SD MovieStage 2.0
- Compatibility with Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, and XP
- Packaged with AC adapter, USB and A/V cables, handstrap, carrying case, remote control with earphones, and rechargeable battery
The Digital Tapeless Format
Tapeless camcorders make use of the compression power of the MPEG-4 file format (often called the MP3 of video) to allow you to record directly to memory cards, dispensing with the need for tapes altogether. They may require slightly more computer savvy than other formats, but are more user-friendly than you might expect and allow for the most compact camcorder body sizes ever made.
1 Very Poor Warranty Support
Before you buy Panasonic, check out their customer service number at (800) 221-7262. My experience with Panasonic Customer Service is very poor starting with an average of 26 minute wait times (6 attempts). I bought a Panasonic SVA V30 that had a internal battery charger problem. After waiting for someone at the Panasonic call center to answer, I was referred to All Electronics Services in Bozeman, Montana for warranty repair. I sent the camera to them in April. In June I spoke with Josh there who said he was working on my repair after he had all the accessories. In July, Josh told me they sent the camera to Panasonic and he would check the status. In August, Josh told me All Electronics was no longer working on this camera, that there were many problems with it, that they had 20 bad returns and that Panasonic had returned my camera back to All Electronics. He indicated he was sending me the camera back without repair and told me I had to deal with Panasonic.
After several long waits, Panasonic told were checking the problem and that they needed their rep to see if the camera could be repaired. Bottom line is I still do not have the camera. Panasonic may make good cameras but their customer support is terrible. Their customer service reps were rude and indignant that I was bothering them with my problem.
2 VERY GOOD
this is the coolest thing you get four great things in one, although i cant print out the pictures because my mom lost the product key
a retard could figure this out it's so easy,but if you are going to buy this buy an extra card for recording because they dont hold very much. well, you should still buy this because instead of buying those expensive video camera, or mp3 players, or digital cameras it's all in one and VERY COOL
3 A great gizmo, a substandard camera
I really wish I had read some of the reviews before buying this camera. It is small, has tons of features, and is really fast, not to mention makes everybody around you, strangers or not, stop to look at it and ask questions. But the pictures it takes are just not a high enough quality to make it worth it. You could buy a cell phone that can play mp3's and take pictures as good as this camera, and thats a phone too. The zoom was terrible and lost all focus when used, and the mp3 player would be cool if there weren't so many restrictions on how to get music on there. All in all, I was really excited to receive, and really disappointed as soon as I tried to print my pictures, so I returned the product.
4 Not bad at all! Recommended.
When reading these reviews prior to purchase, I got nervous that I would recieve a piece of garbage that didn't live up to the curiousity surrounding it.
I was wrong!
This is a great gadget for on the go, making home movies, anything. When taking a picture, if you are too close with the flash on, all you will see is a flash of white light. Just don't take it less than 1-2 feet away from the object.
I was very impressed with the video aspect. The sound was very impressive and I was able to watch the videos immediately after taking them, and the picture quality is impressive considering how small this is.
Overall, I'm really glad I bought this. The voice recorder is reliable, I haven't checked the Audio player, but I mostly bought it for three out of four purposes. It is absolutely worth it, especially to slip in your pocket and make videos/take pictures on the go.
TIP: The SV-AV30 comes with a 64MB Memory Card. If you are planning to use this full-time, or are taking this on a trip, buy an additional card. 64MB is really not a lot of room, especially if you will be using all of the options offered (Voice/Audio/Camera/Video). The memory cards are somewhat expensive, but if you invest in a high MB card, it will last you for a while.
5 NOT Worth it
Sorry guys... I saw this gizmo and thought as many do.."wow.. a video camera and digital camera in one and in a small package" (I didn't really care about the mp3 player and voice recorder).
I was/am willing to sacrifice some quality because of the size but this thing is ridiculous. Unless you are in DIRECT sunlight taking a picture of something 2 feet in front of you then this thing is worse than anything I can imagine (and even then the pictures are terrible).
The video camera recording/reproduction is useless...I have never got a decent recording.
If you have to use the flash (which seems like all the time) then all you get is bright white pictures.
I can't express how disappointed I was with this product. A friend of mine just got a digital camera for 25% the price and the pictures are 10 times the quality and it is only slightly bigger than this.
The only positive things I could say is that it is a great conversation starter at bars..etc.. since it is a cool package and draws a lot of attention (but dont try actually show it off by using it because it is pathetic) and that the software isnt "terrible" (although has failed to work a couple of times on XP but pretty solid for the most part).
My opinion---a waste of money--novelty wears off after 24 hours and then you look at what you have which is picture quality 10 times worse than a picture booth and a video camera that you can't use.
6 pretty cool
Sure - its not 3 megapixels and not regular handycam...but, it is exactly what it is advertised to be. Very cool. I'm glad I bought it. A 512 flash card will record an hour of video at the highest quality, which is plenty considering you can always carry more than one with you.
I bought a flash card reader to go with it which makes it easy to connect to your recorded stuff as if it were a drive on your PC. The process for importing MP3's is a bit odd, but works fine. Make sure you read the manual. Battery life is good.
Like many others have said, if you want to take pictures to print and hang on the wall - look elsewhere. If you want to have something that you can slip in your shirt pocket so that you dont miss moments that you otherwise might, this little doodad is perfect.
7 Versatility is the word to describe it
If you're all about media quality this is not your major choice, this gadget do some of recording and playing media (jpg, mpg4/asf, voice and mp3) but it won't do the best recording or playing of one type of media. If you're all about getting snaps of everyday moments without warning everybody around with a bulky device, maybe it is one of yor choices. The mp3 part is not for ripping anything that sounds, it is designed to avoid piracy and you have to own the surce media. Excellent battery performance and kit of accesories. Good manufacturer software including USB driver. Regular design of lens location, anyone who is not the owner will put their greasy finger on it.
8 Great little gizmo
This is a great little stealth camera for snapping shots for blogging or other purposes, and the mpeg video capture is pretty simple to operate. I don't like that the audio player function seems to not work with anything other than their proprietary format, so putting audio onto these for listening isn't as simple as it is with the legacy audio players.
The software works well, was easy to configure, and the overall product is a five star.
9 Awesome digital camera
This is my first digital camera and I absolutely adore it. The best feature is the swiveling display which allows you to take pictures of anything and always see the display, no more guessing games. It's really easy to download the pictures to a computer and it is just a good investment. I recommend this camera to anyone who's thinking of switching to digital. It also has a built in camcorder, voice recorder, and able to store music files. And it fits in your palm! An awesome buy!
10 Great gadget, great size
I was looking for something small I could carry in a pack or a pocket. This gadget fits the bill. It's so tiny and cool to use, people are always astonished when they see it. It's useful for taking quick pictures and short videos (the resolution isn't great but it's good enough for email and web pix). The MP3 player is a great bonus. I use it to listen to audiobooks. I would highly reccommend it for anyone looking for a small multi-use gadget. It will never replace my Canon digital camera but it's a nice extra.
11 Good enough bang for the buck [UPDATED]
UPDATE: The unit is absolutely flawed in that it cannot play mp3's in native format directly from the SD card. You MUST use the enclosed software to transfer a music file to the unit, and in doing so it "locks" the mp3 file on your system. This is NOT acceptable in a unit that is advertised as an mp3 player. Calling customer service, they WILL NOT release firmware to allow direct MP3 play. Downgraded to 3 stars, because the video, still, and voice recorders are still very nice.
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
I pulled my SV-AV30 out of the box and mistook it for a battery. This thing is small- shorter and less hefty than my flip cell phone. It works like a charm, with all the functions advertised surrounded by a relatively intuitive GUI. My verdict is based on quite a few positives and several negatives:
Positives:
-The unit is very small, but with controls easy enough to use.
-Performs its functions smoothly, with transition between them very easy.
-LCD screen is very adequate considering the size of the unit.
-Microphone picks up sound from a subject ~3-4 ft away with no problem.
-Recording from, and playing back to a TV is relatively easy.
-Digital picture quality with flash is very nice.
-Video framerate is on the low end, but is more than adequate for intended purposes.
-Files are stored on the memory card in such a way that it is easy to pull them from the disk using a separate SD Card reader. File datestamps are accurate, which is very handy if you have a large number of files.
Negatives:
-The highest video quality is still too low to be viewed clearly on a larger TV. Video appears as blurry, although distinguishable, on my 27" TV.
-The unit won't register on your computer unless you have both the USB cable AND power cable plugged in. Because of this, I recommend buying an inexpensive USB-based SD Card reader (I suggest the Cruzer from SanDisk)
-No way to tell how full the memory card is until the camera gives a "Memory Full" message.
-Default position for holding the camera (the position at which the files will show the images as being upright and not upside down or rotated 90 degrees) is in a horizontal position, which is not nearly as comfortable as holding it vertically. It's easy enough to flip the images later, although it is somewhat inconvenient.
12 A good 4 in 1 product
I just received the panasonic sv-av30 5 days ago and I would just like to say that it holds up to 14 musics on a 64mb card with 4-5 minutes per song, the voice recorder is great it is able to recored voices up to 10 feet away, the picture is ok but if you use the zoom on the camera, when you upload the picture that you zoom in, it wout be that clear, i recomened not to zoom in on pictures you are going to take. The software that came with this is ok, it just has the basics, the mpeg4 video is ok, it's not that clear but able for you to recognize the person or thing. My final review is that it's GOOD not GREAT but GOOD this 4 in 1 camera, mp3 etc. is good if your on the go. You can bring it with you everywhere.....just in case something unexpected comes up while your walking or driving and you want to take a picture of it or want to record something.
13 Not the best out there
Ok, when I bought it the guy from the store (in Miami) told me that the picture quality was about 3MP which is a lie, If you want an mp3 player (I never used this function, so I don't know if it's good), with other functions this is for you, as a camera or a movie clip recorder is not very good, don't get me wrong I loved the size an the slick design but I was after a little more that a casual digital camera.
The still pictures are always blurry, and poor quality, it doesn't have red eye reduccion, the flash is very bad, I use to have a Sony DSC-P20 2MP an it had infinetly better picture quality, we had the camera for 2 months, and we had fun with it, but after a while we started to really get tired with the picture quality so I sold it to a friend that was marvelled with the size and funtions (SUCKER!!), if you want something more seriuos but with all the advantages except the mp3 player try looking into the Minolta Dimage Xt (very small, 3x optical zoom, and also records movies with sound),the Canon S230, Sony DSC-P72/P10 this cameras blow away the panasonic.
But if you want a gadget that happens to be small, plays mp3 and takes pictures keep this.
PROS:
Size, Design, Mp3 player, records movies as long as the memory card allows.
CONS:
Picture Quality, Flash, not very flexable in the camera settings.
14 The Coolest Gadget of Summer 2003
If you don't have an MP3 player, digital camera, digital voice recorder or digital video camera, this one device will do it all. If you have all those separate components, this baby is still great to have. Sure, the still and video camera don't have the resolution of the larger and pricier cameras, but hey, it fits in the palm of your hand with room to spare and weighs just a tad over two ounces. And you can pop it into its cradle and record video from an external source. The frame rate is only 15fps but I was still able to enjoy an episode of Seinfeld while waiting for a flight. And everybody who saw it had to know what it was and what it did.
15 A great all-in-one (almost) audio/video device
This has been a perfect buy for my wife and I. She wanted an easy-to-use, easy-to-carry digital camera. Well, I found exactly what she wanted, plus a digital camcorder (it records/plays MPEG4 clips), an audio recorder, and a MP3 player --all for the price of an entry-level digital camera!!
The video editing software that comes with this baby is not ideal, but it handles the basic tasks of viewing and deleting files. I also wish I could use the device as a webcam. But other than that, I've had so much fun with it, including recording instructions for my wife on how to use it!
