Panasonic PVDV52 MiniDV Digital Camcorder w/ 2.5" Color LCD

Offering high-resolution digital video, high-quality digital still images and PC interoperability, the new Panasonic Palmcorder MultiCam digital camcorders combine fun and function for beginners and accomplished videographers alike. The PV-DV52 can record still pictures on DV tape. More than just a camcorder, every new model features the built-in PhotoShot digital still camera feature, letting consumers enjoy two ways to capture their memories in a single, compact package: digital video and digital still photos. With more PC-friendly features than ever, the new digital camcorders are ready for a variety of multimedia applications, and can also easily serve as web cameras for home videoconferencing. It includes PhotoVu Link with an RS-232 serial connection. All models feature an i.LINK IEEE 1394 PC interface, making it easy to download digital recordings (still images and moving pictures) to computers where they can be edited, included in e-mail messages or used in the creation of web sites.The PV-DV52 features a high-quality 680K CCD and 2.5" color LCD monitor.

And the battery--which lasted a little over an hour--charges separately from the camera, which makes it easier to have a backup fully charged.

For the price, the Panasonic PV-DV52 allows for high-quality video recording without requiring a big investment. It does offer a serial connection, but that is only for transferring still images, as moving video via a serial connection would be akin to draining a lake with a stirring straw.

Some of Panasonic's more expensive MiniDV camcorders offer a 3.5-inch LCD, but the 2.5-inch color LCD of the PV-DV52 proved large enough for average use. The image stabilization feature of the PV-DV52 worked well, keeping our frame steady even during one-handed filming.

The PV-DV52 will capture still images as well, but only at 640 x 480 resolution. It's a great starter camcorder for a family on a budget. --J. Curtis

Pros:

• Light and compact
• Sharp video image
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• No storage card for stills
• Lower optical zoom

Panasonic's low-end MiniDV camcorder, the PV-DV52, doesn't have all of the features of its pricier siblings--like a zoom mic or a larger LCD--but it does capture high-quality video in a light, tight package.

Although its 10x optical zoom is lower than other camcorders, it still provides a close-up image for average recording, and a hefty 700x digital zoom capability as well. The PV-DV52 also offers some nice features for low-light recording (although not for no-light recording), including the MagicPix digital enhancement mode and a built-in light with a 10-foot range.

Tapes eject from the top of the PV-DV52, allowing you to keep the camera on an optional tripod when popping in a new tape. It also stores images to tape, which sometimes makes them difficult to locate in order to transfer them to PC.

Speaking of transferring, you'll need a FireWire port to move video and stills over at high speed, as the camera doesn't include USB connectivity.

RCA connections are used for direct viewing on a television or VHS dubbing.

MiniDV Format MiniDV digital technology delivers clear, sharp video with up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution--far superior to the 240 lines of resolution offered by 8mm camcorders. Casual video users will be pleased with the 2.5-inch LCD screen, 10x optical zoom, digital still capability, and a built-in video light.

Lens With an optical zoom magnification of 10x, the DV52 also has a digital zoom, which works by electronically enhancing the optical image, and can magnify the picture up to 700 times. Digital camcorders have finally reached both a level of both technological sophistication and affordability, and Panasonic's PV-DV52 is prime example. A MiniDV tape offers digital recording time of two full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD. You'll also get minimal color noise interference for a more stable picture.

Using Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) technology, Panasonic's MiniDV camcorders provide pristine sound. The digital image stabilization system keeps the picture steady and solid throughout zooms and camera shakes.

Digital Stills The camcorder has a mode called progressive photo shoot, so that images captured will not have the jagged lines of interlaced video and instead come out clear and undistorted.

Inputs and Outputs The DC252 comes with the standard DV IEEE 1394 port (also known as FireWire) for a super-fast, lossless connection to a PC or other DV machines. Choose from 12-bit or 16-bit audio recording modes.

• 16-bit audio includes a set of stereo audio tracks to produce CD-quality sound.
• 12-bit audio utilizes two sets of audio tracks so you can easily add background music or commentary into your videos while maintaining the existing soundtrack.

This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape.