Panasonic PVDV53 MiniDV Palmcorder Multicam Camcorder with 2.5" LCD
by Panasonic
List Price:
Our Price: $99.95
You Save: $300.04 (75%)
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Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: PanasonicModel: PV-DV53
Product features:
- MiniDV camcorder with 10x optical and 700x digital zoom with electronic image stabilization
- 680K pixel resolution
- 2.5-inch color, swivel LCD, B&W viewfinder, cinema mode
- Digital still mode saves images to tape
- Connects to PCs and Macs via Firewire (IEEE1394); serial connection transfer for stills
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- AmazonBasics IEEE 1394 4-Pin/6-Pin FireWire Cable (6 Feet/1.8 Meters)
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Panasonic PVDV53 MiniDV Palmcorder Multicam Camcorder with 2.5" LCD
Customer Review: Excellent value.
Summary: 5 Stars
If you're looking for a digital camcorder you'll notice three classes of product. $300-$400, $400-$600, $600+. If you're looking to buy you might be suspicious of the less expensive models, you shouldn't. Most MiniDV camcorders under the thousand dollar price point have the same limitations the 680,000 CCD (690k) with 520 lines of horizontal resolution (this exceeds most non-digital camcorders by about x2), picture quality varies between units, but a lot of the high-end features you'll p[ay for have nothing to do with quality. It's more about compact size, ports (for S-Video, RCA, USB, etc..) and accessories (FireWire cable, PC software, etc...). The camcorders on the low-end (including the PAnasonic PDVDV53) share a lot of the same features: samller LCD (2.5" on all less than $500), limited optical zoom (only 10x), no FireWire able/software (and limited information on how to use this powerful feature). The postive thing about the less expensive models is the outstanding price. For me the high-end features (even things like 16x zoom) were overkill, so which one to get. I compared the PDDV52 with the JVC GDR30, the Samsung SCD23 and the Canon ZR60. I perfered the Panasonic for namely two reasons: 1. The Panasonic Dual D-EIS technology does an amazing job stabilizing the image (when its on the image is so still you'd swear the camera was on a tripod at all times) 2. With this camera I seldom have to use the light, it works amazingly well in normal indoor lighting. If you buy one definately check out the FireWire (aka IEEE 1394) output option, on these lower priced camcorders this is a little tucked away treasure waiting to be discovered. The feature lets you control your camcorder with your PC and download the video directly in, then you can edit away, add text and effects and burn to DVD+R or VCD. You can pay $50 or more for the card alone if you aren't careful; don't do that! Shop around on-line and you'll find a deal like this one: http://shop4.outpost.com/product/3506224 where you can get the IEEE 1394 adapter card, a cable and video editing software for less than twenty dollars.
Excellent value.
Description of Panasonic PVDV53 MiniDV Palmcorder Multicam Camcorder with 2.5" LCD
CL) MU) PANASONIC PV-DV53 MINI DVThe compact Panasonic PV-DV53 MiniDV camcorder is an affordable way to enter into the world of digital video. It features a 10x optical zoom, 700x digital zoom, built-in light, and 2.5-inch LCD.
Optics
The PV-DV53 offers a 680K pixel CCD providing crisp, sharp pictures. Shooting from far distances is no problem with the PV-DV73's 10x optical zoom and 700x digital zoom. With Panasonic's introduction of Dual D-EIS (digital electronic image stabilization), you can use this same technology in both the record and playback modes to remove additional jitter from previously recorded video.
Digital Stills
The PV-DV53 still can capture digital still images and store them on the MiniDV tape. You can then use Panasonic's PhotoVu serial connection to transfer images to your PC.
More Features
The cinema mode enables you to record video in wide screen mode, giving you a 16:9 aspect ratio that's the same as a movie screen. When played back on a television the result is dramatic looking cinema-like movies at home.
The picture-in-picture feature allows you to insert a previously taken digital still image into the video you're recording. The still image is taken using the PhotoShot digital still feature and appears on the right side of the video you're recording. The video and miniaturized still shot then appear together during playback
Other features include:
- 2.5-inch tiltable LCD screen.
- Electronic Image Stabilazation to correct camera shaking, giving you smooth and stable pictures.
Inputs and Outputs
The PV-DV53 comes with the standard DV IEEE 1394 port (also known as FireWire; Panasonic refers to this connection as iLink) for a super-fast, lossless connection to a PC or other DV machines.
MiniDV Format
MiniDV is the preferred format for personal and broadcast-quality video, highly regarded for its high audio and image quality. MiniDV delivers a 20 percent clearer picture than analog camcorder formats. This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. A MiniDV tape offers digital recording time of 2 full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD. You'll also get minimal color noise interference for a more stable picture.
Size and Contents
The camcorder measures 3.5 x 2.9 x 7.1 inches and weighs 1.3 pounds. This package includes the PV-DV53 camcorder, CARD LINK PhotoVu Link, AC adapter, battery pack, shoulder strap, A/V cable (mini-3 RCA), serial cable, remote control, lens cap, and CD-ROM with digital still and video editing software.
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