Panasonic PV-DV951 Mini DV Camcorder

Over the past 18 months or so, I've been making my way from one Digital Camcorder to the next (largely remaining with Panasonic as my brand of choice). As my mother-in-law works for Panasonic, I'm able to obtain a series of different Camcorder models for testing purposes.

So when it came time for me to test out Panasonic's top of the line digital camcorder, the PV-DV951 3 CCD, I was initially skeptical at the extremely high price, drop in optical zoom (from lower pricedp models) and the overall weight of the camera.

But my skepticism quickly dissipated as I began to use the PV-DV951 and realized the power of its Leica Dicomar (near professional quality) 10x optical zoom lens coupled with the amazing 3-CCD (1.6 million pixels) imaging system.

Having had most of my experience with a PC-DV200, which I always thought produced exceptionally high quality video images, I was amazed at the clear difference when comparing results from the PV-DV200 to the PV-DV951. Frankly, there is no comparison, especially in low light situations.

The PV-DV951 comes with a gorgeous 3.5-inch LCD color monitor which makes setting up and tracking your shots an absolute joy. But if you prefer to use a viewfinder, then take a look at this high-quality color viewfinder - you'll wonder how you ever settled for grainy black and white view finders in the past. Additionally, the manual focus ring allows you to create interesting depth of field effects.
An external mic input is included, which means you have the ability to utilize more professional sound gear, if you so desire. Otherwise, you can just stick to the built-in microphone. A headphone jack is also included, making it easy to monitor the sound you are getting.

As with other Panasonic models, the PV-DV951 includes a five-mode program AE for adjusting shooting parameters. Simply select the environment, and the camera will make the adjustments necessary to optimize footage. You can choose from among sports, portrait, low light, spot light, and surf and snow. You also get the added benefit of a number of digital effects and faders that can help add a bit of professional flair to your video creations.

The PV-DV951, like many digital camcorders, doubles as a digital still camera as well. Still images are captured at a resolution of 1,200 x 900 pixels (far better than most other camcorders) onto the included 8 MB SD card. A USB card-reader accompanies the camcorder for easy download of your images.

As mentioned above, the PV-DV951 has a 10x optical zoom married with a 100x digital zoom. With most digital and non-digital camcorders, the digital zoom becomes quickly useless as it approaches higher zoom modes. Pixelation of the image being the main cause. But with the PV-DV951 3-CCD imaging system with 1.6M pixels, digital zoom loses very little resolution here. It's for that reason that Panasonic decided not to install an 18x optical zoom on this camera, as they did in far less expensive models like the PV-DV200.

One of my favorite features, however, is the Analog input which allows you to load old VHS tapes and store them/view them in a digital format. Finally, I can edit my old VHS tapes/movies the way I want to. This alone opens a whole new door of possibilities for a pseudo video editor like me.

Clearly, the PV-DV951 is a high-end digital camcorder that, due to its high price of $1,500, is out of the reach of most casual videographers. But if you craze the latest and finest technology in your camcorder, and you desire a far higher resolution that you've ever experience before, then look to the Panasonic PV-DV951 3 CCD Digital Palmcorder. With all the features, ease of use and quality of the Panasonic brand name, you simply can't go wrong.

Full camera specifications follow. Thanks, as always, for reading.

-John

Specifications

* 3 CCD (1.6 million pixels) capture images with amazing detail to produce an incredibly high resolution picture
* 3-Way PC Link gives you three convenient ways to transfer still images to your computer:
* 16 MB SD Memory Card Included
* SD Card Slot-For use with MultiMediaCard? or SD Memory Card
* PhotoShot? Built-in Digital Still Camera (up to 1488x1128 High Resolution Still Images) lets you use the camcorder as a digital still camera
* 10x Hi-Definition Zoom / 100x Digital Zoom3 allows for amazing close-ups, so you are always close to the action
* Color Viewfinder is comfortable to use and it also helps save battery power when used during recording and playback
* Optical Image Stabilization helps to stabilize your recordings during recording.
* Digital Effects (Record & Playback) lets you add exciting special effects to make your videos come to life
* Manual Focus Ring lets you control the focus level
* 5-Mode Program AE (Auto Exposure) lets you prepare your camcorder to shoot in almost any recording condition
* PCM Stereo (12-bit/16-bit) allows you to add new audio while maintaining existing audio
* Analog in lets you convert all your analog images to the Mini Digital video tape
* SD USB Reader/Writer Included
* Slow/Frame Advance (with included IR remote control)
* SP/LP Record Mode
* Audio Dubbing (SP only)
* External Microphone Input
* ArcSoft? Editing Software Included(PhotoImpression?, PhotoPrinter? 2000 Pro and PanoramaMaker? 2000
* Headphone Jack