Pros: Small, lightweight design, image stabilization (but always use a tripod when you can!), easy control layout, 18X optical zoom (newer ones at this price only offer 10X), plenty of input/output jacks, and great (but not HDTV great) picture quality.

Cons: (1) Microphones record camera's motor sounds (barely noticeable, only in the quietest footage). A cheap external mic would probably solve that problem. (2) Camera doesn't focus smoothly when panning from a bright scene to a dark one. You can avoid this by setting your AE mode accordingly for each scene you shoot. A simple fix, well worth the [money] saved by not getting a professional model.


Better Models Are Out There   April 6, 2002
 4 out of 5 found this review helpful

Like most purchasers of camcorders, I had my first child last August. Thus, I decided to buy a camcorder to take hours of video that I will never watch again. On the other hand, if I didn't buy a camcorder, I would be a horrible parent, right?
Anyways, I did a fair amount of research online and in print (Consumers Reports). I finally decided to purchase the Panasonic PVDV201, based on the recommendations of several electronics salespeople. However, I spent quite a bit of time testing this camcorder. The PVDV100 is not a worthy alternative as a camcorder for several reasons.
First, the PV-DV100 is a MiniDV format digital camcorder. The Digital8 camcorders (generally sold by Sony) are a little cheaper for the tapes. On the other hand, the camcorders are a bit larger and a fair bit heavier. If you have old 8mm tapes you want to replay on a camcorder, Digital8 is probably the format for you. This was my first camcorder, so I went with the MiniDV format because of the weight difference, and also because the picture quality seemed a bit better.
One caveat about all of the PV-DV models: The digital zoom requires you to press a separate button, which is a bit awkward. That being said, it is rare (in my experience) that you will need zoom power in excess of 18X, which the 100 provides. The digital zoom is a bit of a marketing ploy. (By the way, the PVDV201 provides 20X optical zoom, a bit better)
If you have previously fallen for the Sony marketing blitz, and think that only Sony can make good consumer electronics, just shop the prices, and you will see Sony is [$$$] more for comparable features.
The picture quality on this model is not as good as others, like the PVDV201. I found this camcorder to okay in quality, but for slightly more money, the PVDV201 is a much better alternative.
A few additional concerns: (1) the digital still photos are okay for e-mails, nothing more; and (2) the picture quality is not as good as other similarly priced models.


GREAT CAM WITH A GREAT PRICE.   September 23, 2001
Im new to digial cams and i really enjoyed this cam. It's been working great and it's worth the small sum of cash you are paying. Not too bad. I recommend it if you want a cam for such a low price.