Panasonic PV-L850 VHS-C Camcorder

The VHS-C format Panasonic PV-L850 is a high-quality Palmcorder that is also capable of taking digital stills. The PV-L850 has a 26x optical zoom (and 300x total zoom) to get you as close to the action as you need, while digital image stabilization helps eliminate jitters due to hand shake. A built-in auto-light helps compensate in low-light situations. The camera can switch from a wide-angle shot to full zoom in two seconds with the integrated Quick Zoom function, and a dedicated five-head system ensures high picture quality at any recording mode.

For recording video, the camera uses VHS-C tapes, which can be played in your VCR after they're inserted into the included adapter. If you're shooting stills, images are recorded on a CompactFlash card and transferred to your computer via an included cable.

The PV-L850 also comes with a TV tuner so you can watch live TV broadcasts, although you can't record the TV signal. The PV-L850 includes a wireless remote control (handy for both recording and playback), while a motion sensor allows the camcorder to be used as a security camera by automatically starting to record whenever something comes into the camera's view.

An assortment of effects is available when you use the PV-L850. Strobe, wide, and wipe add flavor to footage. A color digital filter works just like a traditional filter, giving your video a duotone effect. Transitions are made easy with the digital color fader. Should you need to, footage can be played back at half speed, and an auto-titler/phrase titler adds titles to footage shot for special occasions. The PV-L850 will also automatically adjust the camcorder's clock for daylight savings time.