If you are considering the Panasonic PV-L651 as your first camcorder purchase, the standard features, including image stabilization, 20x optical zoom (150x digital), simple VCR playback, convenient editing, and overall ease-of-use, might be enough to tip the scales.

Let's begin with ease-of-use, as we found this to be the most compelling feature of the camcorder. We took the camcorder straight out of the box--without reading the operating instructions--in order to test the usability. While waiting for the battery to charge--this takes approximately seven and a half hours if the battery is completely dead--we immediately plugged the AC adapter into the camcorder.

All powered up and ready to film, we found the eject button and inserted a VHS-C tape (not included). After a quick inspection of the buttons and switches, it appeared easy enough to start taping so we clicked the camera on and pressed the red button. This gave us a good indication that without the frills of editing, anyone can use this camcorder for immediate gratification.

Our experimental recording lasted only about 10 minutes as the AC adapter doesn't allow freedom of movement for interesting shots. A charged battery lasts approximately one and a half hours with continuous use. This provides time to tape a child's music recital, sports event, or family outing without being tethered to an adapter. We tried all three of these and were duly impressed with the stamina of this camcorder. Its medium weight and comfortable hand strap helped during long stretches of camera holding.

For our music recital taping, we put the camcorder on a table (we didn't have a tripod), and adjusted the camera view for a fixed setting. We turned on the backlight compensation to offset the stage lighting, and to help avoid losing details in the shadows. After reviewing the tape, we found this last feature saved our footage from being worthless. Definitely handy for taping stage productions.

During the production, we also used the included remote control to avoid bumping the camera when zooming in or out. A remote is a necessity. Small and delicate, the remote is easy to throw in your pocket, but we also imagine that it might become battered in a short time from overuse. Our one big disappointment during this test was the quality of the sound. The microphone provided distorts the sound of acoustic instruments and there isn't an easy way to improve it.

While taping a live basketball game, digital image stabilization was completely indispensable. The PV-L651 offers digital image stabilization at the touch of a button, and upon reviewing our first live recording, we were glad. It won't solve all extraneous motion problems, though. Filming without a tripod takes practice and slow body movement is required. Another feature that helped here was the 4-inch LCD monitor. At an impressive 114,000 pixels, we were able to do most of our filming using the LCD. This allowed us to watch the game in full view and produce a decent tape.

Feeling more comfortable with filming during our basketball game, we tried a few of the useful editing features. Fade in/out let us create smooth transitions from scene to scene, and the two-second quick zoom caught some of the best player shots.

Panasonic has provided multiple ways to play back your recorded tape. Using the camcorder LCD for playback is straightforward, but we recommend doing this only for quick review. In addition, a VHS PlayPak allows you to insert your VHS-C tape directly into a VCR. If you need to make multiple copies of a tape or want to view the recording on a larger screen, it's simple to hook up the camcorder to your VCR using the provided A/V cable. With a quick review of the operation manual, setting up for dubbing took a mere four minutes.

With all the standard features you'd expect from a camcorder, the Panasonic PV-L651 should please any first-time buyers. --Alexis Odell

Pros:

• Overall ease-of-use for the first-time user
• Easy playback setup
• Large LCD for viewing and filming
• Convenient editing features

• Remote seems flimsy
• Poor sound quality for live music