A zoom mic and a built-in light are included with the PV-DV102, along with an MPEG-4 movie system, which lets you capture compressed video clips for e-mailing to friends and family. The camcorder also features a composite video out, and, of course, IEEE 1394.

Product Description
Offering high-resolution digital video, high-quality digital still images and PC interoperability, the new Panasonic Palmcorder MultiCam digital camcorders combine fun and function for beginners and accomplished videographers alike. More than just a camcorder, every new model features the built-in PhotoShot digital still camera feature, letting consumers enjoy two ways to capture their memories in a single, compact package: digital video and digital still photos. With more PC-friendly features than ever, the new digital camcorders are ready for a variety of multimedia applications, and can also easily serve as web cameras for home videoconferencing. All models feature an i.LINK IEEE 1394 PC interface, making it easy to download digital recordings (still images and moving pictures) to computers where they can be edited, included in e-mail messages or used in the creation of web sites.The PV-DV102 features PhotoVu Link with a USB port, an SD Memory Card Slot, web camera functionality, and a built-in SD drive. This model also boasts the MPEG-4 Movie Messenger system and new Zoom Microphone. This clever feature works with the optical zoom function to create a natural correspondence between recorded audio and images. When visually zooming in, the sound will also zero in on the subject. This puts emphasis on the subject and gives any video recording the feeling of realistically capturing the moment.

Pros:
-Great for beginners to home movie making
-Great for beginners to digital camcorders
-Amazing film quality
-SD card slot to save still pictures
-Great sound
-LCD screen

Cons:
-Poor explanation of how to use the digital zoom
-Lens cap is detatched
-Doesn't come with a FireWire, which is necessary to transfer video to the computer
-Still pics saved to the SD card are very low quality

Besides these four problems with this camcorder, it is a dream come true for those into amateur movie making. It really couldn't be any easier to use, save the digital zoom control. Other than these flaws, the camera is amazing and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to make professional-looking home movies. Great product, strongly recommended.


Great Camcorder   June 16, 2003
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This is an excellent camcorder. I have had mine for a about a year and I have had no problems at all with it. The buttons on top are a little small for large hands but if you buy the optional remote control then you don't have to worry with them. I create digital movies on my computer using the USB cable that was provided. The special effects built into this camcorder work excellent. I have recommended this camcorder to all of my friends.


Good overall choice   June 15, 2003
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

I am an aspiring film director and find that with the appropriate settings and tapes, that this camcorder performs famously. It has a lot of bells and whistles, which to some, may not be needed. However, for those of us who enjoy the detailed aspects of film making, it is a good choice. The picture is clear and concise, it loads fast, and so on and so on. The only flaw I would point out, would be that the batery is a little below average. You can of course upgrade and get a higher standard battery, which basically means that flaw is not a major worry.


good camera   May 23, 2003
 0 out of 9 found this review helpful

A great camera, small with lots of great features.