Lens
With a lens developed by world-renowned lens maker Leica AG, the DV952 sports three separate CCD sensors, each designed to pick up a certain hue of the image. This triples the performance of regular camcorders, producing brighter colors and sharper images. There is an optical zoom magnification of 10x along with a 700x digital zoom, which works by electronically enhancing the optical image. The optical image stabilization system keeps the picture steady and solid throughout zooms and camera shakes without compromising picture quality. The manual focus ring provides users with greater control of the image, a must for filmmakers finding that perfect shot.

Digital Stills
The camcorder has a mode called progressive photo shoot, so that images captured will not have the jagged lines of interlaced video and instead come out clear and undistorted. You can store the stills on DV tape or on the included 8 MB Secure Digital card (the DV952 is also compatible with MultiMediaCards). The convenient pop-up flash unit comes in handy for low-light environments.

Inputs and Outputs
The DV952 comes with the standard DV IEEE 1394 port (also called FireWire) for no-loss connections to PCs or other DV machines. By using the USB port or RS-232C serial connection, you can easily transfer your digital stills. RCA connections are used for direct viewing on a television or for VHS dubbing.

MiniDV Format
MiniDV digital technology delivers clear, sharp video with up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution--far superior to the 240 lines of resolution offered by 8mm camcorders. You'll get minimal color noise interference for a more stable picture. You'll also get excellent sound quality in either 12-bit or 16-bit audio recording modes.

• 16-bit audio includes one set of stereo audio tracks to produce CD-quality sound.
• 12-bit audio utilizes two sets of audio tracks so you can easily add background music or commentary to your videos while maintaining the existing soundtrack.

This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12 the size of a standard VHS tape. A MiniDV tape offers digital recording time of two full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD.

This was the winner. After trying many 2 ccd products from Sony and Canon--both good, this camcorder just had more of the goods. Being a 3 ccd camcorder, the colors and sharpness are EXCEPTIONAL. You can film a professional documentary with this one.

The only problem with all the camcorders under $3k, you'll have problems filming in low light. The low-light features in the Panasonics, Sonys, and Canons is substandard, so don't believe the MARKETING that they can film at night in color--that war footage green low-light tints, etc aren't really pragmatic. Consider these cams for use only in good light conditions.

I took the Panasonic to Hawaii and worked flawlessly. Get the bigger Panasonic branded lithium-ion battery and you'll have more than enough juice for 3 days of regular filming thru the big lcd screen (which is better than competitors).

Controls are intuitive and easy to use as well. It may be a little bit more bulky than the 2 ccd Sony palmcorders (though of similar weight), but MARKEDLY smaller than the other 3 ccd competitors. If you're an enthusiast, then this cam offers the best in terms of price, features (3ccd!), and size.

Since all cams are not really pocketable (avoid the buggy Sony micro Dvs), don't only think in size.....you'll need a camera bag on vacations REGARDLESS of size (you'll need the spare battery, 2 filters, wide angle lens).....skimping on these goods will cut your filming experience when you get to your computer to edit--I learned this lesson the hard way--so don't skimp on these items........get a Lowe camera backpack which worked as a day pack and camera pack.

This is one exceptional camera that will give me many years of service!


a great alternative to trv950   September 17, 2002
 4 out of 9 found this review helpful

PD-DV952 is a great camcorder. I tried it once, and the image quality was exellent. I suggest you buy this since it's really cheap considering the the fact that it's a 3CCD camcorder. Buy this and you won't regret it.