Digital 8 Camcorders Digital8Camcorders.com is your one-stop source for information about digital 8 camcorders.

1. 

   Anonymous
   May 23rd, 2010 - 16:24

   I would have given this Video Camera a 5 star rating had I been expecting what I got.

   I selected this camera over Sony DVR70 because this has higher still image resolution, has a bigger LCD screen etc.

   But one thing that was most important to me and is conspicuously ABSENT is the ability to DOWNLOAD MOVIES on a PC. This camera will be as good as useless for me if I cannot download movies. I can only download still images and that is not much help.

   I wonder why they have MPEG4 listed in the specs. In the manual they mention that the associated software downloads videos. But I tried the software and read its manual to the end. Nothing. So I called Panasonic for operational help and they said that I could not download the movies at all.

   I will now try to get this back to Circuit City and get the Sony DVR70.
   Rating: 3 / 5
2. 

   D. FURLANO
   May 23rd, 2010 - 17:19

   As the owner of a very similar Panasonic digital camcorder (the PV-DV702), all I have to say is that when everything is working well, this is a great camcorder.

   Negatives:

   (1) The heads on these mini-DV digital camcorders are so sensitive that any microscopic particles on the heads will cause the digital image to break-up–usually at the worst possible time. Constantly cleaning the heads with a head-cleaning tape becomes a joke after a while (and I baby my camcorders like no one else I know).

   (2) Panasonic service is a total rip-off. Only ONE (1) place in the entire USA is authorized to repair or clean your digital camcorder–the Panasonic Factory Service center in Elgin, IL.!! They use a FLAT RATE to service ANY Panasonic model digital camcorder. I found this out when my Panasonic digital camcorder began eating all my tapes, including brand new Sony tapes (head cleaning had absolutely no effect). Since it was just out of warranty, I called Panasonic to be told that it will cost nearly $300 (flat rate) for them to service it–even if all it needs is a de-magnetizing of the heads!!! TOTAL RIP OFF! I called Panasonic customer service to complain, and a head honcho was supposed to call me back–of course no one ever called me back.

   Sony also has flat rate pricing for repair, but at about 30% less than Panasonic. To the best of my knowledge, JVC’s rates are based on hourly charges.

   (3) You have to use the digital camcorder as a PLAYER that patches into your TV using patch cords–further dirtying and wearing out the heads! Brilliant engineering.

   **What I did: my Panasonic digital camcorder is now a paperweight. I purchased a JVC VHS-C (analog of course!) model GR-SXM260u camcorder from Amazon, and it was the best move I made! It was 1/4 the price of the Panasonic digital camcorder, and I have no-fuss recording (no more prima-donna digital heads) that is RELIABLE and I just pop it into the included VHS tape adapter and pop that into the VCR to watch. Gee, what was I thinking when I bought the Panasonic digital camcorder???

   Sheeple who enjoy getting ripped-off will like this product from Panasonic.
   Rating: 1 / 5
3. 

   CTH
   May 23rd, 2010 - 17:40

   Had the camcorder 6 weeks and I’m not happy. Video quality might be great but what does it help if you can’t get anything else than still pictures onto your computer. Someone wrote in another review that this is not true. Well, if he is right he is welcome to provide the help that the poor software and manual doesn’t give (hoej@sol.dk)
   Rating: 2 / 5
4. 

   Video Mom
   May 23rd, 2010 - 17:51

   I have had this video cam for over a year. The picture clarity is the best and it is extremely easy to use. I have had the still pictures developed at Costco/Walmart and they rival any good digital camera.

   I have created many a family movie with Microsoft’s free movie maker software. For the guy who said he can’t get it on his computer, all you need is a firewire cable and movie maker (which is free with Win XP~ plus movie maker2 is downloadable free from Microsoft’s website) Plug the camera in and the XP system will identify it. It worked great for me!

   Love my video cam!
   Rating: 5 / 5
5. 

   Derek
   May 23rd, 2010 - 20:02

   I recently purchased this camera from a company in New York for less than 1600 US. The deal included shipping and a ton of extras (pro pack it was called). Anyhow, aside from the lousy manual and useless software, the camera is fantastic. The video quality is stunning to say the least and the digital stills I am taking are impressive. As for the manual, I quickly remedied this by going online and hunting down reviews for the camera (DVD-Spot had the best/most thorough). I am still working on software for converting my home movies to dvd, but I will get that accomplished over time. If anybody knows how to disable the pop up flash (very anoying when taking pictures in adequate light) I would greatly appreciate it.

   Overall I recommend this camera whole heartedly
   Rating: 4 / 5

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