I don't know how they built this camera, it is so small! But at the same time, it is fully packed with nice features and records sharp picture and superb sound.

First Video, this camera delivers 500 lines of horizontal resolution which delivers digital quality pictures. Features many special effects and fader, titles and PIP. Magicpix doesn't really do anyting, so don't buy it for that reason. 10x optical zoom is quite sufficient, yet 700x digital zoom is useless. This camera feature AV and S-video plugs for TV connections, and i-link/firewire/IEEE1394 for easy access for computer transfering for editing.

Audio is amazing, you hear no motor noise even in the quietest places. Audio pickup is superb with zoom mic, easy to hear people talking from a distance. Also feature wind cut. Choose between 12 or 16 bit sound.

Extras are quite good. Built in still camera is a nice feature, but don't expect 4 megapixel quality pictures. the included 8mb SD card stores between 50 and 100 pictures. Choose from normal, fine or eco mode. USB and software included for viewing photos on computer. Battery has quite decent life, for its size. up to 1 hour (or more with viewfinder). The LCD screen is easy to view, but the viewfinder is hard to see in, but at least its colour unlike other models. All controls are easy to reach. Includes lens cap, charger, battery, adapter, shoulder strap, 8mb SD card, IR and wired remote, AV and USB cable and editing software. I would suggest buying a good case. The Panasonic palmcorder camcase 7 fits quite well, with loads of room for accesories.

CONCLUSION: GREAT BUY. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. BLOWS JVC, SONY and CANON AWAY.

In Europe this model is called the NV-GS5, which is what I have, but it's otherwise identical.

I've had it a few months now. I bought it after lots of research, and after rejecting the "upright" style cameras because they're so hard to hold steady. This little Panasonic is still very small (and cute) but you have a chance of holding it reasonably steady. Having said that, even with the image stabiliser on, you will need a tripod to make decent use of even the 10x optical zoom.

Panasonic's main selling points for this camera seem to be its ability to record stills, MPEGs and voice clips onto SD card, but if you've already got a digital stills camera, you'll not be too excited about stills at 640 x 480, maximum.

Forget that, and notice the other advantages. As the top model in this range (the 352 is really quite different and a lot bigger) it gets a colour viewfinder, and an analogue AV input. That could be really useful. There appears to be a connector for just about everything you can think of, including the all-important external microphone. The lens has a screw mount for proprietary conversion lenses and filters too.

Performance wise, I have been very pleased indeed with the results. It focuses with alacrity (almost never caught out), produces a really crisp clean image in all but the murkiest conditions, and generally looks surprisingly close to broadcast quality. Sound is pretty good using the built-in microphone: lots of atmosphere. Unlike some mini-DV camcorders, the microphone is mounted right at the front, so you only notice camera noise when you film in a very quiet location.

It's quite easy to use, though you'll need to spend a little time with the horrible instruction book before you can use it confidently. At first I kept forgetting which menu contained which control. But some controls are easily accessible, like the manual exposure (nice to have) and focus wheel. Most things fall to hand well, though the menu button requires a double-jointed index finger...

On the whole though, I have few criticisms. It's small, looks great, is quite easy to use and most important, produces excellent pictures and sound. I'm very impressed.

The PVDC252 wasn't really on my list for Christmas as I was eyeing vetical-type Dvcams, specifically the JVC GRDVM76U. Then I happen to see the PVDC252 in an electronics store and it really caught my attention. The 'silver barrelled' lens looked really nice, plus the cold shoe attachment, and of course the price caught my attention. It had everything the JVC had, only that it is in the traditional 'horizontal' design. I played around with the unit and it grew on me quite quick. I did final research and even looked up the Sony MicroMv DCRIP5, but I kept going back to the PVDC252.

A full week before Christmas, I bought the PVDC252 - and I never looked back :-) The dvcam was really good for the price and yes, very compact (length-wise). It came with a lot of goodies (IR remote, wired remote, USB cable, charger/adaptor). Handling of the unit is simple and controls are wel within reach. The video output is quite exceptional and PC connectivity via Firewire is a snap (I used Adobe Premiere to capture my vids to my HD).

Got an additional battery (Lenmar LIP120) as a backup. The main battery works just great too, giving 1hr+ of recording time. The LCD is clear and easy to view, while the viewfinder is also easy to use, despite being quite small. It also has a built-in speaker so you can hear audio while playing back your recorded movies on the unit. Secure Digital slot for taking snapshots - of course don't expect digital cam-quality images - it's still best to leave that to dedicated digital cameras and IMHO, the digital 'photoshot' features in DV camcorders is just an extra convenience, not a replacement for digital still cameras. Nevertheless, the photoshots are decent for email/electronic scrapbook purposes. :-)

The zoom lens works smoothly and can be easily controlled. Audio pickup is very good. The camera feaures a 'zoom mic' too, which allows you to zoom in the audio in the same location you are zooming your view. And the wind cut feature is good to help mask wind noise while recording. And one thing very noticeable (or not noticeable) is that no motor noise gets recorded in (unlike some Canon models).

Conclusion: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - worth the price! And get a good dvcam bag with it (the Case Logic DVC-30 Camcorder case fits very well, check it out here in Amazon's listing).

This is the coolest camcorder I have ever seen. It took me a while to figure out what all it can do, but it's truly remarkable. It's nice that it comes with two controllers one that's a tethered remote and the other one has every button that you can possibly think of. The wireless controller is really nice because if you want to video tape yourself then all you have to do is put the PVDC252 on a tripod, turn the LCD screen towards you and press record on the controller. I haven't used it on the computer yet, because I haven't had the chance yet. It's also cool that you can record still pictures on the tape or on a memory card it comes with. The only two things that aren't as great, is that the software isn't editing software for videos and the eye piece you look into is so small there's not point. All in all this is remarkable little gadget. It's kind of funny when you eject the Mini DV tape out because you see the whole inside of the camcorder itself. This camcorder is a little pricy by itself and for the Mini DV tapes, but it's worth it. (I didn't order from this site though. I found it cheaper somewhere else. Hint: shop around online a lot before you buy this product)

I used this camera continously day in day out for 7 days and it worked like a charm, highly recommend for the non dv camera savvy. I walked around with two young kids and they got a turn to use it, very durable mini dv, I used the charger at night and it was ready to go in the AM. Best part was that it fit in my pocket when I was not using it Very convenient. Recommend firewire purchase and editing program.