Anyways, I did a fair amount of research online and in print (Consumers Reports). I finally decided to purchase the Panasonic PVDV201, based on the recommendations of several electronics salespeople. However, I spent quite a bit of time testing this camcorder. The PVDV101 is not a worthy alternative as a camcorder for several reasons.
First, the PV-DV101 is a MiniDV format digital camcorder. The Digital8 camcorders (generally sold by Sony) are a little cheaper for the tapes. On the other hand, the camcorders are a bit larger and a fair bit heavier. If you have old 8mm tapes you want to replay on a camcorder, Digital8 is probably the format for you. This was my first camcorder, so I went with the MiniDV format because of the weight difference, and also because the picture quality seemed a bit better.
One caveat about all of the PV-DV models: The digital zoom requires you to press a separate button, which is a bit awkward. That being said, it is rare (in my experience) that you will need zoom power in excess of 18X, which the 101 provides. The digital zoom is a bit of a marketing ploy. (By the way, the PVDV201 provides 20X optical zoom, a bit better)
If you have previously fallen for the Sony marketing blitz, and think that only Sony can make good consumer electronics, just shop the prices, and you will see Sony is...more for comparable features.
The picture quality on this model is not as good as others, like the PVDV201. I found this camcorder to okay in quality, but for slightly more money, the PVDV201 is a much better alternative.
A few additional concerns: (1) the digital still photos are okay for e-mails, nothing more; and (2) the picture quality is not as good as other similarly priced models.
