Like most purchasers of camcorders, I had my first child last August. Thus, I decided to buy a camcorder to take hours of video that I will never watch again. On the other hand, if I didn't buy a camcorder, I would be a horrible parent, right?

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 PVDV200 is quite similar to the PVDV201.

First, the PV-DV200 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 the PV-DV200: 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 200 provides. The digital zoom is a bit of a marketing ploy. (By the way, the PVDV201 provides 20X optical zoom, a bit better)I found this camcorder to be a high quality starter camcorder in the digital format, for a very reasonable price.

A few concerns: (1) the digital still photos are good for e-
mails, nothing more; and (2) the PVDV201 is a newer model and, oddly, cheaper.

... So far, the results are quite nice. Camera is easy to use, with simple auto modes for exposure, etc.

Menu's are a bit cryptic, but easy to get to learn.

Outstanding features: Compatible with Apple's iMove with no drivers needed. Simple and quite operation.

Negative Features: Not the best low light useability (although not bad).

I definately would reccomend this camera to a friend.

I just got this about a week ago. It is an excellent camera for the price. There are other cameras that do more, but for most people, most of the time, this camcorder fits the bill. Very light, and easy to use. Most of the buttons are easy to reach, and you quickly get used to where to find the fade, backlight, etc. The menu button and jogger are a little awkward, but I have not found it to be a major problem.

I'd give this 5 stars except the software that comes with it is lousy. I wanted to download some still images to email to relatives, but can't get it to work. The help files are not helpful, and there is no manual. It tells me that I need to check my COM1 port, but I am not sure what it wants me to do. Has anyone else gotten this software to work?

So, don't buy this expecting to be able to download photos easily, but for recording, it is a terrific camera.

This is my first new camcorder. The one I had been using was a old full size VHS camcorder with no special features. It was a real beast.

Had this new camcorder about a week so far. I found it very easy start using right away. I did a lot of research and this model rates very high for an "entry level" digital camcorder. Some of the things I like most about it is Panasonics' reputation for quality and durability. Also, it is one of the most ergonomically designed camcorders I looked at. Not the smallest camcorder, but it fits your hand like a glove - with all the key features logically placed. 18X zoom is excellent (forget about the digital zoom, there all just gimicks). The dual image stabilizer works either during recording or playback and works very well. However, there is a small reduction in picure quality when used, which I think is normal with most typical stabilizers. It picks up sound very well. Picture overall is very good, but not outstanding. I am tough to please here. I have only used it indoors thus far and have noticed a fair amount of picture graininess in low light. My first accessory will be a light that other reviews said should help alot. A remote would have been nice to include, but the buttons on the cmcorder are well placed - better than most VCR's. Battery life is low for me, about 25 minutes. The 73min claimed must be when no flip-out screen or zoom is used. Still camera is good. Overall, it appears to be a well built camcorder that is very comfortable and easy to use. Now I gotta order that light. When I do I'm sure my rating will go up.

This is my first new camcorder. The one I had been using was a old full size VHS camcorder with no special features. It was a real beast.

Had this new camcorder about a week so far. I found it very easy start using right away. I did a lot of research and this model rates very high for an "entry level" digital camcorder. Some of the things I like most about it is Panasonics' reputation for quality and durability. Also, it is one of the most ergonomically designed camcorders I looked at. Not the smallest camcorder, but it fits your hand like a glove - with all the key features logically placed. 18X zoom is excellent (forget about the digital zoom, there all just gimicks). The dual image stabilizer works either during recording or playback and works very well. However, there is a small reduction in picure quality when used, which I think is normal with most typical stabilizers. It picks up sound very well. Picture overall is very good, but not outstanding. I am tough to please here. I have only used it indoors thus far and have noticed a fair amount of picture graininess in low light. My first accessory will be a light that other reviews said should help alot. A remote would have been nice to include, but the buttons on the cmcorder are well placed - better than most VCR's. Battery life is low for me, about 25 minutes. The 73min claimed must be when no flip-out screen or zoom is used. Still camera is good. Overall, it appears to be a well built camcorder that is very comfortable and easy to use. Now I gotta order that light. When I do I'm sure my rating will go up.