Clean, beautiful images. Rugged construction. A fine run'n'gun videographic instrument, although after a year now I wish that I had gone with the shoulder cam version, the DSR-250, but that's another story...

Likes:

Wide range of shutterspeeds (1/4-1/10000).
Clean gain up to 9 or 12 db
and very light sensitive to boot.
Simultaneous B/W Viewfinder and color LCD.
Fairly sharp B/W Viewfinder, a must-have feature, imo.

Dislikes:

A few misplaced and unnecessary controls along the bottom ridge.
A few misplaced and very necessary controls, such as the iris control wheel that gets blocked by LCD screen when open and isn't very accessible for handheld besides.
Weak audio preamps.

For event videography, this camera just plain reigns supreme, for the price.

I've used this camera on several professional video shoots now, including talking heads, outdoors and an indoor music video. The low light capability of this camera is nothing short of stunning, with clear, crisp images available even when using only available tungsten room lights. We shot a girl playing the piano with candles in the background and only the piano lamp and it looked great. The PD170 is very easy to use for the beginner and a breeze to tweak on the fly. It has solid, nicely positioned controls (for full auto and full manual configurations), pro XLR audio/mic inputs and easily accessible miniDV cassette mechanism that lets you change tapes while the camera is on the tripod. Its DVCam recording mode runs the DV tape at a faster rate, giving you about 43 minutes of recording on an hour miniDV tape. The higher recording speed is not mandatory, but does improve quality when you choose to use it. Autofocus is crystal clear, but easily manipulated manually with a great focus ring. This camera has lots of bells and whistles, including the ability to monitor both channels' recording levels onscreen, while taping. I've heard the networks' embedded reporters in Iraq are using PD170's and I believe it. The quality of the images captured by this camera is nothing short of professional. The heft and feel of the PD170 is just right. it's got a nice, built-in lens cover that's actuated by a solid feeling lever on the side of the lens housing. It also features two built in neutral density filters that can be flipped into position with another lever. The list of features and thoughtful design elements goes on and on. Obviously, I'm crazy about this DVCam and literally don't have a single complaint to share. If you're looking for a rock solid, professional grade camcorder in the $3000 range, look no further. Read up on it and the competition. Then buy this gem and prepare to be bowled over by its performance, pictures and exceptional design.

I have owned my PD170 for about a year now. I bought it to replace my VX2000 (another great camera).

Pros:
1. Excellent quality images for a non HD camera.
2. XLR connectors.
3. Compact size with excellent weight for steady one handed shots.
4. The low light ability of this camera is second to none.
5. Professional look.

Cons:
1. Not a shoulder mounted camera.


I shoot mostly weddings, events and indoor theatre productions.

You can't go wrong with this video camera.