Panasonic PV-DV400 Digital Camcorder

Amazon.com Review

Panasonic's PV-DV400 digital camcorder is a great all-around camera. Though other camcorders may be slightly smaller, have more powerful zoom lenses, or a more extensive set of features, the DV400 has a hard-to-beat blend of size, features, and price.

The camera records videos in MiniDV, the most popular format for digital camcorders. Unlike some MiniDV camcorders, the Panasonic has approximately the same size, weight, and familiar bricklike shape of a traditional compact camcorder. It fits comfortably in one hand, and the controls are logically arranged. A three-way switch under your right thumb turns the camera off or selects record or playback mode, and a big red button in the middle of this switch starts and stops recording. To take a digital still image, press a separate button under your index finger. A big rocker switch under your middle and ring fingers controls the variable zoom--a light press gives a smooth, slow zoom, which speeds up with increased pressure.

Most of the camera's settings--special effects, digital zoom setting, white balance, and titling, for example--are selected with an onscreen menu system operated by a pair of controls near your index finger. A clickable scrolling wheel (like those that are becoming increasingly common on computer mice) lets you scroll quickly to the setting you want. A few operations--digital zoom, image stabilization, fade, backlight compensation--are arranged in a row on the left side of the camera, necessitating two-handed operation in these situations.

To record in the traditional pose (or to conserve power), there's a color eyepiece viewfinder. If you want a better view of the subject you're shooting, a bright, clear 2.5-inch color swivel LCD screen flips out of the camera.

Digital stills can be recorded on either tape or the included MultiMediaCard. This card is smaller than (and incompatible with) the more popular CompactFlash and SmartMedia formats, but it seems to be gaining acceptance and is often used in compact MP3 players. The camera captures stills at a resolution of 640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)--perfect for sending e-mailed snapshots or posting on the Web, but don't count on producing sharp prints with your shots. To transfer images to your computer, Panasonic provides software on floppy and a connector that goes between your camera's serial port and the camera. Mac users are out of luck: both software and cable are Windows only.

As this is written, Panasonic sells five models of single-CCD camcorders ranging from the PV-DV100 to the PV-DV800, with this model precisely in the middle of the range. Compared to the less expensive PV-DV200, the 400 adds a bigger color LCD screen (3 inches vs. 2.5 inches), a color viewfinder instead of a black-and-white one, and a 0-lux infrared filter for shooting in near darkness. If you opt for the 600, you get all of the 400's features, plus Adobe PhotoDeluxe software for manipulating your stills, analog-in plugs for transferring your old videos to the MiniDV format, and a built-in light to capture better color in low-light situations.

Pros:

Functions as both a camcorder and a digital camera for snapshots
Infrared filter for shooting in near darkness
Image stabilization helps to remove shakiness

Cons:

Digital camera function has lower resolution than some camcorders
No analog audio and video in-plugs to transfer old videos to new format

Amazon.com Product Description

Panasonic's PV-DV400 digital Palmcorder camcorder is a compact high-resolution camcorder that uses the high-quality Mini DV digital format. It's a perfect choice for home users who demand both high quality and flexibility. The 18x optical/300x digital zoom allows you to use seven zoom speeds to zoom in for close-ups or zoom out for wide-angle shots. Panasonic offers digital electronic stabilization technology in both record and playback modes to remove excessive movement from previously recorded images as well as while shooting.

The PV-DV400 offers several different digital effects in addition to zoom capabilities. The "digital mirror" creates a mirrorlike symmetrical image, while "strobe" digitally freezes a series of images. "Mosaic" turns the image into a mosaic pattern, and "slim" expands the image vertically. The PV-DV400 also can stretches the image horizontally and form multiple impressions of images in motion and gradually fade them out for a "trail" effect. The PV-DV400 gives you the option of playing back your recording in either B&W, sepia, or color.

This little camcorder has an 8 MB MultiMediaCard that lets you use the camcorder as a digital camera for still shots. You can link it to your PC with the PhotoVu Link RS-232C serial cable to transfer your still images to your PC, where you can edit and print. An infrared filter allows you to record video in near total darkness in B&W, blue, or green. The PV-DV400 has a 12-bit/16-bit PCM stereo with two sets of stereo audio tracks--this means you can add a second track of music or narration. This camcorder includes an 8 MB MultiMediaCard, PhotoVu Link (serial connection), and a PC interface (IEEE 1394).

Customer Reviews:

Disregard these PV DV400 reviews.......2004-08-13

As of 8/13/2004 this camcorder (PV-DV400) is not available in the US. There are reviews here that date back to 2000, makes you wonder about the integrity of the reviews here at Amazon.

BAHRAM is my boy........2002-03-29

I buied a handycam panasonic model NV-VZ10.
It is very good.

Got what I wanted...(that's a good thing).......2001-08-25

I had done a lot of research here and on other sites. The three things I was looking for was price, optical zoom, and video & picture capability. I found an open box deal at Circuit City that beat any site (most sites were offering great deals, but on grey market items). Of all the digital camcorders I looked at, I really wanted one particular Sony model but I couldn't find a non-grey market deal that could convince me. I settled for this 18x optical zoom which does give me the quality pictures I want for email, plus the nice and sizable viewfinder. I wasn't looking to print so this is just what I wanted. The video recording is great. I received many compliments on the quality of the video. As for what I don't like about it, well the biggest thing is that I have the option to take pictures in "normal" or "fine" mode. It looked like the battery life was reduced to a 1/3 while in fine mode. Be carefull if your battery is already low and you try to use that mode. The only other thing I really didn't care for but deal with, is the manner in which I have to pull my pictures off the memory card. A little clunky but workable. Oh yeah, one other thing, a remote really would have been nice. I am still playing around with some of the other features and haven't been disappointed to this point. It's pretty light weight and packed with useful features.

still shots.......2001-05-04

this is a great camcorder,but the only thing bad about is low resolution for the still shots and the short battery life.

Panasonic Digi-Camcorder PVDV-400.......2001-03-22

This is a great little camera, for a great price. One problem I never thought about when first started looking for a Camcorder was, how well does it fit in my hand. Initially I wanted that little Sony, like the kid had in American Beauty, but when I went try it out it was only a little bigger than a pack of cigarettes and my hand just swallowed it. My fingers were getting in front of the lens, I could hardly adjust the zoom because my index finger was on the other side of the camera. It was a real Bummer. So then I looked at the Panasonic and it was perfect. Just the way the zoom toggles front to back, instead of up and down made all the difference in the world. That, along with the big LCD screen, MM card for easy access to stills and it being totally digital, making editing a breeze made me buy it. Not to mention the...savings. There are a few more features on that little Sony...but it was a pain to use. The PVDV-400, is very light sesitive but not really as much as they advertise, so I had to get an external light. I would suggest getting it when you get the camera. Also it would have been nice if they had thrown in the remote. It's amazing how much you'll use the stuff when you get it, even if you don't think you will now. All in all a terrific camera, you won't be dissappointed.

Product Description

VST's ultra slim FireWire Hard Drives are the smallest, lightest, high-performance FireWire Hard Drives available. Ideal for those looking for a portable solution for their high storage needs, these IEEE 1394 compliant drives are bus powered, so no external power supply is needed.Plus, they have plug & play ease of use with no device IDs or termination and are hot-plug and unplug supported. These drives are compatible with both Macintosh and Windows 98SE FireWire enabled computers and have dual 6-pin FireWire ports, so up to 63 devices can be daisy chained together. These drives are ideal for those looking for a portable solution for their high storage needs. This hard drive is designed for use with Apple Macintosh G3 with FireWire or Apple Macintosh G3 with Apple 1394 PCI Card.

Product Description

Wireless ETHERNET IP Camera Resolution: 640x480, 320x240 and 160x120 Implemented microphone Viewing/Recording Utility Time stamp, Text overlay and motion detection , e-mail alert User authentication Configuration via WEB interface Supports TCP/IP, SMTP or HTTP Dynamic DNS support NTP support Mounting Hardware (vertical or horizontal positioning)- also fits on all Std Tripods No PC needed - the Camera has its own IP address! Integrated MICROPHONE! Integrated Web Server MPEG4-Video Perfect for monitoring your baby or child!

Average customer rating:
Softech JS5280P Patriot Boombox

Manufacturer: Softech Audio
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

All Portable CD Players | Portable CD Players | Portable Audio & Video | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Boomboxes | Portable Audio & Video | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Boomboxes | Portable Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
CD Players | Portable Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
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Fellowes Nylon CD Wallet (224-Disc Capacity)

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Exclusive "Soft-to-the-touch" Patented Technology

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Fully porgrammable CD player with superior sliding tray

Super Bass Sound Processor

AM/FM Radio and Cassette Recorder

ASIN: B00005U5CM

Average customer rating:
Startech 16-Port Starview Kvm/CPU Switch Keyboard Monitor Mouse W/Osd

Manufacturer: STARTECH.COM
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Data Switches | Computer Accessories | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics
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KVM Switches | Wired Networks | Networking & Online Communication | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
Product Features:

Multimedia Capable: Control many multimedia PCs from a single console (keyboard, mouse, monitor, microphone, and stereo speakers).

Easy-to-Install: No software required. Use StarTech's custom all-in-one cables to connect computers to the unit.

Easy-to-Use: Includes user-friendly On Screen Display (OSD) menu interface.

Built-in Mouse Conversion: Both PCs with PS/2 or serial mice can be used simultaneously with this StarView unit.

Great Video Quality: High 150MHz video bandwidth to support SVGA, VGA, and Multisync monitors.

ASIN: B0000510PS

Product Description

The SV1621 is a multimedia control unit that allows up to 16 PCs to be accessed from a single console (keyboard, mouse, monitor, microphone, and speakers). There is no better way to save money than with a Multimedia StarView because it eliminates the expense of purchasing a console set for each computer. It also saves space and increases user productivity, making it ideal for server rooms and multimedia control environments.

Customer Reviews:

Bang For A buck.......2000-12-12

I can't say much. I couldn't afford anything high tech so i got this and i loved what i got. It was compatible with editing software too.

Product Description

SimpleTech features a comprehensive line of hard drive upgrades for popular portables by Toshiba. SimpleTech designs its hard drive upgrades with your portable's special power and space requirements in mind. So you can be sure you're installing a hard drive that meets the performance and technical specifications set by Toshiba.This hard disk drive is designed for Toshiba Tecra 700CS; 700CT; 710CDT, 720CDT; 730CDT, 730XCDT, 740CDT; 740CDT-NT.

Product Description

SimpleTech provides one of the most complete offerings of performance memory solutions in the industry, unsurpassed in quality, performance, and price. With over a decade of design and manufacturing expertise, SimpleTech knows what it takes to build quality and reliability into every memory solution. SimpleTech takes the complexity out of choosing the right solution for your system. With support for hundreds of desktop, notebook, workstation, server, and printer models, it offers thousands of memory upgrades made for your system.This product is covered - at no additional cost - by the Simpletech SimpleAssurance program which guarantees an additional level of service and support for corporate users who install select SimpleTech memory in mission-critical servers/workstations.SimpleAssurance provides corporate users with specialized services such as reimbursement for on-site support, spare memory modules that are stored on-site, and advanced cross-replacement shipping, all designed to minimize any potential downtime.This memory is designed for Compaq Evo Workstation W4000 1.8GHz (470027-901) DDR, W4000 1.8GHz (470030-473) DDR, W4000 1.8GHz (470030-474) DDR, W4000 2.0GHz P4 (470028-034) DDR, W4000 2.0GHz P4 (470030-475) DDR, W4000 2.2GHz P4 (470027-971) DDR, W4000 2.2GHz P4 (470027-974) DDR.

Product Description

The Uniden cordless phones are designed and engineered to exacting standards for reliability, long life, and outstanding performance. Digital Spread Spectrum Technology utilizes a "wider frequency band" vs. a "single narrow band" used in standard digital transmissions. The 2.4 GHz frequency range was recently released to commercial communications. Coupled with multi-channel autoscan feature it provides secure conversation with the clarity of digital sound, extended range, and reduced interference.

Amazon.com Product Description

Bring all your home phone needs together in one compact and powerful unitwith the Uniden TRU248 2.4-GHz cordless phone. In the world of cordlessphones, higher is better when it comes to frequency. With 2.4 GHz digitalspread spectrum transmission, the Uniden TRU248 offers superior power,security and clarity--plus a digital answering system and caller ID/callwaiting capability.

Forget about the short-range, static-plagued cordless phones of the past.Basically a low-powered FM radio transmitter/receiver, cordless phonestoday use higher frequencies with shorter wavelengths so radio wavesencounter less interference. In 1998, the FCC opened up the FM range above2.4 GHz to cordless phones. This frequency is far above the rangeaccessible to most scanners, and gives phones like the Uniden TRU248 arange of up to 150 feet indoors.

In addition to 2.4 GHz power, the TRU248 offers digital spread spectrumtechnology for security and greater sound clarity. Based in part on aconcept invented by 1940s screen actress Hedy Lamarr, spread spectrumtransmission switches rapidly from frequency to frequency at random. A DSSsignal needs less power and encounters less interference.

Record up to 15 minutes of messages with the Uniden TRU248's integratedanswering system. The machine uses a microchip to record your messagesinstead of tape, so you won't have to wrestle with tape cartridges or worryabout jamming and skipping.

The Uniden TRU248's answering system is built into the phone's base unit,so there's no need to clear extra space on your counter or desk for aseparate machine. Record your own greeting or use the pre-recorded greetingincluded with the phone. The answering system can be set to announce only,and operated from a remote location with a four-digit code.

Play all of your messages at once, or skip through to the desired message.You can also repeat and delete specific messages. It comes with a time/dayfeature, so you know exactly when a message was left. You can also use youranswering system to record a conversation, or activate it remotely tomonitor a room.

Screen your calls with caller ID and call waiting/caller ID. Order thisservice through your local phone company, and the Uniden TRU248 allows youto view the caller's name and number on the LCD display before you pick upthe phone. The caller-ID memory holds up to 50 names and numbers. CallerID/call waiting allows you to view call information on an incoming callwhile you're on another call.

The phone handset's batteries last for up to six hours of talk time and 10days on standby. The Uniden TRU246 comes with a rechargeable battery pack,AC adapter for the base unit, wall mount, and belt clip.

Customer Reviews:

By far the best phone I've owned.......2004-06-01

We shopped around for a phone with several VERY KEY FEATURES this phone had all of them: A back-lighted keypad for dialing in the dark (we both take call at night and must make phone calls to patients, and nursing facilities at all hours of the night), Caller ID IN THE HAND SET (who needs caller ID in a cordless phone if you have to run across the room to see that cablevision is trying to sell you channels again), 2.4 GHZ digital transmission (to avoid buzzing and etc.), an earpiece jack (for those long calls with relatives while you DO something more interesting), a free standing speakerphone, and an answering machine with prerecorded messages. This phone fit the bill- in a huge way- and we never- I MEAN NEVER- have had any problems with this phone. I have never had a phone which has gotten as much USE as this one, and I've never had one perform this well. We haven't even had to replace the battery. I have only changed chanels manually approximately once a week to avoid a buzzing sound when the microwave was running, and have never dropped a call- not one. Even with several particularly NASTY drops, the handset held up to it all. Unfortunately, all of the USE has taken it's toll on the handset, however- the platinum colored paint has worn on the sides of the phone, and the buttons have finally begun to wear out- which requires mashing them to dial (from years of listening to dozens of rambling voicemail messages at work per day- which requires hundreds of keyed entries alone). We will have to retire this model as I am unable to locate another handset. We have now purchased a Uniden DCT648-2 with 2 handsets, and can only hope that it lives up to it's older and perfectly performing brother.

good phone.......2003-12-17

I had this phone for many years. We never had a problem until lately. The buttons only worked if you pushed them a couple time and really hard. But like I said it has been many years and you can't expect electronics to work forever. I have ordered another uniden phone due to how happy this phone made us.

beware.......2002-06-24

headset does not fit ear comfortably, something i never noticed or thought of with a phone until this....keys stuck with first handset and had it replaced and now keys stick (6 months later) with new one.....did not do anything to cause it....battery died and must replace after less than a year....sound quality poor...
must be a better product somewhere....

Great Phone.......2001-11-17

This is one of the best phones I have owned. It is no a gimmicky type phone and has all the features I need. I haven't had the bad experiences with mine that some of these people are writing about. Great phone, buy one. They are discounted now that the newer model is out. BTW the newer model has all the same features (minus the keypad) as this phone, just a sleeker look.

900 DSS Unidens are good, this phone is disgraceful........2001-10-31

I bought this phone after being very very impressed with the 900 Mhz DSS Uniden phone I had. It did not have caller ID, but had a base with a slot for a second battery (I sorely miss that).

That phone would go 100 yards in my condo complex and not lose the connection. I now can't even go to the end of my driveway (50 feet) without the phone kicking out.

AND the microwave will disconnect you. What a piece of (...) this phone is. Just after they get my business from Panasonic they destroy their reputation.

DO NOT BUY!!

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