Home > Consumer Reviews > Panasonic PV-L501 VHS-C Camcorder

We purchased this unit to replace our old (about 10 years) VHS camera - also a Panasonic - which operated well for many years. We wanted something inexpensive, and simple to use; without all the "bells and whistles", and with the convenience of simple popping the tape (via the adapter) into our VCR player. Operation is relatively simple, and the picture quality is okay (not great, but what you would expect for a camera at this cost). However, the built-in microphone produces much worst than would be expected quality during playback - worst than our 10 year old camera. In fact, it is so poor, that we probably will not keep this camera.

I have owned this palmcorder for over a year and have never had any problems of ANY sort! I have used it to film 4th of July celebrations (excellent sound by the way....you could still hear and understand people talking even with the fireworks we were lighting!)....Christmas parties...Honeymoon in Hawaii on a catamaran (you could actually see the dolphins under the water with this camera!).
The only drawback is that it does NOT have a light. However, as long as there is light on in the room it works great! The only time I had a problem with lighting was trying to use it at midnight in a minivan w/o turning on any interior lights (well-DUH!). However, even in the van you could still clearly understand what people were saying...EVEN above the engine noise! I have also used it to film a stage play and again...I had none of the problems other people have mentioned with the light glarring and blurring.
Overall I must give this camera an A+++!! I've never gotten tired holding it while I filmed...the adapter has been a life-saver so we can watch the party immediately on the VCR...plus I love the option of A/C or D/C power!
I love this camera and think it's a SUPER deal for the price! Unbeatable!!!

After carefully analyzing the two prior reviews, it appears there is conflicting history. My previous experience with Panasonic products is most positive. We have a decided problem with sounds in that I am deafened by damage to the acoustic nerve. This would be a factor since there is little or no sound discrmination. Do believe we will purchase one of these units for home and business (Insurance Claims) use. bk

hey i like it i like the tv thing im able to keep track of any thing in motion like a fressbee or my friend thrwing a stick in the trees and and if its too bright and sunny out side i found out by emermenting with the palmcoder to close the tv thing and look thru the black and white eye scop thing :) it does not have a buil in light so when i recorded our churches christmas cantanda when the churches lights are on no problem :) but when the very brigh stage spot lights we our curch borrwed and the main lights our out or dimmmed the people in the bright spot lights look like glowing light bulbs but as the spot lights go dimm you are able to see the people faces the back light i cant see how it works hardley but hey as long as it records perfect and good quilety sound that's fine :) (...) i do not see any thing wrong wih the sound it sound clear to me (...)