Home > Consumer Reviews > Panasonic PVDV401 MiniDV Digital Camcorder with Built-in Digital Still Mode

I bought the camera after much research between the Canon Elura 2, the JVC 805U, and the PV-DV 401. Finally I decided to go with the Panasonic. It is absolutely amazing. With a 20x optical zoon and a 300x digital zoon not to mention its infra-red capabilities its the best camera in its class. I have worked with both the Canon Elura 1 and 2 and the controls are clumsy where as on the Panasonic there exactly where they should be. The video it produces are outstandingly crisp and clear for a single CCD camera. Coonecting via firewire was a snap, and it works great with Premiere 6.0. The only complaint I have is that in order to plug in the AC adapted while editing you have to remove the battery and that it only has 680,000 pixels for digital photo's. I think I can deal with that.

Buyers of Panasonic products beware! I purchased a Panasonic PV-DV401 in February of 2001 and the Tape Ejector Switch immediately broke while I was on vacation. I was not able to eject the tape in the camcorder.

On March 10, 2001 I sent the camcorder in to the Panasonic repair facility in Elgin, IL, the only repair facility for Panasonic camcorders in the US. Almost 2 months later, I have still not gotten my camcorder back. I've called the repair facility numerous times (you have to leave a message on a recorder) to check on the status and my calls were not returned. I've also called Panasonic directly and routinely get the "it's not our problem attitude." Every time I ask to speak to a manager they disconnect me. I've now had to enlist the help of the Better Business Bureau, Consumer Protection Agency, and KRON TV Consumer Reports just to get my camcorder back!

This product is defective and Panasonic's repair service is notorious.

I am a first-time buyer with a new kid.

Pro:
-Can make decent stills from the tape. Easier than getting junior to keep the right facial expression at the moment I shoot.

Con:
-Have to remove battery to power camera from AC. The charger can't charge the battery and run the camera simultaneously.

-No frame-by-frame advance button. At least not that I could find.

-The USB plugin is inside the cavity where the LCD sits when closed. So you have to have the LCD open to use the USB out. It would be better placed with the rest of the jacks on front right....

I purchased the Canon ZR25MC for use at work. Once you add in the extras local electronics store threw in a decent bag and tripod, and Canon rebate, it was pricewise a better deal. In terms of features: I received the PV-DV401 as a gift and have not used it as much, but the following are my observations over a few days. The Canon does not provide software as does the Panasonic (the latter is useful to a subset of pc users). The ScanDisk reader is by far the simplest way to transfer digital stills to any computer (pc or Mac), works with both cameras. So far the Canon "doubles up" more on buttons for standard and special features. Panasonic has more specific buttons, makes the Panasonic a bit easier at times (such as low light feature). I find the Panasonic zoom fits & works easier with my grip. The Panasonic has more connection options for computers- Firewire/I-link and USB. The Canon has a smaller "hand profile". The Canon digital video download into iMovie is pretty seamless; haven't gotten there with the Panasonic. Will soon find out how readily the USB & Panasonic software works with a pc; will it be as pleasurable as iMovie?

The camera is great as far as looks go. Even the arrangement of buttons is perfect with the zoom, photoshot and menu buttons in easy reach. The 3.0 inch LCD display is a big advantage over the 2.5 inch display found in other comparable camcorder models. I would say the best part of this camera is its excellant video and infrared capabilities. Do not buy it as a still camera though, because even a base level digital camera can produce better still pictures. Overall a good product if all you want is excellant video.