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MiniDV Camcorders

MiniDV camcorders deliver features for novices and serious videographers--for as little as $400.

Richard Baguley

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Panasonic PV-GS500 PCW Rating: 84.0PCW Rating: 84.0PCW Rating: 84.0

Last Rated: June 09, 2006

1. Panasonic Panasonic PV-GS500

12X optical zoom, 2.7-inch wide-aspect LCD screen, LCD can also function as video assist light, Records video to MiniDV tapes, still images to SD Card, Price when reviewed: $1000 (5/2/06)

Bottom Line: This unit has many controls, three CCD sensors, and optical image stabilization. It earned the highest video quality score.

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Panasonic PV-GS300 MiniDV Camcorder PCW Rating: 82.0PCW Rating: 82.0PCW Rating: 82.0

Last Rated: June 09, 2006

2. Panasonic Panasonic PV-GS300 MiniDV Camcorder

10X optical zoom, 2.7-inch wide-aspect LCD screen, LCD can also function as video assist light, Records video to MiniDV tapes, still images to SD Card, Price when reviewed: $700 (5/2/06)

Bottom Line: This model has three CCDs and optical image stabilization, but lacks a focus ring and some of the PV-GS500's controls.

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Handycam DCR-HC36 MiniDV Digital Camcorder (.68MP, 20x Opt, 800x Dig, 2.5 PCW Rating: 75.0PCW Rating: 75.0PCW Rating: 75.0

Last Rated: June 09, 2006

3. Sony Handycam DCR-HC36 MiniDV Digital Camcorder (.68MP, 20x Opt, 800x Dig, 2.5

20X optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD screen, No video assist light, Records video to MiniDV tapes and Memory Stick Pro Duo card, still images to Memory Stick Pro Duo card, Price when reviewed: $400 (5/2/06)

Bottom Line: Light and easy to use, the DCR-HC36 offers a touch-screen LCD, but 16:9 wide-aspect video is letterboxed on screen.

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Canon Elura 100 PCW Rating: 75.0PCW Rating: 75.0PCW Rating: 75.0

Last Rated: June 09, 2006

4. Canon Canon Elura 100

20X optical zoom, 2.7-inch wide-aspect LCD screen, White LED video assist light, Records video to MiniDV tapes and SD Card, still images to SD Card, Price when reviewed: $400 (5/2/06)

Bottom Line: Small unit offers long battery life and full 16:9 wide-screen video on the LCD, but lacks manual focus and S-Video output.

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GR-X5US MiniDV Digital Camcorder (1.33MP, 10x Opt, 300x Dig, 2.5 PCW Rating: 74.0PCW Rating: 74.0PCW Rating: 74.0

Last Rated: June 09, 2006

5. JVC GR-X5US MiniDV Digital Camcorder (1.33MP, 10x Opt, 300x Dig, 2.5

10X optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD screen, No video assist light, Records video to MiniDV tapes, still images to SD Card, Price when reviewed: $1300 (5/2/06)

Bottom Line: LCD placement on the back gives a wide viewing angle, but there's no viewfinder. Has three 0.22-inch CCDs.

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