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MiniDV Camcorders

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

Richard Baguley

Tuesday, June 20, 2006, 02:00 PM PDT
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Rank Name PCW Rating
MINIDV CAMCORDER
1
Panasonic PV-GS500
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)
Check latest prices
This unit has many controls, three CCD sensors, and optical image stabilization. It earned the highest video quality score.
(Last Rated: June 09, 2006)
Full Review • Test Report
Pending
2
Panasonic PV-GS300
Panasonic PV-GS300
• 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)
Check latest prices
This model has three CCDs and optical image stabilization, but lacks a focus ring and some of the PV-GS500's controls.
(Last Rated: June 09, 2006)
Full Review • Test Report
Pending
3
Sony DCR-HC36 MiniDV Handycam
Sony DCR-HC36 MiniDV Handycam
• 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)
Check latest prices
Light and easy to use, the DCR-HC36 offers a touch-screen LCD, but 16:9 wide-aspect video is letterboxed on screen.
(Last Rated: June 09, 2006)
Full Review • Test Report
Pending
4
Canon Elura 100
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)
Check latest prices
Small unit offers long battery life and full 16:9 wide-screen video on the LCD, but lacks manual focus and S-Video output.
(Last Rated: June 09, 2006)
Full Review • Test Report
Pending
5
JVC GR-X5US
JVC GR-X5US
• 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)
Check latest prices
LCD placement on the back gives a wide viewing angle, but there's no viewfinder. Has three 0.22-inch CCDs.
(Last Rated: June 09, 2006)
Full Review • Test Report
Pending
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Next page: High-Quality Video on a Budget

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