Making the Digital Decision: Buyer's Guide

How technology flies. It seems like only yesterday that DV camcorders were introduced and we're already seeing the retirement of some of those original models--the Sharp VL-D5000 and the RCA CC900D were discontinued in 1997). The second generation of DV camcorders are now filling store shelves. Another sign of technological progress is the downward price spiral from the first introductory prices of $4000-plus to the current average of $3000. Not bad for a format that offers resolution rivaling Betacam, CD-quality audio and loss-free copies. For the consumer videographer in search of perfection, DV camcorders may be the answer. But that doesn't mean that they're completely without flaws.

We put as many of the current consumer DV camcorders that we could get our hands on through a series of comparative tests at the Videomaker test lab. The results are here in the form of some short reviews, along with a convenient matrix of features to help you compare models. (Watch for reviews of new models in upcoming "Benchmarks" columns.)

Canon Optura
The Optura looks very much like a cross between a still camera and a camcorder. Its look definitely separates it from the other DV models currently available on the market, but looks are not everything.

There are three modes that the Optura operates in: Photo, Movie and Progressive Scan. The Progressive Scan mode opens up some opportunities for producing high-quality still images; however, the circuits that work to refine the image often backfired on the test model when shooting still images with a busy background. The result was a blotched reproduction with black blobs where a complex pattern should have been visible.

The camcorder section of the Optura performed fairly well, but because of its similarity in aspect and performance to a 35mm SLR camera, it feels awkward to hold and is not very comfortable in typical video shooting situations. It features some very good manual controls like white balance, shutter speed, focus and exposure but the focus and exposure rings are in the typical form of two miniature dials that make it seem more like you're winding a watch than focusing a lens or dialing in an appropriate exposure.

As exciting as the melding of a digital still and camcorder into one unit may be, the end result with the Optura is only a unique-looking camcorder. The equivalent user satisfaction can probably be found in simpler DV models that feature a still-image mode. **1/2

Best DV Camcorder: Canon XL1
With its far-out design, full suite of manual controls, interchangable lenses, FireWire jack and stunning 3-chip image quality, the XL1 wins the DV camcorder prize hands down for 1997.

One look at the XL1's body tells you that the designers had a fun time with this one. A sturdy handle, along with a conveniently placed extra zoom toggle switch and record button, allow for easy carrying and shooting from low-angle positions. Available lenses currently include a wide-angle and telephoto option; the 16:1 telephoto lens that comes with the camera incorporates Canon's new image stabilization technology, which is nothing short of amazing.

Late in entering the DV camcorder game, Canon apparently planned to take its time and make the best camcorder they possibly could. They succeeded with flying colors. Keep your eye on this one; it's going to get a lot of attention in the coming months.

JVC GR-DV1
The JVC GR-DV1 features digital image stabilization, manual white balance, manual focus, various digital effects and an external mike jack. Although many key features are present on this camcorder, they are difficult to use. A lot of the awkwardness has to do with the camera's lack of easy access to the buttons and controls needed to execute these commands. For example, the zoom toggle also acts as the manual focus control. To figure out all of the basic functions necessary to operate this camera, plan on consulting the manual quite a bit.

On the plus side, the GR-DV1 is an extremely compact camcorder. At one time, JVC rightly claimed it was the smallest camcorder in the world. It does have a high-resolution color viewfinder, but you have to continuously pull your eye away from it to locate and operate the camcorder's controls. The LCD monitor that JVC added with the GR-DVM1 solves this problem nicely.

Unless you're a spy, you may find that you have little or no use for the small size. Once the initial "Oh wow, I can't believe how small it is" shock wears off, you're left with a camcorder that's great for shooting vacations and birthdays, but leaves you wishing for more when it's time to grow. *

JVC GR-DVM1
You'll want to study the operation of this camcorder pretty well before getting yourself into any serious shooting situations. Fishing through various menus to perform manual control, with a single button playing three and four different roles, is a lot to remember. In full automatic mode, it leaves you with no menu options to perform digital effects. Ironically, the automatic focus on this camera works a bit better than the manual focus. It's much easier to set the camera on autofocus than to dig through a menu to control the focal length of the lens with a couple of plus or minus buttons on the face of the LCD monitor. Can it be true? An autofocus preferred over manual? Well, to be honest, a simpler means of focusing manually would go a long way toward fixing this camera's problems.

The LCD monitor produced a nice, crisp image with a brightness control feature to adjust it when necessary. It's a solid camcorder with a sturdy construction, and the image quality is exceptional, but I must say, if you like to get tricky with your camera techniques, you may be left wishing with this one. **

Panasonic PV-DV700
This compact model has all the same features as the PV-DV710 except for the flip-out LCD monitor. It contains manual focus, three white balance pre-sets, an external mike jack and nine digital effects to keep you busy. A headphone jack is included; however, it's not on the actual camcorder itself. Instead, it sits alongside the Y/C and composite video outputs on the included A/V pack that attaches to the bottom of the camcorder.

I think the zoom toggle could use some work on this camcorder. I had trouble making it perform a smooth zoom at a constant speed.

The PV-DV700 is compact and has a very solid construction which feels nice in the hand. Figuring out the features buried deep in the heart of its internal electronics may take a little practice, but once practiced, it's actually pretty simple to operate. I'm not ecstatic over its tiny manual focus dial, but at least it has one.

Despite some very minor inconveniences, this model performed well above my expectations, and taking advantage of its various features proved to be satisfying. Overall, it's a solid camcorder for the price. ***1/2

Panasonic PV-DV710
The Panasonic PV-DV710 features both an LCD monitor and a traditional electronic viewfinder. It also has an external mike jack and various autoexposure settings. Manual focus exists in the form of a small dial. What Panasonic describes as manual white balance is really just three presets and an auto feature.

This is a good quality camcorder, with a nice shape that feels comfortable in the hand. Its compact size is nice, but of course, the smaller the camcorder, the smaller the buttons. Since most of the features of the PV-DV710 are buried in menus, I think Panasonic could have used the extra space on the camcorder to enlarge the buttons a little.

If you like to spruce up your productions with digital effects, then the nine digital effects included with this camera should keep you busy. The relatively large built-in LCD monitor is a nice feature; it's admirable that Panasonic found room for such a big LCD on a small camcorder.

In short, it's a good camcorder for beginners, with the ability to satisfy growing skill levels. ***1/2

Panasonic PV-DV1000
The PV-DV1000 has many features that set it apart from the rest of the DV cams out there. It has a sleek, tube-like shape, so it doesn't look anything like the compact models that have become so common.

Its unique shape allows room for the convenient placement of the manual controls, right there at your fingertips. This eliminates hunting through pages of on-screen menus to perform simple tasks like white balance (for which it includes several presets and a manual option) or iris and shutter control. If you prefer autofocus, hit the button; if you don't, then grasp the large focus ring that is fitted where it should be, around the perimeter of the lens. Although there are no manual audio controls, you can still take your pick between recording 12-bit or 16-bit audio and rest assured that this 3-chip DV beauty will deliver a crisp image with brilliant color.

The simplicity of the conveniently placed, well-labeled manual controls paves the way to the luxury of dialing in the exposure that you desire. This camcorder has only one significant drawback: a FireWire jack is not included. **** [add "Best Buy" graphic]

Sharp VL-DC1
Taking on the form of Sharp's popular ViewCam series of camcorders, this compact model features an LCD monitor--not a flip-out model but one fitted right on the back of the camera body. It also includes those two all-important accessories--an external mike input and headphone jack. A square joystick-style button maneuvers through the on-screen menus to choose features like manual iris and white balance control. At first sight, I figured that this method of moving through control options would prove to be difficult, but I was mistaken, as I quickly glided through pages of program menus.

The manual focus control on this camcorder could really use some redesign work. That square button plays the role of focusing the camcorder. It can get a little confusing, but the text appears quite large in the LCD monitor and it coaches you along with arrows that point in the direction you need to go.

This camcorder was built for fun, easy operation and, in that respect, performs very well. It's a good camcorder for beginners, practical for taping birthdays, holidays or other family events and allows for the addition of a few digital effects to spice them up. ***

Sharp VL-DX10
The VL-DX10 is a good camcorder for the person who is just starting to make video. With looks reminiscent of an old still camera circa 1970--it's a camcorder with some nice attributes, like an external mike jack and headphone jack. Getting it to execute certain commands, like digital effects, autoexposure or manual focus, is done with one round button.

The odd shape of the VL-DX10 is no accident; it does double-duty as a digital still camera. Like most digital still cameras, the VL-DX10 comes with a serial-port connection to your home computer, which makes it easy to transfer stills from the DV tape. No FireWire jack is present, however.

The VL-DX10's menu options appear quite large in the LCD monitor, and selecting an option is only a matter of highlighting your command with a button, then letting the camcorder do the rest. For someone without a lot of video experience, it could provide a decent foundation on which to learn. Hobbyists and beginners will probably get a kick out of what it has to offer but its design makes it a little awkward for serious shooting. **

Sony DCR-PC7
This Sony DV model is a truly pocket-sized camcorder with most of the bells and whistles that consumers look for. With 120:1 digital zoom, a lithium-ion battery, excellent image stabilization, IEEE 1394 FireWire input/output and a 2.5-inch flip-out LCD monitor, it delivers features and performance that would give most full-size camcorders a run for their money.

With your hand fixed in the strap on the right side, your thumb acts as the trigger finger to execute a series of controls that are placed along the back spine, including the record button, autoexposure lock and fader buttons. Operating these controls often takes two hands, and therefore becomes somewhat of a nuisance during some shooting situations, but enough practice with it is sure to solve that problem. The placement of a manual focus ring around the front of the lens is an excellent feature; the placement of Control-L and microphone inputs on an optional module, however necessary this may be for size considerations, is somewhat annoying.

Even considering these inconveniences, it's an admirable camcorder. ****

Sony DCR-TRV7
The TRV7 combines elements of slimness, sturdiness, and clever use of space. The 4-inch LCD monitor provides a very sharp, clear, colorful display that's easily viewable from the usual shooting distance of three to four feet. Most of its shooting controls, including manual focus, zoom, exposure and special effects, are simple and very responsive.

The TRV7 is missing one very important manual control: white balance. Without manual white balance control or even a handful of pre-sets, whenever a tough shooting situation arises the camera's automatic white balance system has you at its mercy.

All in all, it's an impressive camcorder, delivering a high-quality product in a well-designed package. ****

Sony DCR-VX1000
The DCR-VX1000 has the look, feel and performance of a professional camera, but it doesn't sport a professional price tag. With its combination of 3-chip performance, manual controls and all-around excellent image and sound quality, it's been a contender for the most popular DV camcorder for prosumers since its introduction in late 1995.

It's definitely not a compact model, but for its size, it's very light and extremely comfortable to use. All of the camera controls are easily accessible, sitting in a logical arrangement on the back and left side of the camera. Most of the controls are push-button types, except for the exposure and manual focus ring. It provides a lot of advanced features, and is fairly simple to use. This camera also marked a historical turning point as the first consumer electronics device to ship with a FireWire jack.

Though the DV format allows for both 12-bit and 16-bit, CD-quality audio, this camera only records in the 12-bit mode. Though 12-bit digital audio is excellent by anyone's standards, it is a significant drawback in an otherwise ideal camcorder.

The manual focus ring was very responsive and extremely accurate. It really out-performed my expectations, delivering high quality images and superb sound. This camcorder clearly stands out above the rest. *****

The Sum of it All
Of the DV camcorders I was able to test, all performed with a very likable image quality. Some were much easier to figure out how to use, and others seemed just a little impractical. The addition of so many bells and whistles (digital effects) often ends up clouding simple applications. A lot of this has to do with the size of these camcorders. Sure, the compact size lends itself to easy portability, but the unfortunate outcome is hiding numerous functions under a limited selection of control knobs. This poses a problem for spur-of-the-moment, point-and-shoot flexibility. Auto features are a decent addition, but the luxury of being able to perform manual focus, white balance and exposure control is ultimately most satisfying when viewing your footage; therefore these controls shouldn't be hidden behind so many onscreen menus.

Both the Panasonic PV-DV1000 and the Sony DCR-VX1000, although a little higher-end, focus on simplicity of manual control, and deliver pristine, 3-chip image quality. They were by far the most gratifying of all the camcorders tested.

If you are looking for a great buy, you'll probably find a lot of satisfaction in the Panasonic PV-DV700, the Sharp VL-DC1, or Sony's DCR-TRV7. Comfortable shape, feel and ease of use, combined with great picture and sound quality, were all achieved with these models.

Although manufacturers still have some room for improvement, constant advances in technology and the DV format itself are getting us closer to camcorder perfection. Who knows what they may deliver in the years to come?