The compact Panasonic PV-DV73 MiniDV camcorder offers advanced features such as digital still photo capability and the ability to create high-quality MPEG-4 video clips. The PV-DV73 features a 1.3-megapixel CCD, 10x optical zoom, and 3.5-inch color LCD.
Optics
The PV-DV73 offers a 1.3-megapixel CCD providing crisp, sharp pictures. Shooting from far distances is no problem with the PV-DV73's 10x optical zoom and 700x digital zoom. With Panasonic's introduction of Dual D-EIS (digital electronic image stabilization), you can use this same technology in both the record and playback modes to remove additional jitter from previously recorded video.
Digital Stills and MPEG4 Video
The still mode is capable of capturing crystal-clear still images comparable to the best digital still cameras. Image quality ranges from 640 x 480 up to 1600 x 1200 (through pixel interpolation). The images are stored onto the available Secure Digital (SD) memory card in JPEG format. You can also record MPEG4 video, which uses a higher compression setting and is great for posting to a Web site or e-mailing to friends and family.
Still images and MPEG4 video are stored on the included 8 MB Secure Digital (SD) memory card, and can be transferred to your PC via USB connectivity (compatible with both USB 1.1 and 2.0).
Web Cam Capability
The PV-DV73 is equipped with a built-in Web Camera that gives you the ability to send live video to family and friends over the Internet. You can even set up the PV-DV73 as a simple home monitoring or a videoconferencing tool. Microsoft Windows Messenger or Windows NetMeeting is required for both sender and receiver. Also requires Windows XP, Windows Me, Windows 98SE or Windows 2000 Professional preinstalled PC with USB port. Both computers must be equipped to make a direct dial-up connection. Driver software and USB cable are included.
More Features
The IR Filter lets you record video in near-total darkness with incredible detail. Images can be recorded in black and white, blue, or green. By simply turning on the IR filter, the camcorder uses infrared light to record images in dark settings up to approximately 10 feet away.
The PV-DV73 offers the capability to create high-quality MPEG-4 video clips from recorded video footage. This allows for computer-based editing, e-mailing video clips, or uploading to Web sites. The camcorder will also double as a Webcam when connected via USB to your PC.
The picture-in-picture feature allows you to insert a previously taken digital still image into the video you're recording. The still image is taken using the PhotoShot digital still feature and appears on the right side of the video you're recording. The video and miniaturized still shot then appear together during playback
Other features include:
- 3.5-inch tiltable LCD screen.
- Electronic Image Stabilazation to correct camera shaking, giving you smooth and stable pictures.
- The Power Linked Operation feature prepares the camera to record simply by opening the LCD or pulling out the viewfinder.
- Audio/Video out and S-Video out utilize playback capability directly to a television screen.
- Remote control features include playback with special effects, zoom, slow motion, and audio dubbing/insert editing.
Inputs and Outputs
The PVGS50S comes with the standard DV IEEE 1394 port (also known as FireWire; Panasonic refers to this connection as iLink) for a super-fast, lossless connection to a PC or other DV machines.
MiniDV Format
MiniDV is the preferred format for personal and broadcast-quality video, highly regarded for its high audio and image quality. MiniDV delivers a 20 percent clearer picture than analog camcorder formats. This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. A MiniDV tape offers digital recording time of 2 full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD. You'll also get minimal color noise interference for a more stable picture.
Size and Contents
The camcorder measures 3.5 x 2.9 x 7.5 inches and weighs 1.3 pounds. This package includes the PV-DV73 camcorder, CARD LINK PhotoVu Link, AC adapter, battery pack, shoulder strap, A/V cable (mini-3 RCA), USB cable, wireless remote control, lens cap, and CD-ROM with digital still and video editing software.