Panasonic VDR-200 DVD Camcorder: Worth Every Penny

I have always been pleased with Panasonic products. When it was time to purchase a new camcorder, I wanted a brand I trusted and something easy to use. I was also looking for a camcorder which would allow me to send movies to my husband, while he is deployed. After researching model types, I decided the Panasonic VDR-D200 DVD Video Camera was the product for me. I was going to wait to buy it, but my husband thought I ought to have it for my birthday and I could not have been happier.

Specifications

Power Source and consumption: DC 7.9 V/7.2 V and runs on 6.0W

Recording format: DVD Video recording format (DVD-RAM, DVD-RW); DVD-Video format (DVD-RW, DVD-R)

Image Sensor: 1/6-ince CCD with total pixels of about 680K

Lens: 30X power zoom

Filter Diameter: 30.5 mm

Zoom: 30X optical zoom, 50/1000X digital zoom

Monitor: 2.5" LCD Monitor

Viewfinder: Color Electric viewfinder

Microphone: Stereo with zoom capabilities

Speaker: single round 20 mm

The Panasonic VDR-D200 DVD Video Camera is very easy to use. Everything you need to know is clearly explained in the user manual, but anyone can perform basic operations without looking at the user manual. The Panasonic VDR-D200 comes with editing software for you to edit your videos. I see this as an added bonus because it eliminates other costs of purchasing other editing software.

The Panasonic VDR-D200 camcorder is lightweight and small. The Panasonic VDR-D200 is just the right size for traveling. It records on mini-DVD discs, thus complimenting the size of the camcorder. The Panasonic VDR-D200 has a SD card port to allow users to take still photos with the camcorder. I viewed this as an added bonus so I would not have to take my digital camera and camcorder everywhere I go.

The clarity of the picture is impeccable. The 50X zoom is great and the picture does not come out too grainy or distorted. The light, which is attached to the camcorder, makes the picture clearer in darker areas without having to have bright lighting. There is a configuration on the Panasonic VDR-D200 to lessen the degree of shaking pictures when the camcorder is not on a tripod. This is a great bonus when creating videos on vacations where there is a lot of walking around to do.

The Panasonic VDR-200 requires you to finalize each DVD. The process of finalizing can take anywhere from a few minutes to 15 minutes long. If you try to play the DVD prior to finalizing, your DVD could be ruined. Luckily for me, my DVD was not ruined when I tried to play it before finalizing. It is also recommended that Panasonic brand DVDs are used with the camcorder, but I have had no problems using other brands with the Panasonic VDR-200.

Overall, this product has become a great addition to the many gadgets I have around the house. It is small and easy to use and will allow me to create memories for my husband while he is deployed. If you are looking for a great camcorder at a great price, check out the Panasonic VDR-200. It is priced around $400 and is worth every penny spent. I rate this product a 5.