Features:
18x optical zoom and 150x digital zoom
2.5-inch LCD screen
VHS compatibility
Built-in auto light
Electronic image stabilization
Accessories:
Corel Ulead VideoStudio 11 Plus [OLD VERSION]
Apple Final Cut Studio 2 (Mac)
Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Version 11 [OLD VERSION]
Vegas Movie Studio 8 Platinum Edition [OLD VERSION]
Corel Ulead VideoStudio 11.5 Plus [OLD VERSION]
Spotlight customer reviews:
Summary: very disappointed
Comment: The panasonic PV-L550 was our second foray into camcorders - our 1st JVC lasted about 5 years and this one barely two- it is not durable at all ; our JVC suffered through numerous impacts without incident but the slighest bump of the Panasonic sent it to be repaired twice. Also the EIS is a joke and never functioned correctly. Wouldn't recommend this one.
Summary: quick and easy
Comment: Yes this is my first camara. I love it though. I like having the little screen so I can watch the action live and on the screen to be sure I have the shot I want. I also like the small cassettes. They make it easy to carry around extra. There are many features on this thing that are nice to have for such a low price. The only thing it doesn't have is a remote, but you really don't need that either with the motion sensor on it. I chose panasonic because I have a boom box that they made and it is now 15 years old. I expect it to last even longer. Because of that I expect this camera to last longer then average with out any problems.
Summary: Good for the Price , But ..............
Comment: I just received mine today. Everything looks very good, BUT : 1. The image stabilization does not do anything. I went to Wallmart and tried all camcorders that had Digital Image stabilization - the Sony and RCA there was noticeble difference with it on and off. I tried another Panasonic there - there is almost no difference. If you could, play little exra money (like 100.00) and get the SOny one with SteadyShot and NightVision.
Summary: Small but works like full size
Comment: I'll keep it simple. Lots of neat bells and whistles. Small camcorder that works like full size VHS. Has a nice adaptor for the VHS VCR. I tried other camcorders and full size VHS cameras before I bought this one and it was the closest to working like a full size camera. It is very light weight even with the battery on it. Your arm does't get tired from holding it up. It is also nice to have the LCD when you want to tape your whole family you don't have to look in the view finder to be sure it's lined up right. You just turn the LCD screen to face the front of the camera.
Summary: Great Camcorder!
Comment: I got this Panasonic Yesterday, and it works great! I tried filming our dog runnng around in circles and it still picks up with no lines at all on the screen when you veiw it later. If you want a light, small, camcorder this is the one for you.. Not to mention its also pretty cheap. The price on here was 396.91 and that included shipping charges. At Sears its 399 withOUT taxes.. Good Deal HERE!
Editorial reviews:
This is a truly high performance camcorder, with many exciting features for the discriminating consumer. It's VHS format and comes with a VHS PlayPak, so tapes can be played right through your VCR. The powerful 18x Hi-Definition Zoom lens produces superior clarity, and the unit offers four zoom speeds, enabling you to go from wideangle to telephoto in just a few seconds. The large 2.5" LCD color monitor shows you just what you're shooting, and the built-in auto light runs off the camcorder battery.2-Second Quick Zoom lets you rapidly shift from wide angle to zoom. Digital Electronic Image Stabilization helps keep the picture steady even if your hand shakes. Full-Size Video Head Cylinder provides crisp, clear picture. Color Digital Fade lets you create smooth transitions from scene to scene. MotionSensor starts the camcorder recording after perceiving motion, so you can use the camcorder as a simple home security device. Auto Titler / Phrase Titler lets you insert titles on special occasions such as holidays or Birthdays.
