Panasonic VDR-D230
Manufacturer: Panasonic Part number: VDRD230
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CNET Editor rating:
Not yet rated
- Average user rating: 1.0 stars out of 6 reviews
- More product information:
- Product brief
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Description:
- Panasonic's vision of the digital future is driven by the needs and aspirations of its business customers and millions of consumers around the world who use its products every day. The company shares their dream to live a fuller life by providing ways of working smarter and enjoying the rewards of technological advances. PRODUCT FEATURES: O.I.S. (Optical ... Read more
Where to buy
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as of 07/05/2009 |
Product brief
Intro: The Panasonic VDR-D230 is a DVD-R DL (8 cm), DVD-RAM (8 cm), DVD-R (8cm), and DVD-RW (8 cm)-based, consumer camcorder.Compared to other consumer camcorders on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $375.This product weighs 1.1 pounds and has a sensor resolution of about 0.4 megapixels.
Noteworthy Features: Has optical stabilization, which is considerably more favorable than some similarly priced camcorders.(While many camcorders have electronic image stabilization, optical stabilization generally produces superior results.)Also, this camcorder has a 32x optical zoom.Supports manual focus, which helps savvy users to tape in hard-to-focus situations.This unit weighs just 17.6 ounces without battery and media, which is relatively light.
Weaker Features: None noted, given available product data.
Suitability: Made for those who want the perks of a DVD-recordable disc but don't mind the compromises.This camera's built-in light will facilitate shooting in dim environments.
Value: In view of its relatively inexpensive price, this camcorder has good features for the money.In fact, you would typically pay about 20% more for a consumer camcorder with comparable effective resolution.
Suggestions: For more help selecting the right digital camcorder, visit CNET Reviews' buying guide.
User reviews
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Video is poor quality, colors are very washed out.
by Arthur61 on June 17, 2007
Pros: You can just insert and play the DVD disc on your DVD player!
Cons: Poor quality video, colors are not vivid.
Summary: I was very pleased with the cameras ability to create a disc which you can play back immediately on your DVD. Also must give panasonic credit for a fantastic zoom, ...
Summary: I was very pleased with the cameras ability to create a disc which you can play back immediately on your DVD. Also must give panasonic credit for a fantastic zoom, and the image stabilization works really well even at full 32X zoom. Unfortunately the image quality is poor, and the colors appear very washed out. The camera permits you to save the video in two formats Video: which permits immediate playback on your DVD player but doesn't let you edit the video, or VR: which does not permit immediate play back on your DVD but will permit you to edit your video. When you process the video through your PC the software will convert it into MPEG-2 format, permit editing, then burn it to a DVD. I did not notice any degredation in quality after conversion at the highest possible setting (thank goodness) although logic would dictate that there is some. In my opinion this camera gives you a lot of technology for the money, but you pay a price in video quality. I returned mine and bought the Panasonic PV-GS320. Although it is the older technology the video quality is considerably better, and the color reproduction is dramatically better!
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Piece of junk
by flavere on May 20, 2008
Pros: Combo video and still
Cons: everything else
Summary: I bought this in January as a gift for my son's birthday in March. The first batch of still pictures came back from Walgreens looking like they came from ...
Summary: I bought this in January as a gift for my son's birthday in March. The first batch of still pictures came back from Walgreens looking like they came from a single use camera. I took it back to Circuit City and they hid behind their 30 day return policy. Panasonic told me to take it to their repair facility who kept it for over 3 weeks. Just got it back and the pictures are still terrible.
I also tried to download some videos to DVD. The software freezes the computer and I have to reboot. When I used my ULead program the videos froze for 3 or 4 seconds between chapters.
When I was at Circuit City the manager there tried to tell me the still picture feature was just an extra and not very good (this is after the purchase, not mentioned before). I said to the guy then you think the camera is a piece of Cr*p? And he said yes. Stay away.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Not for editing with imovie or Final Cut
by kayko4578 on June 4, 2007
Pros: Light weight, nice size, easy functions
Cons: Editing abiltiy is not the best. Still camera images are not great,
Summary: I did a lot of research, but somehow I missed this one tidbit. In the specs it clearly states "can export video and images to computer." That is what really ...
Summary: I did a lot of research, but somehow I missed this one tidbit. In the specs it clearly states "can export video and images to computer." That is what really sold me. I was going back and forth with paying more money for a mini DVD vs a miniDV. If you only plan on burning DVD's directly and NOT using a imovie or final cut express (pro) then go for it. Otherwise, go for a higher priced minidv with a firewire. I really didn't get to play with this to much, but the MagicPix feature is really interesting and helps low light a lot. There aren't a lot of functions, but if you just want good old auto, then this is a great camera for a regular family. Be sure to read the manual to understand the difference between recording in Video format and VR format.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Problem with Drivers
by sjcommish on December 27, 2008
Pros: Have not used it enough to see any pros
Cons: The product shipped with XP drivers, when you go to the website to load the Vista drivers it crashes, no answer from 'support' email.
Summary: The drivers for the D230 don't work with Vista.
Summary: The drivers for the D230 don't work with Vista.
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Poor picture quality, poorly packaged software, avoid!
by chai714 on May 13, 2008
Pros: fits in your hand nicely, is light,
Cons: AWFUL picture quality (even looks black & white at times while playing on TV), slow DVD writer (takes 5 minutes to write 10 minutes of video), the software is poor
Summary: I got this as a gift (thank God). I would never wish such a poorly made camcorder on anyone. First off, let me start off with the positives: the design ...
Summary: I got this as a gift (thank God). I would never wish such a poorly made camcorder on anyone. First off, let me start off with the positives: the design is sleek, light, and the light on the tip significantly improves darker shooting conditions.
Conversely, the great light doesn't make a difference for it's AWFUL video that even looks black & white! The DVD writer must write at .05x and takes forever to write even the smallest of videos.
The software that Panasonic chose to package with it is as bad as its video output results - I have several computers at home and am a techie and couldn't successfully install the software. I did visit the Panasonic website to check for issues but could find no solutions.
The built-in menu that Panasonic uses to author DVD menus is also poorly designed. The colors are generic looking and they seem to not have any real logic.
Avoid this camcorder at all costs. -
Lost 20-min of video on my 2nd disc in the unit
by vdr-d230 on October 20, 2007
Pros: compact, great zoom
Cons: it allows you to record on a bad disc and lose all!
Summary: I liked the unit until recording my way through the 2nd disc ever in the machine. Had the mini DVD-R disc about half filled up with short video clips of ...
Summary: I liked the unit until recording my way through the 2nd disc ever in the machine. Had the mini DVD-R disc about half filled up with short video clips of my newborn from about 2-3 months of age. Went to record more one day, and got a "THIS UNIT CANNOT READ THE DISC. THE DISC IS FORMATTED INCORRECTLY" error. Which is pretty funny since the disc was formatted in that unit and the disc had never been out of the unit since then... Bottom line, according to Panasonic tech support: There is some error on the disc making it unreadable in the unit. Since the disc was not "finalized", it is also unreadable in any other unit or player. The video clips are unrecoverable, lost forever.
If Panasonic does not take the unit back, it is going in the trash can. How could you use a unit like that where at any moment there may be some error that renders the everything already on the disc a total loss?
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Panasonic
- Part number: VDRD230
- Description: Panasonic's vision of the digital future is driven by the needs and aspirations of its business customers and millions of consumers around the world who use its products every day. The company shares their dream to live a fuller life by providing ways of working smarter and enjoying the rewards of technological advances. PRODUCT FEATURES: O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer); 32x optical zoom; Pure color engine; High quality MPEG 2 engine; High-picture-quality wide 2, 7" LCD; One-touch navigation and joystick control; Help mode; Instant ON/OFF; MagicPix.
General
- Product Type Camcorder
- Digital Zoom 1000 x
- Effective Sensor Resolution 0.46 megapixels
- Total Pixels 0.68 megapixels
- Optical Sensor Size 1/6"
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Min Illumination 2 lux
- Digital Video Format MPEG-2
- Special Effects Black & White
- Image Stabilizer Optical
- PCM Digital Sound 12bit (32KHz / 2 channels), 16bit (48KHz / 2 channels)
- Min Shutter Speed 1/60 sec
- Max Shutter Speed 1/8000 sec
- Shooting Modes Digital photo mode
- Shooting Programs Low light, Spotlight, Sports mode, Surf & snow, Portrait mode
- White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
- White Balance Presets Indoor, Outdoor
- Exposure Modes Program, Automatic, Aperture-priority
- Camera Flash None
- Widescreen Video Capture Yes
Main Features
- Color Support Color
- Still Image Format JPEG
- TV Tuner None
Memory / Storage
- Supported Flash Memory SD Memory Card
- Floppy Drive None
- Image Storage JPEG 640 x 480, JPEG 640 x 360
- Media Type DVD-R (8cm), DVD-RW (8 cm), DVD-RAM (8 cm), DVD-R DL (8 cm)
- Recording Speed LP, SP, XP
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 2.3 mm - 73.6 mm - F/1.8-3.7
- Focal Length 2.3 mm - 73.6 mm
- Lens Aperture F/1.8-3.7
- Optical Zoom 32 x
- Lens system type Zoom lens
- Min focal length 2.3 mm
- Max focal length 73.6 mm
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Filter Size 37 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
Additional Features
- Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
- Digital Still Camera Function Yes
- Additional Features DPOF support, Direct print, Date/time stamp, PictBridge support, USB 2.0 compatibility, Backlight compensation
- Built-in Light Yes
- Time Code Yes
- Software Drivers & Utilities
- Included Accessories Lens cap
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type LCD
- Viewfinder Diagonal Size 0.33 in
- Viewfinder Resolution 113,000 pixels
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.7 in - Color
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
- Microphone Features Zoom, Wind noise reduction
Connections
- Connector Type 1, 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x S-Video output, USB
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card
Audio Input
- Audio input type Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1, 1 x USB cable, 1 x A/V cable, 1
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
- Battery type - Lithium ion
Battery
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Form Factor Rotating
- Display Format 123,000 pixels
- Viewfinder Color Support Color
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 ?F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 ?F
Physical Characteristics
- Width 3.3 in
- Depth 5.9 in
- Height 3.8 in
- Weight 1.1 lbs
Accessories
Manufacturer info
- Panasonic
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Panasonic products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.panasonic.com/
- Address:
One Panasonic Way
Secaucus, NJ 07094 - Phone: 800/662-3537
