Panasonic SVAV100 D-Snap MPEG4 Digital Video Recorder w/10x Optical Zoom

I found no flaws with the d-spap av100, except 4 the fact that whenever I plug it into the TV, there is no audio. Maybe it is just me, but if anyone knows what my problem is please let me know.

rskurban@comcast.net

The fact that this records files with an .mod suffix is irrelevant. When you rename them as .mpg files they are fine. Actually, Premiere Elements 2.0 doesn't even require you 2 rename them, it deals with .mod files just fine.
The video is very good, with just a bit of jagged lines when there's fast motion.
The point is, this camera is meant 2 be an easy thing 2 put in your pocket so you are always ready 2 grab some video & it does this superbly.
It's not quite as good video as a higher end DV camera, but it's not meant 4 that. It's a great addition 2 your camera collection.

I own this this camera since February 2004. It is very well built, light & handy, fits in any pocket.

Video quality with light is very good. In low light conditions is very bad or no video at all.

It is complicated 2 manage the files. Panasonic uses a trick 2 edit the video files. Files extenssion is .MOD, it is not .MPG. The change of extenssion was done 2 allow the edition of the recorded files with included Panasonic software & you will not find another compatibility 4 edition.

If you backup the files in CD's or DVD's you will need 2 replace the extension of the files 2 play it in your DVD Player except 4 Panasonic DVD players.
Example: File name MOV01.MOD must be changed 2 MOV01.MPG.

You may want 2 use VLC software in your computer instead of Panasonic software included.

From my point of view this product is not completely developed yet.

The comment from reviewer "Xdeth" about using Ulead editing software is completely wrong. I've been using Ulead VideoStudio 8 2 edit SV100 videos 4 over a year. Yes, as many others have stated, the ".mod" files need 2 be renamed 2 ".mpg" 2 use Ulead & much other software.

As 4 the camera itself, what other memory card based MPEG-2 (DVD quality) camcorder can you toss in your pocket like a wallet? I take it everywhere. I have also dropped it a few times & have a few dents 2 prove it. I am very pleased with it's ability 2 withstand physical abuse.

While it only records 12 minutes in MPEG-2 on 512MB card, it's not much of an issue. I keep an extra card in my wallet. I also have a 40 GiG portable rechargeable X-drive Pro hard drive with built in media card ports. I can off-load files with the press of a single button without a PC.

Furthermore, how often does anyone ever take more than 12 minutes (MPEG-2) of continuous video? For those who do need the extra recording time, do as I did. Buy an extra SD card or an X-drive Pro.

I bought this camcorder specifically 4 the MPEG-2 file quality. I only shoot the higher compressed MPEG-4 video when I know I'm going 2 email the clip.

Another plus is it's 10X optical zoom.

The only downside is the inability 2 shoot in low light & only 640 by 480 still photos. Since there is no other tapeless MPEG-2 pocket camcorder out there, the AV100 stands alone in it's catagory.

My recomendation: Do buy this AV100.

The camera would be as advertised if it was not 4 the MPEG2 file fomat & they use & lack of software control over your files. Sure you can copy & rename the files off the SD card, but don't save them 2 your computer first using the supplied software, it uses some compression method 2 create one huge file from all your little ones. And they will be little, 10 minutes record time in high quality 4 $900.00 + cost of 512 MB SD card, please.

Lastly you cannot edit the panasonic MPEG2 formats like others using Adobe or Ulead, you can burn them straight 2 DVD but splitting tracks, adding effects, & doing the things that make a video look slick don't work well if at all. Many players don't have the codec available 2 play back the files either!

Check the net 4 more info, plenty of angry folks on the camcorder forums discussing the workarounds 4 panasonics mistakes & misleading product info.

The SV-AV100 can record MPEG2 video onto a compatible SD Memory Card, allowing you 2 enjoy a level of picture quality rivaling DVDs. In both Fine & Normal modes, images are recorded at the same rate used in TV broadcasts-to ensure clear, natural-looking pictures with smoothly flowing motion. You can also record MPEG4 video, which produces natural-looking action footage without a choppy "frame-by-frame" effect. MPEG4 is ideal 4 sharing over the Internet by e-mail, posting on Web pages or viewing on a compatible PC or television.You can take 340, 000 pixel digital still pictures with the SV-AV100. This is a handy feature 4 casual, "memo-style" snapshots.Miss the big game last night? Good thing you recorded it, but when are you going 2 have the time 2 watch it? With the A/V terminal on the included cradle, you can connect 2 an external device, like a TV or VCR, & then transfer the content directly onto the SD Memory Card inside your SV-AV100. Once the transfer is complete, you can watch the big game any time you want - right in the palm of your hand!The LCD monitor on the SV-AV100 rotates a full 270 degrees, giving you more shooting flexibility. It makes it a lot easier 4 you 2 get yourself in the scene.