Panasonic VDR-M53 DVD Camcorder w/24x Optical Zoom

I've owned a VDR-m53 4 20 months. I have lost at least 4 event DVDs (birthdays, holiday pageant, vacation) 2 disk errors even when using the correct media, being incredibly careful with this camera, & following all relevant instructions. According 2 panasonic my camcorder is in good working condition, & the problems I'm having are due 2 "bad media". I've purchased the appropriate type of mini-DVDs from various major brands at several chain stores, & I've had these problems (corrupted disks/disk erros/disks in need of repair/camera unable 2 read portions or all of disks/video freezing) on every major brand, even on brand new disks used the day of purchase.

I'm not a clueless, reckless consumer. I was duped into buying a product that is utterly unreliable. I'm sending it back 2 Panasonic. Not because I want a new one (or a credit toward a Panasonic product, as they have been horrendously unhelpful with customer service & tech support), but so they understand I'd rather never see this terrible piece of equipment again.

If, in fact, they are correct & my camcorder works fine, then the DVD media is so horribly unreliable that I can assure you I will NOT buy another DVD-recording camera. So much 4 the convenience of recording right onto a DVD. I'd rather pay a professional 2 transfer my precious videos, because at least I'd HAVE them.

If I could, I would give this camcorder a 0 of 5. Since I now have 2 search 4 a new camcorder, from reading other Panasonic model reviews, I am convinced I did not just get a lemon, but the Panasonic brand is bad.

We bought this camcorder 18 months ago at the birth of our son. It has had problems from the beginning. First, I could not finalize the disk. I called Panasonic support, who basically told me the problems we were having were because the camera was not being held still while recording. This is ridiculous since I often set the camera down on a countertop so I can be in the video. Then I finally got someone 2 tell me that I needed 2 be recording on Panasonic mini-DVDs. The best it has worked have been on the Panasonic DVDs which are some of the most expensive, & even that is no guarantee that you will be able 2 watch the DVD after finalization. I still have freezing of the picture & sparatic playback when trying 2 watch. It has skipped over whole sections. I have 3 DVD players in my home (all different brands) & the disk works on none of them.

I finally got an address 2 send it in 4 repairs. I was not happy 2 be without my camcorder 4 an extended period of time. I was told they would look at the camcorder, see if there was a problem & call me. I waited a week after I knew it was in the shop 2 check the status. Panasonic FAILED TO MENTION that I would need 2 pay $207.50 UP FRONT 4 them 2 look at it, then if any repairs were needed, this cost would cover them as well. SO, I have been without a camcorder 4 3 weeks while waiting 2 see if it needed fixing, & the company I sent it 2 has not even looked at it because I have not paid them! This is crazy since I can get a brand new miniDV camcorder 4 $225.

The only reason it has taken me so long 2 take drastic action is because we are military living overseas & bought it at Best Buy. So you see why I couldn't just take it back 2 the store (or I would have a long time ago)! Also after spending over $500 on this piece of junk, I could not afford 2 just replace it. Sending it in was not an option when my son was a newborn, because I didn't want 2 miss any precious memories (which I ened up missing anyway!). So now the holidays are upon us, & I will be forced 2 purchase another camcorder, since I don't know if they will send it back 2 me in time 4 Christmas. I will not pay the $207.50 4 a camera that hasn't worked well out of the box. I also had 2 pay shipping both ways 4 nothing!

Plus another thing, the still picture is bad quality. Very grainy & you can actually see pixels when you print it. We only used that function once.

I have lost so many disks, & have so many others that only play part of the DVD that when I think of it I cry. I have also wasted so much time trying 2 figure out how 2 fix the problem with a customer support that is useless. I wish I would have never bought this camcorder! IF YOU ARE BUYING THIS CAMCORDER TO CAPTURE MEMORIES, BUY ANOTHER! I will not buy Panasonic products again!

I've bought this camera about a year ago & I am very happy with it. The batery charges fast & lasts long, the movies are good in quality (clear, not blured, the colors come out exactly the same) & the camera is light enough. The only problem I've had so far is that you cannot record in the dark - the movie comes out darker than it seemed & you can hardly see anything. Otherwise I am more than happy with the camera.

If you buy this camera, remember 2 buy also additional DVD copy software (IntelVideo Copy - around $70), plus only Panasonic DVD-Ram mini DVD disks (also expensive). Also, after my experience, if you erase one DVD-ram disc at least twice, on the third use the movie will have many video or audio problems. Not knowing this problem, I ruined my friend's baby shower video. Panasonic customer service is not helpful at all. A representative was even surprised that my camera does not have USB cable!!! Other then that - let's say, once you cannot return this camera 2 the store, because I opened it & used it, you can still enjoy lightness of the camera. One more thing: you need 2 purchase the light also; this camera does not have built-in light - you will need it. ... So, how much does the camera cost after all???

I bought this camera because of consumer reports great reviews. But I'm bound & determined 2 get my images onto my PC. I purchased a DVD-RAM compatible drive 4 my PC & still can't get it 2 recongnize either DVD-RAM or DVD-R disks. Do I need special software? And if so what? Roxio DVD builder is not doing the trick.

Other than that, the camera works great, images & sound are clear, & camera is easy 2 opperate. If you figure out a new cell phone, you can figure out this.

Record directly onto DVD-RAM or DVD-R discs 4 multiple recording & playback options. With DVD-RAM discs you never have 2 worry about erasing a recording or finding blank space. You can just start recording. DVD-RAM discs can also be played back in compatible devices, like select computers & home DVD-players. DVD-R discs are strong & versatile, & can also be played back on most home DVD players.The VDR-M53 has a built-in digital still camera which lets you capture incredibly lifelike still images directly onto a DVD disc or SD Memory Card. Now you can store all your memories form a special event conveniently in one place.The optical zoom acts like a telescope 2 produce close-up shots with extraordinary clarity. And, with variable zoom speeds, you can adjust how fast the camcorder lens moves from wide-angle 2 full telescope. In addition, the digital zoom ratio can be increased up 2 an extraordinary 800x. Now that's close up!Digital EIS compensates 4 unintentional hand & camcorder movement 2 help stabilize your recordings, even while you're recording as a passenger from a moving vehicle or while walking. With Digital EIS, you will not have 2 worry about shaky soccer games or family outings.You can also record onto SD Memory Cards. These versatile, high-capacity storage cards are extremely small - about the size of a postage stamp. They work as "digital film, " letting you capture images & then transfer them 2 a compatible PC, TV, PDA, or other device equipped with an SD slot. It is an easy way 2 share your images with friends & family.The LCD monitor provides excellent viewing clarity in full vivid color. The 2.5" diagonal color LCD screen rotates up 2 270-degrees 4 multiple viewing angles, providing sharp, detailed images 4 monitoring or playback. Now you can enjoy your finished recordings right on the spot.