Panasonic HDC-DX1 First Impressions Camcorder Reviewby Guy BrunerPublished on Jan 17, 2007 7:00 AM
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Ease of Use
The HDC-DX1 is relatively easy to use for shooting and playing back video. However, I found that the need to format a new DVD disk before using it and to finalize it after shooting was constraining – one cost of the “convenience” of DVD. Finalizing the disk is particularly constraining as it must be done on the AC supply and takes 6-8 minutes. Of course, you can format a bunch of disks in advance of shooting and finalize them after all shooting is ended. But, this is just extra overhead that mitigates the ease of use that random access media like DVD should provide.
The DVD loading bay opens from the right.
Handling
As best I can tell with the security feature inhibitions on the display models, the HDC-DX1 fits well in the hand. The only exception is the position of the photo shot button which I could not reach without shifting my hand in a way that altered the aim.
As best I can tell with the security feature inhibitions on the display models, the HDC-DX1 fits well in the hand. The only exception is the position of the photo shot button which I could not reach without shifting my hand in a way that altered the aim.
Menu
The menus are very readable. Colors are vivid and paging through the menu options is quite logical.
The menus are very readable. Colors are vivid and paging through the menu options is quite logical.
LCD and Viewfinder
Like the HDC-SD1, the LCD is sharp, bright and colorful. Having an electronic viewfinder is a plus, even if the extendable eyepiece doesn’t tilt. The smaller SD1 does not have any EVF, a feature rapidly disappearing from camcorders striving for the “ultracompact” category.
Like the HDC-SD1, the LCD is sharp, bright and colorful. Having an electronic viewfinder is a plus, even if the extendable eyepiece doesn’t tilt. The smaller SD1 does not have any EVF, a feature rapidly disappearing from camcorders striving for the “ultracompact” category.
