Panasonic VDR-D100 First Impressions Camcorder Review

by Matt Culler
Published on Jan 11, 2006 12:00 PM

Intro Performance
Format Tour
Auto / Manual Controls Still Features
Handling and Use
 Audio / Playback / Connectivity
Other Features Comparisons / Conclusion


Handling
Unlike many of the other Panasonic camcorders this year, the VDR-D100 doesn’t feature much by way of design enhancements. Any aids to handling have been adopted from last year’s mode design changes, particularly in the joystick department. The good news is that those aids were major, and VDR-D100 can be operated extremely easily with one hand indeed. The bad news is that even further advancements were made to some of Panasonic’s MiniDV camcorders, making handheld use a tad more smooth and zooming easier. On the VDR-D100, the zoom toggle is still the old cumbersome Panasonic ones. Also, the camcorder’s viewfinder feels extremely cheap. Just pull it out and you’ll see what I mean.

LCD/Viewfinder
The VDR-D100, as Panasonic’s lowest-end DVD camcorder this year, was not included in the widescreen LCD upgrade enjoyed by many of their MiniDV and DVD camcorders in their 2006 line. The VDR-D200 doesn’t include a widescreen LCD either. The VR-D100 does feature a color viewfinder.

 







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