Panasonic VDR-D200 Camcorder Reviewby David KenderPublished on Oct 18, 2006 12:00 PM
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Comparison
Panasonic VDR-M75
There are two primary differences between the VDR-D200 and its predecessor from last year, the VDR-M75. While the VDR-D200 sports a modest 1/6-inch CCD chip, the VDR-M75 had a significantly larger 1/4.5-inch chip. In terms of actual video performance the chips are comparable but different. Last year’s camcorder produced an image with more contrast, poorer color reproduction, and less noise than this year’s. The major improvement that that Panasonic has made to the VDR-D200 is the replacement of the four-way touchpad on the camcorder’s left side with a rear-mounted joystick. The joystick is a much better interface, and it tips the scales in favor of the VDR-D200.
Panasonic VDR-D100
The core imaging specs and manual control specs of the VDR-D200 and its slightly cheaper (by $100) cousin, the VDR-D100, are identical. Panasonic hopes that with the addition of an SD card slot for still capture, and a video light, some buyers will shell out the extra cash for the hybrid capabilities of the VDR-D200. Unfortnately, this camcorder doesn’t differentiate itself enough to make it a better choice. With the ability to capture stills at a mere 640x480, this camcorder’s photo function is good for snapshots but no more. Save your cash, and go with the VDR-D100. For $100 you can buy a bottom end digital still camera that will outperform the “hybrid” VDR-D200 by leaps and bounds.
Sony DCR-DVD205
The Panasonic VDR-D200 vs. Sony’s DCR-DVD205 a classic head-to-head that highlights the traditional strengths – and weaknesses of these camcorder titans. The Sony is easier to use, and turns in better Auto mode performance, but is hobbled when it comes to manual control where the Panasonic shines. The DCR-DVD205 also has a completely different touchscreen-based interface that is idiot-proof, but we much prefer the efficient joystick on the VDR-D200. In terms of core imaging specs, the Sony comes out on top, with its 1/5.5” CCD and 690K effective pixels – more than double the 340K found on the Panasonic. The larger chip gives the Sony better overall video performance, and it takes bigger stills as well (1152x864) – but only to DVD. So which is the better camcorder? In this competition, we give the slight edge to Sony. The Sony DCR-DVD205 is clearly better for point-and-shoot users, but a user who is adept with manual controls might be able to squeeze better video from the VDR-D200, despite its lackluster imaging.
Canon DC20
Canon’s DC20 (soon to be replaced by the DC22) is a fairly strong performer, and its 1/3.9” CCD is a good deal larger than the 1/6” chip on the VDR-D200. The larger chip size produces sharper video than the Panasonic, and also turns in a better low light performance. The DC20 is also a legitimate hybrid camcorder, supporting multiple still image sizes up to 1632x1224 vs. only 640x480 for the VDR-D200. While the Canon may have better video capture abilities, the Panasonic has a better manual control feature set with full manual control over options like aperture. While the DC20 includes a host of presets and semi-manual controls, like spot metering, in this regard it can’t compete with the VDR-D200. However we still think the Canon is a better camcorder, even at its admittedly steep $755 initial MSRP.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters (7.0)
The Panasonic VDR-D200 is a good camcorder for users who don’t think they will make use of manual controls, and it is a solid performer that’s easy to use. It could be an especially good choice for buyers who usually point and shoot, but also want to dabble in the world of manual control.
Budget Consumers (3.5)
Users who want the most camcorder bang for their buck would be advised to avoid DVD camcorders entirely – MiniDV camcorders at half the price of the Panasonic VDR-D200 like the Canon ZR500 produce better video. Even for buyers who are at the budget end of the DVD camcorder market have better choices, including the VDR-D100 which is the same camcorder (minus a video light, anemic still features, and an unimpressive software bundle). Indeed, it’s difficult for us to make the call on whether this camcorder is right for anyone…
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (3.0)
Is the VDR-D200 a hybrid camcorder? Well, technically, yes. It has a memory card slot and can capture stills at a resolution of – ahem – 640x480. That one resolution choice is at the very bottom end of digital still photo resolution, and makes any claims by Panasonic that this camcorder is a hybrid, marginal at best.
Gadget Freaks (2.0)
This camcorder is a basic, low to middle end DVD camcorder. There is really nothing innovative about it to attract camcorder buyers on the bleeding edge. If this group is looking at DVD camcorders at all, they are probably eyeing Sony’s new AVCHD models, the first camcorders able to record high definition video to disc.
Manual Control Freaks (5.0)
This is a solid choice for users who make full use of a camcorder’s manual control suite, a group that’s probably well-acquainted with Panasonic camcorders already. With control over gain, shutter speed, aperture, white balance, focus, and zoom, the VDR-D200 enables a high degree of image customization. For $100 less, the VDR-D100 offers the same manual controls, and given the questionable value of the VDR-D200’s add-ons, is a more sensible choice.
Pros/ Serious Hobbyists (2.0)
Pros and serious hobbyists finally have some options worth looking at in the DVD camcorder world – and the VDR-D200 isn’t one of them. While MPEG2 footage is difficult to edit and DVD camcorders produce highly compressed video, the AVCHD high definition format should finally bring the 8cm disc a measure of respectability. Sony’s HDR-UX1 is the first DVD camcorder to make use of AVCHD. With some higher-end features including a focus ring and external mic jack, it’s really the only DVD camcorder on the market that might pique the interest of pros and serious hobbyists.
Conclusion
The Panasonic VDR-D200 is essentially the same camcorder as the VDR-D100 but with a video light (a feature of dubious value) and some still features that you’re better off not using. Should you buy it? Probably not. We liked the VDR-D100 well enough, but this $100 upgrade is a fool’s buy. The only reason you would really want to take such inferior quality stills would be for continuity control (costumes, prop placement, lighting, etc.) in a professional or pro-striving video. Honestly, there’s little chance that anyone in that demographic is looking for a camcorder in the low-end DVD market. So why did they put these features on? It’s a quick and easy upgrade which allows them to mark the price up a little.
Our advice is to look at the comparisons here and in the VDR-D100 review to make your choice (we'd recommend taking the VDR-D200 out of the equation). Panasonic has some great options in the camcorder market, but this is not one of them.
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