Panasonic VDR-D200 Camcorder Reviewby David KenderPublished on Oct 18, 2006 12:00 PM 
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Widescreen/16:9 Mode (5.0)
Scan Rates/24p (0.0)
Like other DVD camcorders, the Panasonic VDR-D200 (Review, Specs, $324.99) utilizes a 60i scan rate. Currently, only MiniDV and HDV camcorders offer options for alternate frame rates such as 24p on the consumer market.
Other Features (6.0)
Electronic Image Stabilization - The VDR-D200 features an electronic image stabilization (EIS) system. EIS is a feature that reduces the effects of camera shake on the recorded image. During video recording with EIS engaged, the camcorder’s digital processor creates a digital buffer-zone around the video frame. This buffer reduces the total amount of information captured by the camcorder, and reduces image resolution. For most people, the benefits of EIS are worth the small tradeoff in image resolution. Some higher-end consumer camcorders like the MiniDV Panasonic PV-GS500 (Review, Specs, $1040) use the superior OIS (optical image stabilization) system, which does not reduce the resolution of the recorded image. EIS can be turned on or off by selecting the option from the Advanced submenu of the Administrative menu.
Fade in/ Fade out - Like most camcorders, this one has an in-camcorder fade feature, accessed from the first page of the Manual control menu, and available in both auto and manual modes. The VDR-D200 offers basic fades to and from either black or white.
MagicPix - MagicPix is Panasonic’s proprietary low light mode, and records colors with better fidelity than with gain boosted. According to the VDR-D200 user manual, MagicPix slows the signal charge of the CCD as much as 30 times. The impact of this feature on the video image is typical of slow shutter effects, and resulting in a stuttering and blurred look. Features like this are best engaged when the camcorder is affixed to a tripod in order to keep the image as sharp as possible.
Backlight Compensation - This feature can be employed when shooting subjects backlit by strong lighting. The backlight compensation will brighten the image onscreen and hopefully light the front plane of the subject enough to provide functional footage. The backlight compensation control is located within the first screen of the joystick menu and will remain accessible whether the camcorder is in full manual or full auto mode.
Soft Skin Mode - The soft skin mode is intended for use when shooting portrait subjects at a close range. This mode will “smooth” the skin of the subject to produce a more flattering image intended to mask scars and unappealing skin imperfections. Note that this feature will blur and smooth any other subject in the scene which possesses “skin color.” While potentially useful, don’t think that this is going to solve an impressive bout with poison ivy. It can only do so much.
Ports (3.0)
The Panasonic VDR-D200 has two ports located at the lower edge of the camcorder’s front, below just below the video light: A/V out and Hi-speed USB 2.0. The port cover is made of sturdy plastic, and fits snugly over the ports but cannot be removed when the camcorder is mounted on a tripod. This is a minor drawback, but we always favor feature placements that do not require removal of a camcorder from its tripod because sometimes the difference between getting the shot and missing the shot is a matter of seconds.
The AV port and USB port lie along the bottom of the front side.
The DC-in port for the Panasonic VDR-D200 is located inside the battery slot, representing another less than ideal port location. The chief drawback occurs when switching between battery and DC power, the camcorder must be powered down which could result in a missed shot. On the other hand, the recording time this camcorder is capable of in XP mode is limited to 18 minutes per disc, so users will be forced to change discs frequently – and interrupt their shoot – anyway. The last port is the SD card slot, located on the underside of the camcorder. Needless to say, it’s another poorly located feature that we’d prefer to see in a more accessible location.