Panasonic VDR-D230 Camcorder Reviewby Michael PerlmanPublished on Dec 10, 2007 7:40 AM 
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Comparison
Panasonic VDR-D310 (Specs, $499)
Panasonic has an intriguing strategy for its upper-level standard definition camcorders. All top-of-the-line DVD, HDD, and MiniDV models are equipped with three 1/6-inch CCDs and advanced still features. Aside from interior specs differences, there are few distinctions between these and less expensive models—architecture, manual controls, and handling remain unaltered. The VDR-D310 ($699.95 MSRP) is the leader of the DVD pack, but the VDR-D230 (Review, Specs, $0.00) nips at its heels with a surprisingly impressive low light performance and built-in video light. Granted, the VDR-D310’s video performance was heightened by increased resolution, truer colors, and bold sharpness. Low light was a different story, though—the VDR-D310 was one of our lesser performers this year. The VDR-D230 exhibited a significantly brighter picture at the cost of decreased resolution and detail. The VDR-D310 is worth it if you plan on shooting a lot of brightly lit video, but not low light, which is unlikely for most homeowners. Otherwise, considering saving your money and opting for the VDR-D230.
Canon DC230
We haven’t gotten our hands on the DC230 ($449.00 MSRP), but it’s safe to say that the VDR-D230 has it beat in the low light department. The step-down 1/6-inch 680,000 pixel DC220 (Review, Specs, $318) sputtered fountains of noise when we dropped the lights, resulting in an unusable image. The DC230 crams twice as many pixels in its 1/6-inch imager, which may further hamper its low light abilities, though it would likely create a sharper picture in bright light. The Panasonic VDR-D230 features a superior rear joystick, more manual controls, an extendable viewfinder, and a video light. The Canon DC230 is strapped with a wretched viewfinder and enclosed battery design. Save $50 and go for the VDR-D230.
Sony DCR-DVD308
With the financial playing field even, the DCR-DVD308 ($399.99 MSRP) is the VDR-D230’s prime competitor, offering a 1/6-inch 1,070,000 pixel HAD CCD and stellar ease of use. We haven’t gotten a chance to test the DCR-DVD308, but past Sony models have produced a crisp picture with rich (albeit sometimes oversaturated) colors. The doubled pixel count stuffed into a 1/6-inch chip might be a detriment to low light, while the VDR-D230 stands tall in that category. The DCR-DVD308 is well designed and crafted with quality materials—these are both rugged camcorders. As far as the DCR-DVD308’s touch screen LCD, some people love it and some people hate it—we take issue with it frequently, but recognize the appeal for beginners. The VDR-D230 offers far more manual controls, a handy rear-mounted joystick, and video light. The DCR-DVD308 is equipped with a hot shoe, giving it more flexibility for accessories, while the VDR-D230 is strapped with a cold shoe. We’re tempted to take more manual controls and a joystick over Sony’s crowd-pleasing Easy mode any day. Until we complete a DCR-DVD308 review (coming soon), this is a draw.
Hitachi DZ-HS300A (Review, Specs, $0)
The only good thing about the DZ-HS300A ($599.00 MSRP) is its hybrid functionality. This camcorder is far from being a solid video performer. Hitachi has produced some of the worst video all year, and the DZ-HS300A is no exception. Handling, video performance, manual controls, and other features are all handed to the VDR-D230 without the bat of an eye. The DZ-HS300A offers an 8GB HDD with the ability to dub footage to DVD in-camera, but bad video is bad video, no matter how big the hard drive. It’s the VDR-D230 all the way.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
Panasonics are always a tricky animal for the mind of the average Point-and-Shooter. There’s more learning curve here than most camcorders. Once mastered, however, Panasonics tends to offer the best menu layout/manual control set in the business.
Budget Consumers
For some reason, Panasonic manages to crank out high quality entry-to-mid level camcorders with rather humble price tags. $400 for a second tier DVD camcorder rife with manual controls and OIS is pretty hard to beat.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
640 x 480 is the largest still the VDR-D230 can snap, which is great if all you plan on using them for is the internet (in the year 1995). Don’t bother.
Gadget Freaks
The VDR-D230’s stealthy 007 style will be the only enticing factor for even the geekiest of geeks.
Manual Control Freaks
Panasonic rules the roost with Focus, Iris, Shutter Speed, White Balance, and Gain—all controlled by the rear-mounted joystick. Let the games begin!
Pros / Serious Hobbyists
The term “DVD” does not enter a pro’s mind until after post production.
Conclusion
The Panasonic VDR-D230 has the same great, reliable manual control set and handling that we’ve come to love from nearly all Panasonics in the past few years. The video performance in bright light did not wow us, particularly the heavy artifacting we saw during motion. It managed a rebound during bright light testing, where it surpassed all other DVD camcorders in the same price class, and even some well above its class.
As a rule, standard definition DVD camcorders are called upon for a few simple tasks: mostly shooting babies and family events. That requires ease of use, versatility, and probably a low price point (those diapers don’t buy themselves, you know). Panasonics don’t excel at ease of use off the bat like Sonys and Canons, but their menu systems and handling are superior. In the long run, they are, in fact, easier to use, but require a small learning curve. As for versatility, any camcorder with good low light is worthy of consideration because it will shoot decent video anywhere you happen to find yourself. On the final point, price, you’re not going to find a better camcorder at a lower price. If $500 is your cap, definitely check out the VDR-D230.