Panasonic VDR-D250 First Impressions Camcorder Review

by Nick Hyacinthe
Published on Jan 18, 2006 2:00 PM

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


Video Performance
CES, with its uncontrolled lighting conditions, crowds, and space constraints, is not a good environment for precisely testing a camcorder’s performance. However, one can at least make an educated guess as to the VDR-D250’s video performance, based on its innovative imager. Last year’s most celebrated DVD camcorder, the DCR-DVD403, was armed with a 1/3” CCD and 3.3 MP. It produced bright images with superior color representation. The DCR-DVD250 has three 1/6” CCD and 440K effective pixels per CCD – specs which promise an excellent images. In a 3 chip configuration, the incoming spectrum is split into red, green, and blue light, each striking a CCD dedicated to that color. The result – better color performance. Of course, one big chip has its benefits, as well, typically a greater light sensitivity and better low light performance. We have no examples of a 3 CCD DVD camcorder, but you can see the approximate difference in 1 chip vs. 3 chip MiniDV camcorders by comparing the Panasonic PV-GS35 and GS65, or the JVC GR-DF550 and GR-X5.

Low Light Performance
Due to the uncontrolled lighting environment at CES, the VDR-D250 could not be adequately examined for low light performance. One can only consider its innovative imager and hazard a guess. Previous Panasonic DVD models have faltered in low light conditions, capturing noisy images with lackluster color representation. However, their 3 CCD models, whcih are much closer in relation to the VDR-D250's imager have done well. The VDR-M95, last year’s top Panasonic DVD camcorder, had one 1/3.6 CCD with 1.23MP effective pixels. Comparatively, the VDR-D250’s 3 1/6”CCDs with 440K effective pixels may or may not top it. Smaller chip size generally means less space for capturing light, and therefore weaker low light performance. We’re eager to get testing.



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