Panasonic VDR-D300 Camcorder Review

Widescreen/16:9 Mode (6.75)
The 16:9 format setting on the Panasonic VDR-D300 is not a true 16:9 format. Instead, the camcorder employs a crop and zoom method which will conform to a widescreen TV, but actually provide less information than you would have gotten with 4:3.

Scan Rates/24P (0.0)
The Panasonic VDR-D300 uses a 60i scan rate when recording video footage, a common scan rate upon camcorders within this price range. For variable frame rate settings when shooting video, users would have to look at higher-end cameras like the Panasonic PV-GS500, which offers a ProCinema mode.

Other Features (7.75)
Optical Image Stabilization -Users will find an included Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) setting located within the Advanced menu. It reduces the shake which commonly occurs when shooting with the camcorder in a handheld set-up. The inclusion of superior OIS rather than Electric Image Stabilization (EIS) means a more versatile and quicker reaction when compared to stabilization on one-chip models like the Panasonic VDR-M75, and also no degradation in image quality, which can occur with EIS.

Fade Color (white or black) - The fade in/fade out feature may be used to create in-camera digital fades which allow users to fade in/fade out from black or white opaque screens. The Fade feature is disengaged every time the camcorder is turned off, and there will be a delay after the fade is complete. Any scene viewed during playback which was captured with fade in/fade out will be displayed as either white or black frames, somewhat defeating the purpose behind easy thumbnail navigation.

AGS (Auto Ground Directional Standby) - This feature will stop the camcorder’s recording action if the user forgets to pause recording following capture of a clip. The camcorder only does this when it senses that it is upside-down, a position achieved only when the user is carrying the camcorder in the hand during transport, so it is not as versatile as it could be. This feature is not automatic and must be engaged by the user in the Setup menu.

Red-Eye Reduction and Flash Level Adjustment- There is Red-Eye Reduction feature which may be engaged when the user is shooting with the still image mode. The red-eye reduction setting is located within the main menu structure within the Advanced sub-section. When shooting with red-eye reduction, the flash will deploy twice; once to shrink subjects’ pupils, and again to provide the flash for image recording. Subjects should not move until the final flash has been released.

The second flash control of note lets users adjust the brightness of the flash to either Flash -, Flash +/- (normal), or Flash +. This setting is also located within the Advanced submenu of the Panasonic VDR-D300.

MagicPix - The MagicPix feature is Panasonic’s low light feature. All the manufacturers have one, and typically, they don’t work that well. This particular method functions by slowing down the signal charge of the CCD as low as 30x slower than normal. Most color information and sharpness disappear. Manual focus must be used when shooting with this mode.

Comparisons
Sony DCR-DVD403
The Sony DVD403 had an original MSRP of $1000; however, with a year on the market and the recent release of the Sony DVD405, users may find this model retailing online for around $729. This DVD camcorder improved greatly upon its predecessor and provided a number of image quality improvements that gave greater validity to the DVD format. The DVD403 provides access to manual focus, exposure, and white balance settings, although all three are accessed via circuitous and inefficient touch screen menu structures. I have complained about the joystick on the VDR-D300 needing to be pressed for every shutter speed shift, but when compared to a touch screen, even this quirk of the joystick is a pleasure.

Unfortunately, the DVD403 doesn’t have manual shutter speed or manual gain settings, which is a disappointing though not surprising omission from Sony. This DVD camcorder can record in 5.1 Surround Sound, and though we have not tested it, we doubt it can record distinct and separate audio feeds. There is no Mic-in port, so users will have to rely on the hot shoe. This DVD403 lacks a memory card and has a complicated touch screen menu. The colors produced by the DVD 403 were bold and strong and definitely helped to make this camcorder one of the best selling models of last year. On the other hand, the colors produced by the VDR-D300 are dull and a bit lackluster. The D300 is undeniably sharper in its image. Consider what you’re going to shoot, and decide. We’re torn, and waiting expectantly for the DVD405 and DVD505, which promise great things.

Panasonic VDR-M75
The Panasonic VDR-M75 is a one-chip mode and Panasonic’s top DVD camcorder from 2005. This DVD camcorder is certainly a less expensive model due to the chip count, DVD format options, Electronic rather than Optical Image Stabilization, and the minimal manual control options. The VDR-M75 has a smaller 2.5-inch LCD, a comparable 10x optical zoom, a Mic-in port and a comparable wide aspect non-true widescreen format. Unlike the VDR-D300, the M75 only has manual control over white balance, exposure, and focus, and the controls for these features are unfortunately positioned in the LCD cavity. This means two-handed manipulation and a constant reliance on the LCD when shooting with manual control settings, which is a detriment to anyone who enjoys using an electronic color viewfinder. The VDR-M75 can only record to DVD-R and DVD-RAM formats; the addition of the DVD-RW feature is only provided by the VDR-D300. Our advice, go for the new upgrade. If you’re on a budget, wait for our reviews on the rest of the Panasonic DVD line.

Sony DCR-DVD505
The Sony DVD505 premiered at CES 2006 and provides users with a 2000K, 1/3” ClearVID CMOS chip, which will interesting to compare to the 3 CCD Panasonic VDR-D300. The latter in theory should provide better image results, due to sensor count, but the D300 produced sharp and crisp images that were unfortunately dull and drab. Last year’s DVD403 by Sony produced some very strong color results that were both brilliant and saturated, and if its performance is any indication of the DVD505’s, consumers should let their curiosity be piqued.

The DVD505 has an immense 3.5-inch LCD screen, along with a proprietary accessory shoe which allows for add-ons like a Bluetooth wireless microphone and receiver. (While any hot shoe is more versatile than none, this proprietary hot shoe will demand the purchase of Sony brand products.) This mic system can be used to engage the 5.1 Surround Sound Dolby feature. While this is an interesting option, note that the Surround Sound tracks will be reduced to stereo whenever recordings are played back through non-Dolby playback units. Manual control settings for the DVD505 are like those on the DVD403, which means fewer options than the VDR-D300 with only manual focus, manual exposure, and manual white balance. This camera has a higher MSRP of $1100 and should be available on the market around March. This will be stiff competition indeed with the D300. Personally, we’re betting on the DVD505 for a stronger showing.

Hitachi DZ-GX3300
This model, released by Hitachi in 2006, is certainly a less expensive alternative to the Panasonic VDR-D300 at an MSRP $799, though you get what you pay for. Its 3300K pixel CCD is teamed with a 10x optical zoom and the ability to record to DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and DVD-RAM. The added option of shooting with DVD+RW is an advantage for a certain segment of the market, although the inclusion of it won’t make or break this camcorder purchase. The DZ-GX3300 has a 2.7-inch LCD screen and an electronic color viewfinder like the D300, but unlike the D300, the manual controls are placed in the cavity, which is masked by the LCD. Their design and shaping will leave users searching for proper controls in lower light situations. The DZ-GX3300 also has fewer manual control options and only allows users to control manual focus, exposure, and white balance. This makes it comparable to a similarly-priced Sony camcorder in this regard. It does have a hot shoe as well as backlight compensation, wind cut audio control, and a Mic-in port for additional audio options.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters (5.0)
For the point-and-shooter, the auto focus on the VDR-D300 is quick to snap into clarity and the zoom function with ease. The menu settings are situated in an exceptionally clear and logical menu structure and the use of a dedicated Auto/Manual external switch provide an immediate switch back into auto mode, in case beginners get anxious.

Budget Consumers (3.0)
The budget consumer is bound to find the $999 price tag on the VDR-D300 problematic, especially considering the 3 CCD MiniDV camcorders out on the market for three hundred dollars less that produce better quality video. If a DVD camcorder is an essential, maybe this price makes sense, but waiting a few more years for the technology to become easier, cheaper, and more accessible to edit would be a better decision.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (5.0)
The Panasonic VDR-D300 provides a maximum still resolution of 2048 x 1512, sharp image quality, manual control opportunities, and an in-camera flash. These features should indicate an opportunity for extensive hybrid use, but the dull color test results are apparent in both video and still mode. If casual and occasional photos are all that is required, this camcorder will be fine, but the captures from this camcorder are going to be inferior to those from digital still cameras.

Gadget Freaks (4.5)
A 3 CCD DVD camcorder is certainly noteworthy, but gadget freaks have likely moved on to HD video.

Manual Control Freaks (5.0)
There are a number of manual control options on the Panasonic VDR-D300, such as shutter speed, aperture, gain, focus, zoom, and white balance. While the options are great, the interface and controls for gain and aperture leave something to be desired. Forcing users to constantly press buttons in an attempt to move through scales is not the most intelligent decision.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists (6.0)
Complications with importing and editing footage, digital control over focus and other manual settings, a slightly cumbersome interface for gain and shutter, and other setbacks make this camcorder an unlikely option for this crowd. However, this is one of the best DVD camcorders of the year, so if you’re looking to buy a weekend cam, this might be an option.

Conclusion
The Panasonic VDR-D300 has made some significant advances in the medium of DVD camcorders. We suspect, this is one of the sharpest pictures you're going to find on a camcorder in any media.  A resolution score of 16.5 speaks for itself. Sure, the colors were a little lackluster, but after the saturation-fest of the DVD403, maybe this is what people are looking for. We tooted our horns all last year about the wonders of Sony's champion DVD cam, and it's time that another manufacturer challenged its position. The D300 has done admirably. Of course, the throne can only seat one, and Sony has returned this year with the DVD505, sporting an impressive list of specs. Users interested in manual control are going to go straight for the D300, regardless, because it offers what Sony never has - aperture, shutter speed, gain, and other controls. The DVD field may be widening, but the manufacturers are sticking to their strengths.