Panasonic VDR-D300 First Impressions Camcorder Review

by Nick Hyacinthe
Published on Jan 6, 2006 7:00 PM

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


Audio
The VDR-D series features stereo microphones housed underneath the lens on the front of the camcorders. The VDR-D300’s advantage over the VDR-D250 is a microphone input port found in the front of the camcorder. This model offers a Zoom In feature that allows the user to turn the built-in microphone from a multi directional mic to an omni directional mic. This convergence works the same way the optical zoom does; it magnifies the audio signal from a specific direction. The Wind Cut feature reduces audio noise when shooting in unfavorable weather.

VCR Mode
Playback mode can be accessed by turning the mode dial at the camcorder’s rear. In Playback mode, captured footage is represented by thumbnail images onscreen, allowing you to jump to the desired part of the footage.

Ports
Most of this camcorder’s ports are huddled under a gray port cover at the bottom of the camcorder’s front; USB, A/V in and out (for analog-to-digital conversion), and a microphone-in port. An SD card slot rests at the bottom of the camcorder. The VDR-D250 only offers an SD card, slot stripping away the camcorder’s flexibility. Both camcorders have a cold accessory shoe atop the lens barrel. A cold accessory shoe means that an external mic cannot draw power from the camcorder. A hot accessory shoe would of further justify the $999 price tag.

With the all the vacant space on both these camcorders, more ports could have been offered, or the existing ports could have been made more accessible. Too often the user has to juggle with the camcorder to access the ports.





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