Panasonic PV-DV53 Camcorder Review

by Mark Bassett
Published on Dec 5, 2004 12:00 AM



The Panasonic PV-DV53 is a low-priced entry level camcorder with good video and fair low-light performance. With an average PriceGrabber price of $350, and top ranking in the 2003 B & H CamcorderInfo.com Shoot-Off, for the $300-$399 price category, the PV-DV53 is worthy machine for the point and shoot crowd. The camcorder's ¼ inch CCD, and 10x zoom lens with a 680K pixel resolution, delivers in the video performance department. The PV-DV53's automatic settings capture an adequate picture, and an assortment of manual adjustments allow for picture tweaking to get that shot in a variety of conditions. The PV-DV53 comes complete with a built-in, battery-draining, spotlight. Besides a few minor flaws it's an outstanding camcorder.

Video Performance (5.0)
The video performance of the PV-DV53 is ranked higher than many similarly priced machines. A 1/4 inch CCD converts 680,000 pixels of image resolution, so on the LCD, a television set, or a desktop window it's a fairly good picture. The camcorder captures the brilliance of the color spectrum, with solid color separation, although the colors are not a crisp as other camcorders. In good lighting and automatic settings, the processor interprets the subtleties in darks and lights. The PV-DV53 has manual adjustment in nearly every department with external and in-LCD menu controls. These complement the processors' automatic image interpretation.

The Front (5.0)
The front of the PV-DV53 houses a F1:1.8 lens that has a 3.6mm-36mm focal length. The 10x optical zoom can be digitally enhanced to achieve a 700x zoom. This digital enhancement will result in the normal grainy pitfalls of such features and we never recommend using the digital zoom. While the lens has plastic ribbing that suggests a manual focus ring, the feature is purely aesthetic. Manual focus is controlled at the back of the camcorder with a depressible dial. Underneath the lens is small fluorescent lamp that is manually controlled by a button on the top of the camcorder. To the left of the lamp is the infrared sensor for the processors light meter.

The Right Side (6.0)
The right side of the PV-DV53 is barren. There is a small soft-plastic hand straps running from front to back. Above the hand strap at the front of the camcorder, is a quarter-sized speaker. At the back of the camcorder is the locking-dial that designates mode. The PV-DV53 can shoot stills, but they're recorded to tape, there are only three settings: VCR; OFF; and CAMERA.

The Back (6.5)
On the top of the back of the PV-DV53, is a black and white viewfinder that lifts from 0 to a 55 degree angle. The eye piece is protected by thin black rubber, which is less than adequate for blocking external light when in use. For those who wear glasses, the viewfinder will be a source of frustration. The image displayed in the viewfinder is small and doesn't fit the entire space. When all of the display settings are engaged, the image is cluttered with information such as time/date, manual/automatic, battery life, etc. - this effectively reduces the small viewable image. Below the viewfinder is the lithium battery port, and AC cable jack. The PV-DV53 comes with a battery charger/voltage converter for AC power, although you can't use the port and charge the battery simultaneously. To the right of the battery port, on the bottom of the camcorder, is an AV out port that doubles as a headphone jack. Directly above the AV out, on a raised hump of plastic, is a good-sized, horizontal video record button. Above the record button is a tiny, ill-place menu button. When strapped in the PV-DV53, unless one's thumbs are 'Even Cowgirls Get the Blues style' big, it's tough to reach the menu button with that hand.

The Left Side (8.0)
The left side of the PV-DV53 is as sparse as the right side. The 2.5 inch LCD is concealed by a swinging panel that looks like it should house a 3.5 inch LCD. In fact, even the interior of the panel has a graded blocked-out space around the screen for a 3.5 inch LCD. It's too bad the LCD wasn't larger, but at that price point, a 3.5 inch LCD might present profitability problems for Panasonic. The LCD menu is fairly easy to navigate with the depressible jog dial located on the top of the camcorder. Within the menu are a slew of settings that control everything from digital effects, to record speed, to LCD/Viewfinder display settings.

The MiniDV tape is located inside of the LCD, within the body of the camcorder. A blue switch opens the tape housing. The mechanism can be closed by simply pushing the casing back into place. It works well. Below that switch are two ports, one is and Ilink and the other is for an accessory USB cable. The Ilink was conceived to duplicate video between two camcorders, and also connect the camcorder to a PC through the COM port. Unfortunately, USB/Firewire isn't included, however, the port is there. The drawback to positioning these jacks inside the LCD, is that the panel must be opened to transfer data.

The Top (6.5)
The top of the PV-DV53 is where all the action is. At the front of the top of the camcorder is a large internal microphone. The mic can record in either two or four channel modes. In the center, between the mic and the viewfinder, are a series of manual controls and the VCR controls. The first in the series of buttons designates manual mode for the camcorder. Next to that is the manual focus button, the focal point is controlled by a depressible jog dial at the rear of the top of the camcorder. Below those two buttons are the fluorescent light control, an EIS function that increase image stabilization and performance in inconsistent lighting, and the fade in/out button. Behind these controls, in front of the viewfinder, are VCR controls that double as a backlight switch for enhancement of low-light, a rate control for still capture to tape, and record check function that allows viewing of previously shot material in the CAMERA mode. Along side of the VCR controls are a zoom control, a still shutter control, and the afore mentioned depressible jog dial.

Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control (6.0)
The Panasonic PV-DV53 has a good processor that provides automated picture quality. This is a great point and shoot camcorder in a variety of light conditions. While this is by no means a professional grade camcorder, for the price, the PV-DV53 takes good footage in automatic mode.

Overall Manual Control (5.5)
The PV-V53 has average manual control functions. The majority of manual controls are accessed outside of the LCD menu. The focus is controlled by a tiny recessed dial. Why designers opted out of a focus ring, or even a larger, better placed dial, is unfortunate considering the lens has the ribbed appearance of a focus ring. There is shutter speed and gain are adjustable. There are also a series of LCD menu presents like sun/snow, spotlight, portrait, etc. White balance is controlled in manual with the omni-mentioned depressible jog dial or from within the LCD menu.

Zoom (7.5)
The 10x optical zoom of the PV-DV53, is controlled with a raised toggle-type switch on the top-right of the camcorder. The component enables adept, smooth and variable speed zooms. The toggle has consistent pressure and four different rates of zoom speed.

Focus (7.0)
The PV-DV53 works well in automatic focus. However, shooting through screens or windows presents problems as the processor doesn't discern optimal focal length well. That is easily correct with the manual focus feature. Unfortunately without a focus ring, controlling manual focus with the recessed dial is clumsy at best.

Exposure (Aperture) (6.0)
The PV-DV53 exposure is controlled with the same recessed dial as the manual focus. The aperture settings range from F16 to +18bd (gain). Allowing the user to adjust the F stop and increase gain as needed. The processor generally provides more than adequate image quality, and the fact that you can tweak that to your needs is another positive attribute of the camcorder. Unfortunately, the controlling mechanism is on the small side. The camcorder doesn't adjust well to changes in lighting conditions. Presets in the LCD menu, and the manual settings do make processor enhancements possible, and provide an optimal image in diverse conditions.

Shutter Speed (2.0)
The PV-DV53 shutter speed is controlled with the same recessed dial as the manual focus and exposure control. The shutter speed settings range from 1/60th to 1/8000th. .

White Balance(6.5)
Like most consumer camcorders, the PV-DV53 has the standard white balance options: auto, manual, indoor and outdoor. The auto mode worked quite nicely, and having the option to adjust white balance as needed, was a welcome addition to the camcorders' functionality.

Gain (3.0)
The manual gain control PV-DV53 is linked to the exposure control and ranges from 0db to +18db. It is accessed by the combination of engaging manual mode, and making adjustments with the depressible jog dial.

Still Performance(4.5)
The PV-DV53 doesn't have a memory card or internal memory. All stills are captured to tape at a maximum pixel resolution of 640 x 480. Considering the Panasonic PV-DV953 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $899.88) has a maximum pixel resolution of 2,048 x 1,496, the PV-DV53 is sub-standard.

VCR Mode (6.0)
The PV-DV53 has a standard VCR mode. Playback works well, as do the rewind, fast forward and pause features. There is a button that allows users to playback the last several seconds of recorded footage in the CAMERA mode. There is no SVideo in, and as a result no digitization of analog content.

Low Light Performance (5.5)
The dynamic range of the PV-DV53 is good. While the camcorder is designed for 1500 LUX (outdoor), and rated at 5 LUX, in a 15 LUX test environment in automatic, the camcorder performed better than the similarly priced Sony DCR-TRV250 or the JVC GR-D30. There's grain, but the colors produced are distinct. Indoors with adequate lighting, the camcorder preformed on par with larger CCD, and more expensive units. Overall, the PV-DV53 has good low light performance.

LCD/ Viewfinder (6.0)
The PV-DV53 has a small 2.5 inch LCD Monitor. If the size of the LCD panel is an indicator, the camcorder should have a 3.5 inch LCD. The LCD has a crisp, clean image, and menu navigation is easily controlled. However, menu access is a bit of reach for those with normal sized thumbs. The viewfinder could be improved, its eye piece is a thin, hard-rubber boarder and the internal image size is on the small size.

Audio (5.0)
Although the PV-DV53 doesn't have manual audio settings or the ability to monitor audio levels, it does have four or two channel capabilities. The microphone on the PV-DV53 is larger than most camcorders, and there is no accessory shoe, so what you see is what you get for audio in.

Handling (4.5)
The PV-DV53 is a light camcorder with a good, solid feel. There are a series of organized external controls, but the lack of a manual focus ring and the poor menu placement button are drawbacks. The faux leather, plastic strap, keeps the unit balanced in hand. The PV-DV53 weighs only one and one third pounds, so it is easily totted and steadied. The user's thumb and forefinger access the majority of relevant manual controls, but better placement of the menu button and a manual focus ring would be an improvement. When resting firmly in hand, with the enormous LCD panel open, the unit drifts to the left. While this wouldn't be an issue if Panasonic packed a 3.5 inch LCD into that panel, the fact that it's only 2.5 inches makes it especially disconcerting. The location of the MiniDV in the interior of the LCD panel, and within the camcorder body, is unique. While you must open the LCD to access the tape, the mechanism is well designed and isn't completely automated. A push of the plastic exterior and the tape is in place, and ready to shoot.

Ports (5.5)
The PV-DV53 is missing many ports and jacks, compared to high-end camcorders. While it does include ports and jacks for USB, AC, AV/headphone, and com/Ilink, the camcorder is missing an SVideo In/Out, and a hot shoe or accessory port. That means there is no analog to digital transfer ability, and no external microphones or spot lights. Another disappointment is that there is no USB cable included in the package. The port placement is fair, although sticking the 'Ilink" and USB beneath the LCD panel, means that the panel must be open for the cables to be inserted. The fact that the use of external AC power and battery charging can't occur simultaneously is an unsettling characteristic of the PV-DV53.

Other Features (8.0)

The PV-DV53 is a 'what you see is what you get' camcorder. The unit comes with a built in spot light and large internal microphone. There are a series of digital enhancements and 700x digital zoom, but the other features that are in demand in the marketplace are missing.
16:9 widescreen mode
There is no true widescreen, only an image stretching digital enhancement.
Webcam
While there's no software included for webcam capabilities, an USB port might enable one to use the camcorder as a webcam with add-on software and cables.
MPEG
Without an internal storage drive or the capability to record to external media, the PV-DV53 has no MPEG functionality.
Analog to Digital Pass Through
Without an SVideo In, the PV-DV53 can't transfer an analog signal from a VCR or television to a digital MiniDV.
Comparisons(no score provided)

The PV-DV53 was part of the B&H shoot-off, in the $300-$400 price group. The PV-DV53 took top honors in its class. The camcorder went up against the Sony DCR-TRV250 and the JVC GR-D30. The Panasonic performed best in the low-light category, at 15 LUX in automatic; and in normal light, 3000 LUX, it was a toss up between the Sony DCR-TRV250 and the Panasonic PV-DV53. While comparisons between the Sony DCR-TRV250 and the Panasonic may be not be applicable for all buyers, as the Sony isn't a MiniDV camcorder, the JVC GR-D30 is. In that scenario, in controlled automated conditions the Panasonic PV-DV53 was a clear favorite. Considering that none of the three models have memory cards or enhanced still capabilities, and the effective sale price of the three, Panasonic tops the other brands with their PV-DV53.
Who's it For
Point and Shooter's (4.0)
This is an optimal camcorder for the point and shoot set who would like the freedom of manual adjustment.
Budget Consumers(4.0)
The PV-DV53 may just be one of the best camcorders on the market for the money.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (6.0)
If you're looking for a hybrid, look elsewhere.
Gadget Freaks (6.0)
The camcorder has a few functional gadgets that take the place of accessories, namely the fluorescent spot light and large internal microphone.
Manual Control Freaks(6.0)
There is a good amount of manual control with the PV-DV53, a few design enchantments would boost that score.
Pro's/ Serious Hobbyists (3.0)
While it is always difficult to anticipate the needs of this group, the PV-DV53 may work as a back up or 'run and gun' camcorder.

Conclusion
The Panasonic PV-DV53 is a decent point and shoot camcorder with a 1/4 inch CCD that has adequate low-light performance. The camcorder is just that-a camcorder, and as a result suffers from poor digital camera capabilities. The PV-DV53 has good manual control features, and a 10x optical zoom that captures a quality image. The lack of accessories limit the level of professional use, but the price is significant persuading factor. You definitely get bang for your buck.