Panasonic PV-DV103

The Panasonic PV-DV103 is the second to last camcorder in the low-end Panasonic MiniDV line. This is an entry level camcorder with good video and fair low-light performance. With a suggested retail price of $499 and an average PriceGrabber price of $350, the PV-DV103 is light and compact machine for the point and shoot crowd. The camcorder's 1/6 inch CCD, and 10x zoom lens with a 680K pixel resolution, delivers adequate video performance. The PV-DV103 has an assortment of manual adjustments that allow for picture tweaking, and are helpful in conditions where automatic processor settings aren't optimal. The PV-DV103 has no accessory-shoe, but comes complete with a built-in microphone, and a battery-draining, spotlight.

Video Performance (4.0)
The video performance of the PV-DV103 is ranked somewhere in the middle of the group of similarly priced machines. A 1/6 inch CCD provides 680,000 pixels of image resolution. The camcorder captures the color spectrum, with solid color separation, although the colors are somewhat muted, and oranges and reds bleed into one another. In low-lighting and automatic settings, the processor interprets the subtleties in darks and lights. The PV-DV103 has manual adjustment in nearly every department with external and in-LCD menu controls. These take the processors' automatic image interpretation to the next level, and will serve those with a good-eye well.

The Front (8.5)
The front of the PV-DV103 houses a F1:1.8 lens that has a 2.3mm-23mm focal length. The 10x optical zoom can be digitally enhanced to achieve a 700x zoom. Digital zoom will result in very grainy pictures so we don't recommend using it. Underneath the lens is small fluorescent lamp that is manually controlled by a button on the right-side of the camcorder. Below the lamp is the infrared sensor for the processors light meter. At the base of the front of the camcorder is a two or four channel 'zoom microphone.' The feature, controlled through the LCD menu, allows users to zoom for sound pick-up as they zoom in on a close up.

The Right Side (9.0)
The right side of the PV-DV103 is the mostly comprised of the MiniDV tape housing. The MiniDV is released by a switch at the top of the camcorder, however, as it is semi-mechanized, re-engagement requires only a push of the forefinger. It's great for impatient people, who find over mechanization frustratingly slow. There is a flimsy soft-plastic hand straps running from front to back. At the back of the camcorder is a locking-dial that designates mode. The PV-DV103 can shoot stills, but as they're recorded to tape, there are only three settings: VCR; OFF; and CAMERA.

The Back (8.0)
On the top of the back of the PV-DV103, is a color viewfinder that lifts from 0 to a 55 degree angle. The eye piece is protected by thin black rubber, which is adequate for blocking external light when in use. For those who wear glasses, the viewfinder's rubber eyecup will be a source of aggravation. The image displayed in the viewfinder fills the space, however, when display settings are activated, the image is jumbled with information such as time/date, manual/automatic, battery life, etc. Below the viewfinder is the lithium battery port, and an AC cable jack. The PV-DV103 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, is a combination silver-plastic-red record button and locking camcorder mode switch. Above the record button is a tiny, poorly-place menu button. When using the hand strap on the PV-DV103, it's difficult to reach the menu button with that hand.

The Left Side (7.5)
The left side of the PV-DV103 is where all the action is. The super-swivelly 2.5 inch LCD panel conceals a slew of functions. When the panel is open, users can access manual control and the VCR controls. The first in the series of buttons designates manual mode for the camcorder. Above 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. The VCR buttons have multiple functions, in addition the record, rewind, fast-forward, play and pause, they control still capture to tape duration, and there is a record check function that allows viewing of previously shot material in the CAMERA mode. There is also picture in picture, and a super-stabilization feature. 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.

Above the cornucopia of LCD controls are a series of buttons on the lens casing. These shiny-plastic-sliver buttons control the built in florescent spot-light, the back light enhancement, magic pix (for low-light stills), and the fade in/out feature. Below the buttons running vertically between the battery and the LCD are two plastic doors. These conceal the data ports, the AV port, and the dine sized clock battery. Unfortunately, USB/Firewire isn't included, however, there are two ports. The placement is good, as you can handle the camera while connected to an external monitor or personal computer.

The Top (8.0)
The top of the PV-DV103 is predominately lens casing. At the back of the top of the camcorder is the zoom control, the electronic shutter, the MiniDV ejector switch, and the important navigational and manual control depressible jog dial. The zoom from telephoto to widescreen is handled with a flat-ribbed slider. The placement is somewhat askew, as when one's hand is in the strap, reaching the zoom is a stretch. The shutter button is placed perfectly. The PV-DV103's depressible jog dial is on the small side, but the internal gearing is an improvement over other Panasonic model lines.

Picture & Manual Control

Automatic Control (6.5)
The Panasonic PV-DV103 has a good processor that delivers proficient automated picture quality. The camcorder performs as a point and shoot in a variety of light conditions. While it isn't a professional camcorder, for the price, the PV-DV103 captures good footage in automatic, and with manual manipulation it excels.

Overall Manual Control (6.0)
The PV-DV103 has above average manual control functions. The manual controls are accessed by engaging an auto/manual toggle inside the LCD panel. The focus is controlled by a tiny recessed dial with smooth gearing that enables accurate control of most manual adjustments. The shutter speed and gain are also adjusted with this dial. There are a series of LCD menu presents like sun/snow, spotlight, portrait, etc. White balance is controlled in manual with the much-mentioned depressible jog dial or from within the LCD menu.

Zoom (7.0)
The 10x optical zoom of the PV-DV103, is controlled with a flat sliding switch on the top-right of the camcorder. The component isn't as good as the raised toggle switch that Panasonic uses on other models. It has a short space between telephoto and wide screen, and although zooms are smooth, it doesn't seem to have resistance for adept variable speed zooms.

Focus (2.5)
The PV-DV103 works well in automatic focus. However, the processor doesn't discern optimal focal length well. That can be corrected with the manual focus feature. Unfortunately without a focus ring, controlling manual focus with the recessed dial is often clumsy.

Exposure (Aperture) (8.0)

The PV-DV103 exposure is controlled with the same recessed dial as the manual focus. The aperture settings range from F1.6 to +18bd (gain). Allowing the user to increase or decrease the F-stop, until gain is needed. The processor provides adequate image quality, and tweaking the image in manual ensures that users can make the most of the small 1/6th inch CCD.

Shutter Speed (7.0)
The PV-DV103 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(8.0)
Like most consumer camcorders, the PV-DV103 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 with the depressible jog dial, is a well thought out feature of the camcorder.

Gain (8.0)
The manual gain control PV-DV103 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-DV103 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 has a maximum pixel resolution of 2,048 x 1,496, and the PV-DV203 has a memory card that captures at 1,280 x 960, the PV-DV103 still performance is sub-standard.

VCR Mode (7.0)
The PV-DV103 has a standard VCR mode. Playback works well, as do the rewind, fast forward and pause features. A nice addition, is that the depressible jog dial enables users to shuttle through footage. 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 (4.5)
The dynamic range of the PV-DV103 is fair. 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 below the similarly priced Sony DCR-TRV19 and the JVC R-D90. The PV-DV103 performed better that the Canon ZR65MC. It should be noted that the Sony DCR-TRV19 has a 1/4 inch CCD. While grain isn't a major drawback for the PV-DV103, color reproduction is drab. These observations were made in an automatic mode, and as a result the untested manual could, and likely will produce better results. Overall, the PV-DV103 has fair low-light performance.

LCD/ Viewfinder (7.0)
The PV-DV103 has a small 2.5 inch LCD monitor. 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 cup is thin-hard-rubber and will be a problem for those with glasses.

Audio (3.0)
Although the PV-DV103 doesn't have manual audio settings or the ability to monitor audio levels, it has four or two channel capabilities. The microphone has two digital enhancements, one is a wind cut feature, that filters wind noise, and the second is a zoom feature that work in conjunction with the 10x zoom. The PV-DV103 has no accessory shoe, so audio in is limited to the built in microphone.

Handling (8.0)
The PV-DV103 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 button location are drawbacks. The cheapish-plastic strap, keeps the unit securely in hand. The PV-DV103 weighs only one pound, so it is easily balanced. 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 a significant improvement. There is a space to rest the middle through pinky finger on the top of the camcorder, which increases the secure feel. When resting firmly in hand, with the LCD panel open, the unit maintains balance. The location of the MiniDV on the right side of the camcorder body works well. Reloading tapes while at work is achieved easily, and a push of the plastic exterior and the tape is in place, and ready to shoot. The location and functionality of the still shutter button is top-notch. Too bad the still performance is lacking.

Ports (6.0)
The PV-DV103 is missing a few crucial ports and jacks. While the camcorder does have USB, AC, AV, and headphone, the camcorder is without an SVideo In/Out, and a hot shoe or accessory port. That means there is no external microphones or spot lights. The inability to plug in an external mic is one of the weakest points on the camcorder. Panasonic has neglected to include a USB cable, that effectively increases the price by $25-the cost of the cable. The port placement is good, allowing camcorder handling while plugged into an external monitor. However, the fact that one can't use external AC power when charging the battery is a troubling characteristic of the PV-DV103 and the fact that you can't use an external microphone is bad - the main reasons we took points off in this section.

Other Features (4.0)
The PV-DV103 comes with a built in spot light and internal microphone. There are a series of digital enhancements and 700x digital zoom, but other features in the marketplace, are missing.

16:9 widescreen mode
There's only an image stretching digital enhancement.

Webcam
Webcam isn't part of the package. However, a USB port might enable one to use the camcorder as a webcam with add-on software and cables.

MPEG
Without an internal memory cache or smart card, the PV-DV103 has no MPEG functionality.

Analog to Digital Pass Through
No SVideo In, means the PV-DV103 can't transfer an analog signal from a VCR or television to a digital MiniDV.

Comparisons(no score provided)
The PV-DV103 is the junior varsity version of the PV-DV203. The camcorders share the same processor, the same CCD, and the same level of manual control. The only difference is that the PV-DV203 has a smart card for stills and the PV-DV103 doesn't. The PV-DV203 was part of the 2003 B&H shoot-off, in the $500 price group. The PV-DV203 landed in third place of the four camcorders reviewed in the competition. In this class, the Sony DCR-TRV19 took top honors. Although the Sony has a larger 1/4 inch CCD, than its competition which all share CCD's that are 1/6th of an inch. Second in this category was the Canon ZR65MC. Then came the PV-DV203 which is nearly identical to the PV-DV103. Fourth place was the JVC GR-D90. The competition evaluated performance in controlled lighting conditions and in automatic settings. However, Panasonics PV-DV103 has a slew of manual controls. That plays a major role is purchase determination. As this is a low-priced category, and likely manufacturer savings included skimping on the processor. As a result of the ample manual controls, processor shortfalls can be overcome. That increases the attractiveness of the PV-DV103, if a user has the ability to utilize the manual controls-if not stick with the Sony. The Sony DCR-TRV19 doesn't have much in the way of still capabilities, but the JVC GR-D90 comes with a smart card and a large 3.5inch LCD screen. The Canon ZR655MC has a smart card for still storage and a 20x zoom. Keep in mind these camcorders are more expensive than the DV-PV103.

One model down in the Panasonic line is the PV-DV53. The PV-DV53 has nearly the same feature set except that the CCD is larger, and the 103 is in a slightly smaller body size. As a result of the smaller CCD the video quality is much better. If I were to recommend one of the two, I'd go with the PV-DV53 any day because you'll save money and get better video quality.

Who's it For

Point and Shooter's (5.0)
This is an optimal camcorder for the point and shoot set who would like the freedom of manual adjustment in a petite package.

Budget Consumers(7.0)
The PV-DV103 has good value, but the smallish 1/6th inch CCD limits the score in this category.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (5.0)
If you're looking for a hybrid, look elsewhere.

Gadget Freaks (4.0)
The camcorder is essentially gadget-less. However, it does include a fluorescent spot light and internal microphone with digital enhancements.

Manual Control Freaks(7.5)
There is a good amount of manual control with the PV-DV103, a few design enchantments would boost that score.

Pro's/ Serious Hobbyists(3.0)
Not the best camcorder for this group.

Conclusion
The Panasonic PV-DV103 is a decent camcorder with a 1/6 inch CCD that has adequate low-light performance. The camcorder suffers from poor digital camera competence. The PV-DV103 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 low price is an attractive attribute, however you can get a much better buy in the Panasonic PV-DV53.