Performance

The Panasonic VDR-D300 comes equipped with 3 1/6" CCDs, each with 800K gross pixels; there are 640K effective pixels in 4:3 aspect ratio, and 540K effective pixels in 16:9 mode. The differences between the D300 and Panasonic’s top DVD camcorder from last year are significant. Most notably, the VDR-M75 had only a single 1/4.5" CCD to work with. But DVD cams are on the rise. Last year the king of the format was Sony’s DVD403, which provided a brilliant video performance spurred by its huge 1/3" CCD and 2048 effective pixels. This year Sony looks to keep their lead with the DVD505, a DVD camcorder sporting an advanced 1/3" ClearVID CMOS sensor with 1910K effective pixels.

At 3000 lux, the Panasonic VDR-D300 showed an exceptionally sharp picture – sharpness approached that of the top-end MiniDV PV-GS500. Yes, that is the comparison we’re making. Of course, it’s not quite as good, but it’s sharper than any DVD camcorder we’ve seen before. The Sony DVD403 can certainly outperform any DVD camcorder we’ve seen so far in terms of color performance, but the D300 is so crisp. The sharp edges and ultra-crisp color definition make this a very likeable picture. On the downside, the colors are not terribly vivid, a surprising find for a 3 CCD camcorder. After all, with a chip for each of the primary colors, you’d expect brilliant results. The greens and blues read the strongest, but most colors fail to pop out of the picture. The grayscale was also sharply defined, but the whites were just not that white, and appeared far more gray than they should have when held up against the brilliant DVD403.

Last year’s VDR-M75, by comparison, had a strange tendency to over-darken the black lines along the borders of the chart, and the colors, on the whole, looked too far skewed towards the yellow-green palette.

Video Resolution* (16.5)*

We tested the VDR-D300’s resolution using by shooting both 4:3 and 16:9 footage of a standard resolution chart and running the results through Imatest. In 4:3 mode, the D300 gave us approximately 506.4 lines of horizontal resolution and 324.9 lines of vertical resolution, which yields an approximate true resolution of 164529.36. In 16:9 mode, the D300 yielded 384.1 lines of horizontal resolution and 288.9 lines of vertical resolution, giving an approximate true resolution of 110966.49.

**Low Light Performance ***(3.5)*

As fantastic as the D300’s 3000 lux video performance was, the low light performance disappointed, and seemed only to prove that chip size is a major factor in this category. The 1/6" CCDs, despite being three in number, could not capture enough light to match a larger, 1/3" chip camcorder like the DVD403.

At 60 lux, the VDR-D300 took on characteristics of a trend we’ve spotted in this year’s Panasonic camcorders. As with the MiniDV PV-GS39, the fine grain noise has taken an upswing since last year. Panasonic’s aim seems to be a boost in overall sharpness, but the noise is hard to ignore. Color presence is still fairly strong, but the greens have begun to muddy together. The whites, however, are very strong. Last year’s VDR-M75, despite having an inferior bright light performance, looked much better in low light – sharper and with better color. The Sony DVD403’s footage, as noted in the Low Light Performance section of so many reviews last year, is incredible, and looks nearly as good as it did at 3000 lux.

At 15 lux, the noise becomes even more noticeable and the grain is less fine. The red portion of the spectrum takes the biggest hit, blurring entirely the distinctions between the orange-red-violet panels. In comparison, the DVD403 had much stronger colors and better color definition. The VDR-M75, on the other hand, had lost nearly all of its color information at 15 lux, and, if nothing else, might help you to feel that the two hundred dollar difference in MSRPs between the M75 and the D300 is justified.

Wide Angle* (7.8)*

The VDR-D300 was tested for the width of its field in both 4:3 and 16:9 modes to see if the camcorder possesses true widescreen mode, and what the difference between these mode is. In 4:3 mode, the D300 had a wide angle measurement of 39 degrees. In 16:9 mode, it had a measurement of 39 degrees. This absence of difference in field width indicates that the D300 does not offer true widescreen. The PV-GS39, for example, had a difference of 12 degrees between 4:3 and 16:9.

Format

Compression* (5.0)*

In video mode, DVD footage is subjected to an MPEG-2 compression of 8.5 Mbps maximum, video that is sub-par compared to video from MiniDV camcorders, which use a data transfer of 25 Mbps. The manual advertises the maximum rate at 9 Mbps, but this appears to be a generous rounding up to a convenient whole number. Of course there are myriad factors involved in compression, but data rate is one of the key aspects. There are three recording and transfer rates on the VDR-D300, which allow users to select between XP at 8.5 Mbps, SP at 5 Mbps, and LP at 2.5 Mbps. With the degradation in video quality comes an increase in recording time, allowing users either to record just 18 minutes of unremarkable video (XP) or up to 75 minutes of blurred mush (LP). Audio is compressed via a Dolby Digital AC3 compression format which has a bit rate of 16 bit (48 kHz/2 channel).

Media* (5.0)*

There are two media format options available on the Panasonic VDR-D300. Video files can be recorded to several DVD formats while still images are captured to SD memory cards. For video, the VDR-D300 can take DVD-RAM (Ver. 2.1), DVD-RW (Ver. 1.1/2X-SPEED (2X-1X), or DVD-R (for General Ver. 2.0) formats. When recording to SD memory cards, users can use memory cards with memory allotments ranging from 8 MB to 2 GB (maximum). Both DVDs and SD cards are popular media and easy to find.

The fact that the D300 can use multiple DVD formats in convenient, but each comes with its own problems. We had a very difficult time getting the footage we needed off of a DVD-RW, and testing on another Panasonic DVD model with a DVD-RW resulted in a an hour’s worth of lost footage. DVD-Rs are generally great, but they only record once and then you have to toss them. Who has the budget for that? We finally settled on DVD-RAMs, which also work great, as long as you have the DVD-RAM driver. Imagine the frustration of working across multiple computers and having to install the software every time you want to review footage. Also, most home-use DVD players don’t read DVD-RAM, and can’t install drivers.

Editing* (3.0)*

The VDR-D300 ships with the DVD Palmcorder Software Suite, including a DVD-Ram Driver, DVD-MovieAlbumSE 4.2, and DVDfunSTUDIO. A good reader might take note here the language chosen in the program titles. MovieAlbum becomes one word, as if the advertisers were intent on speeding through what could be an disappointing point-by-point explanation. Also note that the "fun" in DVDfunSTUDIO is distinctly un-capitalized.

Maybe it was something we did wrong, but the MovieAlbum could not seem to read footage from a DVD-RW no matter what we did. Footage on DVD-RAM was more software friendly, but that format is limited in its own right (see Media section above). The program had the very rudimentary basics of an editing suite, and anyone used to an advanced program like Avid, Final Cut, or Premiere is in for a disappointment. It can import clips, put them on a timeline, and output them as MPEG files in four resolution sizes. There is little else in the way of quality control.

Tour

**The Front ***(8.2)*

The front of the VDR-D300 features a Leica Dicomar 10x optical lens with a focal length of 3.0 to 30.0 mm and an auto iris range from f/1.8 to f/2.8. The filter diameter measures 37 mm, which is the same size as the penultimate Panasonic MiniDV, the PV-GS300. The top-end GS500 offers a 43mm filter diameter. The lens on the D300 is positioned in the upper left corner. Beneath this sizeable lens is the stereo microphone, placed away from hands or other muffling possibilities. To the right side of the lens, the in-camera flash provides users with light when shooting still images. Below the flash and to the left of the in-camera stereo microphone are two sensors for the D300: the white balance / remote control sensor and a recording lamp. The recording lamp can be shut off via the menu. Along the base of the VDR-D300’s front are three ports covered by a port cover which is opened by flipping a tab located on the bottom front of the camcorder body. Once opened, users will find the A/V output terminal, the USB terminal, and the wired remote / microphone terminal. The port cover has a long tether which allows this protective shield to be moved so as to not block the use of these three ports.

**The Right Side ***(7.5)*

The right side of the Panasonic VDR-D300 features the DVD loading mechanism, which opens from the top of the body, unlocking via the Disc Eject tab, which is located at the back of the camcorder near a protruding mound; this mound is built around the Mode Dial on the back of the camcorder. Above the Disc Eject tab is the Access/PC light, which lets users when the camcorder is involved with removing, inserting, or changing DVDs (which seems to be a considerable amount of the time). Spanning the length of the ride side of the VDR-D300 is an adjustable strap with Velcro used as a securing agent. This strap is a bit thin for larger hands, and this camcorder can move a bit too freely in one’s grip. It would be nice to have a wider strap for a more secure connection between user and camcorder. After all, this is a $1000 investment.

**The Back ***(5.5)*

The 123K pixel electronic color viewfinder on the VDR-D300 pulls out from the camcorder body to allow comfortable use of this feature, even when the Li-ion battery pack (situated directly below it) is attached. The diopter adjustment feature is located on the top of the viewfinder, but only visible once the viewfinder is pulled from the camcorder body. This swiveling tab allows users to calibrate the viewfinder specifically for their own eyesight.

To the right of the viewfinder is the On/Off switch for the D300. Users must press the blue button at its center and simultaneously sliding the control to either the right or left to engage or disengage power. Beneath the power switch is the Delete button, which may delete both video clips and still images, depending on the camcorder’s current mode. Don’t worry, though; you can’t erase clips by accident at the touch of a button. This button is only used in part with the menu options that allow for deletion.

Beneath the Delete button users will find the Record Button for video mode, a control which is placed for easy and comfortable access by the thumb. To the right of the Record and Delete buttons, the Mode Dial can switch between Disc recording mode, Disc playback mode, Card recording mode, and Card playback mode. At the center of the Mode dial is the heart of the interface, the joystick control. The joystick provides access to and navigation of on-screen menus and diagrams, as well as most of the manual controls. The joystick is surrounded by a glowing blue LED light field which will help users find this feature when shooting in lower light situations. This light can be turned off via the menu.

**The Left Side ***(8.0)*

The Panasonic VDR-D300 has a 2.7-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 123,000 pixels. It is thankfully devoid of the unnecessary push-button opening device found on the VDR-D100 (which we will have a review of shortly). The VDR-D300’s LCD opens easily - users pull the back edge out from the camcorder body, and are rewarded with a 16:9 viewing screen, perfect for getting that crop-and-zoom (not true widescreen) aspect ratio.

The LCD screen swivels 270 degrees and may be flipped upside-down so one can view it when standing in front of the camcorder’s lens; the screen can also be returned to the camcorder body facing outward. The connection point between the LCD and the camcorder body is sturdy and well designed and appears to be able to sustain some abuse. When open, the LCD cavity reveals an Auto/Manual switch for changing between auto and manual modes. Also assigned to the this switch is the manual focus on/off. Ahead of the Auto/Manual switch, towards the lens, users will find the in-camcorder playback speaker. Beneath this switch is the Power LCD control which boosts brightness of the LCD, but can cost battery life in the process. Also in the LCD cavity is a tiny Reset button located near the base of the camcorder.

The Top* (8.0)*

All features of note on the top of the Panasonic VDR-D300 are located towards the back of the body. On top of the lens barrel, users will find a cold accessory shoe, which can provide a place to hold an additional flash, microphone, or other accessories, but it cannot power them. You’ll have to plug in for that. To the right of this feature is the zoom toggle, which doubles as the volume control in playback mode. Behind the zoom toggle is the Photo Shot button which allows users to capture still images to SD card.

Auto / Manual Controls

Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control (5.0)

Auto mode works just like it sounds. The camcorder does all the work, except turning it on and off and zooming. You don’t have to worry about exposure, gain, shutter speed, iris, or any of the other options that are available in manual mode. On the VDR-D300, auto mode functioned with a fair level of success, providing a smooth although somewhat slow zoom and a crisp snapping auto focus which displayed images with good clarity. When shooting interiors, the Panasonic VDR-D300 tended to produce images with a distinctly yellow tint, indicating a lackluster auto white balance. A better auto white balance would be able to accommodate varying light temperatures. Using the preset white balance setting of Interior helped, but manual white balance produced the most successful results. When shooting outdoor scenes, the VDR-D300’s auto white balance succeeded with ease. The auto exposure controls appear to adjust very quickly, an area in which its distant cousin model, the PV-GS39, fell apart. Unlike that low-end MiniDV camcorder, the D300 was better equipped to make rapid adjustments to even subtle changes in light.

In addition to a full auto mode, users will find that the VDR-D300 also has a handful of scene modes which cover basic shooting situations. They include Sports, Portrait, Low Light, Spotlight, and Surf & Snow.

Overall Manual Control (7.0)

The Panasonic VDR-D300 offers an extensive number of manual control features that can be engaged in manual mode. Users have control over zoom, focus, white balance, aperture, gain, and shutter speed, some of which provide extensive setting options to allow for finer tuning of these settings. For example, the shutter speed range on the VDR-D300 offers a spacious scale from between 1/60 to 1/8000 of a second, while the gain menu options allow for a scale ranging from 0dB to 18dB. Users should find this camcorder satisfying most of their manual control urges, although the lack of an external focal ring may be disheartening for the true manual control junkie.

 
*The Auto / Manual / Focus switch inside the LCD cavity (left) and navigation control (right). *

Most manual controls are engaged by pushing in on the joystick. A multi-page menu appears in the lower left corner. The first submenu offers fade on/off and information, a nifty feature which describes all the other icons in the menu. Pushing down on the joystick advances to the next menu, which has Soft Skin detail and telemacro. The third menu has MagicPix, and the fourth has iris, white balance, and shutter speed.

Thankfully, this level of manual control can be found on every Panasonic camcorder, from the low-end DVD to the high-end MiniDV, making them the delight of manual control freaks everywhere. It is Panasonic’s shining attribute, and one that we try to applaud frequently. Manual controls are the heart of a good camcorder, because they allow for more interaction. Of course, not everyone wants interaction. Those who leave their camcorders in auto mode each and every time might do better with a Sony. But a Sony will not grow with you as you learn more about image quality and control. Our advice, which you can take or leave, is to shop smart and think long-term. Read on for a more detailed look at the controls.

Zoom (7.0)

The zoom toggle on the Panasonic VDR-D300 functions smoothly and provides a steady, though not particularly speedy, zoom feature. It is pressure-responsive, meaning that the zoom speed is dependent on how hard you push. All the Panasonic DVD camcorders this year have adopted the sliding switch design rather than raised toggle for their zoom controls. Some people on our staff loved the smooth action, but others preferred the latter type, which curtails the potential to rock the camcorder’s body and upset the frame, which the sliding switch can do. The 10x optical zoom performed with accuracy and remained in focus when shifting zoom levels, due largely to the responsiveness of the zoom toggle; it allows a slower zoom rate and almost never overshoots the proper subject depth. The zoom toggle is easily accessed by the right hand and was placed accurately for fast activation.

Zoom Power/Ratio* (10.0)*

This camcorder has a 10x optical zoom lens which should satisfy most users. Though we are seeing camcorders on the market which are pushing the 20x and 30x limit, optical technology limits mega-zooms to camcorders with smaller CCDs. It is also possible to engage this camcorder in up to 700x digital zoom or cut it off at 25x. Just remember that there’s an inverse relationship between digital zoom power and image quality. Digital zooming is an digital effect that blows up the pixels rather than moving the lenses. The farther you push it, the worse you image will become.

Focus (5.0)

The manual focus is, unfortunately, one of the weakest controls on the VDR-D300. Technically, it does allow users to manipulate focal levels via the joystick located at the center of the mode dial. The manual settings are accessed when the user switches the Auto/Manual switch into manual mode. Push down again on the same switch to engage manual focus. An "MF" appears on screen. Toggle back and forth with the joystick to obtain the desired focus.

The problem is two-fold with this system. One, there is no indication as to where in the focal range you are, neither by numeral or a scale. Secondly, the top-end MiniDV camcorder, the GS500, has a focus ring. Why shouldn’t the top-end DVD camcorder? Let’s see some follow-through if the industry is going to through its weight into the DVD realm. These problems are not found on the D300 alone, but they are worth mentioning.

Exposure (Aperture) (6.0)

The aperture can be manually controlled on the Panasonic VDR-D300, a great advantage for those manual control enthusiasts seeking tighter control in varied lighting conditions. The aperture settings on the VDR-D300 allow the user to select OPEN (f/1.8), f/2.0, f/2.4, f/2.8, f/3.4, f/4.0, f/4.8, f/5.6, f/6.8, f/8.0, f/9.6, f/11, f/14, and f/16, with smaller steps between each full stop. The odd thing is that the steps vary. For example, users will find the F16 option has 8 steps before the camcorder selects CLOSED, whereas all other settings have two stops before the next numerical step is initiated. There seems to be no discernible pattern to this control, but there is no denying that it gives you an incredible amount of control on the iris.

There is also a gain control, accessed once the camcorder user moves to the OPEN setting. The gain control allows for gain settings from 0dB to 18dB. While making these setting options available is a great decision by Panasonic, the activation and use of these controls is compromised greatly by a single design flaw. These two scales require the user to press the joystick each time a new setting is selected, meaning that if the user wishes to switch between a nearly closed to fully opened iris, they will find it necessary to press the joystick to the right nearly, if not over, thirty times. This is irritating and time-consuming, and impatient users may not use these scales much because of it.

*Shutter Speed (7.0) *

The Panasonic VDR-D300 allows users to set manual shutter speed to the following settings when the camera has been switched into manual mode: 1/60, 1/100, 1/120, 1/160, 1/250, 1/350, 1/500, 1/750, 1/1000, 1/1500, 1/2000, 1/3000, 1/4000, and 1/8000 of a second. These setting options are engaged by pressing the joystick in and selecting the shutter setting from the fourth diagram menu. This control, like exposure and gain, will require the user to press the joystick each time to reach a new speed, meaning that to switch from 1/750th to 1/160th will necessitate pressing the joystick to the left four times.

White Balance (7.0)

The white balance settings provide a fully automatic mode, a handful of preset options, and a fully manual mode. The manual and preset white balance settings are accessed by switching the camera into Manual mode via the switch in the LCD cavity. Once the camcorder is set in manual mode, the user will be able to set the white balance to preset mode options of Indoor or Outdoor. To manually adjust the white balance, the user selects the manual white balance option and calibrates the sensor by pressing the joystick control upwards until the symbol on the LCD stops flashing. This is relatively limited selection of auto white balance settings compared to other manufacturers, but is standard on most Panasonics.

Gain (7.0)

Gain control can be adjusted when the Panasonic VDR-D300 is set into manual mode. Once the iris is opened as far as possible (indicated as OPEN on the LCD), the gain can be employed, ranging from 0dB to 18dB. The gain settings are numerically displayed on the LCD with settings of 0dB, 3dB, 6dB, 9dB, 12dB, 15dB, and 18dB with one step between each numerical change. As the gain value is increased, the noise levels displayed on the LCD screen will increase as well, something to note if one is very concerned with video quality. The setting point between each of the numerical listings allows for even greater control over this manual feature, which will allow more nuanced lighting options to be engaged.

While this expansive range of control is a desirable feature, actually navigating all of the settings is time-consuming and inefficient. This is because of a design problem discussed within the Exposure section (see above). When navigating the gain and aperture settings, users will find that each step in these lengthy scales demands that the user press the joystick to initiate the movement between settings. That means that moving from one end of the gain scale to the other will necessitate the pressing of the joystick at least 30 times, if not more; repeatedly shifting from one end of the gain spectrum to the polar end of the exposure scale could result in a case of tendinitis. If Panasonic had merely allowed the user to press the joystick once to initiate a steady scrolling action through the options, it would have made things far simpler. This process ought to be as smooth as a zoom or focus feature.

Other Manual Control (0.0)

There are no other manual control features of note on the Panasonic VDR-D300 camcorder.

Still Features

Still Features* (6.5)*

The still features which come with the Panasonic VDR-D300 provide users with options that extend beyond standard point-and-shoot capture. The D300 shoots in four resolution settings – 2048 x 1512, 1920 x 1080 (16:9), 1280 x 960, and 640 x 480 – each in two different quality settings. Captures are saved in the JPEG format to SD card. However, no card is included with the purchase of the Panasonic VDR-D300. The camcorder allows users all the controls available in video mode: shutter speed, aperture, white balance, zoom, and focus. Also provided are an in-camera flash, red-eye reduction, and a flash level adjustment feature. Unlike last year's DVD models, the D300 cannot record stills to a DVD, which might necessitate the purchase of a large SD card if you like to take a lot of photos.

This still feature set compares favorably to most DVD camcorders. The Sony DVD405’s max still resolution is slightly reduced 2016 x 1512. The DVD505 offers a much larger 2304 x 1728. Both of these Sony cams offer the ability to shoot stills to a card media while recording in video mode.

Still Resolution* (6.4)*

We tested the VDR-D300’s resolution in still mode in both the 4:3 and 16:9 modes. The 4:3 mode will be larger, as expected, because the largest resolution size is 2048 x 1512, while the only 16:9 resolution size is 1920 x 1080.

In 4:3 mode, the D300 yielded an approximate resolution of 640332.0. In 16:9, the D300 yielded an approximate resolution of 339377.2.

Still Performance* (8.5)*

The Panasonic VDR-D300’s stills, like the video, did not disappoint in their sharpness. They were, in fact, nearly identical in every regard to the stills of the SD card-based Panasonic SDR-S100: sharp and crisp, but not particularly vivid. For a one-chip camcorder, these would be considered excellent. But a 3 CCD camcorder should produce a bolder, more saturated image. When compared to the 3000 lux video, the color shows a significant fade across the board. Green and light blue take the brunt of this loss, and look positively sun-faded.

The stills from the VDR-M75, by comparison, display the same sickly green-yellow pallor across the spectrum that plagued its video performance.

Handling and Use

Ease of Use* (6.5)*

The joystick navigation control on the Panasonic VDR-D300 is the primary boon in its ease of use. Compared to most camcorders, the joystick is probably the best navigation system available, allowing fast access to and quick control over the general menu settings. The administrative menu (the one that appears when you press the Menu button) has a well designed and simple structure, with a linear text format and abbreviated menu length, that is easy to move through and will let beginning users alter features without feeling lost or confused. However, the diagram that appears for manual control and image quality settings is less intuitive and harder to navigate due to the small icon size. Thankfully, they have included a new feature this year – Info – which explains what each the icon means. Changing the actual settings for individual manual controls isn’t always simple. Altering manual white balance settings is easy and quick, while shutter speed and aperture settings make navigation difficult because movement between each single setting requires a push on the joystick.

Handling* (6.5)*

In terms of handling, Panasonic has provided a camcorder which fits comfortably in my hand and permits concise control over the zoom toggle as well as immediate access to the Photo Shot, Record, and joystick controls. The Delete and Menu buttons were out of the reach of my right hand and demanded the use of my left hand to activate. This button placement, while certainly better than that found on other models produced by Panasonic (e.g. the VDR-D100), is still somewhat frustrating. It would be nice if the controls located on the right half of the camcorder body were accessible by the fingers of the right hand, and likewise for the left.

One of the biggest handling issues experienced with this camcorder was DVD processing time. A good bit of time was spent watching messages like "Reading Disc…" and "Please Wait." This is not the speedy convenience that a MiniDV user is used to.

The only other issue with handling surrounded the aperture and shutter speed controls, which required the user to press the joystick each time movement between each new setting was desired, meaning an inordinate amount of pushing was needed to move from one end of the scale to the other. Otherwise, the minimal external control structure and the use of a joystick rather than a four-way key pad means that users will have fast and readily accessible features which are neither complicated nor overwhelming. This year Panasonic reduced the size of all their camcorder bodies, and while still not light as a feather, the feel of the VDR-D300 model conveyed a sense of sturdy design.

Portability* (6.0)*

Although it is not nearly as small as an ultra compact camcorder, Panasonic did manage to reduce the size of the VDR-D300 in comparison to last year’s DVD models, like the VDR-M75 and VDR-D53. The D300 has dimensions of approximately 5 and 6/8 inches in length, 3 inches in width, and 3 and 3/8 inches in height including extending features and battery pack in place. This camcorder weighs an advertised 0.24 pounds. The advertised dimensions were 2.40 x 1.26 x 3.58 and are only attainable when the camcorder is measured without battery, viewfinder, controls, and other features which are present and ought to be accounted for. After all, they take up space in a bag, too.

The battery life is adequate, and permits about 95 minutes of shooting. Depending on your purpose, this may provide just enough juice to avoid the purchase of a second battery. However, when considering portability, one must also consider the effect of the camcorder’s media. Shooting in XP mode will result in a maximum of only 20 minutes of footage on the average one-sided DVD, which is hardly a full day at the beach. Users will need to purchase a plentitude of these easily damaged three-inch DVD discs and carry them during their travels.

LCD/Viewfinder* (6.5) *The LCD on the Panasonic VDR-D300 allows users to view their widescreen images fully on a 16:9 display which measures a sizeable 2.7 inches. While large in size this feature is unfortunately low in pixel count, providing a scant 123K pixel resolution to a screen which would be a feature of note if the pixel count were doubled. As it is, this screen won’t give users the most accurate image readings and legibility of subtler scenes may be compromised. The DVD505 from Sony, for example, has an LCD of 211K.

 

The electronic color viewfinder has a diopter adjustment feature and a 123K resolution, allowing users a feasible alternative to the LCD. Often, camcorder manufacturers place manual control settings in the LCD cavity, which is a hindrance to those who want to use the viewfinder rather than the LCD. Luckily, Panasonic has placed these controls outside this area and on the back of the camcorder body, thus allowing users to control these settings while engaging this alternate viewing option.

Battery Life* (9.4)*

The included CGA-DU12 battery was tested for life expectancy during recording. We left the camcorder in a room temperature environment, in auto mode, with a 4:3 aspect ratio, the optical image stabilization turned on, and the Power LCD off. Video quality was set at the highest mode, XP. Because the battery lasts longer than the average DVD disc, we did have to change discs during the test. At these times, the battery was removed, the disc was changed, and the battery was reinserted to record again. In total, the battery lasted 1 hour, 34 minutes, and 30 seconds (94 minutes, 30 seconds).

Audio / Playback / Connectivity

Audio* (6.5)*

Audio recording can be done by either the in-camera stereo microphone located on the front face of the camcorder or by an external microphone which may be connected to the Mic-in port, also on the front of the camcorder. The port’s tab on the bottom makes it awkward to access when shooting with a tripod. The user will need to open this port beforehand or remove the camcorder from the tripod entirely if use of the Mic-in port is desired during shooting. Also, by placing this external mic port on the front of the camcorder, users are more likely to accidentally mask or obscure the lens of the camcorder with a cable.

Users may also engage the Wind Cut feature, a setting which engages a High Pass filter to effectively block the low tones which are produced when wind hits the recording surface of the microphone. Users may also use the zoom microphone, which will boost audio levels in an attempt to capture sound produced at a longer distance from the camcorder. This feature will not be effective in crowded or noisy situations since audio levels are being raised overall, and will result in an incomprehensible mash of sonic goo.

VCR Mode* (8.0)*

The playback menu is basic in its structure, a design which is reflected in both the video and still image shooting modes. The VCR mode is entered when the user sets the mode dial to the playback setting. Once initiated, the playback mode allows users to view thumbnail images of captured video clips. These are presented on an opaque screen which also displays when the selected clip was shot, the time it was recorded, and the length of the recording. The thumbnails take an interminably long time to appear, and the camcorder essentially freezes until it has created each one – eight to a page.

To begin watching a clip, users press the joystick control inwards. Once opened, the full screen image may be navigated with standard VCR controls which are applied to the cardinal directions of the joystick (left is fast-forward, right is rewind, up is play/pause, down is stop). It is possible to both cut and join video clips when viewing images in-camera, and it is also possible to also erase images prior to exporting or finalizing footage; all options are located within the general playback menu.

Ports* (7.75)*

Nearly all ports are located on the front face of the Panasonic VDR-D300, all covered by a large port cover that is opened by flipping a tab on its bottom edge. The placement of this tab may be irritating for users who want to access these ports while shooting on a tripod; the tab is placed so that it can be masked by the connecting plate. Users will have to remove the camcorder from the tripod to connect, say, an external microphone. There is also an A/V out and a USB 2.0 compliant port. The A/V out port allows users to connect the camcorder to either RCA or S-Video compliant jacks via the included cables. The DC power jack is located in the rear behind the battery. Unfortunately, this means that it is impossible to plug in the DC power if the battery is in without shutting off the camcorder.

Comparisons / Conclusion

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.

Specs/Ratings

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