Panasonic VDR-D300

While the immediacy of recording onto a DVD has proven attractive, the quality of DVD camcorder footage continues to lag behind the venerable MiniDV format. Panasonic aims to change that perception with the VDR-D300, the first three-chip DVD camcorder.

 

Before even considering video quality, however, potential buyers should examine the DVD format in detail. Unlike MiniDV or flash-based systems, recording onto a DVD requires an amount of processing and writing time; be prepared to wade through Reading Disc messages and some extra startup time. While the VDR-D300 has a battery life of a little over 1.5 hours, only 20 minutes of high-quality video will fit on a three-inch DVD. The mid-level quality setting allows 37 minutes, but compromises sharpness (this cam's strong suit). The lowest quality setting yields 75 minutes of video, but we found the results unwatchable.

 

With those caveats in mind, the VDR-D300 produces exceptionally crisp video. The image offers sharp lines and fantastic color separation. Unfortunately, the three small CCDs produce a washed-out color palette, which doesn't entirely match the sharpness. Overall, the wan color cast is an acceptable trade-off for such an accurate image, at least outdoors and in well-lit interiors. In low-light conditions, the pale colors produce a high degree of digital noise.

 

The VDR-D300 puts these sharp CCDs to use when capturing stills, which are recorded onto Secure Digital Cards. (A card isn't included, nor can you record video onto SD Cards.) The max resolution of 2048 x 1512 pixels combined with that dull color rendition won't render your dedicated digital camera obsolete, but these pics will definitely serve in a pinch. A full suite of manual controls sweetens the deal.

 

At a little over one pound, this camera is quite light. The palm-filling form factor leads to a feeling of extra heft, but it also offers more stability while shooting. The rectangular build fits quite well in the hand, and a rear-mounted joystick proves exceptionally capable at navigating the device's menus. The I/O ports are conveniently located, and an external microphone jack is built in.

 

A primary issue with recording onto a DVD is the variety of formats available. Luckily, the VDR-D300 is compatible with DVD-RW, DVD-R, and DVD-RAM. (DVD+R and DVD+RW are not supported, and as with all recordable DVD media, even players that are technically compatible with DVD-R media could have problems.) We prefer DVD-RAM, but a specific driver is required to read from the disc. The camera is bundled with a DVD Palmcorder suite of applications, including a basic editing package and a DVD-authoring suite. Neither will provide any competition to standalone applications, but they can create basic linear edits and formatted discs.

 

If the DVD format's limitations aren't a concern, the Panasonic VDR-D300's remarkable sharpness will stand out as a dominant characteristic. It's enough to make us shrug at the middling color. We're hard-pressed to find a better DVD cam in any price range.