Panasonic AG-DVC7

As a high school video production teacher, I was very excited at the prospect of an "industrial" miniDV camera. We bought 9, but all through the 3 years we've owned them, they have turned out to be a very expensive mistake. They are constantly in the shop at $200 a trip. Currently 6 of my 9 are visiting the repairman again, 1 doesn't record audio, 1 doesn't record at all and 1 is working.

Initially the issue was the different tape lubrications used by Sony and Panasonic, but even when we switched to using only one type of Panasonic tape, we still encountered problems.

Prior to these we had some little $400 Panasonic miniDVs, but they also were in the shop during the warantee period and then Panasonic wanted us to send them back East for repair at a cost of $250/camera. I thought that investing $1000/camera would insure me a quality product, but it hasn't.

They are lightweight. The picture is acceptable for teaching beginners.

Though they are labelled "industrial", they have no staying power.

Sony 3 chip miniDV

I feel as though they know their product is weak but they expouse the company line. I do not believe they stand behind their products.

I found this camera to be a good unit for the price. It is not the top of the line but then again for the price it should tell you it isn't. It is good however for those who want to step up from the smaller hand held camera an get something that offers a litte more professional features.

It is light weight and easy to handle. The features and functions are right at your finger tips.

The video quality does have it's limit because of the one CCD. Found you have to use the filters such as the UV and Polorizer outside to help with the clearity of the picture.

I have used Panasonic products for over twenty years and have been very happy with there line od products.