Features

DVD Camcorders:
The Next Generation
Hitachi DZ-MV580A & Panasonic VDR-M70PP

by Stewart Wolpin
 

No, you’re not seeing double: Hitachi makes its DVD camcorder almost exactly to Panasonic’s specifications. Any difference between the two is, for the most part, cosmetic.

Hitachi DZ-MV580A
Rating: 3 out of 5
Price: $899
www.hitachi.com
 
PROS
Good color and contrast
Separate SD card slot for digital still-image storage
DVD-RAM and DVD-R-compatible
CONS
Uses a disc caddy
Mediocre DVD-R footage
 
QUICK SPECS
Video CCD: 680,000 pixels
Digital Still-Image CCD: 1,020,000 pixels
Digital Still-Image CCD: 1,020,000 pixels
Screen: 2.5-inch LCD
Zoom: 10X optical, 240X digital
Size: 3.5 x 2.5 x 5.8 inches
Weight: 1.3 pounds

 
Panasonic VDR-M70PP
Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5
Price: $899
www.panasonic.com
 
PROS Panasonic VDR-M70PP
More lifelike video
Brighter LCD
Separate SD card slot for digital still images
CONS
Uses a disc caddy
DVD-RAM compatible only with DVD-RAM decks
 
QUICK SPECS
Video CCD: 680,000 pixels
Digital Still-Image CCD: 1,020,000 pixels
Digital Still-Image CCD: 1,020,000 pixels
Screen: 2.5-inch LCD
Zoom: 10X optical, 240X digital
Size: 3.5 x 2.5 x 5.8 inches
Weight: 1.3 pounds

Read More About the Hitachi DZ-MV580A & Panasonic VDR-M70PP >>

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