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Note: this camcorder was first sold in Mar 2006. There may be newer versions available.
Panasonic VDR-D200
Panasonic VDR-D200
F
HQ Grade: F
A is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of camcorders.
B means they are good, with some standout features.
C means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
D & F mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs.
  • 3 out of 5
"No transfer movies to my Laptop"
  • 3 out of 5
"trouble with finalising"
See rating based on 16 user reviews
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Question Answered!
helen storey (helenstorey05) 5 pts
March 21, 2007 3:15 PM
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After having tried VDR-D100, would be be worth getting this one??? I have had two Sony's in the past; what would be a good one to get?

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Answers This question has been answered!
Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
March 21, 2007 10:03 PM
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Hey, Helen.
Here is a good solution for video downloading and making DVD's from a DVD disc camcorder with out computer issues.

The JVC SR-DVM70 is a 3in1 unit that plays miniDV tapes, DVD disc, and it has a hard drive. This unit can record your DVD discs from your camcorder and make DVD copies, or it can easily dowload video to hard drive storage. It has all A/V connections including firewire. With this unit you will not need a computer to do all of this, and it won't matter what type of camcorder you buy.

The VDR-200 camcorder you are suggesting will be fine as a stand alone camcorder or combined with the JVC this unit.

Bottom Line: I do not recommend DVD disc camcorders for anything else than what they were intended for, "record and play" The DVD disc camcorders were made to solve the issues for consumers that wanted to avoid and bypass the computers. Its the only format that you gives you an instant DVD disc. The DVD disc camcorder was never intended to be used for transferring and editing. That's why they are a nightmare with computers.

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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
March 23, 2007 3:58 AM
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The Panasosonic VDR-D200 Gives is much better quality then your past camcorders.

An excellent choice is the Canon DC40, it out performs all of what you have mentioned in picture video quality for about $100 more. Plus, it records 5.1 surround audio and produces high quality still photos. The D200 has lots good features, longer zoom and its a smidge better in low light conditions than the D40. These two are good choices, so you may need flip a coin to decide.


These two camcorder prices are normally around a hundred dollars more everywhere else.

DC40 best price $439
http://www.infinitiphoto.com/viewitem-8019-ac-Canon-DC40-Camcorder

D200 best price $299
http://www.infinitiphoto.com/viewitem-7985-ac-Panasonic-VDR-D200-Camcorder

MAIN WEBSITE
http://www.infinitiphoto.com/index.php

Bottom line: For best video picture quality, the DC40 is the choice. If you have a large screen TV, then I strongly suggest the Canon DC40

For some better features like 30x optical lens, the D200 will work for you.

Either choices are no better or worse for transferring, editing, and making DVD's. This should give you the advice I believe you wanted to know.

Happy Cam Shopping!
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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
March 31, 2007 1:37 AM
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Hey! Helen.
Has this question been answered yet. If you need more advice, just ask in the reply box below, we are here to help.

Happy Shooting!

Thanks!
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helen storey (helenstorey05) 5 pts
March 31, 2007 11:07 AM
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When I tried to get information on the Canon DC40 all I got was an offer to buy. When you say 'disc camcorder' do you mean one with mini DVD discs or a hard disc or hard drive one? From the picture of the DC40 it appears that it uses the full-sized discs? Can this be edited on the computer? I also do not understand why I cannot play back the video taken on the Sony DCR-SR62 which I wonder if I should keep. I feel that I am wasting my time (and yours also!) because we are leaving soon on holiday and I still do not have something I can work with. Likely there is something wrong with MY capabilities; but could there be something wrong with my computer? You mentioned that the Sony HDD SR62 (is that different from the one we bought: Sony DCR-SR62??) is compatible with Win 2000 Prof., XP Home Ed.; and XP Prof. My new computer (tower) is by hp and the OS is m'soft windows xp media centre edition 2005.

Thank you.
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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
March 31, 2007 1:19 PM
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Hey, Helen.
First, lets forget about any brand or model numbers of camcorders for now.

With a DVD disc camcorder it doesn't matter what size the disc is. They both record the same MPEG format and is not recommended for your use, stay away from DVD disc camcorders all to together.

The hard drive camcorders are easier to download the video to your PC computer than a DVD disc camcorder, but hard drive camcorders are still not considered the most computer friendly camcorders because they also record in a MPEG video format.

MPEG video formats can only be read with certain video software programs. Your PC computer seems like it needs to be updated with all the latest DVD software. First, I would update your PC operating system, then get new DVD software for your computer DVD player that will read multiple video media formats. Once you have done that you should be able to view any DVD video disc on your computer. If you have video editing software for your PC computer, then you will be able to view or download video directly from your camcorder or the camcorders doc station using a firewire cable to your computer. If you do not have a fire wire cable port in your PC computer then you need to install a firewire port.

If all of this computer stuff sounds overwhelming and its an older computer you have, maybe its time for a new PC computer/laptop which would already come with all the latest operating system and allot of software that will be compatible with the latest digital technology, including with movie editing software and the correct audio video ports. It will make your video world much easier.

If your present PC computer has every thing I have mentioned, then the decision should be based between Hard Drive camcorder and MiniDV tape camcorder. I would personally would buy a miniDV tape camcorder for best performance and versatility. Most camcorder models of miniDV tape do not record in MPEG format so its easier to download video to your PC, plus it will give you better quality when making a DVD copy. Keep in mind that you will more than likely not be happy with the picture quality of a DVD copy that comes from a video hard drive or DVD disc camcorder. The miniDv tape will give you the best results for DVD copies. Hard drive and DVD disc camcorders will also give you a good quality if you play it directly to TV, but not for transferring to computer or making DVD copies. Also keep in mind that Sony in general always make things difficult with other manufacturs software compatabiliy.

Since I am lacking information of all the elemnts to your issues I can only offer so much advice to help you. I don't know where you are located right now, but if you are in Tornoto, Ontario and not Toronto, Ohio, then go the "Vistek". They will give you all the correct answers and hook you up with the correct video stuff. If you are keeping the Sony, go to "Vistek" any way to find out what you extactly need to make the camcorder work on your PC. In case you have noe preference, concider a Mac computer, Mac computers are designed the best for video and multi-media devices, but "Sony does not support Mac."

VISTEK
Toronto, ON
496 Queen St. East
Toronto, ON M5A 4G8
Tel: 416-365-1777

(Click here for directions)
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=496+Queen+St.+E.,+Toronto,+ON&spn=0.022742,0.040525&hl=en

Monday thru Friday
8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. EST

Saturday
9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. EST



Best Answer
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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
March 31, 2007 1:35 PM
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Sotfware than can help with video formats on your PC computer:


http://www.smart-soft.net/video-converter/?gclid=CL-I6MXUn4sCFQRjSgodyBBKiQ

http://shareme.com/showtop/video-editing-software-for-pc.html
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helen storey (helenstorey05) 5 pts
March 31, 2007 1:44 PM
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Thank you for the last information. I shall get onto Vistek later today. I am in Ottawa (Ontario!). Toronto is about five hours' drive away. You mentioned a new computer: I got this one just in November and I did tell you in the other reply what type it is. I shall read your letter in more detail when I return.

I suppose one always wants the 'latest' and that is why we thought of DVDs or hard drive; my son has a new one with tapes and possibly you are correct that that is the way we should go. HS
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Piero Foto (ifotomedia) 7096 pts
March 31, 2007 2:01 PM
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If miniDV camcorders were outdated, they would have already been discontinued. MiniDV tape camcorders will not be replaced with newer technology because its not a better system yet for advanced and professional videographers. New technology does not necessarily mean better, in this case its just another option for consumers. The miniDv tape camcorders are still the kings for transferring, editing and making the best quality DVD copies, undisputed!
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Kate Hobson (katric) 1 pts
June 10, 2007 11:23 AM
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Piero, thankyou for your complete answers. This helps me as well.
Those software options, are they compatible with PAL as well as NTSC?
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