Reviewed by
CJ , Expert

Price Paid
$2039.00 at Beach Camera

Summary
I bought this camera not too long after owning a GL2 for over a year. I was looking for a camera that gave me a bit more manual control over zoom, focus and audio. This camera was definately the right choice! Panasonic has definately listened to consumers needs with this camera giving them almost every features we have been lacking with with the other big 3. (Sony, Canon, JVC) It's a nice balanced camera that feels solid yet not too heavy for long hand held shoots. The zoom and focus rings are total manual to enable you to rack focus and perform a slam zoom effect. If you are a pro shooter looking for a great unit with solid features this is the camera for you. Minor complaints I have with the camera are: - there are no internal digital effects -when in auto focus mode the camera hunts too fast for the image and gives a somewhat of a blurred image for a few secs -the stereo mic pics up interal camera noise at times when zooming. These are very minor considering this camera delivers top notch picture quality (even in low light), has 7 user preset functions, has XLR inputs with phantom power and comes with a wider lens then most camera's. If you are event videographer who needs internal special effects, the GL2 is the camera to get but if you can live without them and do them in post, this by far is the best budget camera on the market in it's price range.

Strengths
Light weight, easy to use and easy access to buttons on outside of camera, full manual controls, great in low light, all around awesome unit.

Weaknesses
Limited auto features, no internal digital effects.

Similar Products Used
GL1, Gl2, XL1s, PD-150

Reviewed by
Richard , Expert

Price Paid
$2149.00

Summary
I needed a camera that could work with higher and lower light levels than my GL1; the DVC80 can do that. It's strongest assets are its ease of use and professional features. The image is actually quite good for a unit with a street price under $3,000. I really like this camera.

Strengths
Because of the button and switch layout; and its wide(r) angel lens, it's a great shoot-on-the-run camera. Don't underestimate this utiity - how may shots haven't worked out because you couldn't make adjustments soon enough?. The XLR inputs, and its capacity to record well over a broad range of light levels, are also strong pluses for this price range.

Weaknesses
For the price - none. The camera has a light feel and some internal lens component klunks slightly (tech support said this was normal). The unit also has produced (twice) some sort of very small, swirling, artifacts when the autofocus seems to be hunting.

Similar Products Used
Cannon GL1

Customer Service
OK to good

Reviewed by
Nick , Expert

Price Paid
$2299.00 at B&H Photo

Summary
This camera is great Had been looking to step up to a 3ccd cam for a long time Now that i have one the difference is very noticable The dvc80 has great low light pick up and perfect sound capture It is anout the same price as a canon gl-2 but has so many more feature/manual control. I was looking at either the dvc80 or the vx2000 The vx2000 was $600 more and is a 3 year old model therefore i chose the dvc80 This cam is great but before you purchase one make sure and figure out your needs and dont buy just by looks or popularity

Strengths
low light pickup Manual controls. Light but even balanced weight
zoom and record start and stop controls on handel

Weaknesses
none

Similar Products Used
dcr-vx2000 dsr-pd150 gl2 xl1

Customer Service
Use bh photo very goo dservice. tried using digital liquidators, got ripped by them. If the price seems to good to be true it is. Go ahead and save the time by buyin from a sdealer that is a licensed dealer