( 23 reviews )
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Posted: 08-09-2009
Many reviews have berated the video quality of this camcorder but I have no complaints. If you are big on videos and buying new video cameras every 1-2 years then you might complain about the quality. However I find the video quality good since the last camcorder we owned was from the late 90's and used tapes. This camera is very easy to use and I've had nothing but compliments from people who have seen me using it. The picture quality is poor but this is not a camera designed to take pictures so that's to be expected. I have yet to get it wet as in putting it under water or used in a heavy rain. I have used it during a light sprinkle, and have had it in sandy conditions. I plan on using it when we go snorkeling next summer. As long as you read the owners manual carefully and use the camera the way Panasonic designed it to be used. Yes the water packing has to be replaced, but that only has to be done every 18 months. That is a year and a half.. those that complain about having to do that are the ones who expect everything to last forever without maintenance when a reasonable normal person knows that is impossible. If the maintenance requirements bother you then don't buy the camera, it's America, buy something else and stop complaining. If you want it to work the way it was designed to work and you want it to last as long as possible then do what the manufacturer recommends. I'm happy with it, I have no complaints, it is a great camera that looks great. Extra batteries are needed but due to the design of the camera then it's easy to understand why battery life had to be sacrificed. Again, if that bothers you then don't buy it, it is that simple.
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Posted: 07-04-2009
I bought this to use at the pool and with ATV's. At the pool it works fine in the water and out. I'm still waiting to use it off-road. The software sent with it takes some getting used to, and the video is not recorded in MPEG and must be converted with the supplied software. A hassle, but it works. It is tough and waterproof, and that is what I needed.
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Posted: 04-30-2009
This thing is awesome. Just got back from vacation and it worked great. Since I got it just before vacation, I figured out how to work it on the plane. (very simple). No problem under water in the ocean, in the air parasailing, on dune buggies and at the beach. I really put it to the test. I bought it because it is so rugged and waterproof. Went beyond my expectations. The only downfall I found is downloading video on the computer. If your computer doesn't fit the sd card then you have to plug in the camera to the computer and wall. Also, you have to use their software to download videos or they won't play unless you change the file extension. I am still working with this to get it to play on my dvd player. Overall great buy for the money. Oh yea, received it quickly too
