Panasonic PV-L750 VHS-C Camcorder
By: Panasonic Average Rating: 3.5 Total Reviews: 12
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 On: 2003-10-20
I finally have a place to discuss my terrible dislike of this camcorder and service from Panasonic. We bought this camera 3 years ago and it never worked right from the start. One of the reasons we bought it was for the built in digital camera. Well my 2 year old son could draw a picture better than the quality it produces. The interface to my computer to upload the camera never worked right and Panasonic was never able to properly troubleshoot the issue. Well my warranty ran out about 3 months ago (had 3 year warranty) and wouldnt you know that it stopped working. Never dropped, hit or nothing and the day of my sons 2nd bday, I went to put tape in and the thing kept humming and spinning the tape but not recording. Not worth having fixed as I heard terrible things about Panasonic customer service, so I am going to buy a new one now!
 On: 2002-01-26
THIS CAMCORDER REPLACES MY SHOLDER HELD FULL SIZED VHS CAMERA OF 1989 VINTAGE. QUALITY OF VHS TAPED PRODUCT IS OK BUT NOT NEARLY AS GOOD AS DIGITAL CAMCORDERS OTHERS IN MY FAMILY OWN. LOTS OF FEATURES, NICE, BUT NEED TO HAVE A GOOD MEMORY ON WHERE TO FIND ALL THE BUTTONS WHEN SHOOTING. STILL SHOTS ARE NOT REALLY WORTH KEEPING AND SHOULD NOT BE A FEATURE WHICH LEADS TO BUYING THIS CAMERA. NEWER VERSION OF THIS MODEL IS THE PV-L751 WHICH SEEMS TO BE THE SAME CAMERA IN ALL RESPECTS. PANASONIC HAS NOT RELEASED UPDATED DRIVERS FOR WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM ME OR XP AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FORCAST A RELEASE DATE IF THEY ARE EVER GOING TO WRITE A NEW PROGRAM. MY CAMERA HAD A DEFECTIVE LCD VIEWER AND HAD TO BE SHIPPED BACK TO ELGIN IL. YOUR COST TO SHIP, THEY PAY RETURN POSTAGE. SERVICE WAS PRETTY GOOD, ABOUT 8 DAY TURN AROUND AND THE FIX WAS MADE.
 On: 2001-07-17
Actually this review was prompted by the need for software. I have used model 300 x digital PV-L750D AND IT IS GREAT. I HAVE USED IT FOR PHOTOS AND VIDO. HAVE HAD FRIENDS REALLY THINK IT IS GREAT. I HAVE SUGGESTED THAT THEY GET ONE. AS WELL WE HAVE HAD PANASONIC VCR THAT LASTED WELL OVER 18 YRS (I THINK THAT IS CORRECT) WE HAD PURCAHSED OTHERS ADTER YOUR VCR AND THEY QUIT WORKING WHILE THE PANASONIC KEPT ON WORKING. I USED THIS WAY TO COMMUNITE WITH YOU SINCE I REALLY NEEDED THE SOFTWARE FOR THEPV-L750D SO I CAN DOWN LOAD THE SHOTS FROM VCR CAMERA TO COMPUTER. COULD SOMEONE E MAIL ME TH SOFTWARE OR CONTACT ME. I NEED IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IF YO COULD E MAIL WOULD BE GREAT. JUST A FUTHER NOTE WHAT I SAID ABOVE IS NOT JUST TO SOFTEN YOU UP TO GET THE SOFTWARE. I REALLY THINK YOUR VCRS AND THE VHC-S ARE GREAT PRODUCTS.
by: nicknames_are_stupid On: 2001-05-01
I wrote an earlier review of this camera and wanted to give an update on something.I thought this was a great camera, but the only problem is the mini-VHS format only gives you 30 minutes of recording time. I was in a Circuit City store several weeks ago, and I found you can now get 40 minute tapes. This isnt too bad, and I like the VHS-C format because you can just plop the tape into the adaptor and play it into your existing VCR. The 8mm and super 8 mm cameras require you either purchase an expensive 8 mm player or else cable the camera to your VCR. This is no big deal, except that I like to keep my camera in the trunk of my car in case I see something worth filming, and this way I dont have to carry it back and forth between the house and the car just to see the latest piece of footage.
On: 2001-03-01
This camera has everything you ever wanted on for this price. Built in Digital still camera with 640 x 480 resolution, 300x digital and 36x zoom, lots of efects, very easy to use.Every camera has ups an downs, the ups on the PVL-750 are: A lot of stuff in it, VHS-C format (you can view your recordings in your VCR)Digital still camera (not a lot of pixels, but its ok for a first digital cam)Big LCD panel (4") The kit includes everything except the tripod, case and tape converter. The downs on the PVL-750: Everything you want that it dosent has. My camera is 1 year old, and its worknig great, i take it everywere (beach, picnic, race track, birthdays, Xmas, etc.) i have taken more than 500 pictures and have made 3 albums. The pictures dont look like a 28 or 35mm camera but with a editing program like corel or photoshop you can make them look ok. I bougth this camera because i wanted to make home movies, take pictures of my 6 month old daugther, i really didnt needed a sofisticated camera or a 8mm or hi8 format, i just wanted something to have fun, of course, i wanted also quality and low price. With this cam you can view your movies on your vhs (if you have the converter) and still be recording your camera at the same time, with 8mm or hi8 you cant do it (not with the proper equipment) with the PVL-750 all you need is and extra tape and the converter, and your on you way. Remenber if you want a camera with a lot in it, but want a affordable price this is the one. Take my word on it. Check all the other cameras out there first, i know youll be buying the PVL-750. Good luck and take care you all. P.S. ANDYBOY, if your camera was defective why didnt you return it, and why you bougth it if you knew all the features in it.
 On: 2001-01-24
Excellent Video & Digital Camera, easy to use controls and there are a lot to choose from. Can add screw on filters(49mm), close up lenses, X2 lense etc. The built in light on the unit sucks as most do and there is no jack for an external mic which would be nice. The next highest priced model does have an extenal mic jack and this one looks like it could probably be added to it.
Video does look a little grainy in low light(room light) at shorter distances, but that is what a good external light source is for or natural sunlight.
Pretty good shots outside with the Digital Still Camera too. I use a Tiffen 812 filter or a Polarized filter to add a little color enhancement to my shots, but not matter what, the shots are only good in fine mode, the other modes make good shots for Internet webpage posting. Plus its a video camera first, not a still camera. I use a still digital camera for that.
Motion Security movement mode is kind of neat and fun to mess with, has 1/60-1/10000 speed shutter. Will record in Wide Screen mode for a Wide Screen TV. Automatic Titler, 8MB SanDisk Memory Card aprox. 100 still shots in fine mode, 250 in Normal, maximum of 699 fine mode shots with 62MB card.
Picture in Picture shots, put a still picture into your video shots, Digital wipes, Image Stabilization, Programmed Recordings, 4" LCD Screen, Digital filters and Special Effects, Remote control, charger and more. I like it. McM
On: 2000-12-27
This is the first camcorder that I have owned. I looked around for quite a while and decided on this because it could take still pictures also. Only thing is, the pictures do not come out that great especially if you want to print them out using your home printer. They are very grainy if taken in normal view. They are a little better if taken in Fine veiw but it wears out the battery faster. If sending a photo via e-mail it works out just great. I do not recommend printing out the pictures unless you are willing to put some time into editing them using Photoshop or some other program. There is a ton features on this camcorder, but it was really easy to use. Just pop in a tape and press the record button and you are on your way to lots of home movies. It would be advisable to invest in a few accessories such as a car charger or extra battery. The one battery does not last that long especially if you are always taping using the LCD Screen. Any extra features that you use will always wear the battery down quicker. As for the remote control that came with it, I really dont use it as much as I thought I would. But I am sure glad that it came with the VHS converter. One less thing for the new Camcorder user to not have to buy after spending so much already.
On: 2000-12-13
Had this machinefor six weeks it is now on its way to Elgin Il for repair. I only hope it gets lost in transit so I can get my m ony back. The still function ceased working on its second try and then the fun begain. Called the service center for help and might as well gotten a lead life preserver. Not only no help but pleanty of arrogance and run around for three days while they scheduled a tech. to call me. Never got a call therefore it is on its way tom the repair center and as stated I hope it neve makes it. Since this problem I have looked at other units and believe this very heavy klunker can be beat by most all other makes.If you consider one get anexceptional price and hope it does not break so you can avoid the hassle of their service center.
On: 2000-12-07
This is the first VHS camera I have owned since my old shoulder mounted RCA. Having grown tired of looking like a TV news videographer, I jumped into this new and fortunately much smaller and lighter model.The main thing that attracted me to this camera was the very forthright review by Michael Lynch. He is right on with his comments. I just wanted to add, via this forum, that although the thing can do about anything a sophisticated user might want, you can just put a tape in, turn it on, hit the record button and take some excellent videos. Also, I feel the 26x zoom is worth the extra cost over the 18x zoom of the Panasonic 650L. Oh, and one more thing..andyboy@mozcom.com...if you hated the camera that much...why didnt you just return it?
 On: 2000-11-05
I just bought a Panasonic Palmcorder model PV-L750. It came with a program Digital PhotoShot but it...well...rots. And there is no other driver on the disc except for the one that goes with that program. Ive been looking everywhere for a driver to install the camera in Windows. I already have a great graphics program. All that I need to get to use it with the camera is the driver. Ive tried the Panasonic site and emailing them about it.
On: 2000-11-02
some features that i think should be included thats missing, and also some complaints: 1.) there was no numeric tape counter. yes, theres a bar counter, but dont you think a numeric counter is more accurate? so that one would know exactly how many minutes he has recorded or is left of the cassette. There was a numeric counter that pops out every 10 sec when recording. But its useless since it only shows the time when the record button was last pressed. 2.) theres no numeric counter at vcr mode neither. this would also be useful for scene searches. 3.) there was no lens cover. 4.) the titling feature doesnt support custom/manual input of titles, like names, places. 5.) the camera was not ergonomically designed. it was hard to use the zoom buttons and the record button with only one hand. 6.) if i plan to use the lcd monitor as my viewfinder, i would still turn the viewfinder to use the zoom buttons, which is quite annoying. 7.) the connectors (a/v out, phone, pc, etc.) dont come with a protective cover. 8.) when in vcr mode, it would take about 10 secs to play after rewinding. 9.) there was no end search feature like that of sonys. its very useful especially if i want to view the last scenes i recorded. i will only press end search after viewing to record again. 10.) the lcd screen already had a burned out pixel when i first used it. 11.) there was no available lithium battery, which is smaller and lighter, and last longer. 12.) the photoshot incorporated was great but the pictures, when transferred to a computer, had some color spots over them.
On: 2000-05-22
I just purchased the Panasonic PV-L750. This is the 2000 model VHS-C camcorder. It is 2nd from the top in Panasonics camcorder line (first being the PV-L850). My last purchase was the PV-L758 (1998 model, which was recently rendered unusable after a rainstorm).Overall picture quality is exceptionally good for VHS. I shoot with a digital video camera at work, and under the best conditions the PV-L750 looks comparable. As can be expected, when conditions are not perfect (available light, extreme backlight, strong colors, etc., the picture degrades significantly compared to digital). Ease of use is unparalleled. If you are not technical and just want to "point and shoot" this is the camera for you. Attach the battery and you will be shooting in seconds. Really! The manual is only needed for information about specific applications (like the still camera feature), and because it is VHS-C, you can be showing your first videotapes to your friends anytime, anywhere - no need to hook up wires! I purchased 750 without ever looking at one in real life. I assumed it was basically the same as my previous camera, but alas, there are differences. I really liked the 758 and on the 750 (and I assume the 759 - the 1999 model) they have done what all good manufacturers do: traded the features I liked most on the 758 for features I will never use. First off, my 758 had a color EVF, the 759 and 750 have a B&W viewfinder. Granted, Panasonic adds a 4" color LCD panel (HUGE for camcorders), but I really like both, as I dont use the LCD as much as most folks. I guess my complaint here is somewhat unfounded, as a B&W viewfinder seems to be standard on all models with an LCD panel, but the feature was nice on the 758 (I guess I was spoiled). Next, they have taken some of the features that were previously accessable by buttons on the outside of the camera and made them accessable only through on screen menus. Nice, but not as useful when shooting as pressing a button. These include the security feature, negative image, and the special effects fading. Panasonic also has deleted the "message" feature - fine by me, as few people would ever use it anyway. Well, to make up for all this, they have given the camcorder double duty as a digital still camera. This can be very useful for sending photos to relatives and friends over the net, but realize that the best resolution is 640x480 (if you dont know what that means - the pictures will look fine to you). The photo software is very basic and hence easy to use, it offers a minimum ability to adjust the image (color, brightness etc.) and is quick and easy to set up. I e-mailed my first picture within five minutes of inserting the setup disk into the computer. Also, the non digital zoom is impressive - one of the best Ive seen, but stay away from the 300x digital range. First you cant hold the camera steady and secondly, the picture is awful. Ive found the digital zoom useful up to about 50x magnification before significant degradation occurs. I hope all of this helps and wasnt too negative. I love Panasonic products and this one is one of the best, but I did want to let others know some of the things I saw as drawbacks. Feel free to respond if you like, Id be interested to hear your views.
On: 2000-05-21
I just purchased the Panasonic PV-L750. This is the 2000 model VHS-C camcorder. It is 2nd from the top in Panasonics camcorder line (first being the PV-L850). My last purchase was the PV-L758 (1998 model, which was recently rendered unusable after a rainstorm).Overall picture quality is exceptionally good for VHS. I shoot with a digital video camera at work, and under the best conditions the PV-L750 looks comparable. As can be expected, when conditions are not perfect (available light, extreme backlight, strong colors, etc., the picture degrades significantly compared to digital). Ease of use is unparalleled. If you are not technical and just want to "point and shoot" this is the camera for you. Attach the battery and you will be shooting in seconds. Really! The manual is only needed for information about specific applications (like the still camera feature), and because it is VHS-C, you can be showing your first videotapes to your friends anytime, anywhere - no need to hook up wires! I purchased 750 without ever looking at one in real life. I assumed it was basically the same as my previous camera, but alas, there are differences. I really liked the 758 and on the 750 (and I assume the 759 - the 1999 model) they have done what all good manufacturers do: traded the features I liked most on the 758 for features I will never use. First off, my 758 had a color EVF, the 759 and 750 have a B&W viewfinder. Granted, Panasonic adds a 4" color LCD panel (HUGE for camcorders), but I really like both, as I dont use the LCD as much as most folks. I guess my complaint here is somewhat unfounded, as a B&W viewfinder seems to be standard on all models with an LCD panel, but the feature was nice on the 758 (I guess I was spoiled). Next, they have taken some of the features that were previously accessable by buttons on the outside of the camera and made them accessable only through on screen menus. Nice, but not as useful when shooting as pressing a button. These include the security feature, negative image, and the special effects fading. Panasonic also has deleted the "message" feature - fine by me, as few people would ever use it anyway. Well, to make up for all this, they have given the camcorder double duty as a digital still camera. This can be very useful for sending photos to relatives and friends over the net, but realize that the best resolution is 640x480 (if you dont know what that means - the pictures will look fine to you). The photo software is very basic and hence easy to use, it offers a minimum ability to adjust the image (color, brightness etc.) and is quick and easy to set up. I e-mailed my first picture within five minutes of inserting the setup disk into the computer. Also, the non digital zoom is impressive - one of the best Ive seen, but stay away from the 300x digital range. First you cant hold the camera steady and secondly, the picture is awful. Ive found the digital zoom useful up to about 50x magnification before significant degradation occurs. I hope all of this helps and wasnt too negative. I love Panasonic products and this one is one of the best, but I did want to let others know some of the things I saw as drawbacks. Feel free to respond if you like, Id be interested to hear your views.
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