Panasonic AG-DVC20 Camcorder

MPN: CNETPANASONICAGDVC20

Camcorder Type: Digital
Analog camcorders record video and audio signals as an analog track on video tape (VHS, 8mm, Hi-8, etc.), and the media is cheaper to buy than digital. Unfortunately, every time you make a copy of a tape, it loses some image and audio quality. Also, analog camcorders tend to have fewer extra capabilities than digital camcorders. Analog camcorders record between 200 to 400 lines.

Digital camcorders differ from analog camcorders in that they record information digitally, as "bytes." Digital video can also be downloaded, edited and played on a computer and posted to the Web. It can be recorded onto Flash Memory, Digital8 and MiniDVs, as well as other digital media. Digital video has a much better resolution than analog video, typically 500+ lines.

Recording Format: DV
Each type indicates the method of recording, and the type of tape that the camcorder uses. Make sure the recording format of your camcorder is one that will play on the device you want to watch your recording on.

Recording System:
NTSC is the format used by American color television broadcast. PAL is the format used across much of Europe and many other parts of the world. PAL camcorders are not compatible with USA NTSC TVs. Make sure the camcorder you purchase is compatible with the color TVs you want to play your recording back on.

Optical Zoom: 10x
Of the two types of zoom available, optical and digital, optical zoom is far more important. Optical zoom uses the camcorder's lens to magnify part of the image without losing any image quality. Digital zoom also enlarges images, but loses some of the image quality.

Weight: 4.48 lb.

Sensor Quantity: 3
Most camcorders only come with one CCD (charge coupled device), which is the image sensor for the camcorder. Some digital camcorders come with three CCDs, which increases the color and detail accuracy of the picture by recording the red, blue and green colors individually.

Sensor Size: 1/6"

Number of Pixels: 460K pixels
A CCD (charge coupled device) or CMOS (Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) sensor, records images by breaking them down into pixels of information. The more pixels a CCD has, the greater detail the images will have.

Display Type: With LCD Screen
Some camcorders include a small LCD screen that displays the image that is being recorded.

LCD Panel Size: 2.5 in.
The LCD screen is measured diagonally in inches. A larger LCD panel is desirable for easier recording as well as better viewing when you play back your videos on the camera.

Color Viewfinder: With Color Viewfinder
The viewfinder is the device on the camcorder that displays the recorded image as it is being recorded. Standard viewfinders display everything in black and white, but viewfinders with color displays are available on some more expensive camcorder models.

Optical Zoom: 10x
Of the two types of zoom available, optical and digital, optical zoom is far more important. Optical zoom uses the camcorder's lens to magnify part of the image without losing any image quality. Digital zoom also enlarges images, but loses some of the image quality.

Digital Zoom: 500x
Digital zoom takes part of the image and expands it. While this produces a larger image, it sacrifices the quality of the image. Optical zoom allows for enlarging the image without losing quality.

Lens Focal Length: 2.45 - 24.5 mm

Filter Diameter: 43 mm

Recording Speed: SP
All camcorders that record the video footage on tape have different recording speed options. The three most common speeds are standard play (SP), long play (LP) and extended play (EP). SP is the basic speed, and it increases exponentially with LP and EP. A slower speed does not necessarily create bad picture quality; however, using a slower speed can limit certain editing options during playback.

Image Stabilizer: Digital Image Stabilizer
An image stabilizer removes most of the shakiness typically seen on handheld video cameras. This feature has also been called Electronic Image Stabilizer (EIS) or Steady Shot.

Low Lux: 1400 Lux
The minimum light requirements for recording are measured in lux. Lux ratings can range from .3 to 7. Low ratings, even on cameras with low lux requirements, will rarely produce a good picture. You should generally try to shoot in levels of 300 lux (daylight) for the best results.

Night Shot: With Night Shot
This allows you to record at night or in extremely dark places using infrared emitters.

Audio Format: 12/16 Bit PCM Digital Stereo/Audio Dub
Camcorders come with one of three audio formats: mono, stereo, and PCM Stereo. Mono records onto only one channel, while Stereo records on 2. PCM stereo is a digital standard, and can record much more sound information than either mono or stereo.

MPEG Movie Mode: Without MPEG Movie Mode
This feature allows many newer camcorders to capture video clips in a format that's easy to send via e-mail or post online. These clips are small in size and do not offer top-quality resolution.

Output Interfaces: S-Video

Input Interfaces: FireWire / DV / iLink

Microphone Type: Internal

Battery Type: Proprietary Lithium
Camcorder batteries are rechargeable, usually with enough life for several years of use before needing replacement. All camcorders come with an AC adapter for charging, and do not require use of the battery if an outlet is nearby for use with the AC adapter.

Width: 8.56 in.

Depth: 17.06 in.

Height: 8.88 in.

Weight: 4.48 lb.

Family Line: Panasonic AG

Included Accessories: Shoulder Strap

Release Date: June, 2006

UPC: 086753091458

Product ID: 35244836