Quick Review Camcorders: Panasonic VDR-M53

The VDR-M53 produced relatively great stills. It can capture stills on an SD card or the DVD-RAM at the standard 640 x 480 resolution, certainly too small too compete with a dedicated still camera. The photographs were sharp with very vibrant colors; however, they exhibited some blue noise in part of the color spectrum. The crispness of these images is comparable to the low-end Panasonic 3 CCD camcorders when they shoot in 640 x 480.

This model seems to be all about compromises. The VDR-M53 performed very well in bright light conditions only to stagger in low light. In conditions comparable to a bright sunny day, the camcorder gave us very sharp images with good color representation. This entry level model had a nearly identical video performance to its bigger sibling, the VDR-M75. The camcorders even managed to produce an image that is comparable to MiniDV camcorders such as the Sony DCR-HC32.

Unfortunately, comparisons with low-end MiniDV camcorders cannot be given to the VDR-M53's low light performance. In conditions equivalent to a moderately lit bedroom, the camcorder produced a gloomy image. In dimmer settings, the VDR-M53 produced a dark image troubled by significant noise and poor color representation.

This camcorder is relatively easy to use when in auto mode. With a push of the auto mode button found underneath the LCD, the camera takes jurisdiction over the quality of exposure, focus, and white balance. While most of the automatic control adjustments are swift and accurate, the camcorder’s automatic focal adjustments are delayed for a noticeable few seconds. Manual controls are often scarce on a DVD camcorder, and the VDR-M53 is no exception. This model only offers manual control over white balance, focus, and exposure. The same manual controls are offered in still mode.

The VDR-M53 is without a USB port, which limits the camcorder's ability to connect to a PC. This absence severely handicaps the user's means of capturing and editing data. Panasonic’s new Naked Disc Compatibility provides very little playback flexibility. The format allows for viewing in a DVD player, but it has to be a Panasonic DVD player. Sony’s models, which utilize DVD-R and DVD+RW, can be played on a conventional DVD player. You'd have to be showing some pretty strong brand-loyalty to have all of your electronics towing the Panasonic line.

While the ticket price is appealing, consumers ought to consider the compromise that they will be forced to make with the VDR-M53. The lack of features and poor low light showing is a significant price to pay for a very affordable DVD camcorder. You're likely to experience some playback frustrations, as well. This model does have its strong video and still performances that rival high-end camcorders. Point-and-shooters who are not concerned with manual controls and low light performance will find this camcorder useful.

Panasonic VDR-M53: THE BOTTOM LINE.... Rating: 174.93

Likes

-Naked Disc Compatibility -Video Performance

Dislikes

-Low Light Performance -Button Placement

Panasonic VDR-M53 Compared to the...

Panasonic     VDR-M75 Rating: 164.37	Sony DCR-DVD92 Rating: 157.80	Sony DCR-DVD7 Rating:148.58	Hitachi DZ-MV730 Rating: 174.57	Hitachi DZ-MV780 Rating:176.45
Better	Better	Better	Better	Better
-Widescreen Mode -VCR Mode -Audio -Ports	-Automatic Control -Handling -LCD -Widescreen -Ease of Use -Wide Angle	-Portability -Automatic Control -Ease of Use -Widescreen Mode -VCR Mode -Wide Angle	-Portability -Still Capabilities -Widescreen Mode -Ease of Use -VCR Mode -Audio -Handling -Ports	-Ease of Use -Wide Angle -Widescreen -VCR Mode
Equal	Equal	Equal	Equal	Equal
-Video Performance -Automatic Control -Manual Control -Ease of Use -Digital Still Capability -Low Light Performance -LCD -Portability	-Manual Control -Portability	-Manual Control	-Video Performance -Manual Control -Wide Angle LCD	-Video Performance -Low Light Performance -Manual Control -Still Capability -Optical Zoom Specs -LCD -Audio -Portability -Ports
Worse	Worse	Worse	Worse	Worse
-Optical Zoom Specs -Affordability	-Video Performance -Low Light Performance -Optical Zoom Specs -Digital Still Capability -Ports -VCR Mode -Audio	-Optical Zoom Specs -Video Performance -Ports -LCD -Still Capabilities -Low Light Performance -Audio -Handling	-Optical Zoom Specs -Automatic Control -Low Light Performance	-Automatic Control