Panasonic Camcorder, Model VDR-D50P/PC

July 31, 2008 Update to below comment, solution found to reinstall software on "VISTA". To reinstall the software, the "restore to an earlier date" function was utilized to restore the computer to a date prior to the date the software was initially installed. CAUTION - Using the "restore to an earlier date" may delete files subsequent to the restoration date.

I have had no experience operating a camcorder until I purchased this one. Detailed instructions come with the unit and once I became acquainted with some of its many functions, I found it very enjoyable to use. The clarity of the movies recorded on DVD and photos stored on the SD card is of superior quality. Both, the movies stored on the DVD and pictures stored on the SD card can be viewed on TV by connecting the camcorder to the TV via the cable that comes with the unit. (I found that the DVD might have to be finalized first).

The software that comes with the camcorder which is advertised to allow editing of movies (particularly designed for "VISTA") does not seem to want to download into my computer. I have contacted Panasonic on the problem twice already, but the technicians were unable to help me install the software. I suggested that the software might be faulty, and asked for another disk, but have had no further response from Panasonic since the latter part of May 2008. Hopefully I can get the software to work on my "Windows VISTA". As that was one of the features I desired when I purchased the camcorder.

Despite Amazon.com's product description saying:

"When it comes to shooting videos, simpler is better. Panasonic DVD camcorders make it exceptionally easy to capture your precious memories directly onto several DVD formats (DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD-R/DL) and SD Cards."

this camcorder is INCAPABLE of recording videos to SD cards.
Go to the Panasonic website and download the manual to see for yourself.
Here's a quote from p. 26 of the manual: "Motion pictures cannot be recorded on an SD card with this unit."

Apparently, only still photos can be recorded to SD cards with this camcorder.

This is despite the fact that SD cards are now up to 8GB, well in excess of the capacity of a DVD.

I bought this camera and have used it a few times. I had no problem with finalization at first, but the 2nd time that I used it I have gotten "finalization failed" messages, although I can watch the videos on the camera, it can't download to my pc because the finalization failed which is required to download it. This is quite frustrating. I'm trying to reach tech support for assistance but if anyone has experienced this, please let me know. I do not have Vista, I have XP Pro.

I was looking for Camcorder Which is easy to operate even for my parents. As they are not that much into computer, I decided to go for dvd camcorder.

I seen the same range Canon and Sony camcorders. Problem with Canon Camcorder is it comes with many switches, which can turn into complex operations. I also believe that Optical image stabilizer is better than Electronic Image stabilizer.

This camcorder is coming with 42X optical zoom!! which is quite higher...It also comes with Advance O.I.S....When I seen the operation mode..

Trust me, it is very simple to use...even a kid can operate it. I made my mind and I just bought it. I went to India and show it to my parents. We bought Sony mini DVD-RW discs.

When I seen the result of camera in 34 inch tv, I was so surprised with the video quality and sound quality....It was really good. I am pure technical guy and If I am looking for DVD camcorder option, I should say, this camera deserve its place. I strongly recommend this product. Thanks.

I find this product to be quite good. It's very light weight, has Optical Image Stabilization that eliminates hand shake (4800 corrections per second) and has 42X optical zoom (and 2000X digital zoom). To clarify some misconceptions: videos must be made on discs, pictures must be taken on SD cards, and to finalize a disc, you must remove the battery and attach the electrical cord. (I believe the latter is a precautionary measure to avoid accidentally erasing a disc and is worth that minor nuisance.) Overall, I am extremely satisfied with this product, especially for the price ($169, in my case).

Panasonic VDR-D50 DVD Camcorder with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom The Panasonic VDR-D50 DVD Camcorder with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom is easy to use, light weight, and decent video quality. I recommend it to anyone who wants a relatively inexpensive camcorder without sacrificing much.

Great VDR, especially for the price! I need to keep it simple...or I won't ever see the footage. This VDR has just that. Very nice picture, great zoom, and simple to use. Would recommend this to anyone who doesn't need complicted devices in their hectic life!

This is another great product from the folks @ Panasonic. Easy to use and the DVD feature makes it so simple a cave-man can figure it out.

Soon after I bought this camcorder, I bought a new CPU with Vista 64 bit operating system. When I tried to install the VideoCam Suite software that came with the VDR-D50 a window popped up that warned me the software was not supportive of 64 bit and all I could do at that point was cancell the installation. I called support at Panasonic and after 20 minutes of being transferred from one tech to another spoke with a tech who was very helpful. Not only did she walk me through installating the software successfully but she assured me that nothing will probably go wrong. She then proceeded to inform me about using the software since, as she admitted, the owners manual that came with the VDR-D50 was, let's say, less than a well written instruction manual. There are two important things you need to know if you want to use the software to edit your recordings. The 1st is you must use only DVD-RW discs and YOU MUST FORMAT THEM BEFORE YOU START RECORDING WHETHER IT IS A BRAND NEW DISC OR ONE THAT YOU USED BEFORE [and therefore must format to use for a new recording]. The next important thing is that YOU MUST USE THE VR FORMAT. If you format using the VIDEO FORMAT, which is the default formatting mode for this camera, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO UPLOAD YOUR RECORDING TO YOUR PC AND USE THE VIDEOCAM SUITE TO EDIT AND CREATE.

So, simply put, you must use DVD-RW discs and as soon as you insert the disc and the camera asks if you want to format the disc, toggle to yes, press the toggle button and then on the next screen switch the formatting from VIDEO FORMAT to VR FORMAT and press the toggle button to accept that format. If you do this you will be able to upload your recordings to your PC using the USB cord that came with the camera and use the VideoCam Suite Software to edit.

Unfortunately, I had already recorded a family reunion. I now have to tell everyone I won't be able to share the video of this event via email. If you do not use DVD-RW discs, format them as soon as you insert them to make a recording and format using VR FORMAT then you will not be able to do anything with your recordings other than to play them back on your computer or DVD player (after finalizing of coarse). Fortunately, I do own a VCR/DVD recorder so I can connect the camcorder to my TV and produce copies of my Family Reunion Video that way. However, I will have to include all the stuff I would have edited out and I will have to use snail mail to share with my family.

Not only did the Tech who helped me specialize in handling complaints for the VDR-D50 specifically, she also told me she was going to start a file on my problem which is submitted to a central problem solving committee of a sort She also supplied me with a case# to use should I need tech support in the future and told me exactly what/who to ask for next time I call so that I would be directed to a VDR-D50 tech immediately. It seems to me that Panasonic is trying very hard to improve thier products and customer service.

As far as the VDR-D50 itself I am very pleased. As others stated before me it produces beautiful videos that are crisp to the eye. The many features on this camera earned the 4 stars I gave it.

I'm not going to get into all the specifics here but I will just say that for the money I paid I am very satisfied with this camcorder. I have only had it for a short whil but it takes nice videos and works as I would expect it to. I am very satisfied.