PV-DV852 - great price!

Bob Held · December 12th, 2003, 09:03 AM

My order from B&H came Thursday as expected.

All I can say is WOW!

I had upgraded from a 2001 model (PV-DV51).

What a difference a year can make in how technology improves. The picture in a normal indoor lit room at night was amazing.

Fit and finish of the PV-DV852 is great ... the machined aluminum focus ring really looks and feels high quality.

I also bought a HD300 Hoodman for it at the same time. Highly recommend this accessory!

Bob

Tim Hoffman · December 12th, 2003, 10:36 AM

Got mine yesterday, too.

Excellent low-light performance. Focus and controls are quite good. It's pretty funny looking at the 2.5" screen's frame, which covers up the hole that the 3" screen the MX8 and MX1000 gets.

I remember my first camera: a 1992 or so Sony V-801, which at the time I thought to have excellent low-light and color reproduction. My, how times have changed, and at a inflation-adjusted price that's a good 70% less that what I paid then.

Thanks for the tip, all.

Tommy Haupfear · December 12th, 2003, 10:43 AM

Quote:

It's pretty funny looking at the 2.5" screen's frame, which covers up the hole that the 3" screen the MX8 and MX1000 gets

I've never understood the difference in LCD screens between these models. Actually the MX1000 has a 3.5" LCD, the MX8 has the 3.0" LCD, and of course the DV852 has the 2.5" LCD.

Do any of you have a widescreen TV to confirm that the DV852 performs an electronic squeeze or just letterboxes in its cinema mode?

Yow Cheong Hoe · December 13th, 2003, 08:15 AM

Letterbox, pure dark beautifully straight balck bars top and bottom. The MX8 appeared in those days when only the riches even thought of going 16:9 (3 years plus ago).

Yes, very strange indeed, to have 3.5", 3.0" and 2.5" screens. Probably to cut cost. Please note that the MX8 has the widest viewable angle on the LCD for all the MiniDV and digital cams that I have come across. You can see nicely up down left right. In comparison, my current MX350 has 3.5" screen, but only visible correctly in front and about 30° left right and 10° up down. I hope that the 2.5" DV852 is also having good screen.

And you won't regret the wide angle (zoom 1x) at about 35mm equivalent on a 35mm SLR camera. Most prosumer cams start at 40mm and commercial cams (like the Sony cams) start at 50mm. My wife, after using the MX8 and MX350 complained when she was using a friend's upright Sony, needing to back into walls all the time to frame more than 2 people talking!

Dan Brown · December 16th, 2003, 09:03 AM

Regarding the DV852; is there a way to use a mixer and manually ride the audio gain, or does the camera always run the mics in AGC mode? Can the line inputs be used to record live audio from a mic/mixer set-up? Thanks...

Carlos E. Martinez · December 16th, 2003, 10:05 AM

<<<-- Originally posted by Dan Brown : Regarding the DV852; is there a way to use a mixer and manually ride the audio gain, or does the camera always run the mics in AGC mode? Can the line inputs be used to record live audio from a mic/mixer set-up? -->>>

The DV852 only seems to allow for AGC mode. Even if what I m saying is just by reading the manual, there are no line inputs to go in with a mixer. You will have to through the mic input.

But there is a trick that I think works on most "reasonable quality" cameras that only have AGC. It worked on my Sony Hi-8 and on the Canon GL1. You should feed in a high mic level.

There seems to be a point where the "pumping" problem every AGC is prone to stops being a problem.

As you probably know this pumping happens because when there is no high level sound the AGC releases the level and the background sound gets higher. When the high level comes back, the background suddenly lowers. The effect is like pumping, that's the reason for the name.

As I have several microphones, I tried plugging them all direct and then using a mixer or preamp. The lower the signal level, like from a dynamic microphone, the higher the pumping problem. And viceversa.

Using a mixer you should have a whole interview and never hear any pumping. That has been my experience.

As all mixers use to have a way to output mic or line level, that should be easy to try. What mixer are you planning to use?

Carlos

Tommy Haupfear · December 17th, 2003, 07:15 PM

Just got an email from B&H and it looks like they have at least one more DV852 in stock as of 5pm EST.

Better hurry!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh2/con...&is=REG&bi=E15

Dan Brown · December 18th, 2003, 07:33 PM

I received my DV852 today. Rather solid and impressive, but it is too soon to critique its performance. Smaller than I thought too. I really like the manual focus, and the manual iris, shutter and WB are just OK (at least it's an option). The wide end of the zoom is rather wide, so I'm happy with that. Audio sounds fairly good, but the external mic input was obviously never meant to be used. Pretty cheezy. I'm betting the headphone connection is of the same class. But, for $569, it's appears to be a lot of video-bang-for-the-buck :-). Look for my posts in the audio forum as I develop an audio kit to compliment the little Panny.

Thanks for all the good advice.

Yow Cheong Hoe · December 18th, 2003, 10:02 PM

The MX8/DV852 is pretty "pro-feel" for a consumer model, eh!?

The MX8/DV852 is really one of its kind, Panasonic might have regretted putting too much goodies in one cam!

Too bad, the Japs liked smaller cams (optics, image quality not important, looks of the cam, very important), this little wonder was killed off early.

Look at the new series, GS or GX, all digital stabiliser, lousy placement of buttons and dials, but small and cute. That's responding to the market!

Hebron Mak · January 2nd, 2004, 01:25 PM

I just bought the DV852 two weeks ago from B&H Photo for $569 (great price!). Well, I ran pricegrabber today and found the 852 at an even lower price!

- $499 (http://www.digitaletailer.com)
- $510 (http://www.buydigitaldirect.com)
- $511 (http://www.butterflyphoto.com)

Oh boy... Looks like they're trying to get rid of their older models. I doubt these would last much longer, so go and buy! I've only had this camcorder for one week, but I absolutely love it so far! If only B&H Photo would do a price-match for me now... :)

Frank Granovski · January 2nd, 2004, 04:48 PM

You might want to check out those dealers here:

http://www.resellerratings.com

before thinking you might be getting a better deal.

Hebron Mak · January 5th, 2004, 12:46 PM

Wow, I just called B&H to tell them that I've found a cheaper price at another web site. They told me they usually don't do price matches, but as a courtecy, they would refund me $19, which would bring the camcorder price down to $550. I'll take what I can get! I'm now even happier than before with B&H! :)

Frank Granovski · January 5th, 2004, 06:46 PM

Yes, and those 19 Bucks can go a long way. For example, you can buy one of the following:

1) 3 Fuji mini DV tapes
2) 1 UV filter
3) a head cleaning tape
4) a McMeal for 3 :-))

Aykut Ozen · January 5th, 2004, 07:40 PM

Hebron,

did you give them any website names with the cheaper price on the phone?...i'm thinking to call them too to check if i can get the same $19 refund...

R. Scott Hanson · January 5th, 2004, 09:46 PM

eBay alert --Monday, Jan 5, 10:30 pm EST:

some guy in Connecticut has 2 DV852 cams on eBay right now--one floor model, and one new in box. Both for $500 with Buy it Now; but reserve is only $440 (get the new one).

BTW, are Fuji tapes recommended above others (if so, which type)?

December 12th, 2003, 10:36 AM	#17
Tim Hoffman Tourist Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Belmont, CA Posts: 2	Got mine yesterday, too. Excellent low-light performance. Focus and controls are quite good. It's pretty funny looking at the 2.5" screen's frame, which covers up the hole that the 3" screen the MX8 and MX1000 gets. I remember my first camera: a 1992 or so Sony V-801, which at the time I thought to have excellent low-light and color reproduction. My, how times have changed, and at a inflation-adjusted price that's a good 70% less that what I paid then. Thanks for the tip, all. __________________ ______________ Tim Hoffman

December 13th, 2003, 08:15 AM	#19
Yow Cheong Hoe Major Player Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Singapore, Passport: Malaysia Posts: 407	Letterbox, pure dark beautifully straight balck bars top and bottom. The MX8 appeared in those days when only the riches even thought of going 16:9 (3 years plus ago). Yes, very strange indeed, to have 3.5", 3.0" and 2.5" screens. Probably to cut cost. Please note that the MX8 has the widest viewable angle on the LCD for all the MiniDV and digital cams that I have come across. You can see nicely up down left right. In comparison, my current MX350 has 3.5" screen, but only visible correctly in front and about 30° left right and 10° up down. I hope that the 2.5" DV852 is also having good screen. And you won't regret the wide angle (zoom 1x) at about 35mm equivalent on a 35mm SLR camera. Most prosumer cams start at 40mm and commercial cams (like the Sony cams) start at 50mm. My wife, after using the MX8 and MX350 complained when she was using a friend's upright Sony, needing to back into walls all the time to frame more than 2 people talking! __________________ Cam: Panasonic MX350EN, SOLD my MX8EN Mac: G3 400MHz PowerBook, 256 MB, OS 9 PC: Pentium 4 2800MHz, 512 MB, WindowsXP SW: iMovie, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, Ulead Video Studio, various little utilities

December 16th, 2003, 09:03 AM	#20
Dan Brown Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 235	Regarding the DV852; is there a way to use a mixer and manually ride the audio gain, or does the camera always run the mics in AGC mode? Can the line inputs be used to record live audio from a mic/mixer set-up? Thanks... __________________ dB

December 18th, 2003, 07:33 PM	#23
Dan Brown Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 235	I received my DV852 today. Rather solid and impressive, but it is too soon to critique its performance. Smaller than I thought too. I really like the manual focus, and the manual iris, shutter and WB are just OK (at least it's an option). The wide end of the zoom is rather wide, so I'm happy with that. Audio sounds fairly good, but the external mic input was obviously never meant to be used. Pretty cheezy. I'm betting the headphone connection is of the same class. But, for $569, it's appears to be a lot of video-bang-for-the-buck :-). Look for my posts in the audio forum as I develop an audio kit to compliment the little Panny. Thanks for all the good advice. __________________ dB

December 18th, 2003, 10:02 PM	#24
Yow Cheong Hoe Major Player Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Singapore, Passport: Malaysia Posts: 407	The MX8/DV852 is pretty "pro-feel" for a consumer model, eh!? The MX8/DV852 is really one of its kind, Panasonic might have regretted putting too much goodies in one cam! Too bad, the Japs liked smaller cams (optics, image quality not important, looks of the cam, very important), this little wonder was killed off early. Look at the new series, GS or GX, all digital stabiliser, lousy placement of buttons and dials, but small and cute. That's responding to the market! __________________ Cam: Panasonic MX350EN, SOLD my MX8EN Mac: G3 400MHz PowerBook, 256 MB, OS 9 PC: Pentium 4 2800MHz, 512 MB, WindowsXP SW: iMovie, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, Ulead Video Studio, various little utilities

December 12th, 2003, 09:03 AM	#16
Bob Held Tourist Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 4	My order from B&H came Thursday as expected. All I can say is WOW! I had upgraded from a 2001 model (PV-DV51). What a difference a year can make in how technology improves. The picture in a normal indoor lit room at night was amazing. Fit and finish of the PV-DV852 is great ... the machined aluminum focus ring really looks and feels high quality. I also bought a HD300 Hoodman for it at the same time. Highly recommend this accessory! Bob

December 16th, 2003, 10:05 AM	#21
Carlos E. Martinez Trustee Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brasil Posts: 1,138	<<<-- Originally posted by Dan Brown : Regarding the DV852; is there a way to use a mixer and manually ride the audio gain, or does the camera always run the mics in AGC mode? Can the line inputs be used to record live audio from a mic/mixer set-up? -->>> The DV852 only seems to allow for AGC mode. Even if what I m saying is just by reading the manual, there are no line inputs to go in with a mixer. You will have to through the mic input. But there is a trick that I think works on most "reasonable quality" cameras that only have AGC. It worked on my Sony Hi-8 and on the Canon GL1. You should feed in a high mic level. There seems to be a point where the "pumping" problem every AGC is prone to stops being a problem. As you probably know this pumping happens because when there is no high level sound the AGC releases the level and the background sound gets higher. When the high level comes back, the background suddenly lowers. The effect is like pumping, that's the reason for the name. As I have several microphones, I tried plugging them all direct and then using a mixer or preamp. The lower the signal level, like from a dynamic microphone, the higher the pumping problem. And viceversa. Using a mixer you should have a whole interview and never hear any pumping. That has been my experience. As all mixers use to have a way to output mic or line level, that should be easy to try. What mixer are you planning to use? Carlos

December 17th, 2003, 07:15 PM	#22
Tommy Haupfear Wrangler Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 1,415	Just got an email from B&H and it looks like they have at least one more DV852 in stock as of 5pm EST. Better hurry! http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh2/con...&is=REG&bi=E15

January 2nd, 2004, 01:25 PM	#25
Hebron Mak New Boot Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: San Leandro, CA Posts: 8	New low price! I just bought the DV852 two weeks ago from B&H Photo for $569 (great price!). Well, I ran pricegrabber today and found the 852 at an even lower price! - $499 (http://www.digitaletailer.com) - $510 (http://www.buydigitaldirect.com) - $511 (http://www.butterflyphoto.com) Oh boy... Looks like they're trying to get rid of their older models. I doubt these would last much longer, so go and buy! I've only had this camcorder for one week, but I absolutely love it so far! If only B&H Photo would do a price-match for me now... :)

January 2nd, 2004, 04:48 PM	#26
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	You might want to check out those dealers here: http://www.resellerratings.com before thinking you might be getting a better deal.

January 5th, 2004, 12:46 PM	#27
Hebron Mak New Boot Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: San Leandro, CA Posts: 8	Wow!! Wow, I just called B&H to tell them that I've found a cheaper price at another web site. They told me they usually don't do price matches, but as a courtecy, they would refund me $19, which would bring the camcorder price down to $550. I'll take what I can get! I'm now even happier than before with B&H! :)

January 5th, 2004, 06:46 PM	#28
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Yes, and those 19 Bucks can go a long way. For example, you can buy one of the following: 1) 3 Fuji mini DV tapes 2) 1 UV filter 3) a head cleaning tape 4) a McMeal for 3 :-))

January 5th, 2004, 07:40 PM	#29
Aykut Ozen Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Seattle,wa Posts: 39	Hmm Hebron, did you give them any website names with the cheaper price on the phone?...i'm thinking to call them too to check if i can get the same $19 refund...

January 5th, 2004, 09:46 PM	#30
R. Scott Hanson New Boot Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 14	eBay alert --Monday, Jan 5, 10:30 pm EST: some guy in Connecticut has 2 DV852 cams on eBay right now--one floor model, and one new in box. Both for $500 with Buy it Now; but reserve is only $440 (get the new one). BTW, are Fuji tapes recommended above others (if so, which type)?