Looking for a state-of-the-art palmcorder? Stop right here. Full VHS compatibility. Not only does it comes with a VHS PlayPak (so you can play the tape in your VHS VCR), but it offers a crisp, clear first-generation picture for your enjoyment. Its telescopic lens gives you the ability to produce extraordinarily clear close-ups of your subject matter, along with superior clarity to those provided by digital zoom. Plus, with four different zoom speeds, you are able to go from a wide angle shot to a full telephoto in 2-16 seconds. The PV-L559 uses DEIS to compensate for unintentional hand and camcorder movement to help stabilize recordings, even if you're recording in a moving vehicle or a crowded room. It features MotionSensor, which is perfect for simple home security applications as it starts camcorder recording when motion is detected. Color Digital Fade lets you select from 7 fade variations with your choice of 8 colors for flexibility in transition from one scene to the next.

The Panasonic PV-L559 offers a powerful zoom and a versatile LCD screen in a compact, affordable package. It's a great choice for those who want advanced features but also need the flexibility of the VHS-C format.

In our tests, the video from the Panasonic PV-L559 was clear and colorful, although due to the nature of the VHS-C format, it wasn't as bright or sharp as Hi8 or digital video. VHS-C has a major advantage when it comes to playback--it uses normal VHS tape, so you can play it in any VCR (using the included adapter).

The Panasonic PV-L559 offers a 150x digital zoom and advanced recording features, such as image stabilization. It includes a fade feature for transitioning between scenes, with seven different effects in eight different colors. It comes with a light for shooting in dim conditions--you can set the light to remain on, off, or to switch on automatically when needed. The three-inch, color LCD screen swivels a full 180 degrees, so you can record from different angles or include yourself in the video. You can adjust the brightness of the screen as well. The Panasonic PV-L559 offers programmed recording, which gives you a window of 24 hours to set a start time and recording length before recording begins. This camcorder also has a security mode, which triggers recording when it senses motion.

Pros:

• Powerful zoom
• Motion sensor
• LCD screen lets you record from multiple angles
• Automatic light useful for dim conditions

Cons:

• No special image effects (other than fade)