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Photograph courtesy of Panasonic
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By WILSON ROTHMAN
Looking to streamline the old gadget collection? Panasonic's new SV-AV30 combines a tiny video recorder with still camera, camcorder and MP3 player. The device packs quite a punch, but some functions could use improvement.
The camcorder is probably the best function. Turn it on and press the red button and you're recording in MPEG-4 video. At "super fine" quality, you can't even squeeze 15 minutes on to the included 64MB SD memory card. But there's enough memory to take video snapshots at parties, or capture the winning goal at a soccer game. You can connect the device to the PC using USB (or use an SD card reader) to save your best video clips.
The still camera, at 640 x 480 resolution, delivers a better picture than I predicted. It's not powerful enough to replace a standalone camera, but it's okay for basic shooting. The only real gripe is the flash, which is so overpowering that it tends to bleach everything that's too close.
As an MP3 player, you get what you'd expect. It fits in your pocket and has a wired remote so you don't have to fiddle much during sweaty workouts. Last but certainly not least, the AV30 attaches to a cradle that lets it record video from a cable box or VCR or anything else that has a yellow "video out" jack. Because of the device's small size, and the relatively large 2-in. LCD, it's a fun way to watch TV shows on the move. But even a 512MB SD card (up to $350 extra) will only let you grab 90 minutes of TV.
If you like all of the other functions and could care less about taking TV on the go, look at the SV-AV20: everything but the video-record cradle for $100 less.
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