On Mon, 10 Jan 2000 18:37:43 +1100, "GB" wrote:
>> d_ruether@hotmail.com

>> The
>> Panasonic digital stabilizer uses the whole CCD area
>> when it is off, but crops a smaller area when engaged.
>> The result is a smaller angle of view and a less sharp
>> picture when the stabilizer is engaged - much like the
>> effect of using the mostly-useless digital zoom feature.

>The current Panasonic MiniDV range no longer crop the image (the 3 ccd
>DX100/110 being an exception) - they work the same as the Sony models and
>there is a very slight image degradation with them - not resolution but a
>slight artefact/lagging that would only be noticeable on a high quality
>TV/monitor.

Thanks for the information. I was going with my experience
with the Panasonic 3-chip AG-EZ1U and AG-EZ30U mini-DV
camcorders - it is good to know that Panasonic (and now,
I...;-) have seen the light! ;-) BTW, last Fall I shot
quite a bit of scenery-footage with the AG-EZ30U with
a substantial side handle attached, and the stabilizer
turned off (always, on this camera!). I did not use my
usual workaround for the lack of a stabilizer, a WA
converter. Surprisingly, the hand-held footage is quite
smooth in the shorter 2/3rds of the zoom range - and the
image-quality is excellent. It is possible to shoot without
a stabilizer if one must - we all did it, before they were
available...!;-) Even the PC-1, which has better picture
quality in low light with the stabilizer turned off, can
be managed well enough if not zoomed away from the short
FL end of the zoom range. Still, it is nice to have a good
stabilizer with minimal artifacts...;-)