CompuServe Messages

I own two Panasonic AG-455's, but would a much more mixed review. The good points are that the camera, under the right conditions, can deliver good looking, stable video, and that the VITC does come in handy (although, as you say, it is not resettable). The bad news is mainly is that it, unbelievably, doesn't have a manual zoom (crucial for focusing), and important for quick control. I find this lack so strange, because less expensive Panasonic cameras (i.e. the S-VHS ProMovie) had the manaul zoom. Secondly, I find that focusing in auto to be problematic, and the focusing in manual, without a manual zoom, but also because of specs of the lens, is ALSO problematic. The colors are good, the picture stable, but this camera can be wanting for an IN-FOCUS image. I get good use out of mine, and plan to use them until they are dead, but wouldn't buy another. I think they are mainly good for learning, and for loaning, which is how we use them in our access TV program. For a serious acquisition camera, even in the $2K price range, I would look into what other vendors (i.e. JVC) have. Just my two cents. Intersted in other opinions. –David Welsh