The Best Vintage Camcorder?! (Spoiler alert: The Panasonic PV-L559 or not!)

In this video we will look at some highly recommended vintage camcorders, the Panasonic PV-L559, 550 and 551. Full review along with test footage with a model!--Low light stabilization and recommendations

[@cristopher6642]

I found an PV-L559 on my grandmother house today, and when i checked the footage i was astonished with a video of my mom being pregnant of me haha.

[@techtoremember8096]

Oh my gosh how cool !

[@butchmcporksaw]

Here's some tips for that vintage aesthetic, what you want to do is film on LP mode, that will give you that jitter you are looking for

[@techtoremember8096]

Thars an idea !

[@amdhomevideo]

Awesome video's so informative. With your recommendation I bought a Panasonic PV-L559 at Dalton's Camera on Etsy and love it!

[@techtoremember8096]

Hey great news ! I hope you have fun with your “new” old camera and shoot some great vintage shots Thanks for the comment !

[@hiroshi_001]

Hey man, amazing video. Been watching your channel for a while, especially the vintage camcorders you have reviewed. Would it be possible to have more of those in the future, hoping you would do some VHS formatted camcorders especially. Many thanks and cheers!

[@techtoremember8096]

Hey, I appreciate your feedback as I definitely do want to review more vintage gear and I do have some in the planning stages. I'm glad you let me know what kind of cameras you'd be interested in seeing because there are so many options. Are you more interested in full size VHS camcorders or the smaller mini VHS-C models? Thanks for the comment!

[@hiroshi_001]

@@techtoremember8096 Either are fine, whether full sized or smaller VHS-C models it would be nice.

[@AsuraCloudwalker]

I still have my Panasonic PV-L550D camcorder and it's still in working order. My dad gave it to me in the early '90s and that's when my venture into film began...

[@juniormendez5692]

this is an amazing video fr

[@harysuper]

I just snagged one of these VHSC Panasonics on eBay. I’m charging it up right now and can’t wait to try it. I got it along with some tapes. I had problems buying a cheap Hi8 Samsung at an antique store. I’m keeping that one for parts though in case I get into Hi 8.

[@techtoremember8096]

Hey good luck! I hope it works out!

[@ReelFilm2016]

Another great video. I love the way you have produced them. I actually have an almost identical Panasonic camcorder. I have the 501 model. It looks almost identical to your 550 model. Possibly a regional variant. Not sure though. I went through a phase of trying to find a decent VHS C camcorder . They are very temperamental. The 500 model has worked great for me so far. Also, loving the location. I stayed in Williamsburg during my travels in late 2019. 😀 I recognise some of these location.

[@techtoremember8096]

Thank you! Seems like Panasonic had multiple models of that camera with only the slightest variations. Was hard to keep track of all the models they came out with. So different than today, where it takes years between different camera models to update. I appreciate your comment! Yes, Williamsburg is a very cool spot. It was actually the first time I explored that area and had a very nice vibe to it.

[@ReelFilm2016]

@@techtoremember8096 Keep up the good work.

[@valdezmaury467]

Love the vintage style

[@osmankerimben2149]

Thnks for the video 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@andrewcollymore9173]

Great video my friend

[@techtoremember8096]

Thank you !

[@Stallzyx]

Thanks for the video. Definitely wouldn't say it's the best vintage camcorder but if you get the opportunity, try and get your hands on a Sony TRV89 or TRV99 Hi8 one if they do those models in NTSC. I have a european TRV89E as of recently. 4 inch screen! Also another recent pick up is the Canon XL1S which is a Mini DV movie camera apparently used in 28 days later and other films. I've also possibly somehow really fortunately acquired a broadcast style DVCAM from 2005 ish for an amazing deal. Really got to do a collection tour or show off certain camcorders soon because I've spent a bit the last few months but actually not even recorded to tape yet 😅 got a few different capture devices plus firewire pci card to play with and compare, but juggling work and stuff

[@techtoremember8096]

It’s addicting isn’t it ?! Sounds like you have a great collection Thanks for your comment

[@Stallzyx]

@@techtoremember8096 Thanks. Would love something like an alpha one or something like a A7S iii or A7 iv or FX3 some day but right now I find it easier to build up collections of items which cost say £100-200 max than save towards a several thousand pound item and also not got high paying work

[@veggiemessiah7480]

great video

[@techtoremember8096]

Thank you !

[@DYNASTY1031]

good stuff

[@searchdestroy]

Thanks for the amazing video!!! How is the audio quality on this camera's built in microphone if I wanted to do some retro-style interviews? Does it have any options for an external mic?

[@techtoremember8096]

Hi there ! The audio isn’t bad really and yes there’s a mic jack ! It’s a pretty cool camera Thanks for the comment !

[@SkyLabZaamslagtheNetherlands]

Nice video

[@techtoremember8096]

Thank you !

[@DelCampoProductions.]

I personally like full sized 1980s VHS cameras. Or older professional Eng cameras.

[@ricthedood]

Could you do a video of you charged it?

[@brandonalldredgeba]

So you might know more than I do but I feel like Panasonic used to let other companies use there camera’s models. I had a Quasar camcorder that was literally identical to these Panasonic cameras. I even just recently got 2 dvd camcorders one is a Panasonic and the other is a hitachi and they look identical besides the color of them. Even a lot of old GE, SEARS, and Magnavox vhs camcorder look identical to the Panasonic pv-420. Idk just something I have noticed and was wondering if you knew anything about that or have noticed that too haha.

[@techtoremember8096]

Yes you are right there were licensing agreements among Panasonic and quasar and a few other companies So you could find identical models out there JVC and Zenith did the same thing- it was confusing !

[@haroldpittman9349]

I have this pv-406

[@DethronerX]

Beautiful. Crazy how you found the right camera by getting the wrong camera. Im looking for any type VHS camera, big tape, small tape, any camera size, but with NTSC (24fps), fast lens, manual focus/aperture. Since I have to go through a lot of results and most of them dont show these specs, so would really appreciate the help. I also dont mind no stabilization, as Id use a tripod and rest on post and I dont mind a black and white viewfinder either.

[@techtoremember8096]

Hi there. There are certainly many choices for vintage camcorders however, back in the day fps really wasnt used in the same way it is today where we can essentially change the frame rate at will. The old analog tape machines in NTSC recorded at an interlaced 60i. That was the NTSC standard. So basically it was 30fps but the frames were interlaced together so your eye perceives it 60fps. If you are going to be editing the footage in an NLE, you could theoretically output at a different frame rate but these cameras do not record at 24fps. If there is one that does it, I don't know of it.

[@DethronerX]

@@techtoremember8096 ok thanks, yeah i can convert the framerate. But even more important is a fast manual lens and manual aperture. I have a type c one with manual focus and fast lens but i don't think it has manual aperture, as I'd like to set a desired number, otherwise it may also automatically change white balance a little bit, besides D. O. F.

[@moxiegaming8726]

I have a Sony handy cam vision from I think 1997 it has almost the same features as this camera, and I can confirm that light will make you blind

[@dazedoffpepe]

How would compare the panasonic pvl 550's series with the later models? I got a panasonic pvl779, the screen is huge on mine compared to this one. But I don't know how the quality compares, I usually like a really vintage look but I'd prefer one with more stability. Just asking to make sure if I buy one of these, or should I stick with mine.

[@techtoremember8096]

Hi there. I wasn't familiar with the 779 till you brought it up. I just looked it up and from the looks of it, it looks very similar to the 500 series (shape, form factor etc). Without having actually tested it, my gut is that you are going to get a very similar look to the 550 series. Since you already have the 779 and if its working ok, I don't think you really are going to gain anything by going with the 550 or a camera in that series. I think Panasonic around this time period was hell bent on coming out with as many models as possible (probably for marketing purposes) without any appreciable upgrades in quality. Plus if its really the vintage look you are after, it will be very similar for sure. Thanks for the comment

[@dazedoffpepe]

@@techtoremember8096 Thank you for your input!! I appreciate it :)

[@verycoolandtall]

hey i saw a listing for the 559 that mentioned a security mode that starts recording when it senses motion, did you happen to test that? was interested in it for solo filming purposes. thanks!

[@techtoremember8096]

Hey ! That’s a great find -I just checked the manual and yes it’s on page 41 -It looks to be a very primitive feature however as you need the right kind of background, sufficient motion etc so thanks for pointing it out ! I certainly don’t think I’d rely on it but you never know !

[@Cyber_Horse_Studios87]

I just got my hands on a PV-L650, and while the playback display isn’t working, the rest of the camera seems to be! Though I wanna try and fix the screen, as well as figure out how to replace the clock battery… if anyone has any tips, I’ll be very grateful.

[@pudelboy7]

I want to transfer my Sony Hi8 analog tapes to digital. Will I get better quality transfers if I use a CCD camera Instead of a DCR camera to transfer? I know some DCR models will not play Hi8, but on the DCR models that will play Hi8, will the quality of transfer be as good as it would if I transferred using a CCD camera?

[@techtoremember8096]

HI, I think there may be some confusion about CCD vs DCR. "CCD" simply refers to the sensor in the camera and "DCR" is a prefix Sony used in their naming system of some of their cameras. The CCD has nothing to do with the tape format that the camera uses so you can have a CCD camera that is regular 8mm or Hi8 so when transferring tapes the CCD or DCR is not what you need to look at. If you are going to transfer HI8 tapes, you need to make sure your camcorder is capable of Hi8 playback. You need to see if its a Hi8 model. If it is, it should play back HI8 AND 8mm just fine. If its an older model that is just "Sony8" or Video 8, then it won't play back Hi8 and you cannot transfer Hi8 from this, only regular 8. Other than that, the model of the camera should not affect the quality of the transfer. More importantly is what equipment you are using to do the transfer, (capture device) and recording deck when you transfer, not so much the player. Thank you

[@devincroda]

I have this camera and just shot with it this weekend, but am having trouble finding an AV cable and converter to capture the content onto my mac. Any recommendation? 3.5mm or the 1.5m adapter doesn't seem to be working. Cant find what size the AV port is on any of the manuals. I have an L559. Thanks!

[@techtoremember8096]

youll need a 3.5mm stereo to male split RCA cable to connect to your TV or capture device. You can find these on Amazon! (it has to be stereo because one of the male RCA connectors goes into Video in and the other into "audio in of your devices)

[@devincroda]

Got it! I didn’t realize it was mono audio so my 3-prong cable wasn’t working. Moved the connections around, and success. Thank you!!

[@techtoremember8096]

Great to hear !

[@keatonw_3733]

How did you transfer tape to digital video?

[@techtoremember8096]

Through a Windows 7 computer equipped with a Firewire connection. (tape first transfered to DV format)

[@osmankerimben2149]

What is the best vintage camcorder your advice with a sd sd slot? #digital ?

[@techtoremember8096]

Hey thanks for the comment! Well, if the camcorder has an SD card slot its not really "vintage". When I think of "vintage" it has to have a tape. like 8mm vhs vhs-c etc. The vast majority of camcorders that have an SD slot are going to shoot in some form of HD. (high definition). The older vintage camcorders shoot in SD (standard definition) and they all use tapes. But to get that vintage look you may want a camera that uses a CCD instead of a CMOS sensor like the Sony DCR-SX63 you may want to check that out. It has built in storage so you don't even need an SD card but will give you more of that grainy, vintage look with its very small sensor. You may also want to do a search for Aiptek camcorders. They recorded to SD cards and were vintage too,. Hope this helps.

[@enzlf566]

hey i just found an panasonic palmcorder iq pv-a396 but i cant find any content on internet about it expect for the manual plz if anyone here know anything about it and can help me reach out thanks yall

[@charleychewning2310]

how would i transfer footage to my computer if i have a macbook.

[@techtoremember8096]

thats not such an easy task. I have a review of a couple of options on my channel- the Clearclick or Elgato devices which you can check out!

[@jamesjr2550]

I jist bought a pv-l559 with case tapes charger remote and battery for 74 dollars

[@techtoremember8096]

good deal!!

[@Dr.-Smart]

you need to learn when the camera is in digital zoom range the eis wont work also the pv series is not great for vintage filming , sharp viewcams are way better , less struggle with odd unobtainable av cables like the pv cameras

[@techtoremember8096]

The camera was not in digital zoom range The EIS just stinks

[@salvatorev_]

This camera has very poor design and very poor image quality I would not buy it for any reason

[@techtoremember8096]

For a vintage camcorder the design is fine- the image is what you’d expect from a camera 30 years old It’s certainly not going to live up to current standards

[@salvatorev_]

@@techtoremember8096 comparing it to my 1988 Sony CCD V-200 Pro my camera has a much better picture than it

[@duvalpenny100]

The poor image quality is the point of using one in 2023 😂 Vintage and nostalgic.

[@techtoremember8096]

@duvalpenny100 exactly

[@salvatorev_]

@@duvalpenny100 you can't compare analog video with digital 4K digital will always win! Here we are just comparing which of the two analog cameras has better quality, someone using 2023 analog cameras is doing so purely out of nostalgia and for artistic purposes!!!!

[@dooby1445]

12:10 Toyota MR2?

[@techtoremember8096]

Not sure- wasn’t my car -was the original owner of the cameras car