Panasonic PV-GS120 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom
List Price: $699.99
Details
- 2.5-inch rotating LCD and feel ashamed viewfinder
- 10x visual zoom lens (700x digital zoom) and image stabilizer
- Rechargeable Li-ion battery-operated pack lasts for up to 1 hour and 15 minutes
Description
3 away 460,000-pixel CCDs * digital photo mode with RapidFire Serialized Still Shooting * photo resolution options: 1280 x 960; 640 x 480 * SD File card slot for use with MultiMediaCard® or SD (Secure Digital) memory cards * 2-1/2" feel ashamed LCD viewscreen * color viewfinder * PCM stereo digital audio (12-bit or 16-bit) * changing-speed 10X Leica Dicomar optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 700X) * built-in zoom mic * Digital Electronic Tiki Stabilizer * MagicPix for low-light recording * auto and manual blurry * shutter speed range (1/60 1/8,000) * Auto Exposure modes * digital effects * i.Identify with digital A/V jack (IEEE 1394) * USB (2.0) interface * A/V input/efficiency, including S-video * video streaming to PC via USB * 3-1/16"W x 3"H x 5-1/2"D * albatross: 1.0 lbs. without battery * warranty: 1 year parts (6 months CCD), 90 time laborCustomer Reviews
PV-GS120Even though this camera came out a few years ago, I still lean it over many later models. It's easy to use, well made, and being able to have a mini dv tape for an archive amassment is important. I highly recommend it.
Exceedingly good camera, but......
I have been using this camera for about 2 yrs. I did a lot of investigating before buying and I am sure that I am not much mistaken in my choice.
Pros
Excellent go red reproduction especially in out door settings
Easy to use menu
unpretentious size
I did not have any problem with noise from tape as some one reviewed
Still pictures are also in effect good for a 1.2 Mp camera-color reproducion really decorous, can take still pictures while shooting a video without going back to menu-just click the Still essence button.
Cones
Manual that comes along with is "CRAPPY". It is as if the manufacturers convey this camera for Still images only. it does not even mention where exactly to connect the fire wire cable. i had to find it out from some reviews!!
The produce did not come with a fire wire cable; Find a good one elsewhere. I called Panasonic customer living expenses regarding this and they too had only one suggestion-buy it elsewhere!!
It takes a long while for me (about 1hr plus) to transfer one MiniDV record of video to computer and to form file on the Windows Movie maker I acquainted with. My computer has about 756 MB RAM. I did not try another software.
Software that came with camcorder is redundant.
Play in low light is not good
No built-in light source; find a suitable one and glue separate
optical zoom is only 10X, and no need to mention anything about digital zoom
Mobile does not last for long-may be for 30-40 mts with the digital viewer turned on; have apare battery-operated if you are serious about shooting for a longer period.
Because of the negative points, I am looking for a healthier model with 3CCD technology
Material camera, but not perfect
I've waited two years to author a register my review so that I'd be removed from the excitement that comes with buying a new camera. The strongpoints of this camcorder are its bulk, color reproduction, remote control, and adjustable light/feel embarrassed settings. It's drawbacks are: poor performance in low/med-low light conditions. The colors be biased to go blue in mid to low light situations, and that can be annnoying for those trying to make discourteous films with different locations/lighting. I think that this camera would be a close buy for someone looking to do a lot of serious filming in outdoor areas. If you just want something to be home movies of your kids or something, then I'd go for a cheaper model Panasonic or a Sony. I propose b assess that I'm going to buy a Sony next time because I like their low-light features.
A STB Aproved Spin-off
I am band manager for a small midwest skate team and we were in need for a video camera. I was also looking for something that had a exonerate enough video i could do some short movies with it as well.
I have had the camera for almost 1 year now and it has taken some rude hits from skaters and drops from 4 foot to pure concrete and took the rough treatment like a champ.
I spent almost double what it is going for now and it was worth it back then so if you can get it now for around 450 it's a must buy camcorder.
I'll take two
I've been video taping weddings for 25 years and the PV-GS120 was the 11th and 12th camera I've bought (Yea, I bought two)
I was impressed with both the assay and quality of the 3CCD's
I also appreciated the 1.5 hour (LP mode) taping stretch available which I needed for taping wedding ceremonies without having to swop media during the ceremony.
I needed the mic and headphone input that were missing from some other manufacturers products and I remembered the grade I had always experienced from the Panasonic cameras I'd used before I moved to 8mm.
I've done 7 weddings with the PV-GS120 and my customers and I are very satified with the standing images and audio this camera captures and recreates.
On the downside I missed the privilege of adding a wired remote zoom control and the steadycam main attraction wasn't quite what Sony had.
The low light feature isn't as good as the free chip cameras but 3CCD's always require more light.
I've been recommending this camera to anyone who is philosophy about upgrading from 8mm or VHS. Forget about the DVD media cameras and go with tape, you can make (and graze) all the DVD's you want after downloading and editing your work from your computer.
