Product Description
When you carry the tiny Panasonic PV-GS80 Palmcorder Camcorder with you, you'll capture every unique moment on film. This amazingly small and sharp digital camcorder gives you clear, sharp, stable photos and video. The optical image stabilizer and 32x optical zoom ensure you always get the best shot. Professional tools like a noise reducing microphone, low-light shooting (with MagicPix) and white balancing make this little camcorder competitive with bigger models. When you see how compact it is, you'll wonder why you bought anything else. It's the Palmcorder that does it all. 16 - 9 Wide Mode recording Digital Zoom - 32x - 1,000x Records to MiniDV tape Stereo Zoom Mic with wind noise reduction Backlight compensation Functions as a webcam White Balance - Auto/Indoor/Outdoor/Manual Minimum Illumination - 2 Lux (with MagicPix) Manual Focus Ring Soft-Skin Mode Date Recording Recording Modes - SP/LP Still Picture Size - 640 x 480 (4 - 3), 640 x 360 (16 - 9) DPOF - Max. 999 stills Languages - English / French / Spanish Mini DV in/out Accessory Shoe - Cold Dimensions(HxWxD) - 3.09 x 2.86 x 5.36 Weight - 1 lb.
Customer Reviews:
Terk HDTV Exceeded Expectations.......2007-12-23
I wasn't sure the amplified antenna would live up to its description but it is great. I am about 30 miles south of Seattle, WA and used to use simple rabbit ears for reception. I could pull in all the local channels, some clearer than others, but only two of the HDTV stations. With the Terk I am receiving all the local analog channels crystal clear as well as several analog channels I did not previously receive. I am also getting all the HD stations associated with the local channels. An excellent investment.
Great One For the Price!.......2007-12-13
There are certainly many camcorders in the market with way better quality/features. However, I give it 4/5 because it fulfils my expectations for the price I paid. I bought it also in the thanks giving sale from Bestbuy online for 157$ total. Comparing the price, no other camcorder is a match for it., even at the current amazon price.
It is very compact, has high zoom, excellent color, low noise with many other features yet to explore. Only flaw is it's night vision is not very good like Sony. Still gives fair quality. I give it 4 instead of 5 because I don't like the joy stick control very much, though not a very deal I would be more happy to have conventional buttons.
I see some folks are upset with the computer connectivity issue. I was very cautious with that and did a little research on it. Tape camcorders need an IEEE firewire port to transfer VDO in a computer equipped with firewire connection. As simple as that. If your computer doesn't have a IEEE connector then need to buy a card/wire; Amazon sells that within 20/30$ range. My Dell notebook has an IEEE link unexplored for the past 2.5 years. Now I connected the camcorder and all of my previous VDOs were transferred like magic! How easy it is! For the guys who'll return it and will buy PS-85 model, be careful, the same thing will happen. USB cable is only for transferring still pictures, NOT VDO.
I'm very happy with Panasonic. I purchased their FZ-27S that was another pot of gold. Panasonic produces quality products in low prices that have all or more features than their expensive competitors like Sony or Canon.
Doesn't connect to computer.......2007-11-27
If you read the advertisment it claims that it will connect to your computer. It doesn't. will be returning it.
Bought this same camera for $150 at BestBuy on Black Friday.......2007-11-26
Hooray! Looks like I made a good purchase and actually worth me getting up at 4 am on Black Friday to freeze in a LONG line at Best Buy, lol. I am encouraged by the good reviews this camera is getting. And to top it off, I got the VERY LAST ONE...sigh, it was simply meant to be.
Can't connect to your computer........2007-11-25
I purchased this camera yesterday and will be returning it tomorrow. The PV-GS85 will connect by USB cable but the PV-GS80 will not. I failed to check what I thought would be an obvious minimum feature. Shouldn't a digital camcorder connect to the computer for file transfer. An A/V cable was the only connectivity.
This hot day after Thanksgiving score ended up being not so hot.
Product Description
For impressive video and still images, Panasonic PV-GS320 is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but is not short on innovative features. This camcorder incorporates the same type of 3CCD imaging system used in Panasonic's celebrated professional camcorders. Individual CCDs are used to reproduce the red, green and blue colors that compose an image for vivid, true-to-life pictures with remarkable depth and presence. The PV-GS320 also features the sophisticated Leica Dicomar lens, which has become known for its ability to capture and finely render the most delicate nuances of light and shade. The PV-GS320 also offers 16:9 widescreen format recording (to fill the screens of new widescreen TV models) as well as standard 4:3. It has a 2.7" widescreen LCD on camera for easy viewing. It uses Optical Image Stabilization, that compensates for normal hand movement, to reduce blur and assure that still and video images are beautifully crisp and clear. High-resolution digital still images can be captured via the GS320's built-in digital still camera feature, which records to a stamp-sized SD or SDHC Memory Card. The PV-GS320 features high-speed USB 2.0 for high quality full-motion video transfer, in addition to standard audio and video connecting ports. High-Picture-Quality 16 - 9 Wide as well as standard 4 - 3 visual screen record and play modes 2.7 Diagonal Widescreen Power LCD Monitor and Color Viewfinder Built-in SD / SDHC Memory Card Slot for inserting optional SD cards USB 2.0 High-Speed for image data transfer to a PC or Macintosh computer / May also be used as a Webcam Audio Dubbing (SP Mode Only) High Speed Shutter 5-Mode Program Auto-Exposure Manual Focus Ring Allows PictBridge Direct Print Compatibility Video is recorded on MiniDV tapes Record sound as a 12-Bit or 16-Bit digital soundtrack in stereo or mono Still picture resolutions up to 2048 x 1512 [4 - 3] and 2048 x 1152 [16
Customer Reviews:
Worst piece of hardware i ever got.......2007-12-12
software provided in CD doesnt work with vista, not sure why its being sold when it is not supported on new version of windows. i can't download gb's of s/w from internet...i hate to return an item, feel like throwing it but will return as my hard earned money is spent on this..
My first 3CCD..........2007-11-20
I purchased this nifty little camcorder primarily for making
low-budget movies. I read the reviews and compared prices on
numerous models and decided the GS320 was the most affordable
and suitable model (GS500 was unavailable at the time). The
box arrived in the mail and I began some film testing and was
quickly impressed with the video quality, especially outdoors,
creating some clear, vivid images. It's true, the low lighting
isn't the greatest and the colors typically fade with the lack of
proper lighting. If you plan on filming a lot at night or
creating some dark creepy scenarios then this model probably
isn't what you want (The GS250 however has some great low
lighting capabilities, although, it too was unavailable at the
time).
The GS320 is very lightweight taking much stress off of the
arm and wrist, and the handstrap is also adjustable to fit practically
any size hand. You can purchase high-quality mini-tapes which
bring about an even more impressive looking picture (I've found
these to cost about $10-$12 per tape).The zoom is nice, although
you do lose some picture quality as already mentioned in several
reviews. This camcorder also has some neat special features, one
of which cuts down on that typically uncontrollable background noise
by concentrating its built-in mic on the speaker. The built-in OIS
works well in keeping the image steady for those distant, closely
zoomed in shots. Since I use Adobe Premeire Elements 3.0 for movie
editing, I only dabbled briefly with the 320's effects, most of which aren't very useful to my purpose. APE 3.0 is a great editing tool to
use with the 320; it's fast and simple and allows for much creative
freedom. I bought the APE 3.0/Photoshop Elements 4.0 bundle which
ran about $100 and is indispensable to a striving movie-maker.
For the price and quality, the GS320 seems to be unparalleled.
An unregrettable choice so far.
Camera is Ok........2007-10-10
- Initially I ordered SDR-H200 (which is also 3CCD), but it was getting heated up so I returned it and ordered GS320..
- GS320 was no match for SDR-H200 in terms of quality of picture.
- Other drawback was to transfer the recorded media onto Laptop. No faster way other than playing it back again.
- So I returned GS320 and ordered Panasonic SDR-H200 again. I took my chance but luckly the heating problem is not there. Probably it was with the previous piece.
NOTE: Not an upgrade over the GS300!.......2007-10-06
Correcting another review:
This is NOT an upgrade over the PV-GS300!
The two camcorders are exactly the same except that the 320 has NO microphone input. That is the ONLY difference.
Also, a CCD is the digital equivalent of film. It is a computer chip that changes light into digital information. It has NOTHING at all to do with the zoom. If you are zooming to 25-30x, the lens has reached its zoom limit. What is happening is the camera's computer is cropping and enlarging the picture to LOOK like it is zooming in. This dramatically decreases the quality of the picture. The PV-GS300 can zoom in 10x its widest setting without resorting to this "Digital Zoom".
Now, I'm not completely sure of the technical stuff in this paragraph, but here's what I think it is: A CCD can only use one color. So, an 1 CCD camcorder actually shoots in black and white. This image is then converted into color, hence the poor color quality on these camcorders. On 3CCD camcorders, each CCD deals in either red, green, or blue. This way the color quality is FAR higher than with only 1 CCD. All professional camcorders have 3 CCD's.
Now, about this camcorder. I have owned the PV-GS300 for around 6-8 months. I can't really remember which. The color is the best you can get with a sub-$1500 camcorder. The quality and detail is also superb. I don't know why you would choose a Sony HC96 (with ONE CCD!) over this baby. The menus are easy to navigate, the screen is bright and clear, the camcorder is easy to hold and operate... I could go on and on and on. My only two gripes are: the hand strap is fairly narrow, so it begins to hurt a little after a long time wearing it tight, and the editing software that come with it is pitifully useless. I use Adobe Premiere and Avid Liquid when I want to make things look good.
The only better standard definition camcorders are (for some reason, they're all Panasonics...):
PV-GS400 (discontinued, but in its time was sweet)
DVX-100b (~$3,000)
I don't have the words to describe the amazingness of the DVX-100b.
Overall good, image stabilization could have been better.......2007-09-19
This is my first Panasonic Camcorder. I had a sony trv 27 for the last 5 years and I broke it by mistake, otherwise its a great solid camcorder. First I bought a Sony HC48, it was good in every aspect except it died the first week. I'm satisfied with this panasonic gs320. The video quality is good and rich on outdoors, indoors are not that great but okay, can't complain. Its easy to hold, shoot and control the zoom. It took me a while to get used to the joystick. The still images are not just bad but its awful. The image stabilization is worse compared to the sony camcorders that I had before. With sony I didn't have to hold it steady but this panasonic sucks, I have to remember to hold it perfectly steady. Another issue, the battery has to be removed to access the ilink and the usb ports. So, to download the video and images it has to be connected to the power adapter
pros:
good video quality
comfortable shape and size
cons:
bad image stabilization
bad still images
no neck-strap
can't use battery power to access the data ports
Product Description
When you carry the tiny Panasonic PV-GS80 Palmcorder Camcorder with you, you'll capture every unique moment on film. This amazingly small and sharp digital camcorder gives you clear, sharp, stable photos and video. The optical image stabilizer and 32x optical zoom ensure you always get the best shot. Record to your MiniDV tape or store images to an SD Card with the built-in slot. Professional tools like a noise reducing microphone, low-light shooting (with MagicPix) and white balancing make this little camcorder competitive with bigger models. When you see how compact it is, you'll wonder why you bought anything else. It's the Palmcorder that does it all. 16 - 9 Wide Mode recording Digital Zoom - 32x - 1,000x Records to MiniDV tape or SD Card Stereo Zoom Mic with wind noise reduction Backlight compensation Functions as a webcam White Balance - Auto/Indoor/Outdoor/Manual Minimum Illumination - 2 Lux (with MagicPix) Manual Focus Ring Soft-Skin Mode Date Recording Recording Modes - SP/LP Still Picture Size - 640 x 480 (4 - 3), 640 x 360 (16 - 9) DPOF - Max. 999 stills USB 2.0 connection Languages - English / French / Spanish Mini DV in/out Accessory Shoe - Cold Dimensions(HxWxD) - 3.09 x 2.86 x 5.36 Weight - 1 lb.
Customer Reviews:
I LOVE this camera! LOVE IT!.......2007-12-17
I am so impressed! I LOVE things that just WORK! I have never used a video camera before. I bought this because I could afford it. I never dreamed I would get a product of this quality for under $300! Other than literally five minutes testing at home, my first use was to immediately record my wife's Ph D graduation in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, a VERY important event to us! Using the camera was totally intuitive and effortless! From my seat FAR away, I was able to effortlessly zoom in on my wife way down on the field, slowly zoom out for panoramic shots, then zoom in for clear closeups! I got everything! I used the still camera features to put lots of shots on the smart card! My 6 megapixel digital camera was very difficult to focus from such a distance, while the Panasonic GS85 was fool proof! They were flashing the names of the graduates in alphabetic order on screens way up in the stands, and it was a cinch to snap a clear photo of her name in the few seconds it was there. When I tried with my digital camera, I missed it and had to wait 30 minutes for it to come back around! From my seat in the second section up from the 35 yard line, I easily followed my wife across the stage on the fifty yard line! I LOVE THIS CAMERA!
Cheap but low quality MiniDV.......2007-11-24
I bought this Panasonic GS85 to replace my JVC GRD770. Compared the video quality, I have to say, GS85 is not as good as GRD770 especially when operating with LCD light on. I have to say the quality with LCD light is really bad. Lots of noise. GRD770 has noise with LCD light too but not that obvious. Another drawback is that on GS85, you cannot shoot video and still picture at the same time. You have to switch the mode. While with GRD770, you can do it. Other than that, compare with JVC GRD770, the control and menu is better. Size is a little bit bigger but kind of prettier.
Pleasing purchase - good recorder.......2007-11-09
With all the choices you have when searching for a reasonably inexpensive camcorder, trying to find just the right one can be a little daunting. I was looking for something that didn't carry a huge price tag, but was of high enough quality to use as an every-day-events or catch-the-family-on-vacation type of recorder. Nothing fantastic, just something that was convenient and made good clear recordings. Well, I believe the PV-GS85 is a real winner. The image quality is impressive, better than I expected, and it's a real easy unit to use. Good optical zoom, good up close, good sound pickup. I haven't tried all the more advanced features yet, but I bought it for the basics. Glad I did. Oh, and it fits nicely into a number of the more generic camera/camcorder bags you can buy off the shelf.
Nice and Simple.......2007-10-28
After much research and reading many reviews, mostly here (thanks everyone for the excellent reviews), I chose to get the Panasonic PV-GS85 over the Canon ZR850 for the following reasons:
- Claims of motor noise on the Canon
- Panasonic has Optical Image Stabilizer
- Panasonic has a built-in light (seems like LED technology)
Now that I have the camera and got a chance to play with it a bit, here's my review...
PRO's:
- Somewhat small (not the smallest, but not large by any means)
- Smooth zoom (either analog or it has many small speed increments)
- Optical Image Stabilizer
- Built-in light
- SD card slot for snapshots (although I don't intend to use it for that)
- Color viewfinder
CON's:
- Hand strap mounted too low and allows camera to pivot away from fingers
- Charger has cumbersome heavy-guage power cord (not easy to stuff into a small bag)
- Very few buttons -- almost everything is done through the joystick menus
- Menu and Light buttons can't be reached with thumb and require some dexterity to reach with index finger
- Built-in light is VERY weak (although it probably doesn't consume much power -- I think it's a small LED lamp)
This camera will probably make most home movie makers very happy -- overall, it's very easy to use. Features, such as Night mode or Fade, take a little effort to change since you'd need to shuffle through a few menus.
It supports USB photo transfers, FireWire video transfer to PC, and A/V out to a TV.
Overall, this is a very nice and easy-to-use camera.
This was the first time I've tried uploading a video onto a PC, editing, and burning a DVD. I used Windows Movie Maker (comes with Windows XP) and was VERY impressed by how easy it was to use and how robust it was for a bundled utility. It does a nice job of controlling the camera to transfer the video (keep the camera on Playback mode when transferring -- not PC Connection mode... took me a few minutes to figure that one out). Once all of the video clips are transferred, Movie Maker automatically splits up all of the scenes. So, just click-and-drag your scenes, trim unwanted pieces, set transitions, effects, music, and create a movie.
The tough part was managing the HORRIBLE DVD burning software out there! Roxio used to have good DVD software, but their last few releases of MyDVD are AWEFUL! They simply don't work.
I hope this last part helps newbies like me through the jitters of diving into the whole digital video realm.
x_hobbes
Excellent Value!.......2007-09-27
Very good camera for the money. I love it and would definitely recommend it!!
Product Description
60 minutes of recording in SP mode; 90 minutes in LP * metal-evaporated tape * thin, diamond-like, carbon-coated film *
Customer Reviews:
Great value.......2007-08-17
Good price for the number of tapes. Haven't had a problem with the tapes yet.
6-pack of Panasonic Tapes.......2007-06-10
Just received my order in the mail and wanted to confirm for everyone that yes, this is a 6 pack of Panasonic tapes. I've been using Panasonic tapes pretty much exclusively since I bought my miniDV camcorder 5 years ago and have never had any problems. I haven't had a chance yet to use any of these, but I'd expect pretty much the same..
Product Description
With the Panasonic AG-DVX100B DV PROLINE Camcorder, you'll take your digital video recording a step further. This advanced digital camera delivers incredible image quality, superior functions and easy operation. Its high-level specifications and design improvements cater to the wishes of amateurs and the needs of professionals. Mobile, versatile and easy to use, the AG-DVX100B has everything you need for creative content production and active image gathering. Smoother zooming and focusing, with extended 30-second slow zoom User-assignable buttons give you instant, one-touch access to setup functions Viewfinder features B/W display mode and detail function for easier focusing High-quality wide-image recording in letterbox mode (16 - 9) Outstanding sensitivity - F11 @2000 lux, min illumination - 3 lux (at +18dB) Edge enhancement for easy focusing - Peaking (switchable on/off) in EVF and 3.5 LCD Supports 480i/60 (NTSC), Cinema-style 480p/24fps, and 480p/30fps image capture Precision wide-angle Lens with Servo/Manual Zoom (withstops&barrel markings) Auto/Manual Focus f1.6 with 72mm filter size Conventional 4 - 3 aspect ratio and 16 - 9 letterbox image capture modes Large centrally located pivoting electronic viewfinder usable for left or right eye Flip-out 270° 3.5 LCD panel with superimposed audio metering on both LCD&EVF S-Video, Video&Stereo Audio IN&OUT
Customer Reviews:
Excelent camcorder for multiple purposes.......2007-12-01
It really doesn't need much review.. everyone would tell you is a great camera.
I use for tv channel material as well as training videos, etc.
Is the best you can get without spending $4000+
best pro camera for features, quality & money!.......2007-11-15
This is my 4th DVX100 (all still in operation BTW) and I like the updated features and the new tape loading mechanism. The quality is superb and the handling balance is what I've become accustom to with this camera. This camera is still viable for any work performed today and should be a very usable camera even when HD penetrates more i the market, If you are making a decision on a dependable pro video camera with durable features, this is the one to choose hands down!
This is a great camera........2007-07-17
Did I mention this is a great camera. With HD being available to prosumers makeing dvds... wait, that won't happen for a few years yet. So, without HD available to prosumers makeing dvds this is the camera to go with today. It is very sweet. It will give you the look of film especially with the Magic Bullet software you can send off to get for free upon purchase of the camera from Amazon. Also a free DVX user book to send off for. The progressive scan on this camera put interlaced video to shame. Clear picture. Compact compared to the Canon XL cameras.
Look pro, both its picture and its structure, feels pro, and is pro. From the Panasonic web site you can see that out of all of the cameras they sell this one is #3 on the list. The next one up is basically this camera with an HD option and costs twice as much. The next one up from this costs about 10 times as much. Everything else falls by the way side. Did I mention this is a great camera? Get it if your serious about videography.
From a real newbie...........2007-06-28
I am a complete newbie to video and I love this camera. I had a tough choice to make when it came to spending this kind of $$ for a camera purchase. This one was reviewed very well on all the websites I checked (and I checked quite alot). The positives were echoed so often that I went with it over the others. I am quite pleased even though my learning curve still goes on. The picture qualitiy is excellent and I am learning to shoot better. The downside is I still have not received the DVD that came along with my purchase. The said it would take up to 8 weeks and I guess they intend on making it 8. Overall I am very happy with my purchase and can only say good things about the camera and the support and information about the camera and how to use it available on the net.
great video camera.......2006-11-05
I was torn between Sony and Panasonic (the Canons seemed to have many recurring complaints especially with the decks), and after reading several reviews became gradually partial to the Panasonic, before ever having used one, based on customer loyalty and consistently glowing testimonials.
Well I've never used the comparable Sony's, JVC's, or the Canon XL2 (some limited experience with the GL2), but as best I can tell without personal comparison this camera does in fact deserve all the great reviews.
The image quality is excellent and in many cases looks about as good as broadcast TV video (nonHD), and the camera allows a tremendous amount of image control--manual focus ring, aperture (iris), gain adjustment, shutter speed, zebra control for overexposure, white AND black balance adjusting, daylight filters, etc. The electronic viewfinder can even be focused via simple diopter. There are six preprogrammed, but customizable, settings for image control so the user can simply dial in whatever setting they need based on the shooting/lighting conditions. So, for example, you shoot occasionally under weak flourescents lights--you adjust the white balance and the gain and the detail level accordingly, save it as a particular "scene file"; whenever you return to that same location or a similar shooting environment, you can click over to the saved settings in an instant and start recording. The first four are factory set for video 60 frames; the last two are 24 fps for a more film-like quality, which this camera handles beautifully.
What actually sold me on the camera, in terms of hardware, were the two XLR jacks--comparably priced models didn't seem to offer this. The XLR jacks allow the user to attach professional shotgun mics and bypass the mediocre factory one, taking fuller advantage of 16bit 48khz stereo recording. I use a fairly inexpensive AZDEN mic and the improvement in sound quality is tremendous. If you were willing to invest in finer mics the audio quality would be better still. Having two XLR inputs means that in addition to recording live audio (like a mic) you can also mix in input from another pre-recorded source--all in the camera!
The lens by Leica is also impressive--it is a bit wide and is not interchangeable (although I believe there is an adaptive telephoto for $$$). I prefer shooting wide but if you have need a wide selection of lenses or don't enjoy the look of wide angle look to Canon.
The drawbacks are minor--the camera is rather cumbersome--and would certainly be tiresome for handheld use as it isn't designed for shoulder-mounted use. I shoot almost exclusively indoors with a tripod and so neither of these issues are relevant for me. Also irrelevant for me are reviews I've read which have indicated lackluster battery performance--again shooting indoors I always have it plugged in and thus haven't noticed any battery problems. The little menu joystick control button used to toggle the menu screens, as well as the VCR playback options, can be frustrating when you're tired, but that is an extremely trivial concern really.
This camera is expensive, even in the $1500+ prosumer class it tends more to professional range, but I feel it is a great value considering what a fine piece of equipment it is and the wealth of features it offers. It is much much more than enough camera for the consumer and probably a little more than I need actually--I've used mine for a few months and I'm still learning how to wring better and better shooting from it. Once you've used it for a while it becomes clear why this particular model maintains a devoted following. If I have to replace this camera--provided I can afford to--the next camera would definitely be a Panasonic and probably be its big HD brother the HVX.
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