Panasonic PV-GS500 4MP 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
by Panasonic
Our Price: $379.99
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Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: PanasonicRelease Date: 2009-11-30
Model: DIGIMAXL85BLK
Product features:
- Features professional-quality 3CCD imaging system
- 2.7-inch wide LCD display
- 4.0-megapixel still image capture
- 12x optical Leica lens with 700x digital zoom brings you close to the action
- Records to miniDV or directly to PC through DV (FireWire) or high-speed USB 2.0 interfaces
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Panasonic PV-GS500 4MP 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
Customer Review: This is the ONE!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been using this camcorder since October 2006 and have no complaints. I replaced my aging PV-DC352, which I loved until it stopped reading SD Cards. I had done much research on camcorders and had pretty much decided on the PV-GS500 but was waiting for the price to drop and/or see what the latest and greatest was going to be. I bought my first camcorder (SHARP VHS) in 1986. When I saw the majority of the new upper-end camcorders were abandoning tape as the recording media and I found the PV-GS500 at an extraordinary price, my mind was made up. Get it while the getting was good.
I love to take videos more than stills, but stills are also very important and I don't want to lug two cameras around Disneyland. My previous PV-DC352 took beautiful 1.5 MP stills using an SD Card. The downside was you had to switch from video to still to capture at this quality and then back to video to continue taping. You could take a still while video taping but the taping would pause after taking the still and the still would have to be retrieved from the tape later using the camera in order to print it, and the quality was only 640 x 480. It worked but was cumbersome. The PV-GS500 takes care of this just fine. To take a still in photo mode you still have to switch to photo mode, which gives you a nice pseudo 4 MP image (it is not a true 4 MP, it is interpolated) recorded on the SD Card. However, if you want to take a still while video taping you just press the PhotoShot button and you will get a more than acceptable 1+ MP still recorded on the SD Card. The videotaping is not affected at all. This is great when you are taping your child's school band concert and would like some stills as well, without missing any of the performance.
The camera itself is very easy to use. The joystick menu is great as well as the auto sleep mode when you close the LCD or viewfinder. To be honest there is so much I like about this camcorder I could go on forever. Admittedly, it is a little heavy and you should carry several back-up batteries if you are away from your charger for very long. I have purchased a led video light for very low light situations but have rarely used it; the MagicPix mode is usually enough in a pinch.
Because of the price, complexity and the last of its kind, I did purchase a 3-year service contract through Panasonic. It may be money wasted in the end but if the camcorder needs service, the plan provides a loaner while it is in for service and even includes regular maintenance if I care to send it in.
More Panasonic PV-GS500 4MP 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom reviews:
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Description of Panasonic PV-GS500 4MP 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
The Panasonic PV-GS500 Digital Camcorder with 3 CCD Technology offers superior images and features, in a more affordable package. This small digital camcorder uses the same type of 3CCD imaging system used in professional broadcast equipment, giving you 540 lines of breathtaking resolution. 4.0 Megapixel still image recording lets you record vivid, true-to-life pictures with remarkable colors. A 12x optical Leica lens with 700x digital zoom helps you capture every detail. Record to a miniDV tape or directly to a PC through S-Video or high-speed USB 2.0 interfaces, for high quality full-motion video transfer. The color viewfinder & 2.7 inch LCD display make it simple to preview photos, and the joystick control gives you easy, one-finger navigation of every advanced feature. Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface Hi-Res Wide mode S-Video out Hot shoe PictBridge 2-hour battery life Includes remote control Pro Cinema Mode Dimensions(WxHxD) - 2.874 x 3.583 x 6.024 Weight - 1.26 lbs.Camcorders
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