Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I've only had this camera for a few days, but I am quite pleased with it.
Before buying this camera, however, take a look at what else is out there. This camera sits in a very strange place between consumer cameras and pro level (or at least prosumer) cameras.
While it has some excellent features like 3 CCDs (so it captures richer color), optical image stabilization, and fully manual controls; it also lacks certain desirable qualities such as a real focus ring (it has manual focus, but it's joystick driven and imprecise), a headphone jack (although it does have line-level audio out), and the ability to pass analog video through to digital video.
To get all those features, you'd need to spend about $200 - $300 more on something like the PV-GS500. For $200 - $300 less, you can get a very comparable camera that simply omits the 3CCDs and has digital image stabilization.
What those extra features give you, however, is a richer picture with less noise and more detail, and a much more stable handheld image. You will especially notice the richer image detail if you edit your video in the built in software or iMovie or Final Cut or whatever you use. You can make much broader color and image adjustments on the picture from this camera than you could with a 1-CCD camcorder.
Personally, I am very pleased with this camera. I very much like the controls (although I definitely recommend trying out the Panasonic-style joystick control before buying -- some people can't stand it, although I think it's definitely the way to go). The ability to go full manual permits me to take excellent shots in low light, backlit, or otherwise strange situations. The auto mode, however, takes care of 99% of what I need, and does a surprisingly good job managing white balance and shutter speed.
The only things that makes me give this camera less than five stars are the manual focus, which requires that you be in full manual mode and also requires two button presses (one on the side of the camera, and then you adjust using the joystick), rather than being entirely joystick-driven as all the other manual controls are; and the AC adapter/battery charger which can EITHER charge the battery or power the camera, but cannot do both at the same time. Expect to buy a separate charger for long shoots.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic PV-GS300 3.1MP 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
The Panasonic PV-GS300 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. 3.1 Megapixel still image recording lets you record vivid, true-to-life pictures with remarkable colors. A 10x optical Leica lens with 700x digital zoom helps you capture every detail. Record to a miniDV tape or directly to a PC through DV (FireWire) 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. Accepts MiniDVHi-Speed USB 2.0 interface Cold shoe 2-hour battery life Includes remote controlComes with Motion DV Studio and Quick Movie Magic softwareDimensions(WxHxD) -2.874 x 2.993 x 5.316Weight -. 99 lbs.
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