Reviews for Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD - CCD

Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: 3CCD; manual controls; LCD screen; color quality

Weakness: Serious mechanical defect with tape transport causes grinding noise in PV-GS400 camcorders

After doing a great deal of research, I was absolutely certain that the PV-GS400 was the camcorder for me. The 3CCD's and the ability to use manual controls were the main selling points - I was looking forward to a camera that would give me superb color reproduction and the ability to control the camcorder with well-designed manual controls in situations where I needed to make quick adjustments in difficult lighting situations.

I can't describe how deeply disappointing it was when I first put a videotape into the camcorder and could hear a loud, grinding noise coming from the tape transport. When the tape was played back, I was horrified - it was making a click-click-click kind of noise that sounded like an old-fashioned 8mm movie projector; it sounded really horrible. I returned the camcorder to the retail store where it was purchased and requested a replacement. I was completely blown away when I tested the second camcorder and heard the exact same problem coming from the tape transport.

I later learned that this defect with the PV-GS400 has been reported by many users and that Panasonic has acknowledged the problem (for more info, do a search on the terms "tape transport" and "Panasonic"). Based on my experience, when a camcorder or a VCR dies, it's usually the tape transport that is the culprit - so I was very nervous about finding this defect in a camcorder that cost over $1000.

It was VERY painful to return the second camcorder, since the other features of the camera are so attractive. It was really easy to use, I thought that the controls were well placed and I really loved the multi-function ring. I may be an idiot for writing this, but if I could be ABSOLUTELY certain that Panasonic had figured out and fixed the tape transport defect, I might possibly consider buying this camcorder for a third time!

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: Video Quality is great. Manual control of everything. 4 Megapixel Stills. Multifunction Ring. Big LCD, 12X Optical Zoom. Most of the features and picture quality of a camera three times the price

Weakness: Tape transport on many GS400s have a loud clicking noise. Panasonic has acknowledged the problem and is willing to fix it for free. Mic and headphone inputs double as other inputs as well.

The Panasonic GS400 produces an outstanding picture for such a small price. The picture is comparable to the Canon GL2 and the Sony TRV950 in my honest opinion. I have been looking to upgrade my camcorder for awhile, but couldn't get all the features I required and stay in within my budget. This camera has manual control over everything (including gain) and a really cool 4 way hybrid ring. The camera is small, but packs a big punch. It has 3 1/4.7 inch CCDs to accurately reproduce colors. A 12X optical zoom is sufficient. 4 Megapixel still pictures. Zebra Pattern. A nice cinema mode that gives your video more of a film look. Anamorphic 16 x 9 for those with widescreen televisions. And much, much, more. It far exceeded my expectations and it only cost slightly over $1000.

The only problem I had with this camera was a manufacturing problem that Panasonic has now addressed. When you put a tape in, when the mechanism closes, it looks closed, but there is a tiny gap which causes a really loud purring noise to be recorded on the tape. This doesn't affect all models, but did affect the first model I received - which I am returning for a replacement - hopefully the second one won't have this problem. There are websites that discuss this problem if you are curious. In addition, the mic and headphone inputs double as inputs for other devices - like the wired remote. This isn't a huge deal, but it would be nice to have seperate inputs for everything. Lastly it is small, which has it's ups and downs. I personally like the fact that it is small because it is easier to travel with.

In my opinion, this camera offers the best value available on the market today.

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: Video not tested, I will test if Panasonic can ship one that is not defective on tape transport

Weakness: Defective tape transport, audible clicking from tape transport that is audible on playback.

Panasonic has acknowledged the problem, but has not fixed it in units shipping as of last week (Dec 1, 2004). I have read several reviews from other customers that have received 2 back to back defective units and gave up. My 2nd unit should be in this week and I will report back about tape transport noise.

Panasonic claims that 1/10 of one percent have this defect… Type PV-GS400 and tape transport into Google and read up on a large number of people that have reported this problem. It seems to me that over 50% are defective.

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: 3-CCD, Stills, Manual Control

Weakness: Low light is average, but for this price range that is what you get.

After being a ten year Sony man, I decided to go with the Panasonic PV-GS400 over the Sony DCR-HC1000. It was very close. I picked the Panasonic over the Sony because of the great manual control, better stills, and the fact that it has less grain than the Sony in low light. The Panasonic seems to have a more true to life color also. The DCR-HC1000 has a problem with a slight browning of video in lower light settings.

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: Purchased it for the reported video quality and manual controls

Weakness: Tape transport defect makes the camcorder unusable; still picture mode isn't very good

I feel like I could kick myself for not doing a better job of researching the PV-GS400 before I bought it. It seems like everybody on Planet Earth had heard about the defective tape transport on this camcorder - except for me! I bought this camcorder in time to make some videos during my vacation; when I got back home, I was horrified to hear an irritating noise throughout all of the tapes when I played them back. Then I did some searching on the internet and quickly found out that there are many, many people throughout the world who have bought the PV-GS400 and have found exactly the same defect, and that Panasonic knows about the defect. I find it hard to believe that a well-known company like Panasonic can sell a high end product like this with a known defect. I'm past the time limit on returning the camcorder, but I'm going to send it back anyway and hope for the best.

Also, don't be too impressed with the reported 4 Megapixels for still pictures that are advertised for the PV-GS400. The test photos that I shot were pretty grainy, more like something that you would find on a 1MP or 2MP digital camera.

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: Picture quality, focus ring, optical image stabilization

Weakness: I've got the tape transport "cat purring" noise. Also: poor low-light performance, video software included w/camcorder is difficult to use

I knew the risk that I was taking when I ordered the GS400, so I have nobody to blame but myself. I read the posts on bulletin boards from lots of people who bought camcorders with the "cat purring" noise from the tape transport. I struck out - my GS400 had the tape transport noise from the first time I used it. It's frustrating, because if so many people are having this exact same problem, it makes me wonder about the overall quality of the camcorder.

I learned my lesson with the GS400: I'm shipping it back and I'm not getting burned a second time. For those of you who are still considering buying this camcorder, I wish you luck with the GS400 "lottery", I hope you get one of the "good" ones.

Other than the tape transport problem, I did like the manual controls on the GS400, but I wasn't impressed by the video quality under low-light conditions, and the video editing software that's included is a pain to use.

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: Beautiful 3.5" display (not 2.5" litureature is wrong), fantastic still quality, good flash. Tons of features.

Weakness: Hand strap needs to be wider, I had to wrap it with foam for comfort. The manual ring 4-way buttons hard to press with the screen open/tilted up. Low light perf in still mode is poor.

I bought this camera retail before researching it since it was their last one the day before Thanksgiving. Then I researched it and was very plaesed. Some users have reported a popping sound in the audio and I have heard this, but just once in 8 days. So, I went back and added the extended warrenty. (90 dys from Panasonic is pretty lousey insurance.) The popping noise has not happenned a second time.

The video mode works great. Stabilization while filming could be a little better but I swear the camera stabilizes it a second time during playback, so playback looks great. This is not mentioned in the manual so It might be my imagination.

I bought this model mainly for the 4 MP performance on stills. Stills outside are fantastic, but inside the low light performance makes it hard to see what you are taking. The picture comes out fine once the flash fires IF you have the picuture framed OK. I find myself framing the picture in video mode (where it is better) and then quickly switching to still mode and taking the shot. You can also take a still in the video mode but you only get a lower resolution image. Maybe a mechanical sight (like a rifle sight) would make me happy (Panasonic, are you listening?)

I really like the 16:9 mode as I playback through a front DLP projector to a 45" x 80" screen. Video quality and color blow away my old Hi8mm camera.

The manual zoom/focus ring is great since the electric zoom button is too touchey. The 2nd RECORD button is "exactly" in the right place to film holding the camera on your chest for stability.

Battery life if Ok but not great, I will definitely need some more batteries.

The manual is complete, but not very "readable". Panasonic needs to take manual writing lessons from Olympus or Mackie Audio.

I paid $1299. Probably could do better on the web, but a real live face to face dealer will be better if the audio "popping" problem shows up.

All in all a great camera packed with features that cost more like $2200+ in other models.

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: Optical Stabilization. 3.5" lcd. Multifunction Focus Ring.

Weakness: All navigation buttons are located behind the lcd. This means that you have to keep the screen open to access the menus.

I am very impressed with this camera. I have only had it 10 days but I am very satisfied with all of the features. I bought the gs-200 and I was unhappy with the EIS . It
doesn't help in my opinion. I also wanted better low to
medium light quality. Since the gs-400 has 1/4" ccd's instead of 1/6" in the gs-200, it does much better.The focus ring controls focus,zoom,aperature, and shutter speed.
I also love the 3.5" screen. I am happy that I spent the extra $300.00 for the gs-400.

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: Great color and clarity. Lightweight and easy to use out of the box. Wife was able to use it without instruction.

Weakness: A little grainy in lower light. Cannot take 4MP pics while recording to tape.

I researched the PVDV953 to death and almost bought it last year. I read somewhere that a new improved version was coming so I waited and I am glad I did. This camera is great. I have only used the camera for 2 days but I am very impressed with the color reproduction and picture quality.

I did notice that the picture degraded a little when I filmed in normal indoor light. The color was not quite as vivid and there was some grain in the playback.

I have only used the camera in full automatic so I am sure that with all of the manual controls that I will be able to compensate in the lower light conditions. Overall, this is the best camera for around $1k.

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: Excellent video and 4M still quality; moreover, color fidelity appears excellent. Multifunction ring is easy way to access the extensive manual controls. The 3.5 inch LCD and zoom control is gorgeous

Weakness: The optical image stabilization seems not dramatically superior to the electronic stabilization.

This camera is fantastic one. Between Sony HC1000 and this one it was not easy to make a decision. But I went ahead and purchased this one to shoot my daughter’s birthday party this weekend. GS400 gives far better access to the manual controls, and add the help of a zebra. I like that the white balance is an exterior button, and I like a ring aperture. The four-way ring is the key to this. I prefer a two ring setup, one ring for focus and the other for aperture. The 4M still image and 3CCD recording are awesome. I love these work super fantastically. So far I’m completely satisfied with this camere.

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: 3ccds,4.0MP,manual controls,excellent video performance and video quality is comparable to professional camcorder.

Weakness: little bulky compare to PVGS250 and PVGS150, hard to find this camera in market now.Doesnt have navigation menu system like PVGS250 and PVGS150 have it.

Excellent camera and worth to spent high price on this camcorder.Finally panasonic fixed the tape transport issue from beginning of this year.that is very good thing.
low light performance is good compare to other minidv camcorder.Totally i am very much satisfied with this camcorder result.I highly recommend this camcorder if you find one in market now..And once you get this camcorder you don't regret for your decision.

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: Easy to use out of the box, quality video and very fine stills, and software is smooth connecting and fun to use on my PC's.

Weakness: Duration of charged battery could be longer, I'll need one or two spares for sure. Else, none found yet.

After reading and studying the miniDV reviews, I auditioned, hands on, three brands in this video quality category. I now own a Panasonic PV-GS 400, and feel good about my decision. Why? It is a quality consumer camera, the 3.5 inch LCD screen is a must over smaller sizes, the software is quick loading and simple to get started, not like one other brand. Low light video was better than I expected. The camcorder just feels good. Applause warranted to a fine product and company, no bull!

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: Video Quality. Widescreen Format. Ease of use (point and shoot) with good number manual control options. Good low-light performance. MotionDV software that is included for digital editing.

Weakness: Still Image quality is no better than my 3MP camcorder. Seems like enabled EIS produces a larger number of digital artifacts?

Everything is moving to HD. Part of HDTV is the 16:9 aspect ratio ... so if you're capturing memories today that you'll likely be watching years from now, you need to seriously consider shooting these memories in a widescreen format. At least, that was one of my primary goals.

Clearly, I would love to be shooting 1900x1020 HD video, unfortunately at this point that simply isn't affordable to a consumer and most prosumers. However, grabbing a camcorder with at least the ability to shoot in a true widescreen mode should, seriously, be considered (since you'll, more than likely, be viewing your memories on a 16:9 set years from now).

Aside from the widescreen shooting options, video quality on this camcorder is near perfect. I am not a professional videographer but I am very, very pleased with the quality of video this camcorder outputs.

Easy Recomendation!

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: Great video quality, 3CCDs, Large LCD, Easy to use right out of the box, 12 Optical zoom, Separate jacks for mic and headphones, & built-in flash.

Weakness: Pictures from the 4 MP built-in still camera aren't great quality, but not bad. Battery doesn't last terribly long, I suggest a second larger battery. Not great in low light conditions.

I did a lot of research before choosing the GS400. I like the fact that Panasonic increased the size of the CCDs on this model. It produces great video and color quality. They also increased the size of the LCD display which is very nice. The built-in still camera is okay, but I wouldn't let that be an influence in choosing this camera. If you want really good still shots you need to buy a dedicated still camera. Many of the other features such as effects, transitions, etc. were not of importance to me since I do all of my editing on a PC. I bought early and paid quite a hefty price for this camera, but if you compare it to other 3 CCD cameras the price really isn't bad. I haven't had any of the tape transport problems that others have reported on this and other sites; so far camera has been trouble free. I would recommend this camera to anyone looking to spend just a little bit extra to get great video quality. I have used the Panasonic professional grade tapes and have been very happy with them as well.

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: Lightweight, video color quality, low light capability, taking video and photos at same time

Weakness: Sometimes has trouble "locking in" using autofocus on certain surfaces

Overall I am very happy with the camera. I had not had any trouble with tape noise like some previous reviews. I was told by the vendor this was only in early serial numbers. I am still learning all the features of the camera, but am impressed with the quality of the photos and the video.

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: attractive looking. Looks like a semi-professional camcorder.

Weakness: larger in size than I at first imagined.

This camera is definitly a step above lower priced cameras in appearance. It is easy to use and the large LCD screen is a real plus. The quality of the video footage shot thus far is real nice even though I have yet to utilize the many features built in. I would definitly reccommend this camera to anyone who is looking for more than a run of the mill low end camcorder.

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: High quality movie. Great zoom at 12 X. Good manual and documentation.

Weakness: nothing

I had Sony digital camcorder DCRTRV50 before this but I decide to try a different brand this time and purchased this Panasonic camcorder and I tell you it works very good even in low light it is better than any camcorder in it’s class. It also have 4 MP for stills. The quality of the movie is amazing. The software that comes with it is very good to edit movies and the camcorder it self can be used manually plus it has 12X zoom. I would recommend it.

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: Features: 3CCD technology, compact size, video camcorder plus 4 megapix camera in one, 12x opt/700x digital zoom & 3.5" LCD. Accessories: Remote & mini narration mic.

Weakness: Audio playback quality of camcorder is weak when audio is recorded using built in mic. The tape play/rewind/forward controls seem non-responsive at times.

With the arrival of my first baby, I finally decided it was time to buy my first camcorder. So, I did my research and concluded the Panasonic PV-GS400 was the best value for the money. My first impressions based on my first (4) weeks of light to moderate use are as follows: The versatile 3.5” color LCD is a must. It’s great for viewing both what you are filming, and what you have filmed. The auto control features and ease of use allowed me to use the camcorder right out of the box even as an amateur. However, depending on one's expertise, the camcorder basically allows you to take full manual control of the audio and visual elements, plus it offers more filming, editing and special effects options then I will probably ever use. So far, I have experimented with the widescreen and low light features, which work great. The playback picture quality is crisp and clear, and the optical/digital zoom capability is spectacular for filming things at a distance. Finally, the ability to take quality 4 megapix stills eliminates the need to bring both a camera and camcorder home for the holidays. The only weaknesses I have experienced to date is with the videotape playback/reverse/forward controls, which seem to be non-responsive at times, and the audio playback quality is moderate for sounds captured with the camcorder's built in mic.

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: Very easy to use. Quality of video and especially audio at 48 hz terrific. Still camera provides great quality 4M pictures at very fine setting. Stills rival 5M Sony digital still camera. 12 X zoom is

Weakness: Booklet/documentation could be a little more detailed but camera is very easy to use even without reading the small print.

I poured over every camera review over the last 3 years and finally decided on this camera and it is a hit! I would search no further and buy this camera. Found it online for $1038. Great technology here for an all in one camera!

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: 3CCDs, larger CCD size, optical stabillizer, 12x optical zoom

Weakness: software

I had this camcorder for almost 2 months and so far enjoy it greatly. Several months ago, I started to look for a good camcorder for my newborn son with reasonable price. At the very beginning, I was hesitating between a Cannon Optura or a Sony Handycam. Then I went to local Circuit city and Fry’s to see the real thing.

First, I gave up the DVD format camcorders. Besides the relatively high price, they are bulky, have less features, with expensive blank media. The most important is: they remind me the CD format digital camera. When I realize that it is not an advanced technology but with less features, I determined to forget it.

Then I found out that 3CCD gives much vivid color than the single CCD. At Fry’s, by comparing a Panasonic PVGS-70 with a Cannon Optura 40 And a Panasonic PVGS-120 with a Sony DCR-HC65, I decided to go for a Panasonic PVGS200 or PVGS400 immediately.

Also, after reading the reviews at camcordersinfo.com, I found out that PVGS400 has more useful features to improve the video quality, like the optical stabilizer, low light technique, lager CCDs, etc. I enjoy the manual control mode and the convenience to show the video on TV.

The drawback of this camcorder I can think of is that it does not come with the software, which can transform the video into DVD format on PC. And the tapes are not cheap either.

With the miniDV tape I bought on black Friday with good price, I enjoy this camcorder very much.

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: Didn't really get to do too much testing because of the defect.

Weakness: Clicking noise from the tape transport, straight out of the box.

Even though I'd read about the tape transport cat purring noise, I thought I'd take a chance and buy the GS-400 anyway. A couple of websites that I looked at quoted Panasonic as saying that the defect shows up in only a small number of cameras, so I thought I'd give it a try. Big mistake! Straight out of the box, I noticed the loud clicking noise that other people have described. Now I'm having a problem with the retailer, who wants me to send it to Panasonic for repairs. I'm still fighting for a refund and will go to the Better Business Bureau if I have to.

For the short amount of time that I tested the unit, I've got to say that the color quality of the GS-400 looked good, but it didn't knock my socks off or anything. It was pretty comparable to other miniDV camcorders that I've used. I'm wondering if some of the hype about 3CCDs might be a little overblown. And the low-light performance of the GS-400 was not very good.

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: ease of use, 4 meg. still shots

Weakness: None

I have used the Panasonic, 200, the Sony digital camera, and the Sony dvd camcorder. This camcorder is easier to use, I love the larger viewfinder. I ended up using the 4 megabite camera instead of my Nikon 3100 digital camera on vacation because of the picture quality and I did not have to wait 10 seconds between taking pictures. I would have liked the night vision that the sony offers. But this camera has everything else I like.
I do not have any regrets. Now if I could only get it away from my daughter that uses it for her college speaking class

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Weakness: clicking noise is very audible inexcusable in a product for $1200.

extremely disappointed with clicking noise. otherwise i enjoy using it. my first camcorder, so i cant make comparisons. i probably wont stray from sony again due to clicking noise. i would have it fixed, but would need a loner or replacement. for anyone on the fence about this camera, believe the other reviewers... the clicking noise is too aggravating to consider buying this camera.

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: Excellent video quality and ease of use. I had an older Panasonic S-VHS that I was very happy with but this new model is half the weight and has 4M pixel still shot picture capability.

Weakness: Would have been nice if Panasonic included an SD card and DV cable with the unit. Being one of their higher priced consumer models, they could have included the SD card as they do on the PV-GS200

Initial impressions are good. I like the larger LCD screen of the PV-GS400 over the PV-GS200/GS120. The overall quality and feel of the camera are excellent. I like the top tape loading/eject as opposed to the Sony bottom design. SD card location is equally well placed and easy to access. I would recommend this camcorder.

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: Image Clarity, Size, and Manual Controls

Weakness: 4 mega pixel still are good, but not great

I did a whole bunch of research before I purchased the Panasonic PV-GS400 camcorder. The picture quality of the 3 CCD camcorders are much more true to life to other digital cameras. I opted to spend a few more dollars and get 4 mega pixel still pictures. The quality of the pictures are good, but still aren't as good as a 4 mega pixel digital camera.

Great camcorder and great price through the vendors available on PriceGrabber.com.

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Panasonic Palmcorder Digital Camcorder - 3.5" LCD -...

Strengths: 4.0 MP digital photo.

Weakness: Too big.

The camera looks sharp. The features are great. The only thing I did not like was the size. A friend of mine who used the camera for couple days complains that the controls are not ergonomically placed.

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Panasonic PV-GS400 vs. Sony DCR-HC1000 Mini DV Camcorders

For seven or eight years now, consumer-grade 3-chip DV camcorders have come in 2 basic styles: the full-featured prosumer model, with enough bells and whistles to keep even picky broadcast videographers happy; and the high-performance consumer model, which aims more at the quality-conscious hobbyist who wants a smaller size and easier operation as well as manual controls and top-notch picture...

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Quick Review Camcorders : Panasonic PV-GS400

The Panasonic PV-GS400 is a dominant player this year. It is a three CCD camcorder that was originally made available for about 1,500 bones, and is now available for around a grand. This is a super deal, considering what the camcorder has to offer. It also enjoys a nice cushion of popularity resulting from Sony’s comparable models being flawed in the areas of manual control and handling.

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Panasonic PV-GS400 Camcorder Review

The PV-GS400 is a great camcorder and, in my opinion, offers the best value of any camcorder I’ve ever reviewed. Panasonic has taken last year's PV-DV953, which delivered three CCDs and unprecedented manual control options for an unbelievable price, and found ways to significantly improve the PV-DV953. Now, after releasing three more consumer 3 CCD camcorders, Panasonic may be close to...

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