Panasonic PV-GS15

Description: The Panasonic PV-GS15 is a MiniDV-based, home-movie camcorder.Compared to other home-movie camcorders on the market, it is very inexpensive at around $390.It includes ArcSoft PhotoImpression 4, ArcSoft PhotoPrinter Pro, and ArcSoft PhotoBase software.

Pros: Offers manual focus control, whereas many camcorders have only auto-focus.In addition, frequent travelers will appreciate how relatively little it weighs, only 14.4 ounces.Its 24x zoom lens provides a longer telephoto range than most other camcorders.

Cons: Has MJPEG digital video format, which is somewhat less favorable than some similarly priced camcorders.For example, the Panasonic PV-GS55, a MiniDV-based camcorder at around $385, has MPEG-4 digital video format.

Suitability: A home-movie camcorder, suited for family use.The manufacturer estimates that a fully charged battery will provide 3 hour(s) of power, though this will vary depending on your usage.This camera's built-in light will make it easier to film in dim environments.

Value: Overall, this camcorder's features are as expected for this price.

Suggestions: For more help selecting the right digital camcorder, visit CNET Reviews' buying guide.

CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.

• Manufacturer: Panasonic
• Part Number: PV-GS15

• General

• Product Type Camcorder
• Digital Zoom 800 x
• Optical Sensor Size 1/6"
• Optical Sensor Type CCD
• Min Illumination 2 lux
• Analog Video Format NTSC
• Digital Video Format MJPEG
• Special Effects Mix, Slim, Wipe, Sepia, Trail, Mirror, Mosaic, Strobe, Stretch, Negative, Solarization, Black & White, Multi-image screen, Picture-in-Picture
• Image Stabilizer Electronic
• Digital Scene Transition Black fader
• Min Shutter Speed 1/60 sec
• Max Shutter Speed 1/8000 sec
• Shooting Modes Frame movie mode, Digital photo mode
• Shooting Programs Low light, Spotlight, Sports mode, Surf & snow, Portrait mode
• White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
• White Balance Presets Indoor, Outdoor
• Exposure Modes Program, Automatic
• Webcam Capability Yes

• Main Features

• Color Support Color
• Still Image Format JPEG
• Remote Control Remote control - Infrared
• TV Tuner None
• Video Capture MPEG - 320 x 240

• Memory / Storage

• Flash Memory 8 MB Flash - SD Memory Card
• Floppy Drive None
• Image Storage Fine JPEG 640 x 480 : 45 - With 8MB card, Normal JPEG 640 x 480 : 95 - With 8MB card, Economy JPEG 640 x 480 : 190 - With 8MB card
• Media Type Mini DV
• Recording Speed LP, SP

• Lens System

• Type Zoom lens - 2.1 mm - 50.4 mm - F/1.8-3.6
• Focal Length 2.1 mm - 50.4 mm
• Lens Aperture F/1.8-3.6
• Optical Zoom 24 x
• Lens system type Zoom lens
• Min focal length 2.1 mm
• Max focal length 50.4 mm
• Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
• Filter Size 27 mm
• Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 39.5 - 948 mm
• Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
• Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive

• Additional Features

• DV input Yes
• Self Timer Yes
• Self Timer Delay 10 sec
• Edit Functions Audio dubbing
• Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
• Digital Still Camera Function Yes
• Search Modes Blank search, Index search, Photo search
• Additional Features DPOF support, Audio recording, Date/time stamp, Built-in speaker, USB 2.0 compatibility, Backlight compensation
• Built-in Light Yes
• Time Code Yes
• Remote control Remote control - Infrared
• Software ArcSoft PhotoBase, Drivers & Utilities, ArcSoft PhotoPrinter Pro, ArcSoft PhotoImpression 4
• Included Accessories Lens cap, Camcorder shoulder strap

• Viewfinder

• Viewfinder Type LCD

• Display

• Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.5 in - Color

• Digital Player (Recorder)

• Type None

• Microphone

• Type Microphone - Built-in
• Microphone Features Zoom, Wind noise reduction

• Connections

• Connector Type 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire/i.LINK), 1 x USB, 1 x S-Video output, 1 x Microphone, 1 x Headphones, 1 x Composite video/audio output
• Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card

• Audio Input

• Audio input type Microphone
• Microphone type Built-in
• Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
• Microphone Technology Electret condenser

• Miscellaneous

• Carrying Case None
• Cables Included A/V cable, USB cable

• Power

• Power Device Power adapter + battery charger - External
• Power AC 120/230 V
• Battery type 1 x Camcorder battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion
• Run Time (Up To) 3 hour(s)
• Recharge time 1.5 hour(s)

• Battery

• Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 1350 mAh ( Included )

• Manufacturer Warranty

• Service & Support 1 year warranty
• Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year

• Viewfinder / Display

• Display Form Factor Rotating (270°)
• Viewfinder Color Support Color

• Environmental Parameters

• Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
• Max Operating Temperature 104 °F

• Physical Characteristics

• Width 2.7 in
• Depth 4.4 in
• Height 3.4 in
• Weight 0.9 lbs

• Panasonic CGR D53A/1K - camcorder battery - Li-Ion x 1
• Panasonic CGR D53A/1K - camcorder battery - Li-Ion x 1

Panasonic

Manufacturer profile

• Website: http://www.panasonic.com/
• Address: Matsushita Electric Corporation of America, Secaucus, NJ. 07094
• Phone: 800/662-3537