- Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 16 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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15 out of 15 people found this review helpful
4.5 stars
"A lot bang for the buck!"
Pros: Many features, 30x zoom, image stability, zoom mic, s-video jacks, separate flash card slot for snapshots, built in light for indoor use, simply joystick control knob, small and lightweight, low price
Cons: No DV Interface cable included, may take awhile to learn all of the features
Summary: While at Best Buy, I decided it was time to upgrade my 11 year old RCA VHS-C camcorder. My eye initially fell on the Sony DVD digital cams and I went for the low end model, priced at $599. Fortunately, they were sold out and backordered, so I went home and did a little research where I discovered that I could get much better picture quality and features for a lot less money. Enter the PV-GS35.
You get an endless list of features, but the biggest hit has to be the 30x zoom. Just a note here to a previous poster. The further you zoom, the more camera shake you will experience even with stability control. This is the reason why expensive cameras which are pushing their stability control generally do not have optical zooms beyond 10x or 12x. So you WILL experience some shake as you really zoom out. This will be the same with any 20x zoom or further. If you use a tripod, you will reduce it.
The camera is small and easy to use. There is a "joystick" type of knob which can be controlled easily with your thumb while still having your hand under the camera strap. There are ALOT of features including many manual adjustments, so while it is easy to get around, it will get time to figure them all. I'm still learning.
The camera has a seprate port for a flash SD card. This is where your snapshots will go. If you are looking for a camcorder that can take quality photos, this probably is not for you. This was not important to me as I have a digital SLR camera. Photos are taken in 640 x 480 resolution, so they are suitable for snapshot prints and the web.
Speaking of the web, the camera can be used as a webcam, sort of a nifty added feature. All basic video cables for television connection, photo transfer and web cam ability are included, but a DVI cable is NOT. This was kind of important to me because I want to transfer my films over and burn to dvd. So I am in the process of ordering the cable. My search is showing that this seems to be the norm however - particularly with lower priced cams such as this. So I can handle that.
Picture quality is average to slightly above average for a camcorder in this price range. The same individual who complained about the camera shake, also compares this to a Sony CCD Hi8 which there is no comparison. That Sony is a 3CCD cam versus a single CCD. So it is no surprise that the picture here will not be quite as sharp. Furthermore, the average 3CCD cams start at nearly DOUBLE the price of this one. So you get what you pay for.
So that brings us to price and the price is unbeatable. Even the suggested retail of $499 from Panasonic is fair for all you get. However, I got the camera on sale at Best Buy for $429 and there was a $30 rebate on it. Total price: $399. If you are looking to take nice video of the family, sporting events and vacations, this is a very good deal. If you are looking to be a mini-filmographer, you should probably look for something more advanced.
- 3 replies to this review
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Thank you for taking the time to write such an extensive review of the camera. I just purchased one, based on your review.
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I am a student looking into purchasing a camcorder for my own personal use. This review was very helpful in my search.
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The Sony Hi8 I compared this camera to is a 1/4 inch single CCD. This camera has a 1/6 inch CCD. Smaller the CCD, less light let in, and lower quality picture. The benefit of the digital camera is more pixels, so better resolution and no degrading over time. But because of smaller CCD, less light equals more graininess in indoor shots. That said, 30X zoom is what sold the camera for me. Outdoor shots great, indoor not so great. I don't see how anyone can use that light as it creates ghost shadows, and second option on light does nothing. I use manual adjustment instead to brighten picture. Focus shift I do think is related to the zoom, but I did not have the problem on the Sony HI8 22X zoom, so maybe its a function of the 1/6 CCD. Do you notice the focus shift/shiver on indoor shots, and ghost shadows with light? I am considering sending it to Panasonic to look at.
Where to buy
Panasonic PV-GS35:
$438.00
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$438.00 | Yes |
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