PV-GS120 Digital Palmcorder MultiCam Camcorder

Description: The panasonic PV-GS120 Digital Palmcorder Multicam Camcorder is a MiniDV-based, ultra-compact camcorder.Compared to other ultra-compact camcorders on the market, it is relatively expensive at around $1,000.

Pros: This camcorder has three CCD sensors, each dedicated to filtering red, green or blue light frequencies.This results in richer, more accurate colors than camcorders with only a single CCD.Provides manual focus adjustment, whereas many camcorders have only auto-focus.Weighing a little over a pound without battery or media, this camcorder is reasonably portable.

Cons: None noted, given available product data.

Suitability: Designed for the frequent traveler, since it is relatively smaller than some other camcorders.The manufacturer estimates that a fully charged battery will provide 145 minutes of power, though this will vary depending on your usage.

Value: In general, this camcorder's price seems a bit steep, with respect to its features.

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: pvgs120

• General

• Product Type Camcorder
• Digital Zoom 700 x
• Optical Sensor Size 1/6"
• Optical Sensor Type 3CCD
• Min Illumination 1 lux
• Special Effects Mix, Slim, Sepia, Mirror, 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 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 Manual, Program, Automatic
• Camera Flash None
• Webcam Capability Yes

• Main Features

• Color Support Color
• Still Image Format JPEG
• Remote Control Remote control - Infrared
• TV Tuner None
• Video Capture No

• Memory / Storage

• Flash Memory 8 MB Flash - SD Memory Card
• Floppy Drive None
• Image Storage Fine JPEG 1280 x 960 : 9 - With 8MB card, Normal JPEG 1280 x 960 : 16 - With 8MB card, Economy JPEG 1280 x 960 : 23 dBi - With 8MB card, 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 - 2.45 mm - 24.5 mm - F/1.8
• Focal Length 2.45 mm - 24.5 mm
• Lens Aperture F/1.8
• Optical Zoom 10 x
• Lens system type Zoom lens
• Min focal length 2.45 mm
• Lens Manufacturer Leica
• Max focal length 24.5 mm
• Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
• Filter Size 37 mm
• Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
• Min Focus Range 15.7 in
• Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive

• Additional Features

• DV input Yes
• Edit Functions Audio dubbing
• Digital Still Camera Function Yes
• Title Generator Yes
• Search Modes Index search
• Additional Features DPOF support, Auto power save, Date/time stamp, Built-in speaker, Demonstration mode, Backlight compensation, Analog to digital conversion with pass through
• Time Code Yes
• Remote control Remote control - Infrared
• Software Drivers & Utilities
• Included Accessories Lens cap, Camcorder shoulder strap

• Viewfinder

• Viewfinder Type Electronic

• 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 S-Video input / output, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire/i.LINK), 1 x Microphone, 1 x Headphones, 1 x USB, 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

• Miscellaneous

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

• Power

• Power Device Power adapter + battery charger - External
• Run Time (Up To) 145 min

• Battery

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

• Viewfinder / Display

• Display Form Factor Rotating
• Display Format 113,000 pixels
• Viewfinder Color Support Color

• Environmental Parameters

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

• Physical Characteristics

• Width 2.8 in
• Depth 5 in
• Height 3 in
• Weight 1.1 lbs

Panasonic

Manufacturer profile

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