- Average user rating: stars out of 22 reviews
- See all user reviews
Product summary
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.
Specifications: Video input type: Camcorder ; Optical sensor type: 3CCD ; Optical zoom: 10 x ; See full specs
Price range: $1,199.99 check prices
Reviews from around the WebPowered by alaTest
-
Summary: alaTest has collected and analyzed 150 reviews of Panasonic GS120 from international magazines and websites. Experts rate this product 78/100 and users 83/100. Comparing these reviews to 92355 other Camcorders reviews gives this product an overall alaScore™ 84/100 = Very Good.
-
Computeract!ve
Editors' rating: 100
Summary: More power for your money with Panasonic's latest digital camcorder.
-
pcmag.com
Editors' rating: 60
Summary: This three-CCD camcorder with a Leica lens costs under $700 and provides good, color-accurate video. It's small, easy to use, and worth the price.
CNET product brief
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.
CNET editors' buying advice
We have not reviewed this product but here is CNET's buying advice on Digital Camcorders. This content was chosen based on the features included with this model of digital camcorder.
MiniDV format
Most consumer digital camcorders use MiniDV cassettes, which record DV-format video. The DV standard produces high-quality footage that is superior to video recorded by consumer analog camcorders and can deliver more than 500 lines of horizontal resolution, depending on camcorder quality. Consumer and semipro digital camcorders that capture high-definition footage record HDV-format video on MiniDV cassettes.
Best for: Budget buyer; trendsetter; home and vacation moviemaker; independent filmmaker; business videographer.
| Broad range of video cameras, from bargain to professional three-chip models |
| Widely supported by video-editing and -effects software |
| MiniDV decks and other hardware products widely available |
| CD-quality 12- and 16-bit PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) sound capture and audio dubbing |
| MiniDV camcorders may be connected to TV for display or to VCR for copying |
| Some video cameras provide analog-to-digital conversion for digitizing older video |
| MiniDV camcorders can't play analog 8mm or Hi8 cassettes |
| Cassettes with built-in memory chip for indexing video segments are relatively expensive |
Supporting manufacturers: Canon; Hitachi; JVC; Panasonic; Samsung; Sony.
Read more in the Digital Camcorder Buying Guide
Exposure control
Every digital camcorder has a fully automatic mode that lets you simply point and shoot, but it's best to be able to adjust your exposure setting a little. Special shooting modes for capturing subjects lit by a spotlight or other specific sources can be helpful. For full control over exposure, you'll need a camera that lets you manually set both the aperture and the shutter speed. Advanced camcorders offer zebra stripes, which highlight overexposed areas with a striped pattern so that you can fine-tune exposure. Low-light performance is the Achilles' heel of many digital camcorders. Look for a model with a minimum lux rating of seven or lower. Many camcorders offer special low-light shooting modes, but they don't all work the same way. Some simply slow down the shutter speed so that you get full-color but impressionistic-looking footage. Others use an infrared emitter to capture greenish monochrome video in total darkness.
LCD and electronic viewfinder info
More pixels usually mean better viewfinder and LCD image quality. Look for a sharp LCD that's easy to see in bright light; adjustable screen brightness helps, too. The larger the LCD, the easier it will be to see (and the more power-hungry it will be); for all but ultracompact camcorders, look for at least 2.5 inches. An EVF that you can tilt with a diopter lever for adjusting focus will give you more shooting flexibility. Almost all EVFs and LCDs on consumer camcorders display color, although some video enthusiasts prefer black-and-white EVFs, which can make it easier to judge exposure. Touch-screen LCDs have begun to appear on a few consumer video cameras, usually for menu navigation and spot focusing. Some users find them convenient, while others prefer not to have to use the LCD to access camcorder controls.
See more LCD products
User reviews
- Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 22 reviews
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
-
Showing 3 of 22 user reviewsSee all 22 user reviews
-
20 out of 20 people found this review helpful
-
15 out of 15 people found this review helpful
-
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
- See all 22 user reviews Write review
Submit your review
Where to buy
PV-GS120 Digital Palmcorder MultiCam Camcorder:
$1,199.99
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Amazon.com Marketplace
|
$1,199.99 | See Site |
|
