Panasonic NV-GS35 Reviews

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Good Points: I was getting tired of my earlier Panasonic Mini DV (DS60), so I recently bought the Panasonic NV-GS35. Besides the stunning video quality of 680,000-pixel CCD, it is also packed with easy image capturing on a SD (Secure Digital) Card.

The main distinguishable quality of this video camera, which seperates it from other mini DV video cameras within this class, are its awesome 30 X optical zoom lens (1000 digital), which has to be one of the most powerful zooms I have ever seen on a camcorder; that means, after purchasing, besides the video camera, you will actually own powerful, yet compact, LCD packed binoculars for the same price!

For me, the distortion free 30 X optical zoom, was the main selling point, compared to Panasonic's earlier DS60 (mini DV) having only 10 X zoom. Now I can even capture far-off images, including images of my neighbourhood, Mountains or the Ocean etc...

Other mouth watering features of this tiny video camera, are its convenient joystick controller, for simple, one-handed easy operation.

The new windows-type graphical menus, both appearing in LCD and the colour viewfinder, are eyecatching. The camera also supports picture stabilization for both video and images. Another fantastic feature is the ability to capture a digital picture directly onto your SD card, while playing back your mini DV tape, snapping a picture onto the tape and card with a single push!

Bad Points: With improved colour engine circuitry, the playback picture quality, whilst I watch via S-video output, is vivid & superb, with promised resolution & chrominance. Although the captured digital pictures (having only a pixel resolution of 800 X 600) are not good enough.

There is a need to put options for capturing higher pixel resolution pictures. The supporting Zoom for capturing digital pictures is also limited to Optical range i.e. 30 X which should be enhanced/upgraded towards the digital zooming.

Perhaps the most shocking experience was the non-availability of AV IN & Picture Effect Functions, which was common in Panasonic's earlier mini DV model like the DS60. For example, the AV IN feature was quite helpful for those who wanted to capture their favorite TV Programs or old VHS into mini DV formats for convenient copying & storage. Besides the lack of video effect features, which are helpful for those who still want to use their VCR or DVD Recorders for recording their home movies, without involving time consuming studio software via the PC. Non existence of the Red Recording Lamp is also strange! Perhaps the authorities at Panasonic are willing to save their customers from being 'caught'; anyway it should be there 'optional' like the Sony Handycam i.e. whether an individual needs to be exposed or not.

In Auto mode, while turning on the "Night Vision" command, too much luminance is also noticeable & disturbing, although in Manuel mode, it can be compensated for. On the subject of night vision operation, Panasonic is still lagging behind Sony's Handycam, which gives brilliant results in low light mode, in actual 'real motion', unlike Panasonic which employed 'slow motion mode' during night vision.

The cassette eject/insert mechanism has now been improved compared to Panasonic's earlier mini DV models, but personally speaking, this type of mechanism is quite time consuming. Realizing this problem, Panasonic has added a 'Quick Start Function' i.e. you can't miss a single shot. The shoulder strap support, is not comfortable in this model as compared to previous models.

General comments: The technical chart, for at a glance comprehension:-

. 680,000-pixel CCD
. variable-speed 30 X optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 1,000 X)
. digital photo mode
. Mini DV format
. 2-1/2" color LCD viewscreen
. Color viewfinder
. PCM stereo digital audio (12-bit or 16-bit)
. Digital Electronic Image Stabilization
. Color Night View
. Built-in LED video light
. Soft Skin mode
. Built-in zoom microphone
. Microphone input
. Auto and manual focus
. Shutter speed range: 1/60 - 1/8,000 seconds in tape mode,
1/60 - 1/500 seconds in Photo mode
. Digital A/V jack (IEEE 1394)
. Audio/video output for connection to a TV
. S-video output
. High-speed USB interface
. Video streaming via USB for use as a web cam (requires seperate USB cable and software)
. 3-1/4"H x 2-15/16"W x 5-1/16"D
. Weight: 0.90 lbs. without battery
. Wireless remote

Negativities aside, it is a good value for money DV Camera, especially for professional enthusiasts/explorers, where quality and reliability are necessities. A wesome extreme optical zooming, improved colour circuitry engine, SD Card and the joystick functions, set this camera apart from any other within it's class.

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