Just a few weeks ago (February) Panasonic launched the GS 230
It looks very similar to the GS180, the one that will leave the market.

Anyone already with some experience with the GS 230?
And does anyone know if and when we can expect a review of it.

In the review of the GS 320 one stated that the 320 will replace all the other 3ccd cams with mini DV. Looks like the new 230 is a good option as well for the 180. (It has the micophone input. A feature that's missing on a 300 and 320. Oke,they have a Leika lens and OIS)

What would you do?

GS 320 or GS 230?

Are you sure the 230 is a new model? It isn't on their website. I would go with the 320 because it has OIS, and 2.7" LCD so you can actually see the 16:9 widescreen you are recording. The GS300 does have a mic in port, by the way.

About the 230:

Yes I'm sure.

see the Dutch site of Panasonic: www.panasonic.nl
As well as this link:

http://www.panasonic.nl/Products_Sub_Category.asp?M=656|653|652|4|1

In Belgium you can get the GS 230 as well.


About the 300:
Indeed the GS 300 has audio input. Sorry. Was a mistake.

I too had a difficulty finding out the difference between GS230 and previous model in this class - GS180. I ended up finding the spec info page on official Panasonic site with little aid of Google search (they don't post the link on the site anymore) and compiled a comparison table for those two models:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?...p38TVQqbtbGD0NA

I'm still, however, not sure how to interpret those data - if the newer model is better or vice verso - it is just a a trimmed down version roughly at the same cost?

The GS 230 seems like a winner due to the fact you get Microphone inlet and Headset outlet which the 320 doesn't have. Yes I would like Leica lens and OIS but I prioritize Audio in and headset out. The 230 is a lot of bang for the bucks, you get one of very few models left in SD audio in and out and 3 ccd's for a micro budget.

For people having trouble finding specs for GS230, here is a link to the Panasonic Australia website:
http://panasonic.com.au/products/sp...m?objectID=3696

Anyway, back to the topic... I am also interested in the GS230 due to the fact that it has got Mic in and headphone jack. Just got a few questions, hopefully some knowledgeable forum members will be able to help:

1. Leica vs Panasonic lenses
Is it just marketing? Or is there a noticeable difference in video quality? I am not talking about pixel-peeping but can you actually tell if one clip is captured by a leica lens or a panasonic lens?

2. EIS vs OIS
How effective is EIS when compared to OIS? Any image degradation?

3. I once read that someone has said that all the miniDV GS-series cameras produce very similar quality video. Is that true? If so, why would you pay more money for higher model number?

Thanks

Kenny

This is just not true. Different lens, sensors and number of sensors have been used.

Additionally, various models had different features like analog inputs, microphone inputs.

Why were people easily paying US $1,400 for the GS400?




Rich

__________________
FireWire Survey

Never, never, NEVER question a Leica Lens
The Pana lens found on 230 is quite good. It will produce a good image, but there's a reason why Leica cost an extra arm. It doesn't make the 230 a bad cam. Just a little cheaper.

EIS is less effective compares to OIS because the OIS stabilizes the image as it is viewed through the lens.
EIS uses some of the pixels at hand to stabilize the picture. Thus there are less pix left for image data. This as also the reason that EIS won't work in 16:9 mode on the 230. In 4:3 however - I find it adequate.

Higher model number is not always the same as newer model.
Newer model is not always better

Cheers