Panasonic PV-GS180 First Impressions Camcorder Review

by Guy Bruner
Published on Jan 24, 2006 3:00 PM

Intro Performance
Format Tour
Auto / Manual Controls Still Features
Handling and Use Audio / Playback / Connectivity
Other Features
Comparisons / Conclusion


Conclusion
The PV-GS180 is a no-frills, small format MiniDV camcorder. Priced only $100 less than the GS300, which has many more features, it is hard to imagine that it will sell very well. Since it has Panasonic 3 CCD technology, it could be used as a second camcorder alongside one of its brothers or as a backup cam. It also might be a good choice for underwater shooting; a dive housing cannot limit access to features because this camcorder doesn’t really have many. Clearly, this is a bargain basement camcorder for point-and-shooters who know enough about image quality to want good specs, but prefer to avoid manual controls. There is a market for this type of camcorder, but considering that the GS300 is only $100 away, it’s probably a smaller market than Panasonic hopes.





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