Panasonic PV-GS2 Camcorder Review

by James Murray
Published on Aug 11, 2004 4:00 AM

Intro
 Testing / Performance
Physical Tour Components
Design / Layout Modes
Control Options Image Parameters
Connectivity / Extras Overall Impressions
Conclusion Specs / Ratings


The price is perhaps the best and strongest attribute of the Panasonic PV-GS2, coming in at a low retail price of about US$285. The Panasonic PV-GS2 has a 1/6-inch 680K CCD, a 2.5-inch LCD, and a black-and-white Electronic Viewfinder. However, its small size makes it hard to handle; my hands overwhelmed most of the controls, and it is impossible to access most of the manual controls while shooting due to their placement beneath the recessed LCD screen.

This camera is comparable to the slightly more expensive PV-GS12 (Specs, $401.99), although this model does not have the on-camera LED light for low light situations. It does have a slightly better optical zoom rating – 22x, rather than the 20x of the PV-GS12 – but the physical makeup, weight, and other analog features of these two cameras are otherwise nearly identical. This camera is a basic point-and-shoot model for the user who wants a budget camera for well-lit situations and isn’t going to ask for functionality far beyond recording video and still footage in automatic mode.

Video Performance (5.0)
The video performance for the Panasonic PV-GS2 is affected by its 1/6-inch 680K CCD, which is situated behind the lens. The color bars are distinct and the grayscale is even, though it never reaches true black. The lighter end of the scale achieves a surprisingly brilliant white without compromising the neighboring colors. There isn’t any bleed through, although there really shouldn’t be, and the focus is surprisingly strong for a camcorder of this price. The yellow is fairly accurate, though a bit compromised by the green, and the blue and violet color bars are both accurate. The flesh bar beside the blue square is experiencing a bit of bleed through at this lighting level. Overall, the colors aren’t as brilliant or saturated as they could be, but with the price as low as it is, that’s not surprising for a 680K CCD.



Testing / Performance >>