Panasonic PV-GS2 Camcorder Review

White Balance (6.5)
The White Balance settings for the Panasonic PV-GS2 are accessed by sliding the Automatic/Manual switch to Manual, and then pressing the Enter button situated in the center of the four-way controller, allowing the user to choose a White Balance setting by pressing the Rewind and Fast Forward buttons. The following White Balance icons will appear on the LCD screen: Automatic White Balance, the White Balance previously set manually, Outdoor Mode, and Indoor Mode.

Gain (3.0)
Gain can, like Exposure, be set under the Manual Iris Adjustment and can be adjusted from open to +18dB. If the rating is too high, the overall image quality will be compromised.

Still Performance (3.0)
When in Still Performance mode, the same set of controls used to access Manual Settings when in Video Mode are used when capturing to the Memory Card. By sliding the Automatic/Manual slider to Manual, the user can control Manual Focus, White Balance, Shutter Speed, and Manual Iris settings. It is possible to record still images to Memory Card when shooting in Tape Recording Mode, along with the more standard Card Recording Mode. Picture Playback mode allows the user to view garnered images in either a slide show or multi-up format. Picture Quality settings of Fine, Normal, and Economy are available, along with title creator and Burst Mode shooting. Still Images are recorded in a 640 x 480 pixel JPEG format. It is possible to record still images from card to tape; just set the Mode Dial to Picture Playback Mode and display the first image, then press the photo shot button. During the copying of images, the LCD screen will display the phrase, “now recording” at the bottom of the frame.

VCR Mode (5.5)
VCR Mode for the Panasonic PV-GS2 is accessed by placing the camera in the Playback mode setting symbolized by the green “play” insignia surrounded by a green square. When in this mode, it is possible to review previously captured video and audio footage, along with adding digital effects like picture-within-picture and wipes. Other options are available if the user chooses to use the auxiliary remote, sold separately.

Low Light Performance (4.6)
We tested the PV-GS2’s performance under 60 lux, a light level slightly below normal indoor lighting, and at 15 lux, which is dimmer than 60 lux but still has more than enough luminosity for the naked eye to discern.