Panasonic PV-GS2 Camcorder Review

The Top (7.0)
The top of the Panasonic PV-GS2 has three controllers. The Open/Eject button for the cassette cartridge is located at the front, to the right side of the camera body. Behind this, and supposedly controlled by the index finger, is the Zoom lever which controls the telephoto and wide angle lens. However, the camera’s small size and the odd lever placement gave me with a choice of either using my left hand, or clumsily attempting to maneuver the lever with the knuckle… not exactly a delicate or accurate motion. Behind the Zoom lever is the Photo Shot button for capturing digital still images to the Memory Card.

Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control (5.0)
Automatic controls are engaged whenever the user slides the Automatic/Manual slider to the Automatic position. It is also possible to enter the Menu and, in the camera settings subsection, choose among the following Program AE modes: Sports, Portrait, Low Light, Spotlight, and Surf/Snow. These are general settings in regard to specific situations, and inevitably, a well-informed user will be able to garner better image results when controlling the camera through manual settings rather than the presets. However, if a user doesn't understand manual controls very well, the Program AE mode does allow for a point-and-shoot user to become a little more accurate in their ability to control image capture. Automatic adjustments to focus and exposure perform in an average way, which is expected for a budget camcorder.