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


Located on the front of the camera body, beneath a port cover at the base, the user will find the A/V out / Headphone port for the Panasonic PV-GS2. The DV in/out port and USB ports are nearly inaccessible on the right side of the camera body, in a horrible position with the hand strap blocking functionality and ease of use. Both port covers feel as if their connection to the camera body is tenuous, and like they might be easily broken during daily usage. Finally, located under the LCD monitor on the left side and opened via a switch located directly forward of it, is the Memory Card Slot. The cover for this feature is slightly opaque and a rich royal blue.

Other Features (5.0)
Simultaneous Still and Motion Record Capability
It is possible to record still images when capturing Audio/Video footage, when the Panasonic PV-GS2 is in Tape Recording Mode. During recording the user merely presses the Photo Shot button located directly behind the Zoom lever on the top of the camcorder button. The image will be captured to the Memory Card.

Digital Image Stabilizer
This feature on the Panasonic PV-GS2 is engaged, like most of the additional features, by entering the onscreen LCD Menu, then scrolling down until the EIS feature is highlighted and turned on. The user will be able to capture video shot under rough or uneven conditions more smoothly. However, this feature will affect color quality in fluorescent light, may leave afterimages, and may not work with digital zoom when recording with a conversion lens, or in dimly lit situations in general.

Wind Noise Reduction 
This feature reduces the amount of wind hitting the microphone during recording, acting as a sort of EQ, although overall sound quality will be compromised.

Stereo Zoom Microphone
The Stereo Zoom Microphone on the Panasonic PV-GS2 works with the visual zoom control on the top of the camera body. This feature allows the user to enhance more distant sounds. Excessive noise in the rest of the scene will negate this slightly amusing feature.

Rapid Fire Consecutive Photo Shoot
By pressing the Photo Shot button, still pictures can be recorded in half-second intervals until released or until ten images are recorded.

Widescreen Mode
There is no Widescreen Mode format available on the Panasonic PV-GS2.

MPEG
The Panasonic PV-GS2 records only JPEG images on the Memory Card, with Motion JPEG format available when the camcorder is used as a webcam.

Analog to Digital Pass-Through
There is no analog to digital pass-through option available on the Panasonic PV-GS2.



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