Panasonic PV-GS2 Camcorder Review

The Back (6.5)
The back portion of the Panasonic PV-GS2 has a black and white Electronic Viewfinder located in the upper left corner of the camera body. The black rubber eyepiece can be extended out from its recessed position, so that during use the user can actually maneuver around the thick battery pack located directly beneath. On the extended barrel of the Viewfinder, the user can find the diopter adjustment, which allows for focal adjustment of the Electronic Viewfinder. It should be noted that if the Viewfinder is being used, the user will not be able to use the Manual Controls, the LCD Monitor, the Playback options, etc, and will be primarily limited to Camera Mode, Still Image capture, and the Zoom lever. This aspect of the camera becomes frustrating; the feasibility and functionality of the Viewfinder is almost entirely nullified due to this lack of control and limited adjustments. Also, with the right hand's positioning, the user will be unable to use his or her left eye for Viewfinder viewing options, because of the camcorder's small size. This, coupled with a black and white screen and limited control, makes this camera almost pointless for any user looking to actually use the Viewfinder while shooting images, making its presence moot. Beneath the Viewfinder the user will find the battery pack, which can be removed using the battery release switch located directly beneath on the base of the camera. Doing so will reveal the Panasonic PV-GS2's DC port.

Starting on the right half of the camera’s back, the user will find the Mode Dial, located towards the top of the camera body. The mode dial looks like a cheap toy that mimics a camcorder part, emphasizing a certain lack of quality overall. This Mode Dial controls the different settings the camcorder can engage in. These settings are: Tape Recording Mode, which is represented by a film camera, and allows the user to record moving images to tape, while simultaneously recording digital still images to the memory card; Tape Playback, signified by a green play symbol surrounded by a green square, which allows the user to play back recorded video/audio footage from the tape; Card Recording Mode, which is engaged when the user is capturing still images to the memory card; Picture Playback Mode, which is used when reviewing previously garnered still images on the memory card; and finally, PC Mode, which is used when the user desires to connect the camcorder to a personal computer.

Underneath the Mode Dial is the Quick Start button, a feature which supposedly allows the camcorder to begin recording within approximately 1.3 seconds after powering up. However, to use this feature, the user must first have camera on, press the Quick Start button, turn the camera off, then turn the camera back on. It's a bit of rigmarole for a “quick” start, although once the Quick Start feature has been established, it is possible to use it again without going back through the setup. Underneath the Quick Start button is the Off/On switch, a ring with a tab extending out from the center point, with a small blue button at the tip of this switch. When pressed, the blue button allows the user to switch the camera on and off. In the center of the Off/On switch, the user will find a button with a red circle in the center, which acts as the record in and out initiation for video and audio footage.