Panasonic PV-GS250 Camcorder Review by Matt Culler Published on Mar 15, 2005 12:00 PM
Related ArticlesReviews: Panasonic PV-GS320 Camcorder Review

Ease of Use (6.0)
While the PV-GS250 (Review, Specs, $1299.99) doesn’t offer an easy mode, it is generally easier to use than many Panasonic camcorders of yesteryear. This primarily due to the new navigational system on nearly all of Panasonic’s new camcorders this year. While last year’s compass-button-under-the-LCD-screen system made menu navigation and manual control adjustment a two-handed enterprise, the new system allows for easy one-handed use. Also, Panasonic has overhauled their menu system for both manual control as well as general options, making the overall menu experience a more enjoyable one. Again, though, there is no easy mode, which takes away from the camcorder’s overall ease of use, and menu icons can be hard to decipher without a manual or a period of adjustment.

Handling (9.5)
The combination of the PV-GS250’s focus ring, new navigational system, and sizable body design makes the camcorder a joy to handle. It’s rare to see a relatively large camcorder so easy and comfortable to handle and navigate with one hand. Needless to say, to operate the camcorder’s focus ring the user must use two hands, but by and large this thing is easily handled with one. Also, the camcorder is sized such that the user's pinky finger won't obstruct the microphone. Bravo.

Portability(4.0)
Not the most portable of camcorders, the PV-GS250 measures in at 3.2 x 2.9 x 5.7 inches, and without tape, battery, or lens cap weighs over a pound. This is obviously not a pocket camcorder.

LCD/Viewfinder(6.0)
The PV-GS250, like the PV-GS65 (Review, Specs, $899), ships with an LCD screen that unfortunately solarizes. Sonys have better LCD quality, but the PV-GS250 does excel in LCD design. The outside of the LCD screen curves towards the bottom of the camcorder, closely conforming to the camcorder’s body shape, making it both ergonomic and beautiful. The PV-GS250’s viewfinder is also extremely mobile (it has to be to allow access to the accessory shoe), which is nice, though not necessarily new from last year. But newer isn't always better; if you got something good, you keep it.

Battery (11.8)
Recording video to tape with the LCD screen open, and without zooming, the included and fully-charged CGR-DU12 battery pack yielded one hour, 58 minutes, and 27 seconds of recording time on to MiniDV tape before shutting down due to low battery.