Panasonic PV-GS300 Camcorder Review

Compression (8.0)
The compression found when shooting with MiniDV camcorders is minimal compared to the compression of the MPEG-2 format of DVD camcorders or hard disk camcorders. This means that the PV-GS300 (Review, Specs, $469.99) can record higher quality video at a fraction of the price of these up and coming formats. While future DVD and hard drive camcorders could potentially outdo MiniDV, that day has not yet dawned. The PV-GS300 is still able to provide a superior product in this category. Still images are recorded as JPEG files to SD card.

Media (8.0)
The PV-GS300 comes with two media options. Video is recorded to 6.35mm MiniDV tape while still images are recorded to SD memory cards. The video compartment is located on the right side of the camcorder while the SD memory card slot is located on the bottom of the PV-GS300. Maximum resolution for still images is 2048 x 1512 and the maximum number of shots recordable to memory card is contingent upon card size, image size and image quality. While neither format is included with the camcorder they are easily found both on and off-line in numerous sources.

Editing (8.0)
Installing the included Panasonic MotionDV Studio and Quick Movie Magic software was probably the easiest part of the editing process. A simple icon menu appears and allows the user to select the program they wish to install. Once selected, a simple step-by-step installation setup will quickly usher even the most basic computer users through the process. Upon its completion it is possible to open either program, with the MotionDV Studio software providing the more in-depth editing experience. MotionDV Studio initially looks simple, but for users without patience or experience, it may be wise to use the edit assistant feature.

The first problem encountered was in setting the DV input to recognize the Panasonic camcorder. This is not done by the computer upon opening the program. You must enter the input menu and navigate submenus to open and alter this to the proper Panasonic PV-GS300 setting. The importation of video from the camcorder is awkward and demands that the user to press play and then the capture button. And when ending capture mode the tape doesn’t stop playing automatically, so doing precise capturing is out of the question.

The video is imported with simultaneous audio and listed in a workspace which displays a thumbnail and clip information. This workspace has tabs which allow the editor to also view audio clips, still images, title clips, and other footage either imported from the camcorder, title editor, or other image/audio creation system. The layout is similar to Adobe Premiere in terms of thumbnail, data of file and drag & drop cutting onto the timeline. Clips may be dropped into the timeline and then length may be manipulated by moving the clip end-point in a scrubbing motion until the proper length is set. There appears to be no way to leave blank space within the timeline; when users drag and drop clips, each clip will successively snap to the one previously listed in the timeline. It is possible to alter in and out points by highlighting the edit point and clicking the appropriate button. This is an immediate edit unlike the analogous feature in Final Cut Pro, for which users can select in and out points and then cut, crop and alter after engaging in other processes. Also, unlike Premiere and Final Cut, this program doesn’t allow shortcuts like copy and paste to be applied to clips within the timeline.

The effects and animations available in the video transitions, video effects, and video titles sections are surprisingly not cheesy. While each effect is listed with a helpful and basic icon image, the actual quality of the effect is less assured. The wipe, page peel, fade in, fade out and other settings of this nature are standard and will perform without painful cringing.

The animations found within the video title menu are, to drastically understate it, interesting. They feature monkey-like bouncing children with halos and jump ropes, and they can be accentuated with schmaltzy frames that are unlikely to appeal to even the kitschiest editor. Imagine Precious Moments dolls coming to life and gyrating with the aid of the most primitive CG engine - you get the idea. I found these options most effective when either left out entirely (for serious video) or used to glorious excess. There is no middle ground.

Exporting files can be done easily by selecting the export video setting and selecting between MiniDV, email or video file. This program saves video files as AVI files when saving to computer. This process is straightforward. If users are looking for an editing program where they will use the software to import, cut slightly and export footage, this software could certainly be sufficient. But if in-depth editing, multiple tracks, non-linear and more complex edits are necessary with quality graphics, fades and audio manipulation, it would be wise to look elsewhere. The interface doesn’t really provide quick and easy alterations and anyone who has worked with programs like Final Cut will find the non-intuitive workflow structure irksome.