Panasonic PV-GS320 Camcorder Review

by David Kender
Published on Jul 9, 2007 10:00 AM

 
Intro Performance
Format Auto / Manual Controls
Still Features Handling and Use
Audio / Playback / Connectivity
 Other Features
Comparisons / Conclusion Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings
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Audio (4.0)
The PV-GS320’s built-in stereo microphone is mounted on the front of the camcorder, to the bottom left of the lens. Unfortunately, you won’t find a mic or headphone jack anywhere within the PV-GS320’s real estate, which is a major bummer. Many camcorders of an equivalent price range or cheaper include at least one or the other, if not both. Canon’s entry-level MiniDV model, the ZR800, has a mic jack. Good audio features were also once a hallmark of Panasonic’s top-end MiniDV models, but no more.

What the PV-GS320 does offer is a zoom mic function. When selected, the built-in stereo microphone increases gain while zooming in and cuts decibels on the way back to a wide angle. If you plan on recording dialogue using a medium or long shot, this feature will come in handy. You can also dub audio with the PV-GS320, adding voice-overs or self-generated sound effects to spice up the cinematic magic of your work. Lastly, the PV-GS320 includes a wind cut feature that guards recorded audio from the throes Mother Nature. Like most consumer camcorders, you will not experience a miraculous improvement.

Playback (3.25)
The PV-GS320 utilizes a playback layout that bellows ease of use and allows for effortless navigation. The mode dial includes two playback settings: video and digital stills. Because the PV-GS320 is blessed with a rear-mounted joystick, all playback operations can be carried out swiftly and efficiently with the right thumb. In fact, you don’t even need to press an additional button to cue the playback controls. One tap of the joystick’s center cues a small circular playback menu.


On screen, the camcorder gives you the cue for
playback controls for the joystick

Let’s start in video playback mode. Pressing the center of the joystick will bring up that miniature playback menu. Here you’ll find rewind and fast forward, play/pause, and stop, all controlled by shifting the joystick. Pressing the center of the joystick once more lights a fire under the little playback menu’s behind and it races out in a jiffy. To access the full playback menu, press the menu button. An identical administrative menu pops up (only this one’s green) displaying settings, advanced, setup, and language. In playback mode, only the date/time and webcam settings are available in the basic tab. Advanced grants control over record speed, record standby, record data, picture quality, and repeat play. Setup encompasses audio playback, audio out, display, remote, power LCD, LCD set, EVF set, power save, and TV aspect settings. Playback volume is controlled by the zoom slider, which makes life a lot easier when you’re in a library or computer lab reviewing footage.

The Basic admin menu in playback mode

The Advanced admin menu in playback mode

In digital still playback mode, captured images appear on the LCD or viewfinder initially. Pressing the center of the joystick cues the trusty playback control menu. This time, you’ll find previous/next image, start/stop slideshow, and delete, controlled by the joystick. Shifting the zoom toggle to the left alters the viewing format of captured stills—a screen with up to 6 icons per page appears, allowing you to scroll through each image and select it with the joystick. The playback administrative menu is accessed by pressing the menu button and includes the same master tabs as video playback. Only this time, the set of options for each tab has changed a bit. The option to protect an image is present in the basic tab, and the advanced tab only consists of DPOF set and card format settings. Setup is identical to the video offerings, except for audio playback and audio out.

Connectivity (7.0)
Panasonic has done a stellar job perplexing us with the placement of the majority of their ports. Within the PV-GS320’s battery chamber, you’ll find the DC-in, USB, and FireWire terminals. Access to these ports can only be granted when the battery is removed from the battery chamber. Say you forget your power supply and need to capture footage on the fly—not going to happen with the PV-GS320. The battery must charge separately as well, contrary to most camcorders that allow you to connect directly to the camcorder while the battery charges in the chamber. The rear connectivity architecture on the PV-GS320 is very poor.

 

The battery cavity, with DC-power, Firewire, and USB ports.

  

The AV port, located in the right front.

On the right side toward the lens end is the A/V out terminal, housed by a rugged plastic cover. The cover snaps into place quickly and efficiently, and is durable enough to support a rough and tumble trip across the country. On top is a cold accessory shoe, but with no mic or headphone jacks, the only purpose the shoe serves is to hold a battery-powered video light or flash, since the PV-GS320 is devoid of those features also. An SD card slot is located underneath the camcorder, protected by a hinged plastic door. If you plan on capturing stills while using a tripod, make sure you’re using a card with plenty of memory. Continuously removing and replacing a camcorder on a tripod will slowly drive you over the edge.

 

 

 

 



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