Panasonic PV-GS35 Camcorder Review

Audio (6.5)
Audio option for both 12 and 16 bit capture are available on the PV-GS35 and are accessed through the menu system. Unfortunately, manual control of audio levels does not exist in the PV-GS35. Audio Dubbing is available when using the remote in case you need cool voice-overs and such. The PV-GS35 features a microphone port located on the front of the camcorder, under a port cover, though no accessory shoe is available, meaning that any microphone you attach will unfortunately have to be handheld. Audio Dubbing is available on the PV-GS35. The PV-GS35 also has a microphone input which is great, considering that the $500 offerings from Canon, JVC, and Sony all lack this feature. In addition the camcorder has a headphone out jack that is shared with the A/V out jack. The PV-GS35 really offers great audio options.

VCR Mode (6.5)
Playback modes for both SD card and tape capture are available for on-camcorder and off-camcorder playback on the PV-GS35. These modes are selected using the mode dial, with playback options toggled using the joystick control and zoom control (volume). With controls as such, the PV-GS35’s playback modes can be used easily with one hand for easy playback to check and see if you got that one shot. The A/V port on the front of the camcorder and the S-Video port in the rear allow for playback on televisions. Computer editing and manipulation is available using the DV port and USB port, both located under the strap. Thumbnail playback of card captured still images, as well as formatting and editing options, are available on PV-GS35. Slow-motion/frame-by-frame playback is available with the camcorder’s remote.

Ports (8.0)
The PV-GS35 includes an S-Video port underneath the battery port on the back of the camcorder. A microphone input and an A/V output are located under a port cover on the front of the camcorder. Underneath the strap of the PV-GS35 is a port cover concealing the camcorder’s USB and DV ports. The PV-GS35 is the only low-end GS camcorder with a microphone input port, though it lacks an accessory shoe.