Panasonic PV-GS39 Camcorder Review

by James Murray
Published on Jan 27, 2006 3:00 PM

 
Intro Performance
Format
 Tour
Auto / Manual Controls Still Features
Handling and Use Audio / Playback / Connectivity
Other Features Comparisons / Conclusion
Specs/Ratings



Compression (8.0)
For video, the Panasonic PV-GS39 engages in standard MiniDV compression, a compression format that thus far remains superior to the MPEG-2 compression of DVD camcorders presently available on the market. This should provide users with a higher quality of video at a lower price and in a form that is still more editable than footage current from DVD or hard disk camcorders. This will inevitably change as the technology becomes popular and evolves, but in the meantime, the PV-GS39 is able to produce image results which easily surpass those from competing formats. Stills from the GS39 are saved in the JPEG format.

Media (8.0)
The Panasonic PV-GS39 comes with two separate recording options, allowing the user to shoot still images with a resolution of 640 x 480 and record them to SD memory card, or to record video onto 6.35mm MiniDV tape. SD memory cards are not included with this camcorder. Both SD cards and MiniDV tape, however, are relatively common formats and should be easy to find.

Editing (8.0)
This camcorder does not come with editing software; for users to gain access to this additional option the purchase of the PV-GS59 will be necessary. That being said, the proprietary editing suites often included with camcorders are less than stellar and are oftentimes either rudimentary or unnecessarily laborious structures. The purchase of other editing software will be necessary if postproduction work is required or desired by the user.



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