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



Widescreen/16:9 Mode (7.75)
The widescreen or 16:9 setting for this camcorder is a native 16:9 format which is displayed fully on the 2.7-inch LCD screen. The user may choose to engage a 4:3 aspect ratio by entering the Basic Menu and selecting the Aspect setting. The inclusion of a 16:9 feature is great; many one chip models still shoot in 4:3 and at best offer a crop and zoom pseudo-Widescreen setting. Native 16:9, on the other hand, means that when shooting in the widescreen, the full width of the chip is used. 

Scan Rates/24P (0.0)
The scan rate on the PV-GS39 is the standard 29.97 fps. For 24P or other frame rate setting options, consumers should expect to enter into a higher price range and deal with 3 CCD machines.

Other Features (7.0)
Fade On/Off - This setting lets the user of the PV-GS39 fade in and fade out images at the beginnings and ends of recording periods. While the results don’t have the quality found with fades on film, this feature is functional and will allow for some user play to occur with picture.

Backlight Compensation - The Backlight Compensation feature will let the image adjust to subjects who are being lit too strongly from behind, a situation which will otherwise throw the front plane recorded by the camcorder into deep shadow. In our testing, this feature did not perform very well at all. Our advice: find a better place for your subject to stand rather than relying on the camcorder to correct the picture.

Soft Skin Mode - The Soft Skin Mode is located within the same onscreen joystick diagram which may be accessed by pressing the joystick in and selecting the Soft Skin setting on the second menu. This feature will allow “Skin Tones” to be recorded with a softer tone and more flattering results which will obscure blemishes and flaws. However, it should be noted that this is only beneficial for a certain range of skin tones. This is a common aspect amongst all camcorders that have a soft skin mode. Be sure to write the manufacturer for more information on this feature.

MagicPix - The MagicPix feature on the Panasonic PV-GS39 allows users to shoot color images when experiencing situations that provide low or no light if use of the Video Light is neither feasible nor desired. The MagicPix feature tended to wash out images and produces stuttering slow video in a manner that Panasonic terms “time-lapse-like”. It is still possible to adjust the focal depth, but white balance, shutter speed, and scene mode settings may not be manipulated by the user. Panasonic goes on to state that this feature slows the charging time of the CCD up to approximately 30x usual speed and will result in images that often display white dots on final footage. According to Panasonic these white/bright dots, though visible, are “not a malfunction”. Also, the image stabilization is automatically disengaged when this feature is activated.

Wind Noise Reduction Function - This feature provides a high pass filter to audio recorded by the Panasonic PV-GS39, which will allow for higher frequency audio to pass through while blocking the undesirable low tones created when wind hits the microphone.

Web Camera Feature - The Web Camera feature may be engaged by connecting the Panasonic PV-GS39 to PC via the USB port located on the right side of the camcorder. Users can then send video and sound from the camcorder to third parties via the network or Internet, opening up a number of fun options to consume an afternoon.



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