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



The Front (6.5)
The front of the low slung PV-GS39 features the Panasonic 30x Video Lens which is positioned in the upper right-hand corner when facing the camcorder. The 30x optical zoom lens has a focal length of 1.9 to 57mm equivalency and an Auto Iris of f/1.8 to f/3.9. The filter has a diameter of 30.5 mm. Beneath the lens is the in-camera stereo microphone which is placed with little to no room between it and the lens. To the left of the lens users will find the in-camera video light, a less than flattering light which may be activated via a control positioned on the back of the camera body. This LED light will only work within an advertised 4.9 feet although even that distance is a bit overambitious. The manual warns that this light will cause vignetting to occur when shooting with conversion lenses.

Beneath the video light users will find the white balance sensor for the camera. Both the placement of this sensor, which could be blocked by a stray finger, and the effect of the LED video light could potentially produce inaccurate color readings as a result. At the bottom of the camcorder body beneath this sensor users will find the A/V port, which is covered by a well built port cover which is attached via a rubber tab located at the top of the port area. This arrangement will mean that if users are attaching an A/V cable the port cover also has the possibility of masking the white balance sensor.

The Right Side (8.75)
The right side of the Panasonic PV-GS39 features an interesting deviation from the standard top- or bottom-loading MiniDV cassette holder. With the Panasonic PV-GS39 users will find that this model loads its tapes from the side. Although the design appears as though the compartment will catch on the hand strap, it still always manages to open regardless of how tight the strap is. Hats off to the engineering team for avoiding that potential glitch. The fact that it's a side-loading rather than top-loading tape mechanism has little bearing on its usability. The cassette holder is opened via the Open/Eject switch located in the center of the camera. Above this switch users will find the playback speaker for the PV-GS39, located in a concave area of the camera body – another clever (or serendipitous) design choice which makes it impossible to mask audio playback even when holding the camera in the right hand. There are slightly raised horizontal lines running the length of the MiniDV compartment which should theoretically provide some sort of grip for the palm of the right hand.

At the base of the camcorder near the back face is another hard plastic port cover, which opens via a tab located on the bottom of the camcorder body. Once opened, users will find the USB 2.0 and DV Input/Output ports for the camcorder. This port placement, unlike the MiniDV compartment, is blocked by the hand strap. If the user is trying to both switch tapes and connect cables to these ports, they’ll find that a very restrictive layout. Running the length of the camcorder body, an adjustable right hand strap features a slightly padded interior and a Velcro lock.

The Back (6.0)
The viewfinder for the PV-GS39 is positioned in the upper left-hand corner and this Color Electronic Viewfinder is extendable, which will allow users to use this feature even with a battery pack in place below. To adjust the viewfinder the user must pull the viewfinder out from the camcorder body and turn the “Eyepiece Corrector Knob”. This control is well sized and designed for ease of use, a functional device which is far superior to many of the diopter adjustment controls found on similarly priced camcorders. The actual eyepiece for the viewfinder is made of the same hard gray plastic as the right side of the camcorder. This unforgiving material will make using this feature less comfortable than the rubber eye cup found on the GS500.

 

Beneath the viewfinder users will find the Battery Pack for the camera, which when removed via a tab on the bottom of the camcorder body, will reveal a port for the DC-in located on the inner right edge of this slight recess. To the right of the viewfinder users will find the Off/On switch. Next to the lower right corner of the On/Off switch a red LED will provide users with information regarding the power state of the camcorder. Beneath the LED and the On/Off switch users will find the Menu button for the PV-GS39, a small, slightly raised circular control.

To the right of this control users will find the mode dial with a central joystick which controls both settings and menu navigation for this camcorder. The mode dial will allow users to set the camcorder to Video Record, Video Playback, Still Image Record, Still Image Playback, or PC Mode. To the right of the mode dial is the Record button, a kidney bean shaped controller which is controlled via the thumb of the right hand. This control is positioned on a raised section of the camcorder body and is itself slightly raised as well. Beneath the mode dial and the Rec. button is the Light button, which controls the in-camera video light located on the front of the camcorder body. This button is small and sits flush with the surface of the camcorder.

The Left Side (8.0)
The left side of the camcorder is primarily consumed by the 2.7” LCD which will display both 16:9 native and 4:3 formats. When in 4:3, the picture is pillar boxed. Revealed when the LCD Screen is opened, the switch for Auto/Manual/Focus is positioned near the back of the camcorder’s LCD cavity and is small in size. This seems odd considering the lack of any other control on this surface. Located above this controller is the recessed Reset button. A slight light gray tab is located along the bottom edge of the body and can be flipped downwards to reveal an SD memory card slot which loads from the bottom of the camcorder.

The Top (8.0)
There are a few controls located on the top face of the PV-GS39, all on the right side near the back. Near the back edge of the camcorder, the Photo Shot button allows users to capture still images to memory card. Located in front of this control is the Zoom Toggle for the PV-GS39, placed for control with the right hand. This feature doubles as a volume control when reviewing footage in playback mode.


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