Panasonic PV-GS500 First Impressions Camcorder Review

by Guy Bruner
Published on Jan 6, 2006 4:00 PM

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


Audio
The GS500 (Review, Specs, $1040) continues to use Panasonic's zoom stereo microphone system to capture audio. Users may select either 12 bit or 16 bit resolution. There is also a 3.5mm stereo microphone jack for attaching an external unbalanced microphone. When the external microphone jack is used, the internal microphones are disconnected. Audio input either from the microphone jack or the internal microphones may be manually controlled via menu options. When audio level is set to auto, the camcorder uses automatic gain control (AGC) to adjust audio level. In addition to the auto option, users may choose to adjust the setpoint for level (SET in the menu) with the aid of AGC or with no AGC. There is a small speaker on the right rear of the camcorder for listening to the audio recorded. Audio volume during playback is controlled with the zoom slider control on the top rear of the camcorder.

VCR Mode
Panasonic calls its VCR mode “tape playback mode.” Tape playback mode is the operating mode used for viewing the video recording from the tape on the LCD or via the A/V cable on a TV set. In addition, tape playback mode is used for copying the video to a computer over either DV (Firewire or iLink) or USB cables. Users may play, pause, fast forward, fast preview, fast reverse, fast reverse preview, and stop playback using the joystick control.

Ports
The PV-GS500 (Review, Specs, $1040) has DV, USB 2.0 high speed, A/V-out, and a shared microphone/wired remote ports.







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