Panasonic PV-GS500 First Impressions Camcorder Review

The Front
The most prominent feature on the front of the GS500 is the 12x optical and 700x digital zoom, optically image stabilized lens which uses a 43mm filter thread. The lens iris has a range of f/1.6 to f/16 and the shutter ranges from 1/60 to 1/8000 in video. Lens focal length ranges from 3.3mm at full wide to 39.6mm at 12X zoom.  These focal lengths equate to 35mm equivalents of 44.5-534mm (4:3 video), 41.3-496mm (widescreen video), 37.6-451mm (4:3 stills) and 41-492mm (16:9 stills). To the left of the lens is the photoflash, which protrudes forward enough to become a nuisance for anyone who wants to add filters or conversion lenses larger than 52mm. In addition, when the stock hood is removed, the focus ring extends beyond the body of the lens enough so it will interfere with stepup rings or conversion lenses with barrel diameters larger than 52mm.  These design decisions will make adding lens accessories more problematic. The zoom microphone has been moved from the top of the camcorder as on the GS400 to directly below the lens.  This microphone position can be susceptable to hand noise when cradling the camcorder in the left hand.

The Right Side
The GS500 shoots video to MiniDV tapes and, as typical for Panasonic camcorders, the tape drive is located under the shooter’s right hand when holding the camcorder. Helping secure the shooter's hand is a standard, adjustable Panasonic hand strap. At the front of the right side, under a rubber cover, are the analog A/V-out and external microphone/wired remote jacks. Notably missing from these ports is a headphone jack. Users who want to shoot video while recording audio with an external microphone will have to rely on the audio level display on the LCD to ensure that audio is being recorded. Unfortunately, the audio level display does not indicate if both channels of stereo audio are being recorded. So, it is possible to lose an audio channel but not know it, since you can't listen to the audio as you record. Toward the rear of the right side is the speaker.

The Back
At the top of the back is the electronic viewfinder (EVF). The EVF can be pulled back and tilted upward about 60 degrees. To the right of the EVF is a sliding power switch. The quick start mode is still available as a menu option and is activated via the power switch. Below the power switch is the button that activates the menu selections on the LCD. Below and to the right of the menu button is the mode dial and joystick control. The mode dial maintains Panasonic's standard modes of record (video), playback (video), record (stills), playback (stills), and PC (USB mode for transferring stills). The joystick is conveniently located so it can be manipulated with the right thumb. The joystick control has proved to be very convenient as compared to the cruciform rocker that was used on the GS400. Below and to the left of the joystick is the record/pause button. Then, to the left and below the EVF is the battery. Beginning with last year's models, batteries are interchangeable across the entire Panasonic 3 CCD line.

The Left Side
The most prominent feature on the left side is the 2.7-in. LCD. The LCD rotates outward from the body of the camcorder 90 degrees, then can be rotated around its horizontal axis 180 degrees so people in front of the camcorder can see themselves. Also, in MagicPix mode (Panasonic’s low light mode), the LCD can act as a dim light to provide some illumination for darkly lighted scenes. Note that with the LCD docked into its recess, there are no buttons or switches for activating functions, leaving the body very sleek and smooth. When the LCD is opened, the auto-manual-focus switch, power LCD switch, reset pushbutton, and the DV and USB 2.0 high speed ports are revealed. On the bottom of the left side, under the LCD recess, is the SD card slot.

The Top
On the right front of the top of the camcorder is the latch for opening the tape transport clamshell. When the clamshell is opened, the tape transport elevates and opens to permit inserting or removing a MiniDV tape.  The speed of the transport mechanism has been enhanced over the GS400's. Further back and just before the EVF eyepiece is the intelligent, powered accessory shoe. To the right of the accessory shoe and a little further toward the rear is the zoom/volume control slider. Right behind the zoom slider is the Photoshot pushbutton.