Panasonic PV-GS65 Camcorder Review

by Matt Culler
Published on Feb 8, 2005 11:00 AM

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


Ease of Use (4.0)
While the PV-GS65 (Review, Specs, $899) is extremely easy to hold and maneuver, there are a couple of problems which contribute to Panasonic’s reputation of hard-to-use camcorders. First, the camcorder’s new navigational system, while perhaps easier to use than last year’s compass button method, may take some getting used to. The system makes use of a new joystick to control both navigation through the camcorder’s menu system–which is easy enough–and navigation through the manual control menu–which will require some acclimation. For instance, many of the icons for the softskin, telemacro, and fade functions are not readily associated with their corresponding functions. Thankfully, Panasonic has included an index of icons in the manual. While the PV-GS65 offers many options and features as well as a new menu system and joystick control, it is still not as easily operated as many Sony camcorders.

Handling (8.5) 
Thanks to Panasonic’s new navigational system, the PV-GS65 handles really, really well. It fits snuggly into the hand with the tape mechanism providing enough girth for a comfortable grasp. The navigational joystick is located directly underneath the user’s thumb which makes navigation quicker and easier. The record button is also both large and conveniently located. My only qualms with this camcorder’s handling are that I’d like the zoom toggle to be controllable by the index instead of the middle finger, and that I’d prefer that the auto/manual switch not be located beneath the LCD screen. Other than that, this camcorder is great.

Portability (7.0)
For a 3 CCD camcorder, the PV-GS65 is pretty portable. While PV-GS65 is slightly fatter and taller than Panasonic’s cheapest 3 CCD camcorder of last year, the PV-GS120 (Review, Specs, $479), it is not as long, which gives the camcorder a more compact and portable feel without sacrificing surface area. However, while it’s nice that the PV-GS65 feels very small and portable for a 3 CCD camcorder, it does suffer for its size, as its zoom toggle is most easily accessed with the middle finger. Personally, I’d rather control the zoom with the index finger. But anyway, the PV-GS65 has to be one of the best buys for performance and portability.

LCD/Viewfinder (6.0)
The PV-GS65 ships with a 2.5 inch LCD monitor. Unfortunately, this screen solarizes when viewed from a downward angle. If you’d like a better LCD screen look at some Sonys. There is a color viewfinder available as well though it isn’t exactly the most mobile thing in the world; it only retracts about half an inch.


Battery (4.55)
Recording video to tape with the LCD screen open, and without zooming, the included CGR-DU06 battery pack, fully-charged, yielded one hour, 31 minutes, 9 seconds of recording time on to MiniDV tape. To find the battery score we multiply the number of minutes by .05.



<< Still Features | Audio / Playback / Connectivity >>