Panasonic PV-GS85

Comparison
Panasonic PV-GS320
Three 1/6-inch CCDs are the key difference between Panasonic’s top of the line MiniDV camcorder, the PV-GS320 ($499.95 MSRP) and the step-down PV-GS85. In our testing labs, the PV-GS320 produced a killer image in bright light, but low light was not so hot. However, in overall shooting, the PV-GS320 cranked out a better picture than the PV-GS85 due to much sharper images and more accurate colors. The only other difference between them is a larger still resolution from the GS320? Both camcorders are architecturally identical and offer the same features, aside from the PV-GS85’s video light. Now doesn’t this cake the PV-GS320 in shame. Remember the glorious days of MiniDV titans like the PV-GS400? Dust in the wind—unless you can find one on eBay. If you need to save cash, go for the PV-GS85.

Canon ZR850
Canon’s top MiniDV dog is equipped with a single 1/6" CCD that manages to pack in 1,070,000 pixels. In bright light, the ZR850 ($329 MSRP) produced a fairly saturated, noisy image while low light was simply frightful. We’re going with the PV-GS85 here, which displayed a more solid image across the board. Since both camcorders offer the same connectivity, let’s take a look at handling. The ZR850’s tall, upright frame lacks burliness and skimps heavily on the viewfinder. The PV-GS85 offers OIS while the ZR850 is stuck with EIS. Though the ZR850 can capture slightly larger stills, you’ll want to stick with the PV-GS85 on this one. Its rear-mounted joystick and abundance of manual controls just blow the ZR850 into smithereens. Our next comparison should be shaking in its boots.

Sony DCR-HC38
At the pinnacle of Point-and-Shoot Mountain sits any Sony camcorder. The DCR-HC38 ($330.00 MSRP) appears to be a beginner’s dream, touting Easy mode and a touch screen interface. However, one look beyond the DCR-HC38’s snazzy body will reveal a deplorable menu that is far from intuitive. The buttons are the size of particles and must be pressed repeatedly in order to engage an option. The DCR-HC38 produces a decent image in bright light, but—like most 1/6" chip camcorders—suffers in low light. The PV-GS85 has comparable bright light and much better low light, plus an abundance of manual controls. There is no contest here.

JVC GR-D796
We haven’t reviewed the JVC GR-D796 ($349.00 MSRP) yet, but this camcorder features an identical imager to its predecessor, the GR-D395. What this equates to is a pale bright light image with poor low light. The PV-GS85’s manual gain control trumps the GR-D796’s Auto Gain Control (AGC) any day—at 60 lux we had a couple notches of Gain play with the PV-GS85. Not too shabby. The GR-D796 is designed tall and upright, increasing the portability factor and probably more comfortable in hand. Other features include an LCD-mounted joystick, retractable viewfinder, and extra included battery pack. Will this be enough to sway diehard Panasonic fans? Most likely not. Stick with the PV-GS85.


Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
Beginners beware: the PV-GS85 is among the most advanced entry-level MiniDV camcorder on the market. Most Point-and-Shooters will long for Sony’s Easy mode.

Budget Consumers
An entry-level camcorder with optical image stabilization and manual Gain is a steal, especially for under $300. Budget Consumers, this is your lucky day.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
The maximum still size on the PV-GS85 is 640 x 480 VGA, so shooters who want anything outside of web quality images will have to look elsewhere.

Gadget Freaks
What? A MiniDV camcorder? They still make those?

Manual Control Freaks
As stated throughout this review, the PV-GS85 bursts out of the starting gates with Focus, Aperture, Gain, White Balance, and Shutter Speed—a commendable array for an entry-level camcorder. Panasonic leads the pack in this department.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists
Even standard definition prosumer camcorders are vying for the attention of HD-hungry pros these days—the PV-GS85 doesn’t even stand a chance.

Conclusion
The Panasonic PV-GS85 is a cut above the average entry-level camcorder. On the whole, the video quality will not impress. After all, this is a below-$300 model and only so much can be expected. What surprised us was the low light performance. The camcorder managed to retain information at very low light levels, a feat not commonly shared in this price class. True, that’s very grainy, low-res footage, but it trumped the competition by a fair margin.

Another thing to love about the PV-GS85 is the set of manual controls and features. You can never accuse Panasonic of skimping. From their lowest model to the top, they include independent aperture and shutter control, gain, focus, a dose of Scene Modes, and other one-touch image correction tools. The PV-GS85 also offers optical image stabilization, something Canon, Sony, and JVC don’t offer until you get to their top-tier models. The greenest of newcomers might stumble a bit through the learning curve on this camcorder, but they’ll be rewarded with not only decent video quality, but a solid tool that will help them learn how to shoot great video.