Panasonic PV-GS80 MiniDV Camcorder with 32x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This camera is a wonderful option to someone new to videography and filmaking. It offers basic features, while packing a mighty punch in performance.

Heres the GOOD:
1.)GREAT video quality for a camera in this price range
2.)Firewire compatible
3.)very useful Optical Image Stabalizer(O.I.S.)
4.)VERY easy and SIMPLE to use
5.)comfortable "one touch" joystick navagation
6.)feels sturdy and fits in palm nicely
7.)Mini DV tape loads from the TOP of the unit(helps with use of tripod)
8.)Crystal clear 2.7 inch LCD screen
9.)you don't hear motor noise.(which tends to be a problem with cameras in this price range.)
10.)Small design which makes it easy to travel with

Heres the BAD:
1.) Battery isnt very good..only about 1-2 hours max recordong time with the LCD flipped open(however, compensating for use of the eyepiece will significantly save battery.)
2.)At Max zoom O.I.S. isnt 100% effective
3.)Removable Lens cap..(they say if you don't remove the cap before powering the camera on, then that will mess up the white balance sensor..although i havent tested that claim)
4.)You have to remove the battery to have access to the fireiwre port, thus needing to plug another adapter into the camera to recive power from the wall.
5.) Eyepiece does not flip up at an angle, insted it only pulls out about 1/2 inch( also, to use the eyepiece, the LCD has to be closed and it isnt diffucult to lean in too close to the eyepice and accidentally push it back in, which will power off the camera, which tends to get annoying.)
6.)Low light performance isnt very impressive( but it still does a decent job.)

My Thoughts:
This Camcorder is deffinatly something to consider if you are a begginer in filmakking(me), or if you just want something inexpensive to record those speacial moments with. I REALLY like this camera, and right now it goes everywhere with me(almost! lol) and the deisgn is wonderful! At a glance, one would never imagine that this is a "lower end" camera. By "lower end" I simply mean "Entry Level." There really is nothing significantly bad with this camera's performance. I highly reccomend it. But there is one catch for those PC users out there. YOU NEED FIREWIRE!!(if you want to edit your footage) Get a firewire card from Amazon. I bought one here for 23 bucks and it came with a cable!! I saw the same card at best buy for 35$( Cable not included, which runs another 20$-50$!! that's ridiculous!!) So go ahead. For the price of this camera, and all you get, you really cant go wrong.

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Product Description:
Item #: PANPVGS80. Mini DV Palmcorder Camcorder features Optical Image Stabilizer and 32x Optical Zoom, and records to Mini DV tape. Optical Image Stabilizer minimizes the effect of any hand-shake in situations where it is most often a problem, such as with zoom shots or on a moving vehicle. The system is optical to ensure quality, and images look clear and beautiful on a big-screen TV. Camcorder offers 2.7" LCD, One-Touch Navigation and Joy Stick Control, 680K pixel CCD, Zoom Microphone. Includes AC battery charger, Lithium-Ion battery, AV cable, CD-ROM and lens cap.
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