Panasonic PV GS12 Camcorder Review

Blending innovative technologies with new, simple-to-operate controls, the Panasonic PV GS12 camcorder is an affordable entry into digital video with powerful features. Panasonic continues to innovate, adding more optical zoom capability while reducing the overall size. This MiniDV camcorder features a 20x optical zoom, ultra-fast 1.3-second start-up time, SD memory card slot for digital stills, and webcam capability.

Panasonic PV GS12: Optics

The PV-GS12 is equipped with a 1/6-inch, 680,000-pixel CCD and 20x optical zoom It also features a 800x digital zoom that allows you to zoom in on incredible close-ups.

Panasonic PV GS12: Digital Stills

In addition to shooting video, the PV-GS12 can also capture digital still images up to 640 x 480 pixels--good for sending photos to friends and family over e-mail or posting to your Web site. They are stored to the Secure Digital (SD)/MultiMedia (MMC) memory card slot. The Direct Mode Dial can be used in digital still mode lets you quickly select the desired digital camera mode, such as Record, Playback, Card Record, or Card Playback.

Panasonic PVGS12: More Features

The 2.5-inch LCD screen can be opened a full 120 degrees away from the camcorder's body, making it easier to view motion images as theyÕre being captured.

The Quick Start feature enables the PV-GS12 to begin taping 1.3 seconds after turning the power on so those unexpectedÊmoments won't be missed. After pressing the Quick Start button, the camcorder will bring up the previous settings that you were shooting with--even if they were manually entered.

The Soft Skin Detail function detects the different skin tones being recorded and softens the focus to create a realistic blend.

Other features include:

* The image-enhancing MagicPix feature allows for rich videos under low-light conditions.

* Digital Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) helps take the jitter out of hand-held video recording and compensate for unintentional hand and camcorder movement.

* Web cam capability, which is ideal for video conferencing with friends or family, or use as a simple monitoring device when consumers are away from home.

* The unsnapping hand strap doubles as wrist loops, enabling you to carry the camcorder like a small bag or purse.

* Black and white viewfinder

Inputs and OutputsThe PV-GS12 comes with the standard DV IEEE 1394 port (also known as FireWire; Panasonic refers to this connection as iLink) for a super-fast, lossless connection to a PC or other DV machines.

Panasonic PV GS12 Review:

* Rechargeable Li-ion battery pack lasts for up to 1 hour and 15 minutes

* Digital Palmcorder MultiCam camcorder and digital still camera with 680,000-pixel CCD

* 20x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 800x) and image stabilizer

* 2.5-inch rotating LCD and black-and-white viewfinder

* Low-light recording settings and built-in LED color enhancement light