Panasonic PV GS14 Camcorder Review

Blending innovative technologies with new, simple-to-operate controls, the Panasonic PV GS14 camcorder is an affordable and powerful entry into digital video. Panasonic continues to innovate, adding more optical zoom capability while reducing the overall size. This MiniDV camcorder features a 22x optical zoom, ultra-fast 1.3-second start-up time, SD memory card slot for digital stills, webcam capability, and color viewfinder.

Panasonic PV GS14: Optics

The PV-GS14 is equipped with a 1/6-inch, 680,000-pixel CCD and 22x optical zoom It also features a 800x digital zoom that allows you to zoom in on incredible close-ups.

Panasonic PVGS14 Digital Stills

In addition to shooting video, the PV-GS14 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.

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-GS14 to begin taping 1.3 seconds after turning the power on so those unexpectedÊmoments wonÕt be missed.ÊAfter 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 Panasonic PV GS14 features include:

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

* 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.

* Color viewfinder

Inputs and Outputs

The PV-GS14 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 GS14 Review:

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

* MiniDV camcorder and still camera with 680,000-pixel CCD

* 22x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 800x)

* 2.5-inch LCD swings open 120 degrees and color viewfinder

* Low-light recording settings and EfficiBright LED Light