Panasonic PV GS250 Camcorder Review

Panasonic PV GS250: Customers interested in the best that camcorder technology has to offer will be impressed by the new compact Panasonic PV-GS65, PV-GS150, and PV-GS250 3CCD camcorders from Panasonic.

These models are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but aren't short on innovative features. Equipped with a 3CCD imaging system, high-powered digital still capability and ease of use, these new digital video cameras will deliver high-quality digital still and moving images for the novice and expert videographer alike.

These top-of-the-line camcorders incorporate the same type of 3CCD imaging system used in Panasonic's celebrated professional camcorders. Individual CCDs are used to reproduce the red, green and blue colors that compose an image for vivid, true-to-life pictures with remarkable depth and presence. The PV-GS150 and Panasonic PV GS250 also feature the sophisticated Leica Dicomar lens, which has become known for its ability to capture and finely render the most delicate nuances of light and shade.

High-resolution digital still images can be captured via the models' built-in digital still camera feature, which records to a stamp-sized SD memory card. The 1.2 megapixel PV-GS65, 2.3 megapixel PV-GS150, and 3.1 megapixel PV-GS250 feature a 10x telescopic optical zoom lens; a 700x digital zoom that allows for amazing 700:1 clear, close-ups from wide angle to full telephoto zoom; and a macro zoom feature, which lets users shoot extreme close-ups at distances as near as 40 centimeters.

Transferring recorded video to a PC is also quick and easy via the USB port included on each model. All three models incorporate USB 2.0, however the PV-GS150 and PVGS250 support USB 2.0 high speed enabling real time video transfers. All three models have miniDV outputs to maximize compatibility with the PC.

To steady shaky video, the new PV-GS65 and PV-GS150 incorporate digital electronic image stabilization (EIS), which compensates for unintentional hand and camcorder movement. The Panasonic PV GS250 uses optical image stabilization, which intuitively compensates for any hand movement, so that every shot is beautifully crisp and clear.

The PV-GS250 also includes a manual focus ring giving the user more creative control over the video being captured. Additionally, all models include a Soft Skin Detail function that detects skin's different tones and softens the focus to create a realistic blend.

Panasonic PV GS250 Review:

* 3CCD digital video camera

* Leica lens

* Compact design

* 3CCD camera system

* Still picture capability

* SD slot

* 3.1 megapixel still picture capability

* 10x optical zoom

* 700x digital zoom

* Optical image stabilization

* Manual focus ring

* USB 2.0