Panasonic PV GS55 Camcorder Review

Updating the popular PV-GS50, the ultra-compact Panasonic PV GS55 will help you record those precious moments--in video and digital stills--at a moment's notice. This MiniDV camcorder weighs less than a pound. It features a 10x optical zoom, SD card slot, webcam capability, and an MPEG-4 mode that enables you to send small videos to friends and family via e-mail or post them to the Web.

Panasonic PV GS55: OpticsThe PV-GS55 is equipped with a 1/6-inch, 680,000-pixel CCD and 10x optical zoom It also features a 800x digital zoom that allows you to zoom in on incredible close-ups.

Digital StillsIn addition to shooting video, the PV-GS55 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--an 8 MB SD card is included. 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 PVGS55: More FeaturesThe 2.5-inch LCD screen can be opened a full 120 degrees away from the camcorderÕs body, making it easier to view motion images as theyÕre being captured.

The Quick Start feature enables the PV-GS55 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 MPEG-4 Movie mode lets you easily transfer MPEG-4 video clips with audio to a PC to create clip libraries and presentations, attach to an e-mail, or add to your Web site.

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

Other Panasonic PV GS55 features include:

* Telephoto/macro lens

* 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.