Panasonic PV GS9 Camcorder Review

Blending innovative technologies with new, simple-to-operate controls, entry-level Panasonic PV GS9 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, digital stills saved to tape, and webcam capability. For a step up in price, the Panasonic PV-GS12 offers digital electronic image stabilization and enables you to save digital stills to SD/MMC memory cards.

Panasonic PV GS9: OpticsThe PV-GS9 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.

Digital StillsIn addition to video camcorder operation, you can also use the PV-GS9 as a digital still camera. Using Panasonic's PhotoShot function, images are stored on tape.

Panasonic PV-GS9: More FeaturesThe 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 they're being captured.

The Quick Start feature enables the PV-GS9 to begin taping 1.3 seconds after turning the power on so those unexpected moments won't 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 PV-GS9 has several built-in digital effects during record and playback, including:

* Digital Mirror: Creates a mirror like symmetrical image

* Strobe: Digitally "freezes" a series of images

* Mosaic: Turns the image into a mosaic pattern

* Stretch: The image expands horizontally

* Trail: Forms multiple impressions of all images in motion, which gradually fade-out as the motion comes to a halt, creating a "trail" effect

* Slim: The image expands vertically

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.

* 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

Panasonic PV GS9: Inputs and OutputsThe PV-GS9 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. It also has a USB connection (you'll need an optional USB cable to hook up to your PC).

Panasonic PV GS9: Dimensions and WeightThis camcorder measures 3.3 x 2.75 x 4.38 inches (H x W x D) and weighs 14.1 ounces.

Panasonic PVGS9: MiniDV FormatMiniDV is the preferred format for personal and broadcast-quality video, and it is highly regarded for its high audio and image quality. With up to 540 lines of horizontal resolution and minimum color noise, MiniDV delivers a 2 percent clearer picture than analog camcorder formats. This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. A MiniDV tape offers digital recording time of 2 full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD.

Panasonic PV GS9 Review:

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

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

* 20x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 800x)

* 2.5-inch LCD swings open 120 degrees and black-and-white viewfinder

* Low-light recording settings, records stills to tape, and Web cam capability