Panasonic PV-GS300 Mini DV Camcorder

Pros: Easy to use, great video recording, manual options
Cons: I would rather pay less and not have the still camera

I have wanted a video camera for a long time. So for my birthday this year I p urchased a Panasonic PV-GS 300 Mini DV Digital Camcorder. The Basics The Panasonic PV-GS 300 Digital Camcorder is a ...

Pros: 3 CCD Optics. Exceptional Lens. Nice array of features.
Cons: Mediocre still camera, frustrating joystick/menu option control. Price.

If you’re a parent in today’s 21st century technologically advanced world, then chances are you have – or are looking to purchase – a video camcoder to help capture all the glorious moments of parenthood. Like the spaghetti fights…or the 42 minute ...

Pros: Double the image quality of 1CCD camcorders
Cons: Still-image capture is half the quality of Digital Cameras

INTRODUCTION The Panasonic PV-GS300 (GS300) is a member of one of the four new waves of camcorders that are trying (and in my case succeeding) to replace Standard Definition camcorders (which have been around for many, many years) without having ...

Pros: Great image quality, best low-light performance. Small, light, Wide-screen recording
Cons: Confusing menus, mediocre still pictures

Looking around for a new family camcorder, there was no shortage of choices. The first thing that caught my attention was the introduction of a few hi-def camcorders. But with prices hovering around the $1000, it was way above budget, and the limited ...

Pros: 3.1 Megapixel still camera and 3CCD technology make for great video and quality still pictures.
Cons: Doesn't come with a starter tape or camera case.

3CCD technology produces a nice picture. I took the time to read lots of tech reviews prior to purchasing. I was looking for a reasonably priced model with a great picture and a high megapixel digital still camera.

USB and standard component cables included for off loading the video and pictures for archiving or editing on a DVD recorder, VCR or on your computer via the included software.
10x optical zoom
700x digital zoom
3.1 mega pixel still camera (stores on SD memory cards)
Image stabilization
Easy to use toggle button for menu functions.
Zoom Mic (haven't used but it's there)

Purchased prior to a Disney trip and was pleased with the stunning video and the longevity of the battery. I charged it twice during the entire week and took tons of still pictures and a couple of tapes of video.

Still camera did such a good job we actually used it as our primary and left our digital camera behind most days. Still camera doesn't have as many bells and whistles as a stand alone but it does take great pictures and does a good job in low light situations where most don't.

Pros: Actual camera functionality
Cons: Documentation and software

The camera appears to work well. It is easy to handle and power consumption is not excessive. The joystick menu access is easy. OIS works well.

The manual is a joke. Panasonic needs to take a lesson from Minolta or Sony (or just about anyone). It is confusing, inaccurate, insufficient and (for the most part) worthless. Pansonic should be embarrassed at how bad a failure this is. Plan on more time than expected to figure out anything. Once known, fine. Getting there can be frustrating. Oh... Panasonic spends just as much time on a camcorder taking single picture as it does on its primary purpose, video. Frankly, they should have spent the majority of the manual on the camcorder aspect as this unit takes v-i-d-e-o as its primary goal. As it is, both are muddled.

The Panasonic software ? Throw it in the trash can immediately to avoid frustration. It is worthless junk. Again, Pansonic should be embarrassed.

Pros: light, clear, bright, simple to use, and vg video
Cons: the dumb joystick is a pain , low light a little strained

at first when I saw the video on the lcd I was not really imprressed and my only hope was to enjoy the video I got on the computer. Other camcorders I sort of thought was sharper on the lcd level sooo what . After seeing the video in big screen I now know why the Leica lens is so good. The video from this camera is better then allot of cameras from the past. It is clear , it is beautiful and its really good. Compared to sony dvd cams this has less noise. This thing is so light its like holding a toy. I really have no intention of taking this back like so many of my other purchases. On any level if recording quality matters this is very very good.

Pros: Clear images, abundance of features, and long battery life.
Cons: Reading the owner's manual can be very helpful. (Not really a 'con')

As a professional videographer, I find the Panasonic DV-GS300 to far outshine any in it's class and price range. Compact, with an amazing 2 1/2 hour battery life, this camcorder (when used to its full capacity) brings amazing life to most any home video. Proper use of any digital equipment is a must; reading the owner's manual can greatly improve a user's grasp of the technology. There was only one item I found frustrating: the camera is shipped pre-set to 25x digital zoom, which can cause the image to be 'shaky' even if the stabilizing function has been set. As for the software ... Hmmmm ... I've never had to run any as the editing applications I use (PC & MAC) automatically recognizes any DV input through my fire-wire port. If you are seeking professional quality for your projects, but don't want to shell out thousands of dollars, I recommend this product.

Pros: compact size, weight, digital camera, widescreen LCD, ease of use, many features
Cons: Depending on the size of your hands, it can feel a little awkward.

I bought this camera several weeks ago and just started using it. I did not buy if for the digital camera as I already own a Sony. I decided to compare the digital camera quality on my Sony and this Panasonic mini dv camcorder. I was amazed!! This camera actually took a better quality picture!! I love this new camera with its compact size, weight, widescreen LCD, and the ease of use. I am still learning several functions of this camera but so far I think it is a totally awesome camera and am very glad I bought it!

Pros: hmm...real shiny
Cons: uh, well it doesn't work.

I had this camera out of the box for about 10 seconds before it was rendered useless by the ubiquitous 'dew detected' error. I am going to attempt a return but living overseas makes it difficult (it was sent to me as a gift). After reading others accounts of this same problem I don't hold out much hope that panasonic will be of any help.

Google 'dew detected' for all you need to know about panasonic camcorders.

http://www.google.co.nz/search?hs=oNp&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&q=dew+detected&btnG=Search&meta=