| Panasonic PV-GS500 4MP 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom | 
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| Brand: Panasonic
Category: Photography
List Price: $999.99
Buy New: $899.99
You Save: $100.00 (10%)
Buy New from $899.99
Avg. Customer Rating:   (46 reviews)
Sales Rank: 12829
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: No
Optical Zoom: 12
Digital Zoom: 58
Display Size: 2.7
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.3
Dimensions (in): 0.1 x 0.1 x 0.1
MPN: PVGS500
Model: PVGS500
UPC: 037988980185
EAN: 0037988980185
ASIN: B000DZFUIO
Availability: Usually ships in 4-5 business days
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| Features:
| • | Features professional-quality 3CCD imaging system | | • | 2.7-inch wide LCD display | | • | 4.0-megapixel still image capture | | • | 12x optical Leica lens with 700x digital zoom brings you close to the action | | • | Records to miniDV or directly to PC through DV (FireWire) or high-speed USB 2.0 interfaces |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
The Panasonic PV-GS500 Digital Camcorder with 3 CCD Technology offers superior images and features, in a more affordable package. This small digital camcorder uses the same type of 3CCD imaging system used in professional broadcast equipment, giving you 540 lines of breathtaking resolution. 4.0 Megapixel still image recording lets you record vivid, true-to-life pictures with remarkable colors. A 12x optical Leica lens with 700x digital zoom helps you capture every detail. Record to a miniDV tape or directly to a PC through S-Video or high-speed USB 2.0 interfaces, for high quality full-motion video transfer. The color viewfinder & 2.7 inch LCD display make it simple to preview photos, and the joystick control gives you easy, one-finger navigation of every advanced feature. Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface Hi-Res Wide mode S-Video out Hot shoe PictBridge 2-hour battery life Includes remote control Pro Cinema Mode Dimensions(WxHxD) - 2.874 x 3.583 x 6.024 Weight - 1.26 lbs.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 41 more reviews...
 Panasonic minidv camcorder April 5, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Product is of high quality and the delivery was prompt. I am very pleased with this transaction
 Nice Image, fair to poor manual focus January 28, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have this camera and have shot two down-and-dirty amateur documentaries with it. I have found the image to be excellent when compared to lesser "consumer" grade camcorders. My only real complaint with the camera is with the manual focus. It is extremely difficult to judge the manual focus using either the viewfinder or the viewing screen. While the auto-focus works very well, any shot that requires a custom close or far manual focus is VERY difficult to set up and requires an external monitor for complete confidence. For this reason, I still have to borrow a DVX100B when I do serious shoots.
Amazing Video January 27, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is an amazing camcorder that produces very close to Broadcast quality video. I would know, I work in the industry. After doing much research, I decided on the Panasonic PV GS500 Mini DV ($699). I could not justify spending another grand or two for an extra channel of audio, although the lack of a headphone jack is the only negative I have about this camcorder but there is a way to work around this problem, just GOOGLE and you will find many solutions in being able to monitor the audio via a set of headphones.You can still monitor the audio on the LCD screen, but I don't understand why Panasonic didn't add the headphone feature. Aside from that, this is a very powerful little camera. Shoots both in 16:9 and 4:3 ratio, which was a plus. I shot in 16:9 and the video (3ccd chip) was stunning! Great for viewing on a HD television set. Colors are vibrant and sharp. We used the PV GS 500 as a 2nd camera on a shoot in Nashville and with some color correction we were able to match it to our Broadcast quality camera which cost $40,000! Records audio perfectly clear. I bought a $25 lavalier mic from Radio Shack and recorded prestine clear audio. Also bought a mini jack to XLR audio cable ($9) so I could test Broadcast Quality Sony Electret Condenser Microphone ECM-55B, again perfect sound. Camera is sturdy & compact, does not feel cheap & light like some of the other camcorders. You breeze through the internal menues by scrolling via a joystick on the camera. This is an EXCELLENT camcorder for the price. Also included in the package are a Battery Pack, Remote Control, Magic Wire Remote Control, Lens Cap, Multi Cable, Shoulder strap, USB cable and CD-ROM . The Panasonic PV GS500 is great for those wanting to do weddings, documentaries and shorts.
Panasonic PV-GS500 camera January 27, 2008
I bought this camera because I have the earlier model. This one does not do everything that the PV-GS200 does, but it still a great camera. The reviews and evaluations on the camcorder web sites are right on. I will buy Panasonic again, in the future.
Refurbished PV-GS500 from Amazon's Warehouse December 27, 2007
I ordered the video camera as a refurbished item. When I received the camera, it looked brand new. I mean "never been used" brand new for real. I figured I'd give it a shot, since I had 30 days to return it, and also since it was from Amazon, and not a 3rd party reseller. The price was very good, $375 (free shipping, no tax).
The battery life is good. The picture quality is good, etc, etc.... The cinema mode is interesting. You will end up doing research in forums, whether or not you should shoot in cinema mode or not. You'll research making some kind of rig to steady the camera while shooting hand-held. You'll look for filters and fish-eye lenses. You'll find out that there are professional tapes vs the standard ones you find everywhere.
I will be using my camera to create short films, and documentaries. I don't know how this camera compares to everything else out there, but I know that I've done my research, and the bottom line is that everyone has their own budgets to consider.
That said, I plan on making the most of this camera, and I hold it with all seriousness and respect.
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