Customer Reviews:
  Good camera but very basic February 8, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I got it for my son based primarily on price. I think a camera with an SD memory card woukd have made things much more convenient.
 Works like a champ! February 6, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I have been using this Camcorder for more than 4 months now and all I say is that it was worth the money.
PV-GS80 features Optical image stabilization, 32x optical zoom, 2.7" wide LCD, one-touch navigation and joystick control, and high-speed shutter all in all a nice Camcorder.
PROS:
(+) Very Good Picture quality, Colors are well balanced and records in full digital glory.
(+) Excellent Optical Image Stabilization paired with 32x Optical Zoom makes this device well worth the money
(+) For people who have Widescreen TV True 460,000 pixels at 16:9 wide-screen mode makes this camcorder's recording well worth the money.
CONS:
(-) Battery needs to be removed in order to access the DV Link Interface to transfer DV tape to PC or DVD recorder with IEEE interface.
(-) Battery charger stops charging the battery when Camcorder is plugged in - This is a biggest flaw in this design.
Suggested to have a spare battery as using the LCD for extended periods of time can drain the battery quickly. You can however use the Color View Finder to gain some battery life.
Overall, It is decent product, nice construction, with excellent price value.
If you are looking for a cheap MiniDV camcorder this is sure to be the winner in the price range.
See For Yourself January 30, 2008
Check the videos on my other reviews to see the quality for yourself.
There's no record light in the front, no remote, and no touch screen. But I still like it better than the Sony DCR-HC42 that gradually became completely non-functional and is waiting to go in for repair.
I like not having to use a docking station - the Sony is awkward, built backwards and has letters engraved in the gray plastic - almost impossible to read unless the station is out in the middle of the desk and in good lighting. Also Not really built for good access if you're doing it by feel and an awkward view of the connector. The off switch is backwards, but it doesn't seem to do anything anyway. Maybe other docking stations are better, but in this comparison, none is better.
The downside, if it is one, is that you have to remove the battery to recharge it and to connect the camera to the computer. The only problem I have is forgetting to unplug the power supply-to-camera cord from the power supply after I'm done uploading the footage. The battery only recharges if the camera cable is unplugged from the power supply, which also serves as the battery charger. It follows that you can't recharge the battery at the same time you're uploading to the computer.
The Panasonic joystick is more convenient than the touchscreen and the menus are easier to get to and manipulate.
I'm a little leery about the fact you're supposed to take off the lens cover before you power it on so it can adjust for lighting conditions. What does this mean when you move from one lighting condition to another?Not a critical issue for me, but maybe for others.
 Powerful little Camera January 18, 2008
I purchased the GS80 about year ago. I find that the unique joystick makes controlling the camera's settings and playback a snap. The fold out view screen has very good picture quality. Same goes for the view finder, which is handy for me since I prefer using the view finder more than the fold out screen to save battery life.
The resultant video quality is very good. Colors are very natural and almost film like. Also the image stabilization feature is very effective. I shot some video on very bumpy roads. Yet the footage held rock steady. Combine the image stabilization with proper shooting techniques and one will get the steadiness of a professional cameraman.
There are only two cons I fond with this camera. One of them is short battery life. So if you like to shoot allot of video footage like I do, swap out the stock battery with a 4 hour battery and keep the stock battery as a back up. Also one has to remove the battery from the camera to expose the DV port which makes things a bit inconvenient esp. if one must download video to a laptop while on the go and no nearly AC outlets are available.
Overall I find the GS80 to be money well spent. The image quality is quite good and controls are very intuitive. Thus I would recommend this camera to budget minded individuals that want ease of use and a helping hand at achieving good video results.
Sadly, my GS80 was stolen along with my Sony Cybershot. However, I will buy this camera again once my homeowners insurance sends me reimbursement.
Best Christmas Gift I Gave January 18, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This was the best gift I could have ever gotten my husband. We recently had our 1st child & he was dying for a camcorder to capture all the "1st moments". As soon as he opened his gift it was turned on immediately & he got great footage of Baby's 1st Christmas. I don't think he's put it down yet. It goes every where with us & he even leaves it close to the bed just in case anything cute happens while he's relaxing. This camera is so easy to use & the quality of the video is wonderful. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a great camcorder that's easy to use & affordable.
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