Pros & Cons
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- Compact and easy to use.
- Good video quality.
- Still-image burst mode and 1.2MP still-image resolution.
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- Mediocre still-image quality.
- FireWire cable not provided.
Panasonic PV-GS120 Specs
| Focal Length (Telephoto): | 24.5 mm |
| Focal Length (Wide): | 2.45 mm |
| Image Stabilization: | Digital |
| Optical Zoom: | 10 x |
| Sensor Type: | Three CCD |
| Still Image Recording Format: | Secure Digital |
| Video Recording Format: | DV Tape |
| Weight: | 15.84 oz |
The surprisingly affordable Panasonic PV-GS120 is the only camcorder we've tested to date that boasts three-CCD video for under $1,000. It produces well-exposed digital video with accurate colors. Unfortunately, the sharpness of the video leaves much to be desired.
The PV-GS120 fits comfortably in the right hand, and the recessed EVF eyepiece can tilt 45 degrees. The 2.5-inch articulated LCD panel flips out 90 degrees and can swivel 270 degrees. The MiniDV-tape carriage is located on the right side of the camcorder and can be opened even while the device is mounted on a tripod.
In video testing, the PV-GS120 reproduced colors well. Its video showed very good dynamic range and few artifacts. Unfortunately, on our video resolution test, it scored a terrible 325 lines. It performed well on our action sequence; the auto-focus was quick to adjust for movement. Audio fidelity was also good.
The PV-GS120's 1.2-MP JPEG still images fall short in terms of quality. In testing, our simulated-daylight still life was poorly exposed and grainy, with a blue cast and soft focus. Whites were blown out, and edges weren't well defined.
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