Panasonic PV-GS120 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

I have been using this camera 4 about 2 yrs. I did a lot of research before buying & I am sure that I am not much mistaken in my choice.
Pros
Excellent color reproduction especially in out door settings
Easy 2 use menu
small size
I did not have any problem with noise from tape as some one reviewed
Still pictures are also really good 4 a 1.2 Mp camera-color reproducion really good, can take still pictures while shooting a video without going back 2 menu-just click the Still picture button.

Cones
Manual that comes along with is "CRAPPY". It is as if the manufacturers mean this camera 4 Still images only. it does not even mention where exactly 2 connect the fire wire cable. i had 2 find it out from some reviews!!
The product did not come with a fire wire cable; Find a good one elsewhere. I called Panasonic customer support regarding this & they too had only one suggestion-buy it elsewhere!!
It takes a long while 4 me (about 1hr plus) 2 transfer one MiniDV cassette of video 2 computer & 2 form file on the Windows Movie maker I used. My computer has about 756 MB RAM. I did not try another software.
Software that came with camcorder is redundant.
Performance in low light is not good
No built-in light source; find a suitable one & attach separate
optical zoom is only 10X, & no need 2 mention anything about digital zoom
Battery does not last 4 long-may be 4 30-40 mts with the digital viewer turned on; have apare battery if you are serious about shooting 4 a longer period.

Because of the negative points, I am looking 4 a better model with 3CCD technology

I've waited two years 2 write my review so that I'd be removed from the excitement that comes with buying a new camera. The strongpoints of this camcorder are its size, color reproduction, remote control, & adjustable light/color settings. It's drawbacks are: poor performance in low/med-low light conditions. The colors tend 2 go blue in mid 2 low light situations, & that can be annnoying 4 those trying 2 make short films with different locations/lighting. I think that this camera would be a great buy 4 someone looking 2 do a lot of serious filming in outdoor areas. If you just want something 2 make home movies of your kids or something, then I'd go 4 a cheaper model Panasonic or a Sony. I think that I'm going 2 buy a Sony next time because I like their low-light features.

I am team manager 4 a small midwest skate team & we were in need 4 a video camera. I was also looking 4 something that had a clear enough video i could do some short movies with it as well.

I have had the camera 4 almost 1 year now & it has taken some nasty hits from skaters & drops from 4 foot 2 pure concrete & took the beating like a champ.

I spent almost double what it is going 4 now & it was worth it back then so if you can get it now 4 around 450 it's a must buy camcorder.

I've been video taping weddings 4 25 years & the PV-GS120 was the 11th & 12th camera I've bought (Yea, I bought two)
I was impressed with both the price & quality of the 3CCD's
I also appreciated the 1.5 hour (LP mode) taping time available which I needed 4 taping wedding ceremonies without having 2 change media during the ceremony.

I needed the mic & headphone input that were missing from some other manufacturers products & I remembered the quality I had always experienced from the Panasonic cameras I'd used before I moved 2 8mm.

I've done 7 weddings with the PV-GS120 & my customers & I are very satified with the quality images & audio this camera captures & recreates.

On the downside I missed the option of adding a wired remote zoom control & the steadycam feature wasn't quite what Sony had.
The low light feature isn't as good as the single chip cameras but 3CCD's always require more light.

I've been recommending this camera 2 anyone who is thinking about upgrading from 8mm or VHS. Forget about the DVD media cameras & go with tape, you can make (and scratch) all the DVD's you want after downloading & editing your work from your computer.

I've had this camera 4 about 4-months now & have taken well over 150-hours worth of video from various sporting events & a few family events.

The first thing that hits you once you download the video capture is the color saturation...unbelievable! 3-CCD's makes a huge difference! Like night & day, compared 2 other camcorders in the same price range.

I looked at many camcorders before choosing the PV-GS120. My first thought was I needed a camcorder with atleast a 20x Optical Zoom. However, all the camcorders I saw didn't have the picture quality I was looking for.

When I saw the PV-GS120, I wasn't really receptive 2 the fact it was only 10x optical zoom. However when I started shooting with it the store, how good the picture was. Don't take my word 4 it, seeing is believing!

I chose the Panasonic & have been very pleased with it.

Don't get caught up in the Optical Zoom hype...who cares if the optical zoom is 16x, 18x, 20x, if the picture is horrible.

3 separate 460,000-pixel CCDs * digital photo mode with RapidFire Consecutive Still Shooting * photo resolution options: 1280 x 960; 640 x 480 * SD Card slot 4 use with MultiMediaCard® or SD (Secure Digital) memory cards * 2-1/2" color LCD viewscreen * color viewfinder * PCM stereo digital audio (12-bit or 16-bit) * variable-speed 10X Leica Dicomar optical zoom lens (digital zoom 2 700X) * built-in zoom mic * Digital Electronic Image Stabilizer * MagicPix 4 low-light recording * auto & manual focus * shutter speed range (1/60 1/8,000) * Auto Exposure modes * digital effects * i.LINK digital A/V jack (IEEE 1394) * USB (2.0) interface * A/V input/output, including S-video * video streaming 2 PC via USB * 3-1/16"W x 3"H x 5-1/2"D * weight: 1.0 lbs. without battery * warranty: 1 year parts (6 months CCD), 90 days labor