Panasonic PV-GS500 4MP 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

I'm not interested in technical jargon 2 tell me if something is supposed 2 perform 4 me. I'm only interested in what I see or hear.

I purchased this camcorder 3 years ago 2 use 4 my media business & general purposes. All the reviews & stats basically said that 4 average consumer's & average consumer price, this camcorder delivered professional results. I have also acquired a Canon HV30 Hi Defintion camcorder 4 my business & the gs500's picture is just as good if not better 4 normal video recording.

The camera was easy 2 learn & get used 2 all of it's functions. It's design is nice & all buttons are well placed. The extending eyepiece is great!

So after 3 years of use, this camera has lived up 2 it's "average price, pro results" comment. From high noon sun 2 evening twilight, this camera picks up colors very well. It's autofocus is quick & very accurate. It's LCD display is bright & easily viewable, even in bright sunlight. The video clarity is fantastic!

If you're looking 4 a great camcorder 4 a reasonable price that delivers professional results, this is it. I'm planning on getting another one of these later this year.

My gs500 has recorded 478 tapes so far & I've never had a single issue with transferring, ejecting, particles or anything else.

If I had 2 pick one flaw with this camcorder it would have 2 be that the spring loaded switch 2 open the tape eject bay is very stiff. Could just be my particular camera.

Product is of high quality & the delivery was prompt. I am very pleased with this transaction

I have this camera & have shot two down-and-dirty amateur documentaries with it. I have found the image 2 be excellent when compared 2 lesser "consumer" grade camcorders. My only real complaint with the camera is with the manual focus. It is extremely difficult 2 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 2 set up & requires an external monitor 4 complete confidence. For this reason, I still have 2 borrow a DVX100B when I do serious shoots.

This is an amazing camcorder that produces very close 2 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 4 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 2 work around this problem, just GOOGLE & you will find many solutions in being able 2 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 & 4:3 ratio, which was a plus. I shot in 16:9 & the video (3ccd chip) was stunning! Great 4 viewing on a HD television set. Colors are vibrant & sharp. We used the PV GS 500 as a 2nd camera on a shoot in Nashville & with some color correction we were able 2 match it 2 our Broadcast quality camera which cost $40,000! Records audio perfectly clear. I bought a $25 lavalier mic from Radio Shack & recorded prestine clear audio. Also bought a mini jack 2 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 4 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 & CD-ROM . The Panasonic PV GS500 is great 4 those wanting 2 do weddings, documentaries & shorts.

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 & evaluations on the camcorder web sites are right on. I will buy Panasonic again, in the future.

The Panasonic PV-GS500 Digital Camcorder with 3 CCD Technology offers superior images & 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 2 a miniDV tape or directly 2 a PC through S-Video or high-speed USB 2.0 interfaces, 4 high quality full-motion video transfer. The color viewfinder & 2.7 inch LCD display make it simple 2 preview photos, & 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.