Panasonic PV-GS90 MiniDV Camcorder with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

I bought this camera first at Best Buy first in order 2 record a very important event. However, after the event, I noticed, while reviewing the video, that there was a distracting dead pixel (greeen spot always on) right in the middle of the image. After verifying that it was on the CCD & not on either of the two viewfinders, I returned the camera 4 a full refund. I would have exchanged it but every store was out of stock. The techs verified the defect & waived the "resocking fee." :-)

Next, I purchased the same camera, used, from Amazon.com. This time the unit appears defect-free & I am very happy with it.

The picture is great, the interface is intuitive, & the optical image stabilization is wonderful when you take advantage of the 42x zoom. I haven't played too much with the digital zoom because it degrades picture quality, but it seems 2 work as well as digital zoom can be expected to.

The only reason I can't give this product 5 stars is because the package is incomplete. It comes with no transfer cable, so if you want 2 load the video into your computer, you will have 2 run out & buy an expensive firewire cable (about $30). It also comes without any software. However, you won't need additional software if you are happy with the free movie editing software that is included with Macs & Windows.

I purchased this camcorder 2 document the vacation of my lifeime. And I have been extremely pleased with its performance. Panasonic has addressed several design flaws in previous models 2 make this one sweet little unit. They've also added a few new improvements.

The bottom line is that it takes good video overall. Quality is very good in outdoor lighting. Indoor performance is good; low light performance is minimal, but much better than expected. Considering what you pay, video quality is on par with units costing hundreds more.

Pros:
1. Great video 4 a single CCD camera. Great 4 outdoor shooting.
2. Amazing 42x optical zoom. Picture stays crisp & clear.
3. Advanced Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Panasonic has a reputation of having the best. This allows you 2 zoom in & move the camera with minimal screen jitter. Better than other brands costing $100's more.
4. Uses inexpensive miniDV cassettes. These can be purchased just about anywhere if you need one in a pinch.
5. Lots of software available 2 do video editing. You'll also need a firewire cable & card 2 transfer the video 2 computer.
5. Built in lens cover; it slides open & close by moving a sliding button. Say goodbye 2 dangling or lost lens covers.
6. Firewire port has been moved 2 side of camera under the foldout LCD. You no longer need 2 remove the battery 2 get 2 it. The AV output is on the front right side.
7. A usable built in LED light. It won't light up a room but just enough helpful illumination 4 a subject 3 2 5 feet away in dim areas.
8. Lots of manual control. User can switch from Auto 2 Manual modes at the touch of a button. Controls include focus, white balance, iris, f-stop, & others.
9. Shoots & displays video in widescreen 16x9 & standard 4x3 formats.

Cons:
1. Poor battery life. Battery included barely lasts 1 hour. Using the viewfinder instead of the LCD helps a lot. You'll definitely need 2 buy an extra battery.
2. Expensive replacement batteries. I found that the batteries 4 previous Panasonic camcorder models work just fine, & are a fraction of the cost.
3. Poor low light performance.
4. No slot 4 memory card. Takes video stills. Plan on using your digital camera 4 regular pictures.
5. No way 2 use accessories such as lighting kits or extra lenses.

Basically what you get is a minimalist digital camcorder that takes good video. The limitations of this camcorder are hardly "cons" considering how little you pay 4 it. MiniDV is on its way out, but is currently still a viable media. If you need a camcorder that takes HD quality or good low light video, this is not the camera 4 you.

But if you are looking 4 a great first time camcorder, or an inexpensive little unit 2 document that once a year vacation or occasional event, you'll be pleased with this one.

Hello,

Purchased based on Amazon Product Description which incorrectly state that cam has a cold shoe & a SD Card Slot. It does not.
Other than that I can't say any more about it as I returned it that day.

The GS90 MiniDV Camcorder offers 42x optical zoom with advanced optical image stabilizer & built-in LED light & one-touch navigation.