These camcorders are very decent for home movies and some small video projects. They're easy to operate and hold in your hand and with a nice lens, you can shoot satisfying footage. I bought this unit as a backup to a camcorder I already use so there would something to fall back to in the event the other camcorder malfunctioned. One thing I really like about this camcorder is the ability to be remote controlled via software when connected to a computer via Firewire. This funtionality allows you the ability to batch capture your clips (if your software allows for this feature) as opposed to having to capture the whole contents of a tape and then editing out what you don't want.
This camera is somewhat lightweight. The picture quality is outstanding. The ability to snap pictures from the video is a wonderful feature.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I love the ability to add sound by a microphone or external source. The ability to set my fstop and shutter speed and have a custom white balance is also great. I can compensate on the fly for dark or bright environments, rather than have to try to correct less than perfect lighting with software adjustments. I am very happy with this product and would buy another one.
I was looking for a mini dv camcorder and decided on the Panasonic PV-GS300 after reading the reviews. I love this camera because of the various features; mic input, shoe, view finder, and the 3 CCD technology. So far I can't find any dislikes except for the absence of night shot. Panasonic does have magic pix for night shooting but it really is for stills and you need a tripod.
I bought the GS300 and took it overseas this summer. After recording only 4 tapes, the camera jammed and the fourth tape would not eject. I didn't drop the camera or do anything other than use it normally on vacation. Being overseas, I could not get the camera repaired under warranty. So after returning to the US, I rewound the tape, transferred the video to my computer, and then sent the camcorder to Bigston Corporation for repair (they are a certified repair center for Panasonic). Up to this point, the ONLY problem with the camcorder was the stuck tape (and my severe disappointment that I didn't take my SONY camcorder overseas). Once Bigston received the camcorder, they told me the camcorder "would not turn on". Funny. I had no problems with it. They said there was "corrosion" on two of the boards. It would NOT be covered under warranty, and the cost to REPAIR it was $420--about the cost of a brand new unit! I am thinking of taking Panasonic and/or Bigston to small claims court. The camera would turn off and on, rewind, record, play video BEFORE I sent it for the stuck tape. So is this a problem with Bigston or Panasonic? I believe it's both. I have the camcorder now and will take it to my own repair center for their opinion.Read full review
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