Panasonic PV-GS500/NV-GS500

Panasonic PV-GS500/NV-GS500

Official Product Site

79 Mostly Average Reviews
based on 8 professional reviews

ProductCritic Score is out of 100.

All ProductCritic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review.

The Panasonic PV-GS500 3CCD Digital Palmcorder MultiCam Camcorder with 4.0 MP Still Picture Recording offers superior images and features. This small digital camcorder uses the same type of 3CCD imaging system used in professional broadcast equipment, giving you 540 lines of breathtaking resolution in a more affordable package. The 4.0-megapixel still image recording lets you record vivid, true-to-life pictures with remarkable colors. And featuring a 12x optical Leica lens with 700x digital zoom, the PV-GS500 helps you capture every detail. Record to a miniDV tape or directly to a PC through DV (FireWire) or high-speed USB 2.0 interfaces, for high quality full-motion video transfer. The color viewfinder and 2.7-inch LCD display make it easy to preview photos, and feature navigation is a breeze with the easy, one-finger joystick control.

Product summary from Amazon.


Professional Critic Reviews

89

EasyCamcorders.com

The PV-GS500 is a great camcorder in its own right. At the top of the heap in Panasonic’s MiniDV line, it has all the features that consumers should have on their checklist for great video performance: 3 CCDs, optical image stabilization, a host of manual controls, and solid handling.

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84

PC World

The Panasonic PV-GS500 is a great pick for serious shooters who want the benefit of automatic control and the flexibility of manual control. It takes great-looking video and stills.

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80

Simply DV

Despite the picky points above, it really is a good camcorder that produces great widescreen pictures and sound. Good all round functionality, excellent control and worth the money!

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80

Good Gear Guide

While the GS500 still falls a long way behind the best still image cameras, its 4 megapixel sensor can definitely compete with products in the low-end section of the still camera market.

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80

Camcorderinfo.com

When you place the PV-GS500 in the context of other models in its price range, it also delivers a pretty pathetic showing. Its biggest competitor is unquestionably Sony’s HDR-HC3, which offers better ease of use and a better picture by way of high definition. We can’t really justify buying a PV-GS500 if you have the extra $100-$200 for the HC3.

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80

Macworld

The Panasonic PV-GS500 is a great pick for shooters who want the benefit of automatic control and the flexibility of manual control. And it takes great-looking video and stills.

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73

CNET Australia

While its predecessor had prosumer aspirations, the Panasonic NV-GS500 is strictly for casual videographers who want top-notch video on autopilot.

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68

CNET

The good: Great video and decent stills; nice zoom lens with effective optical stabilizer.

The bad: A bit large; limited manual controls with poor accessibility; sluggish performance on auto; no headphone jack.

The bottom line: While its predecessor had prosumer aspirations, the Panasonic PV-GS500 is strictly for casual videographers who want top-notch video on autopilot.

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