ProductCritic: Panasonic PV-GS500/NV-GS500 Reviews

EasyCamcorders.com (89)

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.

PC World (84)

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.

Simply DV (80)

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!

Good Gear Guide (80)

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.

Camcorderinfo.com (80)

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.

Macworld (80)

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.

CNET Australia (73)

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

CNET (68)

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.