ProductCritic: Panasonic PV-GS300/NV-GS300 Reviews

Good Gear Guide (90)

The standout feature of the GS300 is undoubtedly video quality, which is excellent for a camcorder in this bracket. A full range of manual controls and an intuitive interface round out the package, making it ideal for beginners and seasoned directors alike.

FM Holiday Gadget Guide (88)

It really is amazing that a camera of this quality and feature-set can be had for as little as $480. If the Santa in your life is willing to spend this kind of dough, and you’re willing to put up with the few negatives described above, don’t be shy about asking him (or her) to toss a PV-GS300 down your chimney.

EasyCamcorders.com (84)

The PV-GS300 is Panasonic’s penultimate MiniDV camcorder for this year, just under the PV-GS500. The focus ring, headphone jack, and analog-to-digital pass-through are gone from this camcorder, but a $699 MSRP-~~$300 less than the GS250~~-makes the GS300 an excellent value.

PC World (82)

The Panasonic PV-GS300 has a lot of features and is a great choice for shooters who don’t mind spending a little extra money for quality, but who don’t want to lay down a lot of cash for a higher-end camera such as the PV-GS500.

Macworld (80)

The Panasonic PV-GS300 is a great choice for shooters who don’t mind spending a little extra for quality, but who don’t want to lay out a lot of cash for a high-end camera such as the PV-GS500. It has most of the features that most users need.

JusTech'n.com (80)

This is a really good camera for people that want to just point and shoot. If you don’t want to mess around with lots of features and options then you will be happy. I am highly disappointed with the lack of a real light for the camera, the poor performance of the wind elimination and optical image stabilization, and the really bad warranty. Again, if you are just getting a camera that has great video quality then this will be just fine. Keep in mind that you are not paying thousands of dollars for a professional camera.

Consumer Guide (80)

While the loss of some features from the PV-GS250 is regrettable, the substantial reduction in price makes the Panasonic PV-GS300 an excellent value for a three-CCD MiniDV camcorder.

Camcorderinfo.com (77)

The PV-GS300 is the most perplexing type of “replacement” model. The key features that made its predecessor so popular have, in part, been tossed out the window. Say goodbye to analog-to-digital pass through, a focus ring, the headphone jack, and an easily accessible SD card slot.

T3 (70)

This won’t really excite the serious video buff, but its reasonable price and ease of use will inevitably appeal to the less demanding family user.

CNET (66)

Offering superb video quality under a wide variety of lighting conditions, the Panasonic PV-GS300 is an excellent choice if you typically shoot in automatic mode. Prosumers may find the limited choice and the awkward accessibility of the manual settings frustrating, however.

Computer Shopper (50)

The NV-GS300 is well designed and shoots colourful video. The only problem is the price; the NV-GS180 is similarly specified and costs less than £400, which means you are paying over £150 for optical stabilisation, FireWire input and an automated lens cap. We’re not convinced the extra cost is worth it.