Panasonic PV-GS31 MiniDV Camcorder w/26x Optical Zoom

Product Description

Panasonic PVGS31 offers an amazing 26x optical zoom, an SD slot for capturing still photos and a host of digital effects including Panasonic's exclusive Soft Skin Mode which gives all your subjects a virtually perfect appearance! This is the perfect camcorder for consumers who are interested in capturing high-quality digital video and audio onto mini DV tape. Other features offered include an Electronic Image Stabilizer for shake-free video recording and Zoom Microphone Technology to focus audio pick-up where the lens is zoomed. In addition to MiniDV video, take still pictures at 640x480 VGA resolution that can be captured on an SD memory card. The camera has a Firewire IEEE1394 DV port for transferring video and a USB 2.0 port for transferring stills to a computer for enhancement, editing, copying, and printing. Don't leave home without it! 2.5 Color LCD Screen Monochrome viewfinder 26x Zoom Lens / Filter Diameter - 30.5mm Up to 1000x Digital-zoom enhancement Unit Dimensions - approx. 3.25 (h) x 2.5 (w) x 4.5 (d) Unit Weight - 0.90 lbs.

Customer Reviews:

So-so camera.......2007-12-12

It's an ok camera. For what I wanted, it worked. I was just wanting something that would record video better than my camera phone, and therefore it did the job nicely. If you want better picture quality, less noise, better dynamic range and the ability to add a mic, then look elsewhere. But if you just want a camera for quick captures that doesn't cost an arm and leg, then this camera will do just that.

great.......2006-10-10

its nice light small but its an ok i give it 3 and a half star...

Good one for good price.......2006-03-20

I liked it and it is working fine.

Cons
no USB cable and night times is not the right time to shoot video or photo both.

Low-light shooting disappoints once again.......2006-03-02

I bought this camera for its great price, good reviews, and overall reputation as a great camcorder for the novice shooter. I returned the camera after three weeks, however, due to abysmal low light performance among other things.

The catalyst for purchasing this camera was the impending birth of our first child. I took the camera to the hospital and filmed some of the labor/delivery and follow up. Unfortunately, when we returned home to view our footage, much of it was grainy and plagued with shadows and silhouettes.

The camera does include a light and a MagicPix option, but unless you're using a tripod, you're bound to end up with a strobe-light effect (Perfect for recreating "Thriller music videos," but not much help otherwise.)

I also found the image quality with the GS31 to be fairly lackluster and pixilated. Granted, you get what you pay for, but I was really taken aback that my 1992 camcorder shot much better footage.

That being said, the camera did a lot better in good/outdoor lighting (albeit still somewhat pixilated), and the zoom is incredible. The camera is very light and smaller than I anticipated.

In the end, I returned the camera in favor of a more significant investment (...)

I will say that Amazon did a great job with customer service throughout. Also, if you do buy this camera, make sure to buy the DV cable (firewire for Macs) through Amazon or some other online retailer. (...)

The picture does not make it.......2006-02-24

We returned this video camera due to video picture quality. The camera requires a lot of light to have a decent video, even after changing settings, the video had a "grainy" look. We just needed something basic to replace our 10 year old video camera and thought this would work, but the picture was worse than our previous camera. Purchased the PV-GS65, next model up with 3CCD's and love this model. As a matter a fact we still had the GS-31, used the same tape, shot the same footage, and reviewing the two different shots, the GS-65 did 100% better.

The camera has a great feel in your hand, although the menu button can be difficult to press.

Product Description

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