Panasonic PV-GS31 Mini DV Camcorder
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- Recording System: NTSC
- Camcorder Type: Digital
- Recording Media: Mini DV
- Optical Zoom: 26x
- Weight: 0.9 lb.
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Best camera for your money!
Pros
Video quality, Price, size, ZOOM, controls
Cons
Wish the camera came with software, sd card and one DV tape! IMAGE STABILIZER
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
HIGHLY RECOMMEND for family videos and recreational outings.
I researched high and low for the best bang for your buck digital camcorder. This is one of two or three cameras that can't be beat for the price. I paid $259 after my rebate, that's including shipping! I almost bought the Panasonic GS19 but I wanted a light source on the camera and the color view finder (not important) is nice to have. The GS35 had more options but i feel you are paying for the added zoom and added port(s). The extras were not a good cost vs. benefit against the GS31, unless that is specifically what you need.
Through my research I found that a 3 CCD image processor will definitely produce better quality video and is generally considered a much better camcorder. What you will likely sacrifice is OPTICAL ZOOM (most DVD camcorders have limited zoom) which on the newer models is usually 10X to 12X. Most importantly you will pay for a 3CCD image processor, hundreds more! The DVDs to record on are more expensive than DV tape. If you are a parent and tape your kids sports games from a distance...optical zoom is important...trust me! If you do use high optical zoom (for sports) get a tripod because the image will get somewhat shaky if you are holding the camcorder. Seems to get a little shaky around 18x zoom. The zoom is very nice.
The controls on this camera are awesome. It will take some time getting through the manual but it is worth it once you have learned. The joystick control is easy to use. You can switch from the auto to manual mode which gives you more control.
Some nice features...
You can record in special scenes like sports mode, portrait mode, low light mode, spotlight mode, and surf and snow mode. MagicPix mode allows you record color images brightly in a dark place without using the video light. Soft skin mode (very nice feature) enables you to record skin colors in softer tone. Lastly, I like that the camcorder will find the blank space on the tape so there is no to search for it. There are many more features but these were the ones that stood out when I gave them a try.
The picture quality is very good. No complaints. Low Light seems to be a common issue. It appears to be more than adequate to me. I don't know to many people who record in the dark or low lit rooms. If you do record in low lit rooms, quality will go down! Do record in well lit rooms for better quality! Outdoor (daytime) video is great!
The battery it comes with is good enough for most people. If you use your camera all the time and you use it for other than family fun then maybe consider a longer life battery. Ours will last for over an hour of recording...use the viewfinder, not LCD, if you want a little added time.
I havent tried taking stills yet, but don't really intend to since I have a nice digital camera.
This camera is tiny. I looked at my friends camera, the canon optura 30, and the GS31 feels much smaller. I am estimating 4 inches long, 3 inches high, and 2.5 inches wide.
The GS31 is a SMART buy!
UPDATED ON 1/11/06:
Well I still think for the Money it is a SMART and SAFE buy. Indoor light seems to be hit and miss for me. Sometimes the light source works well and sometimes it leaves too much of a shadow. Outdoor is EXCELLENT. I mainly updated this to list my biggest complaint after much use. The image stabilizer is poor. The image is shaky if the user does not have a VERY STEADY HAND. If you move the camera too fast the image will blur out of focus and it takes a second or two to re-adjust (ANNOYING). Get a tripod for $20-$30 and it will save your eyes some work and keep you from getting a headache after watching the video. Remember you aren't paying alot but cost vs. value is right on.
STILL RECOMMEND.
Through my research I found that a 3 CCD image processor will definitely produce better quality video and is generally considered a much better camcorder. What you will likely sacrifice is OPTICAL ZOOM (most DVD camcorders have limited zoom) which on the newer models is usually 10X to 12X. Most importantly you will pay for a 3CCD image processor, hundreds more! The DVDs to record on are more expensive than DV tape. If you are a parent and tape your kids sports games from a distance...optical zoom is important...trust me! If you do use high optical zoom (for sports) get a tripod because the image will get somewhat shaky if you are holding the camcorder. Seems to get a little shaky around 18x zoom. The zoom is very nice.
The controls on this camera are awesome. It will take some time getting through the manual but it is worth it once you have learned. The joystick control is easy to use. You can switch from the auto to manual mode which gives you more control.
Some nice features...
You can record in special scenes like sports mode, portrait mode, low light mode, spotlight mode, and surf and snow mode. MagicPix mode allows you record color images brightly in a dark place without using the video light. Soft skin mode (very nice feature) enables you to record skin colors in softer tone. Lastly, I like that the camcorder will find the blank space on the tape so there is no to search for it. There are many more features but these were the ones that stood out when I gave them a try.
The picture quality is very good. No complaints. Low Light seems to be a common issue. It appears to be more than adequate to me. I don't know to many people who record in the dark or low lit rooms. If you do record in low lit rooms, quality will go down! Do record in well lit rooms for better quality! Outdoor (daytime) video is great!
The battery it comes with is good enough for most people. If you use your camera all the time and you use it for other than family fun then maybe consider a longer life battery. Ours will last for over an hour of recording...use the viewfinder, not LCD, if you want a little added time.
I havent tried taking stills yet, but don't really intend to since I have a nice digital camera.
This camera is tiny. I looked at my friends camera, the canon optura 30, and the GS31 feels much smaller. I am estimating 4 inches long, 3 inches high, and 2.5 inches wide.
The GS31 is a SMART buy!
UPDATED ON 1/11/06:
Well I still think for the Money it is a SMART and SAFE buy. Indoor light seems to be hit and miss for me. Sometimes the light source works well and sometimes it leaves too much of a shadow. Outdoor is EXCELLENT. I mainly updated this to list my biggest complaint after much use. The image stabilizer is poor. The image is shaky if the user does not have a VERY STEADY HAND. If you move the camera too fast the image will blur out of focus and it takes a second or two to re-adjust (ANNOYING). Get a tripod for $20-$30 and it will save your eyes some work and keep you from getting a headache after watching the video. Remember you aren't paying alot but cost vs. value is right on.
STILL RECOMMEND.
