 |
| Date Reviewed: 12/02/2004 |
|
 After doing a great deal of research, I was absolu ... Strengths: 3CCD; manual controls; LCD screen; color quality
Weaknesses: Serious mechanical defect with tape transport causes grinding noise in PV-GS400 camcorders
Summary: 2004-12-03 06:43:40 After doing a great deal of research, I was absolutely certain that the PV-GS400 was the camcorder for me. The 3CCD's and the ability to use manual controls were the main selling points - I was looking forward to a camera that would give me superb color reproduction and the ability to control the camcorder with well-designed manual controls in situations where I needed to make quick adjustments in difficult lighting situations.
I can't describe how deeply disappointing it was when I first put a videotape into the camcorder and could hear a loud, grinding noise coming from the tape transport. When the tape was played back, I was horrified - it was making a click-click-click kind of noise that sounded like an old-fashioned 8mm movie projector; it sounded really horrible. I returned the camcorder to the retail store where it was purchased and requested a replacement. I was completely blown away when I tested the second camcorder and heard the exact same problem coming from the tape transport.
I later learned that this defect with the PV-GS400 has been reported by many users and that Panasonic has acknowledged the problem (for more info, do a search on the terms "tape transport" and "Panasonic"). Based on my experience, when a camcorder or a VCR dies, it's usually the tape transport that is the culprit - so I was very nervous about finding this defect in a camcorder that cost over $1000.
It was VERY painful to return the second camcorder, since the other features of the camera are so attractive. It was really easy to use, I thought that the controls were well placed and I really loved the multi-function ring. I may be an idiot for writing this, but if I could be ABSOLUTELY certain that Panasonic had figured out and fixed the tape transport defect, I might possibly consider buying this camcorder for a third time!
 94% of People (304/323) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
 There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 11/21/2004 |
|
Strengths: Video Quality is great.
Manual control of everything.
4 Megapixel Stills.
Multifunction Ring.
Big LCD, 12X Optical Zoom.
Most of the features and picture quality of a camera three times the price
Weaknesses: Tape transport on many GS400s have a loud clicking noise. Panasonic has acknowledged the problem and is willing to fix it for free.
Mic and headphone inputs double as other inputs as well.
Summary: The Panasonic GS400 produces an outstanding picture for such a small price. The picture is comparable to the Canon GL2 and the Sony TRV950 in my honest opinion. I have been looking to upgrade my camcorder for awhile, but couldn't get all the features I required and stay in within my budget. This camera has manual control over everything (including gain) and a really cool 4 way hybrid ring. The camera is small, but packs a big punch. It has 3 1/4.7 inch CCDs to accurately reproduce colors. A 12X optical zoom is sufficient. 4 Megapixel still pictures. Zebra Pattern. A nice cinema mode that gives your video more of a film look. Anamorphic 16 x 9 for those with widescreen televisions. And much, much, more. It far exceeded my expectations and it only cost slightly over $1000.
The only problem I had with this camera was a manufacturing problem that Panasonic has now addressed. When you put a tape in, when the mechanism closes, it looks closed, but there is a tiny gap which causes a really loud purring noise to be recorded on the tape. This doesn't affect all models, but did affect the first model I received - which I am returning for a replacement - hopefully the second one won't have this problem. There are websites that discuss this problem if you are curious. In addition, the mic and headphone inputs double as inputs for other devices - like the wired remote. This isn't a huge deal, but it would be nice to have seperate inputs for everything. Lastly it is small, which has it's ups and downs. I personally like the fact that it is small because it is easier to travel with.
In my opinion, this camera offers the best value available on the market today.
90% of People (127/141) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 09/20/2004 |
|
Strengths: 3-CCD, Stills, Manual Control
Weaknesses: Low light is average, but for this price range that is what you get.
Summary: After being a ten year Sony man, I decided to go with the Panasonic PV-GS400 over the Sony DCR-HC1000. It was very close. I picked the Panasonic over the Sony because of the great manual control, better stills, and the fact that it has less grain than the Sony in low light. The Panasonic seems to have a more true to life color also. The DCR-HC1000 has a problem with a slight browning of video in lower light settings.
84% of People (211/251) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 12/05/2004 |
|
Panasonic has acknowledged the problem, but has no ...
Strengths: Video not tested, I will test if Panasonic can ship one that is not defective on tape transport
Weaknesses: Defective tape transport, audible clicking from tape transport that is audible on playback.
Summary: Panasonic has acknowledged the problem, but has not fixed it in units shipping as of last week (Dec 1, 2004). I have read several reviews from other customers that have received 2 back to back defective units and gave up. My 2nd unit should be in this week and I will report back about tape transport noise.
Panasonic claims that 1/10 of one percent have this defect… Type PV-GS400 and tape transport into Google and read up on a large number of people that have reported this problem. It seems to me that over 50% are defective.
84% of People (87/103) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 11/19/2004 |
|
I feel like I could kick myself for not doing a be ...
Strengths: Purchased it for the reported video quality and manual controls
Weaknesses: Tape transport defect makes the camcorder unusable; still picture mode isn't very good
Summary: 2005-01-12 13:52:10 I feel like I could kick myself for not doing a better job of researching the PV-GS400 before I bought it. It seems like everybody on Planet Earth had heard about the defective tape transport on this camcorder - except for me! I bought this camcorder in time to make some videos during my vacation; when I got back home, I was horrified to hear an irritating noise throughout all of the tapes when I played them back. Then I did some searching on the internet and quickly found out that there are many, many people throughout the world who have bought the PV-GS400 and have found exactly the same defect, and that Panasonic knows about the defect. I find it hard to believe that a well-known company like Panasonic can sell a high end product like this with a known defect. I'm past the time limit on returning the camcorder, but I'm going to send it back anyway and hope for the best.
Also, don't be too impressed with the reported 4 Megapixels for still pictures that are advertised for the PV-GS400. The test photos that I shot were pretty grainy, more like something that you would find on a 1MP or 2MP digital camera.
84% of People (41/49) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
There are 1 comment for this review. Read all comments.
Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 12/03/2004 |
|
Strengths: Beautiful 3.5" display (not 2.5" litureature is wrong), fantastic still quality, good flash. Tons of features.
Weaknesses: Hand strap needs to be wider, I had to wrap it with foam for comfort. The manual ring 4-way buttons hard to press with the screen open/tilted up. Low light perf in still mode is poor.
Summary: I bought this camera retail before researching it since it was their last one the day before Thanksgiving. Then I researched it and was very plaesed. Some users have reported a popping sound in the audio and I have heard this, but just once in 8 days. So, I went back and added the extended warrenty. (90 dys from Panasonic is pretty lousey insurance.) The popping noise has not happenned a second time.
The video mode works great. Stabilization while filming could be a little better but I swear the camera stabilizes it a second time during playback, so playback looks great. This is not mentioned in the manual so It might be my imagination.
I bought this model mainly for the 4 MP performance on stills. Stills outside are fantastic, but inside the low light performance makes it hard to see what you are taking. The picture comes out fine once the flash fires IF you have the picuture framed OK. I find myself framing the picture in video mode (where it is better) and then quickly switching to still mode and taking the shot. You can also take a still in the video mode but you only get a lower resolution image. Maybe a mechanical sight (like a rifle sight) would make me happy (Panasonic, are you listening?)
I really like the 16:9 mode as I playback through a front DLP projector to a 45" x 80" screen. Video quality and color blow away my old Hi8mm camera.
The manual zoom/focus ring is great since the electric zoom button is too touchey. The 2nd RECORD button is "exactly" in the right place to film holding the camera on your chest for stability.
Battery life if Ok but not great, I will definitely need some more batteries.
The manual is complete, but not very "readable". Panasonic needs to take manual writing lessons from Olympus or Mackie Audio.
I paid $1299. Probably could do better on the web, but a real live face to face dealer will be better if the audio "popping" problem shows up.
All in all a great camera packed with features that cost more like $2200+ in other models.
83% of People (33/40) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 01/14/2005 |
|
I knew the risk that I was taking when I ordered t ...
Strengths: Picture quality, focus ring, optical image stabilization
Weaknesses: I've got the tape transport "cat purring" noise. Also: poor low-light performance, video software included w/camcorder is difficult to use
Summary: I knew the risk that I was taking when I ordered the GS400, so I have nobody to blame but myself. I read the posts on bulletin boards from lots of people who bought camcorders with the "cat purring" noise from the tape transport. I struck out - my GS400 had the tape transport noise from the first time I used it. It's frustrating, because if so many people are having this exact same problem, it makes me wonder about the overall quality of the camcorder.
I learned my lesson with the GS400: I'm shipping it back and I'm not getting burned a second time. For those of you who are still considering buying this camcorder, I wish you luck with the GS400 "lottery", I hope you get one of the "good" ones.
Other than the tape transport problem, I did like the manual controls on the GS400, but I wasn't impressed by the video quality under low-light conditions, and the video editing software that's included is a pain to use.
83% of People (29/35) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 11/03/2004 |
|
Strengths: Optical Stabilization. 3.5" lcd. Multifunction Focus Ring.
Weaknesses: All navigation buttons are located behind the lcd. This means that you have to keep the screen open to access the menus.
Summary: I am very impressed with this camera. I have only had it 10 days but I am very satisfied with all of the features. I bought the gs-200 and I was unhappy with the EIS . It
doesn't help in my opinion. I also wanted better low to
medium light quality. Since the gs-400 has 1/4" ccd's instead of 1/6" in the gs-200, it does much better.The focus ring controls focus,zoom,aperature, and shutter speed.
I also love the 3.5" screen. I am happy that I spent the extra $300.00 for the gs-400.
79% of People (46/58) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 10/26/2004 |
|
Strengths: Great color and clarity. Lightweight and easy to use out of the box. Wife was able to use it without instruction.
Weaknesses: A little grainy in lower light. Cannot take 4MP pics while recording to tape.
Summary: I researched the PVDV953 to death and almost bought it last year. I read somewhere that a new improved version was coming so I waited and I am glad I did. This camera is great. I have only used the camera for 2 days but I am very impressed with the color reproduction and picture quality.
I did notice that the picture degraded a little when I filmed in normal indoor light. The color was not quite as vivid and there was some grain in the playback.
I have only used the camera in full automatic so I am sure that with all of the manual controls that I will be able to compensate in the lower light conditions. Overall, this is the best camera for around $1k.
78% of People (39/50) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 11/09/2004 |
|
Strengths: Excellent video and 4M still quality; moreover, color fidelity appears excellent. Multifunction ring is easy way to access the extensive manual controls. The 3.5 inch LCD and zoom control is gorgeous
Weaknesses: The optical image stabilization seems not dramatically superior to the electronic stabilization.
Summary: This camera is fantastic one. Between Sony HC1000 and this one it was not easy to make a decision. But I went ahead and purchased this one to shoot my daughter’s birthday party this weekend. GS400 gives far better access to the manual controls, and add the help of a zebra. I like that the white balance is an exterior button, and I like a ring aperture. The four-way ring is the key to this. I prefer a two ring setup, one ring for focus and the other for aperture. The 4M still image and 3CCD recording are awesome. I love these work super fantastically. So far I’m completely satisfied with this camere.
76% of People (70/92) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 09/28/2004 |
|
Strengths: Easy to use out of the box, quality video and very fine stills, and software is smooth connecting and fun to use on my PC's.
Weaknesses: Duration of charged battery could be longer, I'll need one or two spares for sure. Else, none found yet.
Summary: After reading and studying the miniDV reviews, I auditioned, hands on, three brands in this video quality category. I now own a Panasonic PV-GS 400, and feel good about my decision. Why? It is a quality consumer camera, the 3.5 inch LCD screen is a must over smaller sizes, the software is quick loading and simple to get started, not like one other brand. Low light video was better than I expected. The camcorder just feels good. Applause warranted to a fine product and company, no bull!
75% of People (121/162) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
There are 1 comment for this review. Read all comments.
Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 06/05/2005 |
- balis
from NY
- Member Since:
Apr 2005
View Member's:
Reviews
|
Strengths: 3ccds,4.0MP,manual controls,excellent video performance and video quality is comparable to professional camcorder.
Weaknesses: little bulky compare to PVGS250 and PVGS150, hard to find this camera in market now.Doesnt have navigation menu system like PVGS250 and PVGS150 have it.
Summary: Excellent camera and worth to spent high price on this camcorder.Finally panasonic fixed the tape transport issue from beginning of this year.that is very good thing.
low light performance is good compare to other minidv camcorder.Totally i am very much satisfied with this camcorder result.I highly recommend this camcorder if you find one in market now..And once you get this camcorder you don't regret for your decision.
75% of People (6/8) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 11/10/2004 |
|
Strengths: Video Quality. Widescreen Format. Ease of use (point and shoot) with good number manual control options. Good low-light performance. MotionDV software that is included for digital editing.
Weaknesses: Still Image quality is no better than my 3MP camcorder. Seems like enabled EIS produces a larger number of digital artifacts?
Summary: Everything is moving to HD. Part of HDTV is the 16:9 aspect ratio ... so if you're capturing memories today that you'll likely be watching years from now, you need to seriously consider shooting these memories in a widescreen format. At least, that was one of my primary goals.
Clearly, I would love to be shooting 1900x1020 HD video, unfortunately at this point that simply isn't affordable to a consumer and most prosumers. However, grabbing a camcorder with at least the ability to shoot in a true widescreen mode should, seriously, be considered (since you'll, more than likely, be viewing your memories on a 16:9 set years from now).
Aside from the widescreen shooting options, video quality on this camcorder is near perfect. I am not a professional videographer but I am very, very pleased with the quality of video this camcorder outputs.
Easy Recomendation!
73% of People (46/63) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 12/21/2004 |
|
Strengths: Great video quality, 3CCDs, Large LCD, Easy to use right out of the box, 12 Optical zoom, Separate jacks for mic and headphones, & built-in flash.
Weaknesses: Pictures from the 4 MP built-in still camera aren't great quality, but not bad. Battery doesn't last terribly long, I suggest a second larger battery. Not great in low light conditions.
Summary: I did a lot of research before choosing the GS400. I like the fact that Panasonic increased the size of the CCDs on this model. It produces great video and color quality. They also increased the size of the LCD display which is very nice. The built-in still camera is okay, but I wouldn't let that be an influence in choosing this camera. If you want really good still shots you need to buy a dedicated still camera. Many of the other features such as effects, transitions, etc. were not of importance to me since I do all of my editing on a PC. I bought early and paid quite a hefty price for this camera, but if you compare it to other 3 CCD cameras the price really isn't bad. I haven't had any of the tape transport problems that others have reported on this and other sites; so far camera has been trouble free. I would recommend this camera to anyone looking to spend just a little bit extra to get great video quality. I have used the Panasonic professional grade tapes and have been very happy with them as well.
71% of People (12/17) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 03/03/2005 |
|
Strengths: Lightweight, video color quality, low light capability, taking video and photos at same time
Weaknesses: Sometimes has trouble "locking in" using autofocus on certain surfaces
Summary: Overall I am very happy with the camera. I had not had any trouble with tape noise like some previous reviews. I was told by the vendor this was only in early serial numbers. I am still learning all the features of the camera, but am impressed with the quality of the photos and the video.
70% of People (7/10) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
|
Report this as 
