Home > Consumer Reviews > Panasonic PVGS200 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

First off......why are all concerned about low light capabilities....most cameras are lowsy without some sort of external bulb. I had a GL2 which i recently sold because i no longer need to documentaries, and that camera needed an external light. Also the image stabilization is a joke. Like recent reviews. If you want perfection on screen then use a tripod and remote. Usually using the zoom won't keep you steady anyway. The GL2 had a powerful zoom but was shaky when held by hand. Gl2 is an awesome Prosumer camera. But thats what its for, a semi professional who is using it for non home use. The Panasonic GS200 is a superb below 1000 bucks small compact camera that is comparable in 3CCD video clarity as the GL2. I give the GS200 3 thumbs up. Those extra little features are for movie makers people, not Joe Schmo who is videoing his daughters sweet 16 and making a momento for future reference.

I bought this product and played with it. But I decided to return it. The reason is simple: it's too complicated.

First of all, when I opened the package, there is tons and tons of parts that I need to assemble. Certainly, you can think of it in a good way, if you think these are frills. Secondly, the software that comes with it is really of poor quality. It doesn't work well on Win2K.

But my main point is that given the rapid technological advancements, the end of MiniDV is already insight. The picture quality of MiniDV cannot compete with Hi8. Yet, on the other hand, other media types, especially MiniDVD, is much more convenient to use for average users. Using a MiniDV camcoder you have to shoot, hook to a computer or TV, and transfer from MiniDV to some other media, e.g. VHS, or DVD, and requires an additional VCR or DVD burner. This is the same hassle as a Hi8. The only benefit is its cute, smaller form factor.

Now look at MiniDVD. Same small form factor. But you shoot, and play! On a computer or with DVD player. That's it! No more transfer from tape to tape, or tape to DVD. And for the same price as GS200 you can get a Sony 201 MiniDVD camcorder. Other "less-prestigious" brands offer MiniDVD camcorder at even lower prices than GS200.

It is well-known in marketing that for viewers of TV ads, there is a great wall between the 1-800 numbers on the screen and the actual phone, and few people would bother to make a call even if he is interested in the stuff. I'd tell you from my experience the same is between shooting a video, and then viewing it. Later on you don't even bother shooting a video, since you know you won't be viewing it anyway. The best solution to overcome that wall right now is the MiniDVD camcorder. And if you can affort a high-end MiniDV like this GS200, you can affort a MiniDVD equivalent.