Blending innovative technologies with new, simple-to-operate controls, Panasonic’s entry-level PV-GS9 camcorder is an affordable entry into digital video with powerful features. Panasonic continues to innovate, adding more optical zoom capability while reducing the overall size. This MiniDV camcorder features a 20x optical zoom, ultra-fast 1.3-second start-up time, digital stills saved to tape, and webcam capability. For a step up in price, the Panasonic PV-GS12 offers digital electronic image stabilization and enables you to save digital stills to SD/MMC memory cards.
Optics
The PV-GS9 is equipped with a 1/6-inch, 680,000-pixel CCD and 20x optical zoom It also features a 800x digital zoom that allows you to zoom in on incredible close-ups.
Digital Stills
In addition to video camcorder operation, you can also use the PV-GS9 as a digital still camera. Using Panasonic’s PhotoShot function, images are stored on tape.
More Features
The 2.5-inch LCD screen can be opened a full 120 degrees away from the camcorder’s body, making it easier to view motion images as they’re being captured.
The Quick Start feature enables the PV-GS9 to begin taping 1.3 seconds after turning the power on so those unexpected moments won’t be missed. After pressing the Quick Start button, the camcorder will bring up the previous settings that you were shooting with–even if they were manually entered.
The PV-GS9 has several built-in digital effects during record and playback, including:
- Digital Mirror: Creates a mirror like symmetrical image
- Strobe: Digitally “freezes” a series of images
- Mosaic: Turns the image into a mosaic pattern
- Stretch: The image expands horizontally
- Trail: Forms multiple impressions of all images in motion, which gradually fade-out as the motion comes to a halt, creating a “trail” effect
- Slim: The image expands vertically
The Soft Skin Detail function detects the different skin tones being recorded and softens the focus to create a realistic blend. Other features include:
- The image-enhancing MagicPix feature allows for rich videos under low-light conditions.Ê
- Web cam capability, which is ideal for video conferencing with friends or family, or use as a simple monitoring device when consumers are away from home.
- The unsnapping hand strap doubles as wrist loops, enabling you to carry the camcorder like a small bag or purse.
- Black and white viewfinder
Inputs and Outputs
The PV-GS9 comes with the standard DV IEEE 1394 port (also known as FireWire; Panasonic refers to this connection as iLink) for a super-fast, lossless connection to a PC or other DV machines. It also has a USB connection (you’ll need an optional USB cable to hook up to your PC).
Dimensions and Weight
This camcorder measures 3.3 x 2.75 x 4.38 inches (H x W x D) and weighs 14.1 ounces.
MiniDV Format
MiniDV is the preferred format for personal and broadcast-quality video, and it is highly regarded for its high audio and image quality. With up to 540 lines of horizontal resolution and minimum color noise, MiniDV delivers a 2 percent clearer picture than analog camcorder formats. This is all delivered on a cassette that’s 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. A MiniDV tape offers digital recording time of 2 full hours–20 times the capacity of a CD.
From the Manufacturer
3-in-1 Palmcorder MultiCam Camcorder
MultiCam camcorders feature digital camcorder and digital still camera capabilities, all in one easy-to-use camcorder. In fact, select MultiCam camcorders are even equipped with a Web Camera, so you can teleconference with friends and family.
10x Hi-Definition Zoom
A zoom this powerful works like a telescope to produce close-up shots with extraordinary clarity. And with seven different zoom speeds, you can control how quick you go from a wide angle to telephoto zoom – anywhere from 2 to 22 seconds.
680,000 Pixel CCD
Enables you to capture crisp, clear images in ultra-high resolution.
Built-in SD Memory Card Drive
SD Memory Cards are versatile, high-capacity storage cards that are extremely small – about the size of a postage stamp. They work as “digital film,” letting you capture images and then transfer them to a PC, TV, PDA, or other device equipped with an SD slot.
700x Digital Zoom
The zoom ratio on our digital camcorders can be increased to 700:1, producing an incredibly close shot.
2.5″ Diagonal Color LCD Monitor
Lets you view your subject in full color during shooting and playback through a large, 2.5″ LCD screen.
MagicPix Images (Low Light Shooting)
Now you can shoot full color video and stills when you’re in extremely low light situations. On select models, the LCD panel provides even more light.
MPEG4 Movie Recording
Go ahead and share your favorite moments with family and friends. It’s easy with MPEG4 Movie Recording. The high compression MPEG4 format lets you record moving images that can be used on the Internet or as e-mail attachments. And you can choose from three recording modes: SuperFine, Fine or Normal depending on your needs. You can even record your movies to an SD memory card for added convenience.
Picture-in-Picture
Lets you take a previously recorded still image, miniaturize it, and then include it in your videos for a unique special effect.
Cinema Mode
Records video in the same 16:9 aspect ratio as a movie screen, giving your videos a dramatic, cinematic effect during playback.
Price: $279.99
(Please note prices are subject to change and the listed price is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of posting)