Panasonic PV-GS*** line

[BakerBoy]

Anybody have any experience with this line of cam's? The 3CCD caught my interest.

[Cirquerider]

I have the GS-120. Great color and resolution, surprising battery life in the cold. Nice small size/easy carry. Be careful on powder days, the electronics don't like getting wet. Image stabilizer is not bomber, but works. Complaint for all cams: I wish there was a top loop or hand strap could be swiveled so the camera points ahead without holding my arm and wrist vertical. Ergonomically it bites to chase someone on skis while holding your elbow out to the front and cocking the camera angle up.

[routter]

I've gone through about a half dozen mini dv cams and each time I look to the Panny pv-xxx's as an option- 'specially w/ the 3ccds coming in so cheaply. However- I never pull the trigger as they just can't seem to get the image stabilization up to snuff.

If you're going to primarily be out shooting on the mountain, trail any action etc., and you won't be carrying at least a monopod I'd look elsewhere. This is especially true if you're looking at Panny's most compact models. For as they shrink the IS hardware and software gets worse, and combine this with a lightweight shrunken chasis and it's really tough to get a steady shot- especially w/ any type of zoom working (think framing a rider 40 yds below a drop).

If I was in the market right now I wouldn't throw too much money at a camcorder as I think we're about to see consumer level HD's really start working they're way into the mainstream with prices dropping substantially over the next year. Right now, I'd be checking out Sony and Canons w/ single chip ccd's at or over 1/3 inch. These probably can be found in that $500-$600ish sweetspot and with the larger ccd they show pretty nice color saturation.

Just one man's opinion though.

[BakerBoy]

Always be on a tripod or hooked up to a helmet cam. Thanks for the input!

[BakerBoy]

Just pulled the trigger on a brand new PV-GS120, $400 on egay. Not the best, not too bad.