Customer Reviews for Panasonic Palmcorder MiniDV 3.1MP Digital Camcorder w/ 2.7" Widescreen LCD Monitor - Silver
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Panasonic Palmcorder MiniDV 3.1MP Digital Camcorder w/ 2.7" Widescreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Model: PV-GS320
SKU: 8216389
UPC: 037988980277
Enjoy your memories with this versatile camcorder that captures both stunning video and crisp still images for the convenience of a still camera and camcorder in one.
Average Customer Rating:
3.9
out of 5
(15 Reviews) 15
Rating Snapshot 15 reviews
5 stars
6
4 stars
6
3 stars
0
2 stars
1
1 star
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80% of customers would recommend this product to a friend
(
12 out of
15)
Customer Reviews for Panasonic Palmcorder MiniDV 3.1MP Digital Camcorder w/ 2.7" Widescreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Review 1 for Panasonic Palmcorder MiniDV 3.1MP Digital Camcorder w/ 2.7" Widescreen LCD Monitor - Silver
This camcorder rules!!!
Customer Rating
5.0
I got this video camera to replace an aging Panasonic PV-401. I especially wanted the 3 ccd feature, the 10x optical zoom, and the image stabilizer, in a DV format (since I have many DV tapes, and have read DV gives better recording quality).
I've been pleased with the camera, especially the 3.1 MP photo capability, which works with the zoom and image stabilizer. This means only one camera to carry for both video and stills. With a powerful optical zoom, 3.1 MP is plenty for my purposes, and I can save hundreds of photos on an inexpensive 2-GB SD memory.
Its lighter weight and smaller form factor are attractive, and it easily fits in the camera bag used for the PV-401. The revised interface took some getting used to, but it is an improvement on the PV-401, once you get used to it. The manual is pretty comprehensive, and is also available online, a nice feature I really appreciate after the PV-401 manual got soaked and became unusable.
The included remote is convenient for playback when attached to a TV or A/V system, or remote recording.
One minor problem was the included video editing software incompatibility with Windows Vista. But with the Vista MediaCenter capability, it isn't really necessary. The photos are recognized by the Vista OS, and can be downloaded easily.
One other plus - it cost less than the PV-401, but has greatly enhanced features.
I've been pleased with the camera, especially the 3.1 MP photo capability, which works with the zoom and image stabilizer. This means only one camera to carry for both video and stills. With a powerful optical zoom, 3.1 MP is plenty for my purposes, and I can save hundreds of photos on an inexpensive 2-GB SD memory.
Its lighter weight and smaller form factor are attractive, and it easily fits in the camera bag used for the PV-401. The revised interface took some getting used to, but it is an improvement on the PV-401, once you get used to it. The manual is pretty comprehensive, and is also available online, a nice feature I really appreciate after the PV-401 manual got soaked and became unusable.
The included remote is convenient for playback when attached to a TV or A/V system, or remote recording.
One minor problem was the included video editing software incompatibility with Windows Vista. But with the Vista MediaCenter capability, it isn't really necessary. The photos are recognized by the Vista OS, and can be downloaded easily.
One other plus - it cost less than the PV-401, but has greatly enhanced features.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 2 for Panasonic Palmcorder MiniDV 3.1MP Digital Camcorder w/ 2.7" Widescreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Worst Purchase Ever
Customer Rating
1.0
Posted by: blagar1
on 06/21/2008
What's great about it: None
What's not so great: Broke within 6 months of purchase
If I could give this camera zero stars, I would. Purchased camera less than six months ago, recorded for less than an hour and I began receiving an error message "Push Reset Button". The camera will no longer record or allow me to watch a tape. The tape mechanism broke after little to no use. Camera is still covered by a parts warranty, but labor warranty ends after 90 days, which means it will cost approximately $200 for me to get the camera fixed. Terrible camera.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Review 3 for Panasonic Palmcorder MiniDV 3.1MP Digital Camcorder w/ 2.7" Widescreen LCD Monitor - Silver
GREAT CAMCORDER
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: taylorsand
from Grand Forks, North Dakota
on 05/22/2008
What's great about it: Light, Small, Easy Use, Great Video and Picture Quality
What's not so great: no input for headset, or output for mic
This is a great camcorder for anyone. I got a SunPak wideangle lense for mine that i switched around the big lense to make it into a fisheye. Has great quality with the fisheye on/off. Great moving pictures. Ease of use and great to have anywhere. Also great for skateboarding. I just went to my local Menards and got a piece of metal and bent it to make a handle (for low skateboard shots)
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 4 for Panasonic Palmcorder MiniDV 3.1MP Digital Camcorder w/ 2.7" Widescreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Good purchase
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: mb123456789
from Raleigh, NC
on 02/13/2008
What's great about it: Easy of use, battery life
What's not so great: picture darker than I thought
This is a really good camera. I read all of the reviews on many different websites before purchasing the camera. Most of the big ones said this was the best non-HD camera. It is really easy to use. It just hooks up to my mac computer. My only complaint is the video still does look a little dark in low light situations. I thought it may be slightly better since so many websites said it was the best non-HD camera. Perhaps my expectations were to great. Overall, though a really good camera.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 5 for Panasonic Palmcorder MiniDV 3.1MP Digital Camcorder w/ 2.7" Widescreen LCD Monitor - Silver
excellent picture quality, good price
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: resistmuch1976
from Youngstown, OH
on 02/10/2008
What's great about it: beautiful picture, easy to use, native widescreen
What's not so great: impossible to use USB/Firewire interface without removing battery pack
For the money, this camera rocks. Although there are now a number of HD Palmcorder options on the market which approach consumer range pricing, this must still be the best deal going for a standard definition consumer camcorder. The 3CCD picture nearly rivals that of the AG-DVX100B that I use. I would not hesitate to use it as an emergency back-up for that model. Low-light capability lacks in comparison, but otherwise this camera delivers a wonderful native 16:9 image, with the option of 4:3. Perhaps the only real negative for this camera is that you cannot power the unit by battery when using the Firewire connection which is blocked when the batteryis connected. One is forced to use AC connection while streaming or capturing video.
Recommended.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 6 for Panasonic Palmcorder MiniDV 3.1MP Digital Camcorder w/ 2.7" Widescreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Great Purchase!
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: fire3096
from Gainesville, GA
on 01/08/2008
What's great about it: 3ccd, 3.1mp stills, good menu and controls....
What's not so great: IEEE 1394 will not work with Vista ( no drivers ), No video light and no night vision mode
With all that said, this is the best camera for the money out there. You can purchase better cameras, but not for this price! The hand grip is great, all controls are right at your finger tips. They do take some getting used too, when you are used to an old camera it's hard to change right away. The picture quality is great when you have good light and near HD when you have great light. I would buy this camera again in a heart beat!!!!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 7 for Panasonic Palmcorder MiniDV 3.1MP Digital Camcorder w/ 2.7" Widescreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Not working
Customer Rating
2.0
Posted by: Flyfisher
from CT
on 01/04/2008
What's great about it: Easy to hold
What's not so great: Snap shot feature is weak, no light/flash poor image quality
I bought this before Christmas and shot a good amount of footage. When I attempted to load the footage onto my computer it failed. I would put the camera in the proper mode and after a few seconds the camera would on its own revert back to record mode. The setting on the dial clearly says playback and the camera is in record mode. This happened over and over. I am going to bring it back tomorrow (13 days into my 14 day return). I hope the store does not give me a hard time. I will give this camera another shot if they replace it. When taking snap shots with the 3.1 mp camera you will not be happy. The image is poor. It does have 3CCD and a great price point. I guess you get what you pay for. I will post another review as to the way the store handles my return.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Review 8 for Panasonic Palmcorder MiniDV 3.1MP Digital Camcorder w/ 2.7" Widescreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Worked with My New Vista PC!
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: Dzdaone
from Garden Grove
on 10/03/2007
What's great about it: Vista Compatible, Easy to use, Small compact size, very light, great picture - very clear
What's not so great: Optical Zoom is only 10X
I upgraded from an older JVC Camcorder that was not compatible with my vista PC and I was amazed at how fast my PC detected and installed the drivers for this Camcorder. It also fits comfortably in my hand and the function buttons are easy to use (not too far apart). The supplied battery only lasts about an hour, so i recommend purchasing a better one before you leave the store. The only con that i have seen is the low optical zoom, it's only 10X. Other than that, great camcorder, easy to use and most importantly, vista compatible!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 9 for Panasonic Palmcorder MiniDV 3.1MP Digital Camcorder w/ 2.7" Widescreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Excellent product for the price
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: Strohbes32
from San Diego, CA
on 09/15/2007
I bought this camera about mid-June this year and it was a little bit of a rushed buy. I wanted to get a Panasonic DVX 100 but I merely didn't have time to save the money. The main reason I chose this over others was because it is undoubtedly the only 3CCD camcorder in its price range. I used it frequently over the summer and it hasn't upset me yet. The only thing that slightly bothered me was that there were no ports for headphone jacks or an external mic. Although, there is a little holding slot on the top in for a mic. The picture quality is better than almost any other camera in its price range and maybe some above its price. Its an easy to use, light-weight camcorder. Great for beginning filmmakers or family filmmakers. I recommend this to pretty much anyone who wants high quality picture for a more than reasonable price.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 10 for Panasonic Palmcorder MiniDV 3.1MP Digital Camcorder w/ 2.7" Widescreen LCD Monitor - Silver
panasonic 320 palmcorder minidiv 3.1 mp digiital
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: SWEETPEA
from NC
on 09/10/2007
this palmcorder provided still frames both forward and reverse for viewing and editing.
the color contrast and the clarity of picture was more than i expected.
the sd card mode turned out to be just what i needed for viewing close up imagery.
this palmcorder was the beat selection out ot the three top brands in its class.
it was well balanced for one hand operation, and the best in auto white balance and auto focus
THIS MODEL GETS A 5 STAT RATING
the color contrast and the clarity of picture was more than i expected.
the sd card mode turned out to be just what i needed for viewing close up imagery.
this palmcorder was the beat selection out ot the three top brands in its class.
it was well balanced for one hand operation, and the best in auto white balance and auto focus
THIS MODEL GETS A 5 STAT RATING
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 11 for Panasonic Palmcorder MiniDV 3.1MP Digital Camcorder w/ 2.7" Widescreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Well designed, great quality, best value
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Genius
from North Canton, OH
on 09/09/2007
For the price segment of this camcorder, the mini DV and 3 CCD technology present a tremendous value. For everyday use for most people, this is one great product and one great Brand name standing behind it. I bought one, use it quite a bit, and it has performed flawlessly.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 12 for Panasonic Palmcorder MiniDV 3.1MP Digital Camcorder w/ 2.7" Widescreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Great Basic Camera
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: hedl0071
from Duluth, MN
on 09/09/2007
The Panasonic PV-GS320 is a great starter camera. It is one of the best I could find for the cost. It includes only the basic features that are necessary for digital recording, and nothing more. Very Simple and Easy to use. I recommend buying an extended life battery such as an 8hr. Great Camera.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 13 for Panasonic Palmcorder MiniDV 3.1MP Digital Camcorder w/ 2.7" Widescreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Excellent for Travel
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Travelman
on 09/09/2007
Took this camera to Belize and used it for video and stills. It is small and lightweight, and produced excellent color and detail in videos, even in the uneven lighting of the jungle. And the 3.1 MP stills came out crisp and clear too. Excellent dual purpose camera for travel.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 14 for Panasonic Palmcorder MiniDV 3.1MP Digital Camcorder w/ 2.7" Widescreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Great Product
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: nerdyeistein
from Stoughton,WI
on 09/01/2007
I bought this camera a year ago and haven't had one problem with it yet. I use it all the time and I've never had a problem. I would buy any kind of panasonic camera again. This camera has a great screen, and has a great recording time.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Review 15 for Panasonic Palmcorder MiniDV 3.1MP Digital Camcorder w/ 2.7" Widescreen LCD Monitor - Silver
Worst experience ever!!!
Customer Rating
1.0
Posted by: familyguy39
on 08/20/2007
I bought one of these and got about two hours of recording before it stopped working. I exchanged it, and the replacement was a lemon right out of the box. I've always like Panasonic camcorders, but this model has yet to show any worth. I find it hard to believe that a camcorder would be so poorly made as to have two defective units like this.
I'm very disappointed in the quality of the design. If the design only held up to the quality of the picture you get with it, it'd be a great camcorder. Sadly, this is not the case.
I'm very disappointed in the quality of the design. If the design only held up to the quality of the picture you get with it, it'd be a great camcorder. Sadly, this is not the case.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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