4 comments about Panasonic CGP-D28 6 Hour Lithium Ion Battery for Panasonic Camcorders.

1. If the CGRD16A/1b doesn't have enough battery life for you (3 hours, approx. 1.5 if you use LCD screen), then this is probably the battery for you.

   You will get about 5 hours of battery life out of this battery, or 2.5 if you use the LCD screen a lot. I like this battery much more than the CGRD53, which I think is much too large for the average user (it has 9 hours of usage, but it is very large compared to the small size of the digital camcorders).

   This battery holds its charge well, and is a good size.




2. This battery got me though many shoots for my many DV Films. It does last about as long as it specifies. Too bad I had to sell it as I am about to buy a new Canon as my Pana died. It's a great battery though, and a great price from J and R.



3. Worked like a charm in my Panasonic AG-DV30 video camera! Having 5+ hours of battery life really helps when you're on vacation and don't want to mess with charging batteries or being "selective" in your shooting. This gives you the freedom to tape what you want and edit out the boring stuff later. Worth the money and a good deal here!



4. I had to return it since it was the wrong battery for my camcorder. Roger Moore

5 comments about Panasonic CGA-DU21A/1B Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery for most Panasonic Camcorders.

1. This is the battery to use with your Panasonic Camcorder. Makes the original almost useless. Not much larger or heavier, with nearly twice as much recording time than the one that comes with the unit.



2. Great product. This battery never leaves you short! From Vegas to the Hoover Dam to the Grand Canyon (West & South), Flagstaff, Sedona and Phoenix and still 2 bars of life left in it!! Highly recommended!!



3. Nothing beats original manufactured battery and affordable price. I highly recommend this battery for those who need an additional battery.



4. I use the camera with this battery every day. It lasts several hours. The shipment was prompt and accurate.



5. This is excellent battery. Performs just as promised. Charge it once and it seems to go on and on. Definitely a good buy.

5 comments about Panasonic PV-GS80 MiniDV Camcorder with 32x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

1. Check the videos on my other reviews to see the quality for yourself.
   
   There's no record light in the front, no remote, and no touch screen. But I still like it better than the Sony DCR-HC42 that gradually became completely non-functional and is waiting to go in for repair.
   
   I like not having to use a docking station - the Sony is awkward, built backwards and has letters engraved in the gray plastic - almost impossible to read unless the station is out in the middle of the desk and in good lighting. Also Not really built for good access if you're doing it by feel and an awkward view of the connector. The off switch is backwards, but it doesn't seem to do anything anyway. Maybe other docking stations are better, but in this comparison, none is better.
   
   The downside, if it is one, is that you have to remove the battery to recharge it and to connect the camera to the computer. The only problem I have is forgetting to unplug the power supply-to-camera cord from the power supply after I'm done uploading the footage. The battery only recharges if the camera cable is unplugged from the power supply, which also serves as the battery charger. It follows that you can't recharge the battery at the same time you're uploading to the computer.
   
   The Panasonic joystick is more convenient than the touchscreen and the menus are easier to get to and manipulate.
   
   I'm a little leery about the fact you're supposed to take off the lens cover before you power it on so it can adjust for lighting conditions. What does this mean when you move from one lighting condition to another?Not a critical issue for me, but maybe for others.



2. I have been using this Camcorder for more than 4 months now and all I say is that it was worth the money.
   
   PV-GS80 features Optical image stabilization, 32x optical zoom, 2.7" wide LCD, one-touch navigation and joystick control, and high-speed shutter all in all a nice Camcorder.
   
   PROS:
   
   (+) Very Good Picture quality, Colors are well balanced and records in full digital glory.
   (+) Excellent Optical Image Stabilization paired with 32x Optical Zoom makes this device well worth the money
   (+) For people who have Widescreen TV True 460,000 pixels at 16:9 wide-screen mode makes this camcorder's recording well worth the money.
   
   CONS:
   
   (-) Battery needs to be removed in order to access the DV Link Interface to transfer DV tape to PC or DVD recorder with IEEE interface.
   (-) Battery charger stops charging the battery when Camcorder is plugged in - This is a biggest flaw in this design.
   
   Suggested to have a spare battery as using the LCD for extended periods of time can drain the battery quickly. You can however use the Color View Finder to gain some battery life.
   
   Overall, It is decent product, nice construction, with excellent price value.
   
   If you are looking for a cheap MiniDV camcorder this is sure to be the winner in the price range.



3. I got it for my son based primarily on price. I think a camera with an SD memory card woukd have made things much more convenient.



4. First the good. It's solid, built really well. If it weren't for the lack of buttons/controls on this thing you'd think it was a more expensive camera. I like the "square" design much better than the vertical design of some consumer cams. The inclusion of a cold shoe is a nice idea, but what can you really use here other than a cheapo light. If you need a cheapo light you can just buy a GS85 instead. REAL easy to use. Turn it on, decide if you want to shoot widescreen or oldschool style (pick widescreen, it's just the way of things).
   
   The major problem for me was... the colors weren't always on point. I mean, it looked decent, they just weren't accurate. When filming in my well lit kitchen, my blue wall looked grey. I understand this is a budget cam, and for some people that'll be no big deal, but for me I couldn't live with it.
   
   Also, it fits really strangely in the hand. You really need to have a FIRM grip on the top of the cam with your fingers, if you let go, the thing will flop right down due to the location of the handstrap. All in all, I wanted a better camera for what I wanted to do (short films, etc.)
   
   Again, I must say that If i was going to get a point and shooter or recommend one to someone, I'd tell them to get a panasonic for sure. I liked the build, I liked the design, I liked the joystick, and I like the zoom control. The eyepiece even pulls out on this which can be useful. Sometimes when framing a scene, looking thru the eyepiece rather than the viewfinder helps your creative mind do it's thing.
   
   I ended up returning this, as I felt I "outgrew" it in about a week. But perhaps my needs were just out of reach for this camera.



5. This is a great little camera. We bought it a week before we left for a road trip. It is really easy to use. It's light and small, and takes a good picture. We used it both in the car and outside in the wind. It picks up voices really well and doesn't get a lot of road or wind noise. It has a good zoom and the LCD screen is really helpful. We travel a lot and are really glad we got this camera!!!

5 comments about Panasonic Pro AG-DVX100B 3-CCD MiniDV Proline Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom.

1. This is my 4th DVX100 (all still in operation BTW) and I like the updated features and the new tape loading mechanism. The quality is superb and the handling balance is what I've become accustom to with this camera. This camera is still viable for any work performed today and should be a very usable camera even when HD penetrates more i the market, If you are making a decision on a dependable pro video camera with durable features, this is the one to choose hands down!



2. It really doesn't need much review.. everyone would tell you is a great camera.
   I use for tv channel material as well as training videos, etc.
   Is the best you can get without spending $4000+



3. This is the camera you need to shoot videos, movies, commercials, shorts, weddings, sporting events, family gatherings, and just about everything else in between. I own several formats of movie cameras both video and film and have worked with just about every brand and type of Prosumer and normal grade camcorders around and this is by far the best thing since film. It can look any way you want it to, if you know what your doing, and have a few extra bucks for attachments and learning booklets and or dvd's. Nobody said making movies was easy, but its the greatest job a person could ever have or dream for. This camera records 16:9 similar to but less than HD quality but with a great film look. If you buy the panasonic anamorphic adapter it adds the ever so famous dof look that every movie has. Over all this is the best digital 24p film quality movie camera for under $5000.



4. this camera suprised me with how good it was, i knew it had been used in tv before, and in a few films, but i had no idea what i had gotten myself into. the image quality on this is beyond anything else. and the built in microphone does wonders. only flaw i have about it is the zoom. this camera comes with a 10x optical zoom. which is still nice, and i dont know how much more zoom i really need, but it would be nice to have 20x. but for the price you pay. you cant go wrong



5. I bought my first DVX100b around May-June 07, and my second this April of 08. Impressed enough to buy a second one.
   But really this camera is a well rounded DV camera. Its about as good as you can get with out going HD.
   The shots are solid as well as the quality of image. It does not take much to learn the controls, yet in no way is it consumer level technology. Between the white balance controls, the light gain levels, and the 3 filter settings this camera can adapt to a wide range of settings. The color and clarity of the image is brilliant but where the DVX100 really impressed me was in low light conditions. I am a wedding videographer and I was terrified of the reception because theres usually very little lighting and the footage looks black. The DVX100b can keep a good quality image while in very low lighted settings.
   The only problem I really had was when I first used it, it was difficult to keep a steady shot. Still with practice over time it becomes easy to hold and have a steady shot.
   Above all this camera is freindly for those who have never used a pro camera before, and customizable enough to fit even the best of professional videographers. I recommend this camera to any videographer out there, I especially recommend this camera for those that are beginning and need a camera that can hold you together until you get your style down.

4 comments about Panasonic SDR-SW20 Waterproof Flash Memory Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Red).

1. 
   I just got my camera in today, and have been trying to figure out all day how to get video onto my mac from this camera.
   
   I have NEVER had this much trouble connecting anything to my mac.
   
   I am using OS 10 on my Macbook.
   
   I called customer support, and the rep was just as shocked as me... this camera is NOT campatible with a Mac.
   
   It is unfortunate that Panasonic would not make this camera compatible, because it actually is a really cool camera.
   
   So anyways... mac users... you may want to try another alternative.
   
   I hope this review helps... I will be returning this camera tomorrow!



2. Have just received my camcorder and would like to confirm that it works perfectly fine with iMovie 08 on my MacBook Air. Just plug in the USB cable and open up iMovie and movies can be downloaded very easily. Photos can be imported onto iPhoto just as easily. Considering it's small size and reasonable price the video footage isn't bad at all. I don't fly to Belize for another week or so, so can not comment yet on it's performance underwater. But from my initial impressions (have had the camcorder about an hour!) I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a basic pocket camcorder, especially for water fun. Without opening the manual I have easily been able to take photos and record video and transfer them to my Mac, so it is clearly easy to use. I am looking forward to seeing what else this little gem can do!



3. Very happy with the size and features. I bought this as a beach/boat video camera and it is doing a great job!



4. Panasonic SDR-SW20 is pretty specific camcorder designed for pretty specific individual. Having wrote that, allowed me to explained some of the good points about this camcorder. First thing you notice is that its a pretty small camcorder and very light. In fact, this camcorder is smaller then some of the point and shoot cameras out there and I brought a p/s camera case to stored this camcorder in. Second thing is that its super easy to use. Its very minimal in design and dial switch with simple on and off button to record. And yes, this camcorder is waterproof and you can dunk it up to five feet as noted. If it waterproof, then it got to be dustproof as well. I haven't tried bouncing this camcorder off the floor but I'll take the manufacturer's word on the shock-proof. It has a 10x optical zoom that worked just fine while recording and an electronic stabilizer that works pretty well. The camcorder do come with several scene modes, manual focus as well as aperture and shutter speed control although its at a pretty basic level. The 2.7 inch LCD worked just fine and its in widescreen mode. The still photo are shot in 4:3 mode.
   
   For the negative side of this camcorder, the video image isn't very good. I would regard the video image to be just average, nothing to blow your mind on but its better then you hope for. The video image really get "noisy" when shooting in dark locations or night times. Its still acceptable but barely at times. Its far superior then the Flip video device but far less then some of the more expensive ones. Let me put it this way, bigger the screen, worst it will look. Smaller the screen, better it will look. This applied even at the XP mode, their highest rating. This camcorder does take still photos but only at .3 mpx, no better then a phone camera. The audio is bit on the weak side and you will get a lot of debris noises no matter what you do.
   
   Reason for my four stars is this, despite of the video image shortcomings, this camcorder fitted my need. I wanted something small, light and bombproof from the elements in a camcorder. I can live with the average video in such a trade off. Due to the size and weight, I can take this camcorder anywhere and used it almost anytime. I like to hike, bike and backpack so this camcorder is perfect. (Of course, bring extra batteries since battery life is pretty short due to the small li-on battery they use for this camcorder.) I supposed it even possible to attached this camcorder to dashboard or on a bike handle and used it that way. The LCD cover does not have to be open for this thing to record. My camcorder fit my needs perfectly but unless your needs are like mine's, you may not be happy with this camcorder since the video image is not as good as bigger ones out there. Just be aware of that.

3 comments about Panasonic HDC-HS9 AVCHD 3CCD 60GB Hard Drive High Definition Hybrid Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

1. I got this camcorder from Best Buy (sorry Amazon)... All I can say this camcorder works perfect with the Playtation 3 in RAW AVCHD by hooking up the USB cord from it without using any method for software like re-encoding and etc because all video are recorded in Blu-ray file type called AVCHD. But AVCHD type of camcorder for Panasonic not much recognize on many video edited softwares like Vegas 8 Pro, PowerDirector 6, and etc. It works with latest version Pinnacle Studio 11 Ultimate but need too much computer power like Quad core processor, more RAM memories to do video edited in real-time. It comes with an software like HDWriter and it is easy to convert it to MPEG2 but not stunning as AVC format which Blu-ray players can read.
   
   The Good thing about this camcorder it is stunning like High Definition of Blu-ray if record during the daylight but not that High Def at Night so you will need get some extra light or external light.
   
   Audio is Clean as well but you can always make it quiet with some edited program.
   
   Picture Quality depends on some part of area.. it can take great HD photo shot and some dont look right due to darkness.
   
   60GB HDD is great idea to have because the other model HDC-SD9 comes without the HDD and you gotta buy an SHDC card might cost up to $200 so thats why i had to go ahead and get the HD9 version.
   
   Forget the mini-HDMI, PS3 can show 1080p just fine by using the USB input.
   
   Well im still a newbie to my camcorder and im going to discover more but i love my camcorder already and i will soon buy some accessories like some WIDE Lense and other Lenses... plus some tripod. I'm going to be an movie director one day.
   
   
   You wont be dissapoint if you want the best picture quality in the daylight and own an Playstation 3.. this for you.
   
   
   Updated (4/23/08): The Best program to used to get this cam work with your AVCHD videos... Use Nero 8 and look for Nero Vision and convert it to Nero Digital HDTV 1080p, video will play very smooth on PC and PS3.



2. I write this review because I wish it had been written during the time I was purchasing my camcorder. I will summarize this review between the Sony HDR-SR11 vs. Panasonic HDC-HS9 as basically a toss up, but the little things of Sony leaned me to the SR11.
   
   First, let me say that I really did not want to buy Sony HDR-SR11, granted a Bravia TV is my LCD of choice, but I cannot stand their proprietary memory. Since this camcorder was not purchased for photos this was not a big deal. Though I commend Panasonic for using SD that can be readily found. Sony is pricey (though some may say justifiably so because of the quality) but competition is good for the consumers as we benefit through new, quality, and innovative features.
   
   A salesman from a particular store told me that Sony was good to get for camcorders, and I'd add Nikon or Canon are a way to go for digital cameras, anyway I digress.
   
   Having to see it for myself, initially I purchased the Panasonic HDC-HS9 and after a tough decision I had to switch for the small things mainly from software which I'll get to later, but first let me give a side by side comparison between the two after testing out each product for a couple hours about the features that matter to me at least. I will refer to the products as HS9 and SR11 for the remainder of the review.
   
   Appearance: I'd have to give it to the HS9 for being noticeably smaller. But the SR11 is not big (especially not 90's camcorder big), as I have a man sized hand, but the HS9 wins the compact comparison in this case. While we're on the physical appearance of it, I was disappointed in the HS9 placement of the external adapter. The battery must be physically removed every time you want to connect the adapter as the cable connector is behind the battery. Therefore you cannot charge the battery simply by pluging in the charging cable as you can on many products that you can usually do this and as you can for the SR11. And the HS9 forces you to use the external cable when transferring a video, even though this may make sense, but when you have a short clip and just took the battery off the charger, it's annoying to remove the battery and find the external adapter every time to do so. Bad placement of the external adapter on the HS9 unlike the nicely placed (as is with most camcorders, at least with a previous Canon ZR200 that I own) with the HS9. If size is an issue for you, the HS9 may be your choice.
   
   Video Quality: My opinion of the quality between the HS9 and SR11 was comparable. Between the two it's a toss up during daylight conditions as both are excellent, and the SR11 is stunning as your eye sees it, it appears on the screen, very nice. The HS9 records in a 1080p vs. a 1080i format, that may give the albeit slight edge in terms of theoretically video quality to the HS9. Though the software provided with the HS9 to play back these high quality videos ruins the superb video recording. I hate to say my eye didn't notice the difference between 1080p and 1080i though my correction lens aren't the greatest, mileage of your eyes matter perhaps.
   
   In low light conditions, the HS9 seems to record slightly brighter images which are decent, the SR11 are a bit darker, though look extremely realistic. A true toss up, and really based on personal preference and would have to say they're evenly matched for you to decide.
   
   In extremely low light conditions I found the HS9 surprisingly grainy. It seems to brighten up a extremely dark image thus resulting in grain. I have not recorded the SR11 in low light conditions other than finding a youtube video of a low light condition video and it seemed to keep it's realistic tone but remained dark. The HS9 seems to be on the right track to attempt to brighten up things, as the SR11 does not, but at this point I would have to say the HS9 was unsatisfiability grainy.
   
   Both were grainy in bedroom light condition when displaying directly from the camera to the TV (not recording, just displaying through the cables) though the SR11 might have had a slight lead when panning or moving the zoom in and out a bit more responsive, though hardly noticeable.
   
   Formats: The HS9 takes the lead in this regard as it has a 24 cinema mode, that records frames at 24 frames like some movies. Otherwise the HS9 records in 60 frames per second. However, the Pinnacle trial version could not handle the 60 fps mode and only the 24 cinema mode (though it said it was 30 fps). Though the HS9 software could handle its own 60 fps video fine, more later on software. The SR11 records it's videos in 30 fps
   
   Night vision between the two the HS9 uses a blue illumination for night vision and the SR11 uses the commonly known green illumination as often seen on TV. I like the green better, but the blue was a nice change and this did not affect my decision either way, though it was nice to have on both.
   
   Transfer to PC: Both transfer to your computer via a USB extremely quickly and at seemingly equal times.
   
   Sound: Both are 5.1, the sound is acceptable and nice on both camcorders, I would say that the wind cut function on the HS9 was nice to have and did seem to work, the SR11 does not have this feature, though I'd wish it did. I'd give a slight edge to the HS9 in this one, especially if you record in windy conditions often (soccer games perhaps), which I don't.
   
   Optical Image Stabilization: Both claim image stabilization, the OSI on the HS9 seems to slightly work better, though not noticeably. I think both still need to work on this.
   
   Face recognition: The SR11 impressed me with the facial recognition as it just works. Turn the camera on a person and a white box appears around a persons face and moves as the person does, always keeping focus on that persons face. The focus on the HS9 on faces seemed very good, though I couldn't figure out the white box feature, it might have had to been enabled through a button a readily accessible button at the very top, so not that bad, but the HS9 was automatic.
   
   Cables: Both have an ample about of cables that allows you to connect your camera to the TV with both RGB and Yellow and white/red audio cables.
   
   Remote: Both had remote controls, a definite plus.
   
   Software: This is where I must reluctantly gives this definitely to the SR11 or Sony. First, very few software handle the AVCHD videos at this time, so both Panasonic and Sony include their own software to retrieve the videos from the camera. The Panasonic software is a bit clumsy when it asks which folder you want to save it in, it's a bit manual where the Sony software detects when the camera has been connected, and simply asks whether you want to import all your videos, one click and it does, in a folder already created with an independent name. The Panasonic software called HD Writer had some additional editing capabilities to slice, merge, and delete unnecessary scenes and save to dvd and mpeg2 whereas the Sony had no editing features.
   
   Playback software: I really hope panasonic gets this point. Their playback software most likely did not use directx, where the Sony PMB or Picture Motion Brower does. What this does is use your video card when the HD videos are playing back video. At one point I thought there was something wrong with the camcorder because the playback would skip using the HS9 playback software, but after encoding it to another format, my native video player kicked in and played back smoothly. This really scared me thinking that there was something wrong with the HS9 when there was not, however my x2300 dual core processor was not able to handle the playback of the native HS9 videos alone. This is in contrast to Sony PMB software for playback that installed directx that utilized my video card so that playback of the native format of the camcorder was silky smooth. What's more the Picture Motion Brower is a nice video playback software that throws in additional calendar features of when a video was imported and such, a nicety that should be used with backing up as it's insanity to store large amounts of precious moments on a computer instead of constantly backup up these priceless moments on DVD's and such, those who have had hard drive failures know. Panasonic included a copy of Pinnacle trial version 11 for HD cameras, it could import the HD 60 fps videos, but did not encode them properly. The 24 cinema mode (or 30fps) videos has no problem in Pinnacle. The SR11 videos also were imported into Pinnacle with no problems. Once additional nicety of the Sony software is that you can make a still picture at any moment making a jpeg without importing it into an editing software. Though the HD Writer software has nice features to backup your videos, hard to use in other cases like loading the HD videos stored on your computer. Sony's Picture Motion Brower software is very good to view and backup, though a register folder option was awkward, why not just allow the ability to just drag in folders to register, always room for improvement I guess.
   
   Viewfinders: Both viewfinder display a clear image, though the SR11 has a touchscreen where the HS9 does not, though understandable with the price difference. I was disappointed I could not navigate to playback a video on the SR11 without using the touchscreen since the screen would get a lot of fingerprints, though there are less buttons to complicate things because of the touchscreen. Both have easy buttons to begin recording.
   
   The HS9 had a feature to offer advice how to record like turn on the low light feature (should have had a feature that this would turn on automatically) or you're panning to fast, this advice can be taken as good or bad.
   
   Zoom: The HS9 had digital zoom, but it would not work in 24 cinema mode, go figure, and was adequate. The SR11 had no such zoom, but the normal zoom was satisfactory, though not as far as the HS9.
   
   Conclusion: If you can tolerate the size of the SR11, and wind is not a major issue and are looking for a camcorder with excellent video in all light conditions, good sound, facial recognition, and easy and nice software then SR11 is a fine choice that I am happy with.
   
   The HS9 is a nice choice when size is an issue and windy conditions to utilize the wind cut feature, beware of extremely low light conditions and be wary of the battery having to be removed each time for the external adapter and native format playback skipping (it's not the camcorder, you're computer is too slow, just encode it to another format), there is no touch screen and there is a mini joystick that can be cumbersome as when engaging night vision is easier on the SR11 as opposed to the HS9 as well as low light mode.(though there is a price difference to offset the differences).
   
   I am enjoying the SR11 and things are drastically improved over the miniDV of yester-years. The only thing that I battle each day is why I didn't get the SR12.
   
   The HS9 that I've just noticed has an added feature that you can put wide angle lenses on it - nice.



3. This camera gets every detail every blade of grass and every little rock.
   It looks incredible on an HDTV looks like you are really there.
   The only problem I can see is the panning,it seems to not like fast panning too much.

5 comments about Panasonic SDR-H40 40GB Hard Drive Camcorder with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

1. We got the camera and tested it out by playing it directly to TV and then in Windows Media Player. So far so good. Then we tried using the software to edit video. Software wouldn't start - a runtime error occurred every time (our computer more than meets the minimum requirements). Tried uninstalling and reinstalling software, still the same error. Tried to go to the Panasonic website to find support for the software, but there is NONE. And without the included software, I can't import the video into Windows Movie Maker or any other program. So we returned it, doesn't matter how good the camera is if you can't edit the video!



2. I meet the problem that the video cannot appear with the software coming with it. Only the still picture can be copied out. I have tried several PCs and found the same problem. I searched on the Panasonic website as well as the internet, but cannot find any method to solve this problem. I feel regret why panasonic cannot solve the problem like this. I guess I have to return it.



3. Had the camera for two months now. As some others have said it is relatively cheap. However, its basic functionality is easy to grasp. Buy it, charge it, use it.
   
   Had no problem loading the software on my hated Vista PC. The software is somewhat less than intuitive but in the end I've have gotten the hang of it. I might try and see if I can get my eMac to work with the camera but right now I don't have time. I didn't try XP either again if I ever get time I'll try.
   
   If I was making a feature film - guess what? I wouldn't buy this camera and I'd certainly want a more full featured software package. But I'm just doing home movies this camera is fine.



4. What a great investment with so many features.
   Well worth the money and with the option to save video or pix to SD card or HD is priceless.
   No tape, no disk, no problem!!



5. so a month after buying this camcorder i had a chance to record my grandson's football( soccer) game in barrington il. seeing that it was my first time using it, it took me a few minutes to get used to steadying the camera. after that it was easy. the mic worked good with the audience noise( chanting) and the finger and thumb controls are comfortable enough for my big hand.
   after i got home i had to install the software and transfer the movie to my computer. easy enough. the problem was that i shot in 16:9 and my movie came out on 4:3. now i had to resort to another programme to transfer it to 16:9. not good. you should be able to transfer from the camera to the pc in the same mode and screen type.
   thats my only problem with this camcorder, the transfer.
   the pictures(movie) were very good quality in my opinion.
   
   one more thing. as of today, april 22, 2008. the batteries are very expensive and hard to get.

5 comments about Panasonic HDC-SD9 AVCHD 3CCD Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

1. Let me first say I was nervous when buying this camcorder because of the mixed reviews. Then I started to look closer and realized most were because of the incompatability of the software that comes with it and the poor performance compared with other "more expensive" camcorders.
   
   well first off when you campare this camcorder with one $300 - $500 more than duh, the more expensive, bigger, camcorder video will probably look better when using it inside and taking pictures. Oh yeah, taking pictures that is grainy but do I care....NO! That is why I have a digital camera, and ofcourse the pics aren't up to par it has a freaking 2.1mp camera mode. I mean come on it says that on the box. Now I will say that indoor the video is kinda poor, it only has a 1/6" image sensor, so if you plan on a lot of indoor shooting this may not be for you, but I travel alot and the size of the camcorder and the outdoor performance are important for what I need.
   
   Software- I just ordered the Corel Ulead 11.5 editing software for 59 from amazon. I will write a review on this after I use it. The generic software that comes with the camcorder is not bad for basic software, I will not even try the Pinnacle since I have the other software coming.
   
   All in all for $699 from CC this is not a bad camera.
   
   Also warranty through square trade for 3 years and the accidental damage warranty were $70. This was with the "FIFTYOFF" code for people who have used square trade before if you are new you can find other 10- 30% codes online just google search.



2. This camcorder is probably the tiniest of its category.
   It fits in my jacket pocket.
   
   It has many interesting features : face detection (the video is always well focused on the faces), pre-record (to record 3 seconds before the "record" button).
   
   But the best of all, I would say, is the optical stabilizer, which is very powerfull (and particularly useful on this 270g camcorder, because your hands shake more).
   The colours are pretty good, and the sound quality is simply outstanding, far better than anything I've heard from a camcorder (I don't use 5.1 though, just stereo).
   
   However, I suspect the sharpness of the videos would be better with a DV camera. But then it would be heavier, noisier, and more fragile than with SD cards (my previous camcorder was out of order within a year because the heads were dirty).
   
   The only BIG issue, with the camcorder, is the software compatibility.
   On windows, it seems only Vegas recognizes the files.
   
   On mac (the platform I use), il works with FCE4 (and FCP, i've read) in 1080 and 24p only, after installing the latest perian.
   After importing the videos, you can do pretty much everything with them (the process converts the fils to .mov), including importing them in imovie 08.
   
   But you will need patience to edit in high res with FCE4 or imovie (compression time take about 4 times the movie's length in mpeg4).
   And beware of the export settings : I noticed that using h264 with quicktime, or with imovie, washes out the colours and makes red look magenta, even though less pixels are noticeable.
   I prefer to use advanced mpeg4, which produces genuine colours.
   And also, don't expect much difference of quality between 720p and 1080p, because the AVCHD is still a bit limited by the bitrate (17max on this particular camcorder, which is still better than many others).



3. This is a very well made camcorder that offers more technology than the current software is able to handle.
   
   Well designed and made with quality in Japan.
   
   After filming try popping SDHC card directly into PS3 connected to a 5.1 Audio system to fully appreciate the high quality video and sound.
   
   Love it.
   
   Got a great deal on it at Amazon. Thanks Amazon.



4. This is an excellent choice if you are on a budget and want to buy an HD camcorder. I paid $569 at Amazon and I am very happy with my purchase. Though I agree with the software limitations, I have no doubt that this is something you can resolve by using third party programs. Image quality is outstanding. I also bought a Trascend 16GB SDHC memory to go with the camera.



5. This camera is great! I have had this camera for 3 months... The highlights include great HD video quality, very straight forward usage, very good and easy SD to DVD transfer software and tiny size. You can take the SD card out and pop it right into your PS3 for immediate HD playback. You can also use the software to create same quality HD-DVDs on DVD-R-DL discs that hold 1 hour each. Buy the 8GB SD card to match 1 hour of DVD-R-DL. I thought that the price was good at $800 for this camera and now I see that it's less than $600. Buy it - you will want to send me a thank you note after you get it... (but it's really not me you should thank - I thank panasonic for coming up with this winner).
   
   PS. While some people here complain about the low light performance, I think that they should really read the manual... They probably tried the Low Light mode (which really isn't very good)... they just need to switch to manual mode and open up the iris a couple of notches (1 switch move + 4 clicks) , it's very quick and easy to do with this camera and then the low light videos will be good and the camera will also stop playing with the white balance as is commonly an issue with indoor video camcorder shooting).

5 comments about Panasonic PV-GS320 3.1MP 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

1. You can spend more and get more, but you can't get more at this price! Picture quality is excellent, you would need to go HD to get better. Sound is good. Recording to tape means better quality than current digital storage and longer uninterrupted recording, at least at this price range. The down side is that dubbing to my computer is done in real time (1 hr video takes 1 hr to load). I consider that a small price to pay for the picture quality and cost of the camera. It is small and light, controls are easy and intuitive after a short time with the manual. Comes with a remote, which is great for operating it and not being it everyone's way. I would like to see mic inputs and head phone out jacks, but at this price, I am not complaining. Low light seems a little grainy, so I am looking for a good light to attach to the shoe (which does not appear to be a "hot shoe", rather only a place to attach something. Makes a great web cam when not filming the grandchildren. Excellent choice for family video. Interfaces well with my iMac and iMovie!



2. I am a hobbyist who shoots a lot of live video of bands in clubs. I have a Panasonic DVX-100B as my primary camera, but needed something more economical for a second. I bought a GS320 after reading reviews around the web. The control I have over the image is great, with individual controls for iris, shutter speed, white balance, and more. The sound quality is really good, too. Loved it so much I bought another. Does well in low light, although ultralowlight introduces noise into the picture, which is normal -- in general, if you want to shoot decent video or still photos, you need light. Duh. I am very impressed with the way this camera's mics handle loud music. It it possible to clip the audio, but that takes a bit to do. I shot The Band Of Heathens from stage level with the camera just about on top of the monitors and got great audio. It was after that experience that I decided to purchase my second GS320. Now I have three great cameras to create videos of live performances of my favorite indie bands.



3. Overall, the PV-GS320 is great. The video quality is great for the price. The joystick for manual controls is slightly annoying, especially for focus. A manual focus ring and mic input would have been nice. Connects and operates perfectly with my Mac and Final Cut Pro. Overall, great video quality for a small, consumer camcorder.



4. To get a camera with a 3CCD lense for under $400 is pretty amazing. Now, it's not perfect and definitely consumer-grade but it can shoot a professional-grade shot in the hands of an experinced user. I would recommend getting 37mm filters and maybe some accessory lenses if you want to have more fun and flexibility. The BIG think that's lacking is an audio out to lest recording levels from the mic input. That is quite annoying but I guess we'll have to pay more to get into the pro range for that feature. It is a great value at a low price and we've bought several.



5. I purchased the Panasonic PV-GS320 model to replace the PV-GS85 I'd been using for five months. Although I'm missing the more powerful optical zoom of the 85, the much more realistic color balance of the 320 worth the change. I think I could only change this excellent camera if I find a significantly better HD model. Videos in standard and widescreen modes are beautifully captured when using adequate illumination. Still pictures are also very good in standard size, but pictures in widescreen mode have less resolution.
   
   I recommend this camera to those needing great recordings on mini-dv format.

5 comments about Panasonic MiniDV Tapes (Pack of 5).

1. These are the best tapes for the money. Never once had any problems with them.



2. Hey they are tapes, what can be so complicated. But pretty decent quality and value, amazon has decent deals on this one



3. these tapes last just as much run time as others but i have to say i like the quality of the video. i recommend.



4. This was a gift for my daughter and her husband to go with the camcorder we bought them. They said they were happy with it.



5. I got the tapes in good condition and on time but I have not used any of them yet and I cannot rest in peace since I find the 'write your review' email in my inbox every alternate day !