Specials Outlet
Panasonic PV-GS500 Mini DV digital camcorder

Panasonic's PV-GS500 is the kind of camcorder that makes video buffs sit up and take notice. It offers high-quality optics and sophisticated recording technology. Unlike most camcorders that use a single image sensor, this Panasonic uses three — one for each primary red, green, and blue video color. The result is sharp, accurate video that glows with the saturated colors of a blazing orange and gold sunset or a cloudless, deep blue sky.

The advanced features don't stop there. For the creative filmmaker, the PV-GS500 includes manual adjustments for shutter speed, aperture, and focus. You also get a manual focus ring for smooth, hands-on control. Plus, the included wired remote is perfect for filming while your camera is mounted on a tripod. A 16:9 wide mode lets you capture big, cinematic shots for that really fill up the screen on a wide-format TV. And the super-convenient thumb-operated joystick controller lets you quickly navigate through all of the cam's basic functions using just one hand.

The PV-GS500 sports other conveniences as well. You get a 12X optical zoom, for getting close to far-off subjects. Advanced optical image stabilization reduces camera shake, keeping your footage looking smooth and steady. A low-light shooting mode adjusts camera settings to allow colorful video in dark environments. The built-in zoom mic is a nice touch — it automatically pinpoints the sound of your distant subject as you zoom in visually, for clear, distraction-free audio. And you get a macro zooming mode which lets you stand back and zoom to your subject for sharply focused close-ups against a pleasingly soft-focused background. This cam's rechargeable battery gives you around 130 minutes of recording time per charge, and you can add a spare battery to extend your recording time.

When you'd rather record digital photos, just switch to photo mode and snap away. Special Panasonic imaging technology gives you crisp, detailed stills. Save your pictures to optional SD™ memory cards and transfer them to your computer using the 'GS500's high-speed USB interface. PictBridge capability means you can connect this camcorder directly to a compatible photo printer for printing your photos without a computer.

Get more info on this product

Details:

  • 3 separate CCD sensors for red, green, and blue
    • effective pixels per sensor for video: 700,000 in 4:3 mode, 730,000 in 16:9 mode
    • effective pixels per sensor for photos: 990,000 in 4:3 mode, 740,000 in 16:9 mode
  • variable-speed 12X Leica® Dicomar® optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 700X)
  • records video on tiny Mini DV tapes
  • manual focus ring
  • 2-11/16" widescreen LCD
  • four-way joystick controller for easier camcorder operation
  • widescreen 16:9 recording mode
  • digital photo mode
  • 4-megapixel photo capture with Quad-Density Pixel Distribution
  • top JPEG photo resolution: 2288 x 1728 in 4:3 mode, 2288 x 1288 in 16:9 mode
  • slot for optional SD™ memory card
  • color viewfinder
  • Mega Optical Image Stabilizer
  • PCM digital audio: 12-bit 4-channel or 16-bit 2-channel
  • built-in stereo zoom microphone
  • external microphone input jack
  • microphone sensitivity adjustment with level meter
  • built-in photo flash
  • MagicPix® mode for low-light recording
  • auto and manual focus
  • auto and manual exposure modes
  • shutter speed range: 1/60 - 1/8,000 seconds (tape mode); 1/2 - 1/2,000 seconds (camera mode)
  • accessory shoe
  • digital audio/video jack (IEEE 1394)
  • high-speed USB interface
  • direct photo printing with PictBridge-compliant printers
  • audio/video output, including S-video
  • webcam capability (requires Microsoft® Windows® XP or 2000)
  • 3-15/16"W x 3"H x 6-1/16"D
  • weight: 20.1 oz. without battery
  • warranty: 1 year parts (6 months CCDs), 90 days labor
  • Want more peace of mind? Extended Service Plans Available
Supplied Accessories:
  • AC adapter/charger
  • Lithium ion rechargeable battery
  • USB and audio/video cables
  • shoulder strap
  • wireless remote
  • wired remote
  • software CD-ROM

Top of page

Learning Center

Understanding Mini DV Camcorders
Understanding Mini DV Camcorders
Tape-based camcorders, like Mini DV, offer a wide variety of features. We'll cover the details on Mini DV, so...
Video: Shopping for a Camcorder
Video: Shopping for a Camcorder
In this video, we'll cover key camcorder features, so you have the info you need to start shopping. Get the...
No Interest If Paid Within 6 Months*

* Valid on qualifying purchases made between 12/29/09 – 3/31/10 when you use your Sony Financial Services credit card account.
On promo purchase balance, monthly payments required, and no finance charges will be assessed if:
(1) promo purchase balance paid in full in 6 months.
(2) all minimum monthly payments on account paid when due, and
(3) account balance does not exceed credit limit.
Otherwise, promo may be terminated & finance charges assessed from purchase date.

On promotions requiring a minimum payment, payments over the minimum will usually be applied to those promo balances before non-promo and other balances. If you have a non-promo balance, this may reduce the benefit from the promo. If you want to change this payment allocation, please call Customer Service. Standard terms apply to non-promo purchases and optional charges. Promo purchases on existing accounts may not receive full benefit of promo terms, including reduced APR if applicable, if account is subject to delinquency pricing. As of 12/01/09 APR 23.99% and on all accounts in default 29.99%. Minimum Finance Charge $2.00. Subject to approval by GE Money Bank.

Offer subject to termination at any time without prior notice.

Panasonic PV-GS500

Mini DV digital camcorder

Item #133PVGS500
DISCONTINUED

Contact us for advice

Recommended Accessories

Blank Tapes
Blank Tapes
The camcorder does not include any blank tapes, and you'll probably want to start shooting right away.
SD Memory Cards
SD Memory Cards
Record digital photos and video clips on SD cards.
More Accessories

What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

  • Mini DV digital camcorder
  • N2QAEC000017 Wireless remote control N2QAEC000012
  • CR2025 lithium battery
  • MagicWire remote control with attached 4' cord
  • CGA-DU14 Lithium ion rechargeable battery pack (7.2V/1360mAh)
  • PV-DAC14D AC adapter/battery charger
  • 6.5' DC cable (adapter to camcorder)
  • 5' AC cable (adapter to AC outlet)
  • 5' USB cable (USB type A on one end and mini-USB--Ver 2.0 on the other end)
  • 57" A/V cable (has a proprietary connector on one end and the following connectors on the other end: left and right RCA audio/RCA composite video and S-video)
  • Lens cap (has attached lens cap strap)
  • Shoulder strap
  • Panasonic Digital Palmcorder Software CD-ROM
  • Operating Instructions
  • Note on Quick Movie Magic/MotionDV Studio software
  • Note on connecting camcorder to PC using USB
  • Note on connecting camcorder to PC using DV cable (IEEE-1394)
  • Product Registration card
  • Special offer for two free issues of Videomaker magazine