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.
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
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