Panasonic PV-GS80 Mini DV Camcorder

Pros: Digital; Low light; Stable Video Shooting; Price; Fire-wire; Mini-DV; Clean Video.
Cons: Does not have USB or LANC option; not 3CCD

I recently used this camcorder during a video shoot in Kansas since it was cheaper than taking along one of my expensive pro-sumer video camcorders. It performed like a charm. Of course there are many camcorders on the market to choose from, but for ...

Pros: Optical image stabilization and large zoom. Price tag.
Cons: Annoying message when you start shooting. Takes a few seconds to boot up.

I bought this camcorder to replace a Sharp (a really really bad camcorder), and I was attracted by its low price, and seemingly good performance, in particular by its large zoom and optical image stabilization. So far, I haven't been disappointed. The ...

Pros: Very inexpensive, small and light, very easy to use
Cons: easy to get lens flare, no hoods available

I am very happy with the GS80 mini DV. I bought it to hold me over until HD comes down in price. The image quality is actually pretty decent. Very simple to use, advanced stuff is hidden away so unlikely to miss a shot because you hit the wrong button.

Connecting it to my XP computer it was automatically recognized and was ready to go. I really don’t care for any special editing of my own videos so record them directly to my Ilco DVD recorder to make the DVD's.

This is a great unit of someone who wants a unit to take on vacation, but not cost as much as the vacation you intend to record. It is far better than the analog units, the tapes are small and the battery lasts about as long as the tape.