I went to my local cable studio and found 3/4 had gone away. Everything was being shot on Digital Video. I went to my retailer intending to buy a Sony, fortunately the model I wanted was out of stock so I kept searching. I couldn't believe it when I saw 3 CCD's for under $1000.00. I suddenly remembered all the good luck I'd had with my Panasonic products of the VHS era and I thought I'd give them a chance.
I tried it in-store and liked the feel and quality of the colors.
Since I video tape weddings occasionally, I needed an input for a wireless mic. The PV-GS120 had one and sealed the deal.
I like the handling of the unit. It does everything I need it to do with a good quality picture.
I'm not much for reading manuals (a guy trait?) so I experimented with it to figure out the basics. I read the manual later to learn "what else" it did and I was impressed.
While I would have liked a fire wire cable with the unit, they are available locally and for what I saved in price, I'm not complaining.
The steady cam results aren't quite what the Sony models were but after spending years working with VHS cameras that had no stabilization whatsoever. I can live with the results.
The stills aren't that great but I grab digital stills in post production and clean them up. I use my digital still camera for important shots anyway.
My original video vidicon tube camera cost $1000.00 in 1981. The VCR it plugged into was another $1200.00. Since then I've bought 10 newer cameras. The PV-GS120 was the second cheapest.
Since I need good quality for my two camera wedding shoots and the price is great, I'm buying a second model for what I expected to pay for one.
I've paid for 24 years of technology. This model is as close to broadcast as I've seen from a consumer product. It's got a few flaws but its strengths overcome them all.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 635.00
Recommended for: Professional Videographers - Broadcast Quality Videos
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