~~ LOOKING GOOD ON THE PANASONIC PV-GS320 MINI DV DIGITAL CAMCORDER ~~

Over the spring, I made a terrible error in judgement when I sold our almost-new camcorder to a neighbor during a yard sale we were holding...We had made plans to move and wanted to lighten our load, and seeing as I had two digital cameras that also recorded, I saw no use in keeping it. We got a good price, but after going to Florida with only the digital cameras, and seeing the less-than-perfect recording, I decided that I was going to go ahead and get another one.

This time, I found a great deal during a sale, and fell in love with the Panasonic PV-GS320 Mini Dv Digital Camera. Even though the mini dv format seems minute, the quality both in production and sound is superb! It is easy to hold and control, because it fits right in the palm of your hand. Unlike many cameras out there, where you have to go to great lengths to steady and balance, you can use just one hand without it shaking and wobbling around. Especially when you are at a place like a recital/school play, where you have to move around a lot (thanks to all of the other parents lurching their heads and carrying their own camcorders).


DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE??


It has a 2.7" LCD screen that makes it easy to see what you are focusing on, in the case that you are walking, swiveling it around to catch everything in your path. You can capture everything in wide screen if you have a WS television at home. It is crystal clear, very bright and colorful. You can thank the next-to-professional 3CCD technology for making a less-than-amateur playback. I never realized how different my home videos were until I compared the outcome of using this mini dv, and those that I shot with my digital cameras. Stunning difference! Not only in voice, clarity and texture, but in zoom, steadiness and color as well.


DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?


The sound sounds almost professional. Very clear, and if you happen to move the camera around, there is no annoying "clicking" sound that almost deafens you when using other recorders. I wouldn't say that I am a rookie, but it does take time to know any new product, just like if you were breaking in a new car. But after a few tries, I had all of the options downpat, and have been comfortable with it ever since. I usually have issues with items that have buttons, because I am very hands on, but this was very easy to use and get rolling!


ENDLESS VARIETY OF DETAILS


It has an optical zoom lens of 10 X, with a length of 700X, and allows you to enlarge while you are filming. It also has 3.1 megapixel resolution for maximum details and you have the choice of using this as a camcorder or to take stills as a digital camera. It has a slot for the memory cards. It is easy to transfer and download your memories with a USB 2.0 cord to put on either your home computer, or to make your own personal dvd. You can also turn this into a web camera through Windows Messenger, even though I have personally never used this option, as we already have a webcam. The battery time is a little over two hours, and recharges quickly.

If you are in low light the "MagicPix" system automatically adjusts and creates a beautiful picture without it looking dark and shadowy. One of the most eye-catching and awesome functions of this camera is the "Soft-Skin Mode". OMG. It recognizes faces and softens fine lines, imperfections of all kinds, giving your friends and family members a beautiful soft glow. That was one of the selling features for me, because if you have EVER been the victim of harsh distortion of other people's video cameras then you know how your self esteem can plummet fast, even if you are naturally beautiful!! Most cameras make you look fuzzy and weird, like a fun house mirror. This camera might as well be used by modeling agencies the way it hammers out stills and recording of everyday people looking like floating angels! :)


OVERALL IMPRESSION


I stated in the beginning of this review that I made a mistake in selling off my other camcorder/ After using this, and seeing the beautiful results of both the pictures and the recordings, I see that it was a blessing in disguise, and do not regret selling the other one. If I had not, then I wouldn't have been on the prowl for this one! It is not only a great tool for capturing memories and moments, but is fun to use. If you aren't having fun, and frustrated with your equipment, then it defeats the purpose! Even if you already sport a mini DV, I would purchase this just to experiment and see the difference between the two!!