Panasonic PV-GS320 3CCD Ultra-Compact Digital Camcorder Get Panasonic PV-GS320 Price / Buy Online

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The Panasonic PV-GS320 is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but is not short on innovative features. This high-end camcorder incorporates the same type of 3CCD imaging system used in Panasonic's celebrated professional camcorders. Individual CCDs are used to reproduce the red, green and blue colors that compose an image for vivid, true-to-life pictures with remarkable depth and presence. The PV-GS320 also features the sophisticated Leica Dicomar lens, which has become known for its ability to capture and finely render the most delicate nuances of light and shade.

The PV-GS320 also offers 16:9 widescreen format recording, and a 2.7" LCD. To steady shaky video, the PV-GS320 uses Optical Image Stabilization, which intuitively compensates for any hand movement, so that every shot if beautifully crisp and clear. High-resolution digital still images can be captured via the GS320's built-in digital still camera feature, which records to a stamp-sized SD or SDHC Memory Card. The PV-GS320 features high-speed USB 2.0 for high quality full-motion video transfer.

Panasonic PV-GS320 Key Features

Supplied Accessories:

• AC Adaptor
• Lithium Ion Battery Pack
• IR Remote Control
• Lens Cap
• AV / S Multi Cable
• USB Cable
• Software: USB Driver, Quick Movie Magic 1.0E and MotionDV STUDIO 5.6E LE for DV

Mini DV Format

The revolutionary digital video format capable of more than 500 lines of horizontal resolution -- far superior to the 240 lines offered by 8mm camcorders, and nearly double the resolution offered by a live television broadcast. Mini DV offers three times the color sharpness of 8mm camcorders to create brilliant video color with minimal color noise interference for a more stable picture. It can also record CD-quality audio - all on a miniature cassette that is 1/12th of the size of a standard VHS tape. Plus, when you make a digital copy of your Mini DV tapes, it is an exact clone of the original.

3CCD Camera System (3 x 800k Pixels)

Equipped with the same type of 3 CCD (charge-coupled device) camera system used in Panasonic professional broadcasting equipment, the PV-GS320 is engineered to produce pristine, high resolution video with up to 540 lines of horizontal resolution.

A single CCD captures only black-and-white images, which are then passed through red, green and blue filters in order to reproduce color. The Panasonic PV-GS320 utilizes three separate 1/6-inch (800k pixel) CCDs to separate the color spectrum into red, green and blue for digital processing by the camera. The delicate hues, tones and gradations are then faithfully reproduced, resulting in a vivid, realistic image.

Quad-Density Pixel Distribution Technology

This highly advanced technology, available on the PV-GS320, was originally developed for Panasonic's celebrated professional broadcast quality cameras to help maximize picture quality. This is accomplished by the use of both vertical and horizontal pixel shifting to yield improved clarity and performance.

3.1 Megapixel Still Picture Recording

This feature combines three CCDs, each with 800k pixels, with Panasonic Quad-Density Pixel Distribution Technology to deliver true 3.1 megapixel still images -- 2048 x 1512 -- when recording to SD memory card.

Leica Dicomar Lens

Leica AG of Germany is the manufacturer of fine cameras and lenses favored by photographers everywhere. The Leica Dicomar lens featured in this camcorder was developed specifically for digital video cameras. Leica lens systems are made using a multi-coating process that prevents light reflection and glare, which can make colors bleed and images appear washed out. It also prevents rings of light, or "ghosts".

Optical Image Stabilizer

The Optical Image Stabilizer, popular for eliminating jitter from video, also removes unintentional jitter while taking still images. With the use of a new algorithm, jitter is reduced in vibration-sensitive, mega-pixel still images, delivering superb picture quality.

10x Hi-Definition Zoom/700x Digital Zoom

The Panasonic PV-GS320 Mini DV camcorder comes with a lens capable of a 10:1 optical zoom. This powerful feature acts like a telescope to produce close-up shots with extraordinary clarity, so you won't miss a single detail. It also offers variable zoom speeds, so you can zoom in for close-ups, or zoom out for wide angle shots, using any of seven different zoom speeds.

Through the use of digital technology, the zoom ratio can be increased to 700:1*, producing an incredibly close shot.

* As digital magnification increases, resolution significantly decreases.

Advanced Pure Color Engine

The Advanced Pure Color Engine found on the PV-GS320 is a special image processing circuit for 3CCD camera systems. It processes the R, G and B signals from the three CCDs individually, so it gives both motion and still pictures exceptional quality.

Tele Macro Function

Using the zoom at full magnification, you can shoot macro close-ups while maintaining a distance of about 24" from your subject. This makes it much easier to caputre extreme close-ups without your body or the camcorder casting a shadow on the subject, and while keeping the background in soft focus.

Simultaneous Motion/Still Image Recording

Now you can have it both ways. When you're shooting motion pictures and you see a great scene, you can snap off a 1.2-megapixel still picture while continuing to record the motion pictures. You don't even have to change recording modes. The motion pictures are recorded onto tape, the still is recorded onto the SD Memory Card. This two-in-one capability means you can catch sudden photo opportunities without interrupting a great motion picture scene.

High-Picture-Quality 16:9 Wide Mode

This model offers the High-Picture-Quality Wide Mode, which produces images that make for beautiful, dramatic viewing on a wide-screen TV. The image is processed on 16:9 area of the CCD. Because the image decoded has the same proportions as your wide-screen TV, there is virtually no picture quality degradation. You get beautiful images and all the excitement and dynamism on either a wide 16:9 screen TV or a conventional 4:3 TV. This model also features a wide 2.7-inch LCD, making it easier to frame shots when you're shooting in 16:9 mode. You can enjoy shooting wide, and viewing wide.

2.7" Diagonal Widescreen Power LCD Monitor and Color Viewfinder

The PV-GS320 features a wide 2.7-inch LCD, making it easier to frame shots when you're shooting in 16:9 mode. You can enjoy shooting wide, and viewing wide. Simply press the Power LCD button and the LCD becomes brighter, making it easier to see outdoors or in other bright locations. Also, a new scanning technology allows the LCD to show diagonal lines more sharply.

Built-in SD / SDHC Memory Card Drive

SD memory cards are incredibly versatile, holding vast amounts of information and are about the size of a postage stamp. That's why they're revolutionizing the way people enjoy audio, video and information content. In fact, SD memory cards are used in a wide range of products, including A/V equipment, PCs, cellular phones, PDAs and other communication devices. And you'll be able to enjoy this amazing technology as most Panasonic Digital Palmcorders boast SD card slots, opening up a wealth of networking possibilities.

Thanks to the SD card slot, you can actually use your camcorder as an external SD storage drive. PC connection cable and driver software are included with the PV-GS320. Using the included USB cable, transfer photos, data motion files or even motion images back and forth between the camcorder and your PC.

USB 2.0 High Speed Connection, Video Class Compatibility

This convenient feature allows you to link the camcorder to your computer via the USB port. Then, you can easily transfer still images captured on Mini DV tape to your computer for use in e-mail or printed documents. The PV-GS320 supports USB 2.0 High Speed enabling real time video transfers. Video Class compatibility allows real-time transfer of DV motion picture data over the same USB cable.

PictBridge Direct Print Compatibility

The PictBridge standard lets you print directly on a compatible digital printer. Print size, layout, date and other settings can be made with the camera.

One-Touch Navigation and Joy Stick Control

With One-Touch Navigation, just press the center of the joystick to display an operating menu. The operations you use most often are right on the monitor, so it's easy to change settings or operate the camera without looking away from your subject. The joystick makes the camera much easier to use, letting you control all basic operations with one hand.

Help Mode

Not sure what a certain icon means? Just switch on the Help mode and select the icon. It's explained for you on the LCD monitor. This makes it easier to learn the icons, and you spend less time reading the operating manual.

Instant On / Off

Instant On / Off reduces the time required for operating the camera. When you open the LCD, the power turns on. Shut it and the power turns off. Pull out the viewfinder and the power turns on. Put it back and the power turns off.

Quick Start Button

Turns the camera on in 1.7 seconds, enabling you to capture shots almost instantly, even when your camera is off.

AGS (Auto Ground-Directional Standby)

The O.I.S. linear motor system can detect when the camera is in an unusual shooting position - such as when you've inadvertently left it on in recording mode. In these cases, the camera automatically stops recording, saving both battery power and disc space.

AGS is set to OFF when shipped from the factory. To turn AGS ON, the setting must be made on the menu screen.

MagicPix™ Images

This feature is a great way to record still images even in low-light settings. Now you can capture still images in full color onto the MiniDV tape and save priceless memories like a sleeping baby or a moonlit vacation night.

DV Editing Software Included

MotionDV STUDIO 5.6 LE DV editing software is just the tool you need to make polished, smartly finished productions. It lets you load images into your PC for easy editing, add special effects, and dub in a soundtrack - all from a single, easy-to-understand screen. With SweetMovieLife 1.0E software, which is for beginners of non-linear editing, you can also add title and background music and edit images easily. Both types of DV editing software let you make home movies with quality so high, you'll enjoy them again and again.

i.Link™ IEEE 1394 Digital Video Interface

Using the industry standard i.LINK (IEEE 1394 PC interface, also known as FireWire), the DV format offers professional editing and dubbing capabilities in a user-friendly format. You can create duplicate copies of videos without any deterioration in video quality, or record professional-looking videos at home without the need for expensive professional software and equipment.

The i.LINK (IEEE 1394 PC interface) provides a high speed, two-way link that allows the user to easily transfer video and still images between similarly equipped camcorders, or between a camcorder and a computer without any deterioration in either sound or video quality. IEEE 1394 cable, host adapter card and software required to transfer video images or still images to a PC.

PhotoShot™ Built-in Digital Still Camera

Sometimes a still image is the best way to capture a magical memory. Whether it's the fleeting glimpse of a loved one's smile or a spectacular vacation view, a still image can speak volumes. That's why the PV-GS320 Panasonic Digital Palmcorder MultiCam Camcorder is equipped with a Photoshot built-in digital still camera. So, whether you're saving vintage video or sharing spectacular stills over the Web, you'll be ready.

PCM Stereo (12-bit/16-bit)

Record audio at extremely high quality. The PV-GS320 lets you record sound as either a 12-Bit or 16-Bit digital soundtrack. The 16-Bit mode allows you to record audio at extremely high quality for magnificently crisp stereo sound. The 12-Bit PCM mode provides two sets of stereo, allowing you to dub new audio while maintaining the existing audio track -- perfect for inserting background music or commentary into your videos.

SP/LP Record Mode

Panasonic digital Palmcorder camcorders use both SP and LP recording speeds. SP, or Standard tape speed, has a normal recording time for 30, 60 and 80 minute tapes. LP is a long, or extended recording speed, allowing you to record up to 120 minutes on an 80 minute tape.

High Speed Shutter

In Tape Mode: 1/50 - 1/8000 sec. In Card Mode: 1/25 - 1/2000 sec.

Accessory Cold Shoe

Trilingual On-Screen Display

English / Spanish / French

Stereo Zoom Mic With Wind Noise Reduction

As you zoom in on the picture, the audio will also zoom in so that you can pinpoint distant sound emanating from your subject.

S-Video Out

Backlight Compensation

Fade to Black / Fade to White

Rec. Review

Variable Speed Search

Up to 20x speed.

Panasonic PV-GS320 Specifications

Image Sensor

1/6" CCD x 3 (800k x 3 pixels, total)
CCD (Effective) - 630 k x 3 [4:3], 540 k x 3 [16:9] (Motion Picture)
710 k x 3 [4:3], 540 k x 3 [16:9] (Still Picture)

Lens Focal Length

3.0 - 30.0mm

35mm Film Camera Equivalent

46.1 - 461 mm [4:3] 47.1 - 471 mm [16:9] (Motion Picture)
43.4 - 434 mm [4:3] 47.0 - 470 mm [16:9] (Still Picture)

Lens F Value

F1.8 (Wide) / F2.8 (Tele)

Lens Filter Diameter

37mm

Variable Speed Optical Zoom

10x

Digital Zoom

10x - 700x

Minimum Illumination

1 Lux (MagicPix function)

Focus

AF / Manual

White Balance

Auto / Indoor / Outdoor / White Set (with IR Sensor)

High-Speed Shutter

Tape Mode: 1/50-1/8000sec.
Card Mode: 1/25 -1/2000 sec.

Iris

Auto / Manual

Scene Mode

Sports / Portrait / Low Light / Spot Light / Surf & Snow

Viewfinder

0.33" Color EVF (113k pixels)

LCD

2.7" Wide LCD (123k pixels)

Microphone

Stereo Zoom Mic, Wind Noise Reduction

Date Recording

Auto Date (in Data Code)

WEB Camera Function

Motion JPEG 320 x 240 approx. 6 fps

Recording / Playback Modes

SP/LP

Recording Format

DVC

Audio Recording System

PCM 12bit 4ch / 16bit 2ch

Accessory Shoe

Yes, Cold

Memory Card Slot

SD / SDHC

JPEG Still Picture

2048 x 1512 [4:3]
2048 x 1152 [16:9]
1600 x 1200 [4:3]
1280 x 960 [4:3]
640 x 480 [4:3]
640 x 360 [16:9]

Jacks

• S-Video Out (Multi)
• AV Out (Multi)
• IEEE1394 Mini DV In/Out
• USB Port 2.0 Full Speed (mini B)

Power Supply

DC 7.9 V / 7.2V

Power Consumption

3.6 W (EVF)
3.9 W (LCD)

Dimensions (H x W x D)

3.34" x 3.06" x 5.80"

Weight

15.9 oz.

Panasonic Digital Camcorders Feature Comparison Chart