Panasonic

3CCD Ultra-Compact™ Digital Palmcorder® MultiCam™ Camcorder with 4.0 Megapixel Still Picture Recording

Panasonic PV-GS500 Key Features

3CCD Camera System (3 x 1070k* Pixels)

Equipped with the same type of 3 CCD (charge-coupled device) camera system used in Panasonic professional broadcasting equipment, the PV-GS500 is engineered to produce pristine, high resolution video.

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-GS400 utilizes three separate 1/4.7-inch (1,070,000-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.

4 Megapixel* Still Picture Recording

This feature combines three CCDs, each with 1.07 million pixels, with Panasonic Quad-Density Pixel Distribution Technology to deliver true 4 megapixel still images when recording to SD memory card.

12x Hi-Definition Zoom*/700x Digital Zoom

The Panasonic PV-GS400 Mini DV camcorder comes with a lens capable of a 12:1 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.

3?" Diagonal Color LCD Monitor* and Color Viewfinder

Lets you view your subject in full color during shooting and playback through a large, 2.7" LCD screen

Mega 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.

Built-in Auto Pop-up Flash*

While taking still shots, this amazing flash can automatically pop up when insufficient lighting is detected for your subject. For greater control, you can choose from three different flash modes: Forced flash, No flash and Automatic.

Features marked with an asterisk above indicate key step-up features from the Panasonic PV-GS200.

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.

Quad-Density Pixel Distribution Technology

This highly advanced technology, available on the PV-GS500, 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.

Leica Dicomar Lens

World renowned lens-maker LEICA has developed an exquisite, 7-element, multi-coated lens that helps add a high-level of detail and subtlety to your creations, resulting in truly moving images that last. With refinements like a 2-stage neutral density filter for aperture independent adjustment, you'll appreciate the remarkably crisp, true-to-life color that is a hallmark of Leica Dicomar optics.

Advanced Pure Color Engine

The Pure Color Engine LSI converts the CCD output signal into an RGB signal (containing the three primary colors in light) at an early stage and extracts the low-frequency luminance component from the RGB signal. The result is superb color reproduction.

Included MagicWire Wired Remote With Narration

This remote makes it incredibly easy for you to capture low-angle shots, high-angle shots - or even fixed-position tripod shots. And it's also perfect for left-handed users. The MagicWire contains all key features (Record, Zoom, PhotoShot), and it even lets you create live video commentary with a built-in Narration Mic.

Soft-Skin Mode

To faithfully reproduce natural skin tones, the PV-GS500 camcorder features Panasonic's new Soft Skin Detail function, which detects skin's different tones and softens the focus to create a realistic blend.

Macro Zooming

Lets users shoot extreme close-ups at distances as close as 40cm.

Built-in SD 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-GS400. Using the included USB cable, transfer photos, data motion files or even motion images back and forth between the camcorder and your PC.

i.Link^TM 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.

Card Link

Thanks to the SD memory card slot, you can use an SD memory card to save and transfer your motion and still images to a PC. Plus you can even create your own images on the computer and transfer them back to the memory card in the camcorder. An 8MB SD memory card is included with the PV-GS500.

USB 2.0 High-Speed Connection

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.

Web Camera

Now the same camcorder that saves your memories can help you make some memories too! That's because the Panasonic PV-GS500 Digital Palmcorder MultiCam Camcorder is equipped with a built-in Web Camera. And that gives you the ability to send impactful, live video to family and friends over the Internet*. Or, if your loved ones are similarly equipped, you can even videoconference with them. Imagine how great it would be to actually see the special people in your life, just by connecting to the Web. It's that easy with a Panasonic Palmcorder MultiCam Camcorder.

Plus, the Web Camera helps give you more than video phone capability. You'll also be able to set up your MultiCam Camcorder as a simple home monitoring device. So, whenever you're away from home, you can easily access the camcorder from the Web. It's perfect for those times when you're constantly on the go, but would still like the peace of mind to check in on the house.

Or, if you just can't avoid being away on an important event, it's a great way to keep in touch. Either way, you'll appreciate all the things you can do with a Panasonic Palmcorder MultiCam Camcorder. It's a camcorder and so much more!

* Receiver and sender: Microsoft Windows Messenger or Windows NetMeeting is required. Also requires Windows XP, Windows Me, Windows 98SE or Windows 2000 Professional preinstalled PC with USB port. Both computers must be equipped to make a direct dial-up connection. Driver software and USB cable are included.

PhotoShot^TM 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-GS500 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.

Progressive PhotoShot Mode - SD Card

This feature helps eliminate fuzziness by capturing the image data of a singular moment and then temporarily storing the event in two separate field memories. The two images of the exact same moment are then combined, with no time lag, to yield images that are better quality than standard recorded stills. The PV-GS500 can save progressive photos to the SD memory card.

Easy-Grip Strap

The Easy-Grip Strap delivers advanced comfort, versatility and convenience for when you're shooting, or just carrying the camcorder.

MagicPix^TM 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.

Zoom Mic

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

Picture-in-Picture

This feature allows you to insert a previously taken digital still image into the video you're recording. The still image is taken using the PhotoShot feature and appears on the right side of the video you're recording. The video and miniaturized still shot then appear together during playback.

Included IR Remote Control With Index Search, Slow/Frame Advance Functions

Index Search, available with the included IR remote control on the PV-GS500, allows you to place a signal on the videotape at the start of everything you record, allowing you to access each program with just one touch of the remote. It also works for still images in the PhotoShot mode. Slow/Frame Advance is also available via the remote.

Quick Start Button

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

Digital Special Effects

Now you can add exciting digital effects in BOTH the Recording and Playback modes to make your videos really come to life.

• Digital Zoom (Playback) -- Enlarges the center of the playback image by 2x
• Digital Mirror (Record and Playback) -- Creates a mirror-like symmetrical image
• Strobe (Record and Playback) -- Digitally "freezes" a series of images
• Mosaic (Record and Playback) -- Turns the image into a mosaic pattern
• Slim (Record and Playback) -- Expands the image vertically
• Stretch (Record and Playback) -- Expands the image horizontally
• Trail (Record and Playback) -- Forms multiple impressions of all images in motion which gradually fade out as the motion comes to a halt, creating a "trail" effect as if the image is leaving pieces of itself behind
• Monotone (Playback) -- The image plays back in black and white
• Sepia (Playback) -- Creates the impression of antiquity by applying a brownish sepia tone

5-Mode Program Auto Exposure

Prepares camcorder for various recording conditions with 5 automatic exposure settings:

1. Sports mode for recording fast action scenes.
2. Portrait mode for recording only subjects in the foreground, while ignoring subjects in the background.
3. Low-light mode for recording in extreme low light conditions.
4. Spot-light mode for recording in situations where subjects are under a spotlight(s).
5. Surf & Snow mode for recording in locations with a high degree of "Dazzle", such as snow slopes and the seashore.

Cinema Mode

Records video in the same 16:9 aspect ratio as a movie screen, giving your videos a dramatic, cinematic effect during playback

Mode Dial

For use in the digital still camera mode, this easy-access dial control lets users quickly select the desired digital camera mode, such as Record, Playback, Card Record or Card Playback.

Simultaneous Motion/Still Record Mode

Air Fit Grip

MotionDV Studio LE Included

Software included to create MPEG4 high compression video for moving images that can be streamed on the Internet or sent as e-mail attachments.

RapidFire^TM Consecutive Still Shots

High Speed Shutter

In Tape Mode: 1/60 - 1/8000 sec. In Card Mode: 1/2 - 1/2000 sec.

PCM Stereo (12-bit/16-bit)

Record audio at extremely high quality. The PV-GS400 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.

Audio Dubbing

Record new audio over a pre-recorded track without disturbing the existing video. Audio input can come from a built-in microphone or an external microphone. (Note: When you insert audio using the 16-bit mode, the original audio will be erased.)

Manual Focus Ring

The PV-GS500 includes a Manual Focus Ring that enables you to manually adjust the focus to your liking.

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.

Easy Cassette Eject

A one-touch, side-eject system that makes it easy to insert or remove a tape, even when the camcorder is mounted on a tripod.

LCD AI

LCD Light Panel

Power LCD

Wind Cut

Reduces unwanted noise caused by wind disruption for clean, refined sound.

Auto/Manual Focus

Self Record

Self Demo Mode

Multi-Screen

Battery and Tape Indicators

Composite Video Out

S-Video In and Out

External Microphone Input

Headphone Jack

Weight

1.65 lbs.