Panasonic NV-GS500 review

What you need to know

Reviewed by: Ben Wolf

Reviewed on: 3 July 2006

Tags: Panasonic, Panasonic NV-GS500, red-eye reduction, LCD, digital effects

We like:

Great video and decent stills; nice zoom lens with effective optical stabiliser

We don't like:

Slightly too large; limited manual controls with poor accessibility; sluggish performance on auto; no headphone jack

CNET UK judgement:

While its predecessor had prosumer aspirations, the Panasonic NV-GS500 is strictly for casual videographers who want top-notch video on autopilot

Full review:

While the Panasonic NV-GS400 is highly regarded for its rare blend of automation and manual controls, its successor, the NV-GS500, doesn't so much improve on the NV-GS400 as simplify it. It retains the same lens and trio of CCDs as its predecessor, so videos and photos look almost identical, but many manual controls and features have either been moved to the menus or eliminated altogether. Point-and-shooters will appreciate the streamlined, slightly smaller and less expensive design, but more ambitious users will certainly be disappointed.In fact, the Panasonic NV-GS500's only significant functional improvement over its predecessor is the ability to display widescreen video in its correct aspect ratio, thanks to its 16:9 LCD. Continue Reading...