Panasonic PV-GS59 MiniDV Camcorder with 30x Optical Zoom

by Panasonic

Product Details

• Item Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000DZH8FC
• Average Customer Review: 2.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,894 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 27, 2006

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Panasonic PV-GS59 MiniDV Camcorder with 30x Optical Zoom combines versatility, an ergonomic design, a powerful zoom and enhanced PC connection options. With a new, low-height, compact design featuring a convenient side-load mechanism for inserting and removing tapes, the Panasonic PV-GS59 offers the ultimate in point-and-shoot ease. The PV-GS29 includes a DV output (Firewire) for easy digital connection to compatible PCs or digital video editing equipment, a 2.7-inch 16:9 LCD display, built-in LED light, and a 30x optical zoom and 1000x digital zoom. The camcorder also allows you to record in wide-screen format and includes a secure digital (SD) memory card slot. Joystick control offers users with easy operation and navigation.

Product Description

Digital Palmcorder MultiCam Camcorder1/6 CCD imager (800K total; 290K to 380K effective). 2.7 wide LCD viewfinder. 30x optical/1,000x digital zoom. High-speed shutter. Digital Electronic Image stabilization. Five-mode auto exposure. EfficiBright LED light enhances brightness. MagicPix mode allows color capture, even in low light. Built-in SD slot. USB 2.0 interface for Web cam functionality (Windows 98SE, Me or XP compatible). Includes AC adapter, AC and DC cables, battery pack, A/V cable, removable shoulder strap, USB cable and CD-ROM. Optional remote control sold separately. Manufacturers limited one-year/90-day parts/labor warranty; six-month warranty on CCD image sensor. Shpg. wt. 3 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars (Not actually under 13, just didn't want to register.) Overall, I like the camcorder., March 12, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Panasonic PV-GS59 MiniDV Camcorder with 30x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I just bought the 59 about a week ago, and I'm pretty happy with it.
First of all, don't expect much from the still shots. The pics you'll take with it won't be meant for framing or printing. They look decent on the computer, though. Plus, outdoor pics are recommended. The light on the camcorder may help a little in my dimly lit house, but the picture is MUCH better outdoors.
The video quality is surprisingly good. The light is pretty much useless in video mode, though. It drops your frame rate and creates 'ghosting', where the recording kind of smears a little bit. Again, make sure you don't record in too dim of an area, or else your shots might look a little grainy. Remember that the video taken from your camcorder will usually look worse on the computer screen than on a standard television. The menu and options are easy to navigate, and it gives me all the options I need.
It comes with all the cables you'll need. It comes with a vcr cable (minijack to 3-way RCA composite), usb cable, and a power cable/battery charging station. Make sure you have usb 2.0 on your computer for easier transfers. When transfering pictures to your computer, set the camcorder to PC mode. When transferring video, set the camcorder to video playback mode.
My favorite thing about the camcorder is its physical characteristics. It is extremely small and light, the joystick and zoom are easy to use, and the wheel makes changing modes easy. The only thing I don't like about the outside is the location of the tape loader. It's right where the handstrap is. Just make sure your hand is not in the strap when opening the tape compartment.
The software is good, but your computer has to bee in 1024x768 resolution or higher. Mine's in 800x600, and the software refuses to load. I just can't stand 1024x768 mode, so I just use different software.
Overall, I feel that this camcorder is great for those of you who are budget-concious, starting out, and are looking for an overall clear and good-quality video image.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good, BUT, could be better indoor video and have more jacks., June 10, 2006

By 

Dr. Johnny Fever "WKRP" (Home Of the MudHens) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Panasonic PV-GS59 MiniDV Camcorder with 30x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

The GOOD: digital audio 16-bit sound is great; 'zoom' sound level increase works well; love the joystick controls; manual adjustments are good. Outdoor video is good. Tiny battery. Very very lightweight. 30x zoom rocks - WHEN you use a TRIPOD!
The BAD: No microphone jack. No S-Video jack. No earphone / headphone jack. Moderate to low light video is cr*p compared to my 8-year old Sony Hi8 camcorder.
The UGLY: There is no S-video jack, and the miniplug in front for external audio/video connections is very loose and you lose connection when moving the camera around, so you can't watch live video on an external monitor consistantly.

IF it had a better external video/audio connector and better medium/low light video, I would love this camcorder; but like I said, I bought this to replace my 8-year old Sony Hi8 camcorder - but the old Sony works better indoors for the 'school play' than does this unit. Very dissapointed with the grainy digital artifacts at indoor lighting. If video indoor was better, and it had the external jacks, I would love the Pansonic PV-GS59. Too bad, as this unit had so much promise to be an outstanding camcorder other than lowlight issues and lack of external connectors. If I had to do it over again, I would shop for a new Sony Hi8 camcorder instead.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great product and excellent seller!, February 28, 2007

By 

Jose Francisco Losada Guezlan "joselosada" (Colombia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Panasonic PV-GS59 MiniDV Camcorder with 30x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

i'm totally satisfied with this camcorder. it fill every expectatives i could have about it. i don't agree with the complaints about the bad sound and bad video in low light. in fact, i'm amazed about the way it can film in very low light (more than i can hope). obviously the quality isn't perfect, it's a little grainy but, if you want perfection, then go for an expensive professional cam. the only problem i can detect in it is the difficult for keep it controlled in full zoom (which is amazing) without shaking but, consider that my girlfriend can keep it reasonably steady in full zoom, i think it must be my own fault.

otherwise here is a noticeable point i want to show and it is about the seller. i bought it from electronicsexpo and i have only good comments about they. they're totally professionals. my first cam came with a manufacture malfuction in the lcd. i told they and they inmediatly solved the problem properly. they send me a new cam in replace the damaged. they also were too friendly and comprehensive people with me. i definitely recomend this great camcorder and more definitely recomend electronicsexpo as an excellent seller.

please, sorry for my little english.