Panasonic NV GS17

Advantages: Zooming in feature, size, functions
Disadvantages: So far, none

...an excellent product made by panasonic (as always), and enables you to carry out many tasks on a small, compact piece of equipment. Playback can be seen on the actual video recorder or can be plugged in to the Television to watch on their. Last thing to be reviewed is the instruction manual - upon getting this i was firstly unaware of how to operate it, so i went to the instruction manual for help. It had detailed information on how to use the ... Read review

Advantages: Huge zoom, compact size
Disadvantages: no memory card

...After the hugely successful GS11, panasonic have launched its replacement, the GS17. Now this is not the smallest, lightest camcorder by far, however, the quality it produces is easily comparable to camcorders further up the range. The main selling point of this camcorder is its huge optical zoom. At 24x this beats the sony HC19 (20X) which was seen as a big step forward. This size zoom gives so much more flexibility to the type of recording you ...
...have to start using the digital zoom, which will lower the image quality. Now this model does not have a memory card for still shots but you are still able to record an image directly onto the tape at the touch of a button. The quality of the stills is ok if viewed on a TV screen but too poor to print. The focusing system is fast and works very well, even in low light conditions. The camcorder also has the normal outputs such as AV out for connection ... Read review

Advantages: Good optical zoom
Disadvantages: Struggles in low light

I purchased this Panasonic about 4 weeks ago after my old JVC of 5 years service finally packed up. Why did I buy the Panasonic. Two reasons. Firstly it is one of the cheapest camcorders on the market. I bought mine from Dixons for just over 200 pounds. Secondly for the high optical zoom. At 24x not much on the market to match that. The Panasonic is very small and fits nicely in the palm of your hand and is very light. All the controls are easy ...
...the principle interface with the menu functions and is easy to get used to. Took it out of the box, charged up the battery, inserted a casette and making home videos again! Didnt even bother reading the manual, the functions are fairly intuitive if you have used a camcorder before. The battery fits onto the back of the unit underneath the eyepiece. At first this felt a bit weird as you can feel it pressing into your face as you use the eyepiece. ... Read review

Advantages: Easy to use for basic use
Disadvantages: Not easy to use for computer use

The camera itself excellent. The controls are simple and the size is excellent; it doesn't take up much space in a bag. Transferring the video to a simple VHS produces brilliant and almost 'broadcast quality' results. However, transferring the video on to your PC took someone like me (without advanced knowledge) a considerable amount of time. Provided with the camera is a manual, AC mains lead and AV lead (for connecting to video/TV). There isn't ... Read review

Advantages: Good Quality
Disadvantages: Unable to transfer any videos onto computer

I found this product extremely disappointing. I purchased it for filming family wedddings/parties. in my experience the quality of the camera was good, but after spending £15 on cables to connect to usb and firewire and being told it worked with windows movie maker i found myself very disappointed. I tried to upload about 15 minutes of film onto my laptop (memory and cpu etc wasnt a problem as i easily uploaded fromanother video camera) after 7 hours ... Read review