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6.6 out of 10

Panasonic NV-GS500

First seen: 29 march 2006

Information found in: from 30 sources in 16 countries.

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  • User Score (55)
    9.0 9.0 from 55 reviewers
  • Expert Score (4)
    7.1 7.1 from 4 reviewers
  • Design (4)
    5.6 5.6 from 4 reviewers
  • Value for money (14)
    6.4 6.4 from 14 reviewers
  • Ease of use (2)
    6.0 6.0 from 2 reviewers
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Pros & Cons

  • great sound, impressive video quality, image quality, sumer pricetag, good performance
  • manual lens cap, battery life, poor still image quality, short battery life, sluggish performance on auto

Holding back until another time, there are those of us who prefer to stay up with latest in standard video recording. Introducing, the Panasonic NV-GS500. This jewel will make you proud to be its owner. Simplifying from the GS400 this camera sports a slimmer body and a point and shoot that rival the best of them. This camera is not for the high end video buff, but for those who still like the comfort of staying with something you know well, this camera is exactly what you seek. Being a camera that is sat…

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Holding back until another time, there are those of us who prefer to stay up with latest in standard video recording. Introducing, the Panasonic NV-GS500. This jewel will make you proud to be its owner. Simplifying from the GS400 this camera sports a slimmer body and a point and shoot that rival the best of them. This camera is not for the high end video buff, but for those who still like the comfort of staying with something you know well, this camera is exactly what you seek. Being a camera that is satisfied to be a fully automatic product, the GS500 slips into its comfort zone when you’re ready to shoot the family picnic or the kid’s soccer game.

This camera is so automatic than when there is need for more light the LCD screen can be turned to face the subject, and though not incredibly bright, it does suffice and gets the job done. There is no built-in light other than the flash and that will not work for video. Some would argue its predecessor is a better camera, and for the videographer that may be true, but for the down-to-earth simplicity of no hassle videoing, this camera fits the bill snugly. It should be noted that most of the weight in this camera is on the left side, so you might need to compensate with a tight grip. Though it is fully automatic, an adventurous soul might like to try the manual approach. The GS500 is happy to oblige. Set the controls to manual and you are in full control of the lighting, the setup, the filming; like a movie director moves with his set. It is easy to get addicted to the camera in its automatic mode and it should be stated that is its main quality.

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Reviews of Panasonic NV-GS500

  1. Panasonic NV-GS500

    Reviewer: TrustedReviews
    2 February 2008

    A few years ago, Panasonic's NV-GS400 quietly took the lead as the sub-£1,000 camcorder of choice for video makers with professional aspirations. Sony was busy taking features off its premium consumer models to make them easier to use, but this also made them less attractive for semi-professionals. In contrast, the NV-GS400 was packed with features and had awesome image quality to match. The NV-GS500 is the NV-GS400's successor, although it's a slightly different beast.... Read more

  2. Reviewer: MacUser
    20 September 2007
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    A fine camcorder that is highly recommended. Read more

  3. Reviewer: Gadget Guy
    15 September 2007
    Overall 7
    7.0
    Value for money 7
    7.0
    Features 6
    6.0
    Ease of use 7
    7.0
     

    There is no doubt the Panasonic NV-GS500 is a nice camcorder, priced at an acceptable level and will make a lot of people happy. However, I don't think it's a genuine replacement for the GS400 model and certainly not an upgrade. It takes great images but is surprisingly limited in additional features for a 3CCD camcorder priced at the upper level of the consumer range. Read more

  4. Panasonic NV-GS500

    Reviewer: CNET
    29 March 2006

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

  5. Panasonic NV-GS500 Review

    Reviewer: CNET
    3 July 2006
    Overall 6
    6.0
     

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

  1. MiniDV Heaven

    Reviewer: Kieran C Murphy, Pricerunner
    15 October 2008
    Overall 10
    10
    Value for money 8
    8.0
     

    I'm not at all surprised in the LACK of a depreciation in price of the GS-500, it's still a market LEADER; a tight unit that's pretty much flawless in the eyes of many a "prosumer" Read more

  2. Panasonic NV-GS500 Mini DV Digital Camcorder

    Reviewer: DealTime UK
    4 December 2007
    Overall 10
    10
     

    The body shape is of fairly good design.However I would prefer some rubberised wear protection as anodised silver does scratch very easy. I bought some foam pads witch are used on the bottom of chair legs, and stuck them on verious places such as outside of screen, on top and side. Now I can put my camera down without fear of scratching.Very good picture quality once you get to know the camera. The camera control system is excellent once you practiced and you know where... Read more

  3. Hard to beat for the money.

    Reviewer: Adorama
    12 February 2007
    Overall 10
    10
     

    Perfect for the family that wants a non complicated system. High quality video and stills. Very easy instructions, no top end features that the average person may never use. Controls easy to use and understand. Read more

  4. Reviewer: CNET
    28 September 2008
    Overall 10
    10
     

    An attractive 3CCD minidv camcorder for under £1000? Woah! When I bought my GS500 I was looking for the catch, there wasn't one... and I've bought a lot of expensive cameras in recent times (mainly as part of my job.) The GS500 came out a couple of years ago, a smaller lighter version of the GS400 (which I have also owned) and I must say it's a big improvement in terms of practicality. To have the amount of image quality the GS500 has in such a light, compact,... Read more

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