Quantifying the difference in camcorders... at DVinfo.net

Jeremy Rank · February 4th, 2005, 02:22 PM

I have a JVC GRDV500 (1, 1/4"ccd) and a Panasonic GS400 (3, 1/4"ccd's) and can easily tell a HUGE difference in quality between the two.

I have my tax return coming and I'm debating on whether to get another GS400, or go to the DVX100 (at over twice the price). My question is this: Is the difference as stark as the price suggests, or will it only be a minor difference and I might be better off getting an extra GS400 and using the rest to upgrade the audio end of things?

Chris Hurd · February 4th, 2005, 04:48 PM

The GS is a consumer 3-chip, the DVX is a professional 3-chip. Download the DVX brochure and operator's manual to get a good overview of the feature set and that will tell you what the difference is. Also it depends on the work you're doing... assuming you're running a business with your camcorder, is a client going to take you seriously when you show up with the little GS. You know how good it is, but do they? If you're not in business and not planning to make money with your camera, then it may not matter as much. And you have other alternatives in between, such as the Panasonic DVC30.

February 4th, 2005, 02:22 PM	#1
Jeremy Rank Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Visalia, CA Posts: 66	Quantifying the difference in camcorders... I have a JVC GRDV500 (1, 1/4"ccd) and a Panasonic GS400 (3, 1/4"ccd's) and can easily tell a HUGE difference in quality between the two. I have my tax return coming and I'm debating on whether to get another GS400, or go to the DVX100 (at over twice the price). My question is this: Is the difference as stark as the price suggests, or will it only be a minor difference and I might be better off getting an extra GS400 and using the rest to upgrade the audio end of things?

February 4th, 2005, 04:48 PM	#2
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	The GS is a consumer 3-chip, the DVX is a professional 3-chip. Download the DVX brochure and operator's manual to get a good overview of the feature set and that will tell you what the difference is. Also it depends on the work you're doing... assuming you're running a business with your camcorder, is a client going to take you seriously when you show up with the little GS. You know how good it is, but do they? If you're not in business and not planning to make money with your camera, then it may not matter as much. And you have other alternatives in between, such as the Panasonic DVC30. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!