GS400 Questions at DVinfo.net

Dorothy Engleman · October 14th, 2004, 07:36 AM

Is GS400 footage up to broadcast standards? Also. is it true that the manual is pretty difficult to decipher?

Thanks for any feedback!
Dorothy

Tommy Haupfear · October 14th, 2004, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Is GS400 footage up to broadcast standards?

Sure, if you have sole footage of an alien invasion!

Seriously though, I believe there is a gentleman here that uses his GS400 for a fishing show in Florida.

I personally think a 1/3" 3CCD would be the bare minimum and even then only for run-n-gun gag shows and behind-the-scenes footage but I guess it depends on what you're shooting. Another problem is that the GS400 lacks a lot of manual controls compared to 1/3" and 1/2" 3CCD cams. One last issue is depth of field which can be a challenge wtih smaller pixel laden CCDs.

The GS400 is still a great cam and I'm looking forward to purchasing one in the coming weeks.

The manual isn't that great but you can see for yourself by downloading a PDF copy from the top of thread list.

Dorothy Engleman · October 14th, 2004, 12:30 PM

"Is GS400 footage up to broadcast standards?"

"Sure, if you have sole footage of an alien invasion!"

Not a bad idea, Tommy. I could call it "Lust in Space"!

Thanks but think I'll hold out for the GL3.

Dorothy

Chris Hurd · October 14th, 2004, 01:06 PM

Hold out for the GL3, Dorothy? You might be waiting quite awhile!

In my opinion if you have something to shoot, then now is always the best time to buy. Go for the GS400 now, you can always sell it later on... no doubt it's going to hold its value very well.

Guy Bruner · October 14th, 2004, 04:31 PM

In my opinion, any of the 3CCD panasonic cams will shoot broadcast quality video in 4x3 and good light. Where the 1/3 and 1/2 inch cams outshine the Panys is in low light. A large CCD cam with low pixel count will naturally have better low light performance than a 1/6 inch or 1/4.7 inch with megapixels. Interestingly enough, the GS120 is slightly better in low light than the GS400, but still not as good as a GL2, XL1S or VX2100.

However, if you are interested in DV widescreen, the GS400 is up there with the best. Of course, there is very little TV broadcast in DV widescreen.

Claus Olesen · October 14th, 2004, 06:32 PM

Talking about broadcast quality... video from my GS400 exhibits jittery or blurring (don't know the prof word) along long vertical lines - as on tall buildings. That eliminates it from the broadcast category in my mind. But maybe I'm doing something wrong.

Jesse Bekas · October 14th, 2004, 11:08 PM

The GL2 rebate has been extended to at least december, so good luck on the GL3.

Allan Rejoso · October 15th, 2004, 08:34 AM

<<<-- Originally posted by Tommy Haupfear : The GS400 is still a great cam and I'm looking forward to purchasing one in the coming weeks.

Tommy, I played a little bit with the new Sony HDV today and I have a gut feeling that would more likely be your next cam instead of the GS400 :-).

Tommy Haupfear · October 15th, 2004, 08:38 AM

Allan, that would be nice. What is the price in Japan?

Allan Rejoso · October 15th, 2004, 08:45 AM

JPY350,000 in discount shops, JPY399,000 in Bic Camera.

There are too many buttons all over the body and I'd like to see the full English version of this cam when it comes out.

Quite an improvement over the JVC HD1 based initial impressions :-)

Dorothy Engleman · October 15th, 2004, 12:36 PM

Tommy, I can't access large pdf files so unable to peruse GS400 manual. How would you rate it? I've read several comments on camcorder review sites about Panasonic's less than optimal manuals.

"Hold out for the GL3, Dorothy? You might be waiting quite awhile!

In my opinion if you have something to shoot, then now is always the best time to buy. You could always sell a GS400 later... no doubt it's going to hold it's value very well."

Chris, I went to a camera store yesterday and finally got my hands on the GS400. Much lighter than I expected and very "consumery" looking. According to the salesguy, the GL3 won't debut till next spring. Another opinion for Area 51!

Actually, the GS400 was just a passing fancy. I'd really like a DVX100A, DVC30 or the next GL release.

Did you ever get your DVC30?

Dorothy

Chris Hurd · October 15th, 2004, 02:51 PM

<< Did you ever get your DVC30? >>

I'm like, *this* close. The only thing holding me back is that I'm not sure that I'll be comfortable with the audio controls. They're accessible via the menu system only... I sure wish the audio was controlled by manual knobs on the camera body. I just have to get my head around that, I guess!

Dorothy Engleman · October 16th, 2004, 02:15 AM

<< Did you ever get your DVC30? >>

"I'm like, *this* close. The only thing holding me back is that I'm not sure that I'll be comfortable with the audio controls. They're accessible via the menu system only... I sure wish the audio was controlled by manual knobs on the camera body. I just have to get my head around that, I guess"

Chris, I didn't realize the GS 400 lacked audio knobs. What a bummer! Wouldn't this seriously limit your creative control?

Dorothy

Allan Rejoso · October 16th, 2004, 04:56 AM

I know I should not put this post here but I like this particular message board.

Anyway, for visitor in Japan, Bic Camera in West Shinjuku has a very nice side-by-side comparison among the FX1, HD1, VX2100, GL2 and XL2 - all connected to 23V Sony LCD HDTV. You can even connect the GS400 and HC1000 if you want.

The FX1 is HD for real!!!! Sorry to owners of the HD1, the VX2100, the GL2 and the XL2 but if I have at least $3,500 to spend for a cam, the FX1 is it! One thing for sure, it's pretty darn cool to see yourself in true hi-vision :-)).

Now back to reality. In the meantime, I'm more than satisfied with my sub-$1000 black GS400 as long as I don't try to recall the resolution of the FX1.

My next question, has anybody here used a Canon wideconverter WC-DC58 (0.8x) with their Panasonic videocam or any other cam make? That wideconverter is supposed to be for digital cams (Canon Powershot G2 in particular) but since it has been replaced by the WC-DC58N (0.7x), some stores in Akihabara are now selling used ones (in excellent condition complete with box and pouch) for about $40.

Gary Garner · October 16th, 2004, 11:34 PM

<<<-- Originally posted by Chris Hurd : << Did you ever get your DVC30? >>

I'm like, *this* close. The only thing holding me back is that I'm not sure that I'll be comfortable with the audio controls. They're accessible via the menu system only... I sure wish the audio was controlled by manual knobs on the camera body. I just have to get my head around that, I guess! -->>>

If you're using the XLR adapter you'll get manual audio controls via a couple of small knobs on the adapter.

October 14th, 2004, 07:36 AM	#1
Dorothy Engleman Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Santa Monica, California Posts: 146	GS400 Questions Is GS400 footage up to broadcast standards? Also. is it true that the manual is pretty difficult to decipher? Thanks for any feedback! Dorothy

October 14th, 2004, 01:06 PM	#4
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	Hold out for the GL3, Dorothy? You might be waiting quite awhile! In my opinion if you have something to shoot, then now is always the best time to buy. Go for the GS400 now, you can always sell it later on... no doubt it's going to hold its value very well. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

October 15th, 2004, 02:51 PM	#12
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	<< Did you ever get your DVC30? >> I'm like, this close. The only thing holding me back is that I'm not sure that I'll be comfortable with the audio controls. They're accessible via the menu system only... I sure wish the audio was controlled by manual knobs on the camera body. I just have to get my head around that, I guess! __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

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October 14th, 2004, 12:30 PM	#3
Dorothy Engleman Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Santa Monica, California Posts: 146	"Is GS400 footage up to broadcast standards?" "Sure, if you have sole footage of an alien invasion!" Not a bad idea, Tommy. I could call it "Lust in Space"! Thanks but think I'll hold out for the GL3. Dorothy

October 14th, 2004, 04:31 PM	#5
Guy Bruner Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ashford, AL Posts: 937	In my opinion, any of the 3CCD panasonic cams will shoot broadcast quality video in 4x3 and good light. Where the 1/3 and 1/2 inch cams outshine the Panys is in low light. A large CCD cam with low pixel count will naturally have better low light performance than a 1/6 inch or 1/4.7 inch with megapixels. Interestingly enough, the GS120 is slightly better in low light than the GS400, but still not as good as a GL2, XL1S or VX2100. However, if you are interested in DV widescreen, the GS400 is up there with the best. Of course, there is very little TV broadcast in DV widescreen.

October 14th, 2004, 06:32 PM	#6
Claus Olesen Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Palo Alto, CA Posts: 26	Talking about broadcast quality... video from my GS400 exhibits jittery or blurring (don't know the prof word) along long vertical lines - as on tall buildings. That eliminates it from the broadcast category in my mind. But maybe I'm doing something wrong.

October 14th, 2004, 11:08 PM	#7
Jesse Bekas Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, USA Posts: 572	The GL2 rebate has been extended to at least december, so good luck on the GL3.

October 15th, 2004, 08:34 AM	#8
Allan Rejoso Major Player Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tokyo, Japan Posts: 569	<<<-- Originally posted by Tommy Haupfear : The GS400 is still a great cam and I'm looking forward to purchasing one in the coming weeks. Tommy, I played a little bit with the new Sony HDV today and I have a gut feeling that would more likely be your next cam instead of the GS400 :-).

October 15th, 2004, 08:38 AM	#9
Tommy Haupfear Wrangler Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 1,415	Allan, that would be nice. What is the price in Japan?

October 15th, 2004, 08:45 AM	#10
Allan Rejoso Major Player Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tokyo, Japan Posts: 569	JPY350,000 in discount shops, JPY399,000 in Bic Camera. There are too many buttons all over the body and I'd like to see the full English version of this cam when it comes out. Quite an improvement over the JVC HD1 based initial impressions :-)

October 15th, 2004, 12:36 PM	#11
Dorothy Engleman Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Santa Monica, California Posts: 146	Tommy, I can't access large pdf files so unable to peruse GS400 manual. How would you rate it? I've read several comments on camcorder review sites about Panasonic's less than optimal manuals. "Hold out for the GL3, Dorothy? You might be waiting quite awhile! In my opinion if you have something to shoot, then now is always the best time to buy. You could always sell a GS400 later... no doubt it's going to hold it's value very well." Chris, I went to a camera store yesterday and finally got my hands on the GS400. Much lighter than I expected and very "consumery" looking. According to the salesguy, the GL3 won't debut till next spring. Another opinion for Area 51! Actually, the GS400 was just a passing fancy. I'd really like a DVX100A, DVC30 or the next GL release. Did you ever get your DVC30? Dorothy

October 16th, 2004, 02:15 AM	#13
Dorothy Engleman Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Santa Monica, California Posts: 146	<< Did you ever get your DVC30? >> "I'm like, this close. The only thing holding me back is that I'm not sure that I'll be comfortable with the audio controls. They're accessible via the menu system only... I sure wish the audio was controlled by manual knobs on the camera body. I just have to get my head around that, I guess" Chris, I didn't realize the GS 400 lacked audio knobs. What a bummer! Wouldn't this seriously limit your creative control? Dorothy

October 16th, 2004, 04:56 AM	#14
Allan Rejoso Major Player Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tokyo, Japan Posts: 569	I know I should not put this post here but I like this particular message board. Anyway, for visitor in Japan, Bic Camera in West Shinjuku has a very nice side-by-side comparison among the FX1, HD1, VX2100, GL2 and XL2 - all connected to 23V Sony LCD HDTV. You can even connect the GS400 and HC1000 if you want. The FX1 is HD for real!!!! Sorry to owners of the HD1, the VX2100, the GL2 and the XL2 but if I have at least $3,500 to spend for a cam, the FX1 is it! One thing for sure, it's pretty darn cool to see yourself in true hi-vision :-)). Now back to reality. In the meantime, I'm more than satisfied with my sub-$1000 black GS400 as long as I don't try to recall the resolution of the FX1. My next question, has anybody here used a Canon wideconverter WC-DC58 (0.8x) with their Panasonic videocam or any other cam make? That wideconverter is supposed to be for digital cams (Canon Powershot G2 in particular) but since it has been replaced by the WC-DC58N (0.7x), some stores in Akihabara are now selling used ones (in excellent condition complete with box and pouch) for about $40.

October 16th, 2004, 11:34 PM	#15
Gary Garner New Boot Join Date: May 2004 Location: Mendota Heights, MN Posts: 19	<<<-- Originally posted by Chris Hurd : << Did you ever get your DVC30? >> I'm like, this close. The only thing holding me back is that I'm not sure that I'll be comfortable with the audio controls. They're accessible via the menu system only... I sure wish the audio was controlled by manual knobs on the camera body. I just have to get my head around that, I guess! -->>> If you're using the XLR adapter you'll get manual audio controls via a couple of small knobs on the adapter.