Questions about NV-GS100 capabilities and English manuals
 

Hello!
I have a few questions that I hope some of you can help me with. I'm using an english manual for a Panasonic NV-MX500 and a Panasonic PVDV953 to operate my GS100. (were these the same cameras?). I've figured out most of its functions (I think) but want to know more. Do any of you know where I can find its specifications or operating instructions etc in English? Other questions:
1. In manual exposure mode, it seems that you can only control either aperature or shutter speed, but cannot make adjustments to both. Is that right?
2. Is this camera capable of true 16:9?
3. Is Pro-cinema mode the same as 16:9 but with 24 fps shutter and other adjustments to emulate film? Do you recommend i use it if I want to shoot footage for documentaries/ethnographic films? Will using Pro-Cinema mode cause any problems when I edit my film if I want to include footage shot on other regular DV cams? (I used several cams at different anges when I shot a film). I've searched around but can't find enough info on Pro-Cinema mode... please tell me what you can!

Thanks and sorry for my amateur-ish questions!!
Contact me here or at: rayambrosi (at) gmail (dot) com

Ray,
A couple of years ago, several members of this forum, including Tommy Haupfear, bought the GS100 and discussed it extensively here. If you do a forum search, I'm sure you'll find lots of data on it. My understanding is the camcorder was only sold in Japan. Therefore, the manual is only available in Japanese. However, there were some crib sheets floating around, IIRC.

The GS100 was an update to the MX5000/DV953 but with a a body style like the GS200/250. Many of the functions on the DV953 are similar. Procinema was introduced with the GS100 in the consumer line of 3CCD cams. Basically, this is frame mode (30P) combined with different gamma and perhaps also contrast, color and brightness settings. I don't believe the settings are adjustable. The GS400 has a similar mode and there is plenty of information available here on how it works and also at the site in my signature.