I am about to buy my very first video camera. It should be easy to use, and of course make good video and audio.
For what I have learned so far I am planning to buy a Panasonic GS 120 or GS 200.
As in this forum there are many qualified people, my questions:
- which camera would you recommend? - of course it could be another brand as well.
- and above all: I am planning to purchase my camera while I will be in Japan during October, mostly because they do cost so much less then in Europe. However:
- which are the problems arising by buying the camera in Japan? I will be using the camera mostly in Japan and Indonesia, also in Austria.
- Do I face problems because of PAL/NTSC differences?
- Will I be able to get a camera in Japan which has the buttons/ switches etc. on the camera/in the display printed/written in English also, or will the all be in Japanese only?
- Can I get the English manual/ software?
- Generally, which problems will I face if I buy the camera in Japan, how can I overcome them, or would you advice me not to buy it in Japan after all?
Thank you very much for any suggestion,
looking very much forward to finally have my first video camera,
andreas

...I am about to buy my very first video camera. It should be easy to use, and of course make good video and audio.

If you shoot only in full auto mode, any consumer cam is as easy to use as any other model, regardless of language and size. Good video is very subjective. Horizontally oriented cams usually have better built-in audio than upright ones. For improved audio quality, attaching an external mic is suggested.


..For what I have learned so far I am planning to buy a Panasonic GS 120 or GS 200.
- which camera would you recommend? - of course it could be another brand as well.

Hmmmm. IMO, the following cameras belong to the same class as the GS200. Canon Elura70 and SonyHC40. The latter 2 have distinctively higher level of sharpness and clarity than the GS200 and have better quality widescreen mode. However, the Panasonic exhibits richer color saturation and has better manual features. If I were to limit my choices among the 3 models above, I would choose the Canon any day.

For next level cams than the GS200, you can check the likes of Canon Optura500 or SonyPC350 - cool compact cams with great looking video, especially under widescreen mode.

If you're willing to pay for the very best in the consumer market right now, it's either the GS400 or the HC1000 or even the older Optura Xi - all of them are big and heavy compared to the likes of the GS200.


- and above all: I am planning to purchase my camera while I will be in Japan during October, mostly because they do cost so much less then in Europe. However:
- which are the problems arising by buying the camera in Japan? I will be using the camera mostly in Japan and Indonesia, also in Austria.

Japan is NTSC, Indonesia I think should be the same as Singapore which is PAL. Austria is most probably PAL. You need an NTSC/PAL converter or a multi-system TV or a multi-system VCR in order to view your tapes in all the above countries.


- Do I face problems because of PAL/NTSC differences?

Yes, except perhaps on the Sonys??? I read somewhere that Sony cams can playback PAL or NTSC tapes. I'm not sure of this.


- Will I be able to get a camera in Japan which has the buttons/ switches etc. on the camera/in the display printed/written in English also, or will the all be in Japanese only?

Big retail stores like Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera carry a wide range of Sony English models (both NTSC and PAL). If you go to Akihabara (the electronics Mecca), there are the so called "Duty-Free" stores like Laox that carry a limited line-up of Panasonic, Canon, JVC and Hitachi English models (both NTSC and PAL). Last time I went to Laox, the PAL GS200 costs JPY20,000 more than the Japanese GS400. If you know where to buy and stay in a convenient area and, you're willing to pay in Yen cash, you can get a Japanese black GS400 for about JPY100,000 now. The MX500 still sells at JPY190,000 in Laox.


- Can I get the English manual/ software?

International models come with multi-lingual manuals and English software. For Japanese models, that depends on the maker. Canon normally sells the English manual at their big service center in Shinjuku for 1000-2000 Yen. Panasonic sells around 20 pages of quick reference guide in English (photocopied). As regards software, probably yes, but if you're running Windows XP, you don' t need the basic drivers as the PC can recognize the cam once you connect it. If you need the basic drivers, you can install them manuallly from the supplied CD-Rom. Third-party NLE softwares are so much better so you need not bother about the basic English software supplied by Panasonic.


- Generally, which problems will I face if I buy the camera in Japan, how can I overcome them, or would you advice me not to buy it in Japan after all?

Language and warranty (valid only in Japan). I am not sure if Panasonic EU or NA can and would accept repair of Japanese models even if you're willing to pay. As far as I know, repair of PAL cams is not accepted in Japan which is very strange considering all these cams and the repair equipment probably originated from Japan.

Unless you stay in Japan for a year or so, there's no way to overcome the warranty issue/inconvenience so just cross your finger that nothing goes wrong with your cam during the warranty period.

Japanese menu is something you simply have to learn to accept. Some inconvenience is guaranteed! But with the help of the English manual, some cheat sheets and this message board, you should be able to operate a Japanese cam somehow.

My advise, when you finally arrive in Japan, find the time to go to the nearest Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera store or Laox Duty Free and play with the shelf units to your heart's contentment. It's OK to play with the cams in those stores as long as you want even without buying (your child can play as well, assuming you have one and you need not worry in case they break the cam -shhhhh :-)). You should be able to make a better decision for yourself after actually holding and testing so many varieties of cams in about 3 full days right? :-))

Good luck!

thank you very much for your extensive reply.
I will follow your advice and get 'a feel' of them in some big shop first. I suppose my choice will be between the Elura 70 and the Pana GS 200, as I have heard many complaints of the Sony's touchscreen, and the models in the GS 400 range may be too big and expensive for me.
The PAL/NTSC difference is still not clear to me. It certainly must matter if the tape is palyed directly in the camera connected with a TV, or in an VCR player ( wich I guess will need an adapter for that, right? ) But how about if I first download it to my computer and view it there, or make a CD or DVD out of it to be played on a DVD player connected to a TV? Does PAL/NTSC difference have any more relevance then?
If not I would just go for the japanese NTSC models to be had cheapest on the internet. - and if I understand you right, only that would make sense anyway, since the PAL models sell much more expensive, right?
thank's again
andreas

<<<-- Originally posted by Andreas Griesmayr :
The PAL/NTSC difference is still not clear to me. It certainly must matter if the tape is palyed directly in the camera connected with a TV, or in an VCR player ( wich I guess will need an adapter for that, right? ) But how about if I first download it to my computer and view it there, or make a CD or DVD out of it to be played on a DVD player connected to a TV? Does PAL/NTSC difference have any more relevance then?
If not I would just go for the japanese NTSC models to be had cheapest on the internet. - and if I understand you right, only that would make sense anyway, since the PAL models sell much more expensive, right? -->>>

You should pick the system of your country, which being Austria is probably PAL. Nowadays most European TVs and DVD players also play NTSC, but when you download it or in some part of the process the computer will ask you if that job is PAL or NTSC.

So when converting to MPEG, previous to burning a DVD, you will have to choose one system, which will be the one of the camera you used. You can't convert systems with those programs, and you may lose some qualities and have other problems if you always have to convert systems.

Living in a PAL country saves you many issues, and image quality will probably be better. Stick to it.

Now go test both cameras, GS200 and GS400, view the images on a large quality screen and pick the one you prefer.


Carlos

I forgot one Canon model which IMO is even a better cam (if you're other choice is the GS200)..It is called FMV20 in Japan. I think it is equivalent to the Optura40 in the US. Horizontal body, very compact design, top loading, manual focus ring, big lens, unmatched HQ widescreen (as seen on a 42V LCD - awesome!), EIS that is way superior than that of GS200's, RGB filter (and available in 3 body colors in Japan)

However, in case you always shoot in low-light, these Canons appear to be inferior to the GS200 (colors still tend to become very very very dull, albeit clean), but Canon has at least improved on this particular aspect compared to their line-up last year...unfortunately Canon LCD still s*cks. (except for the one used on the Optura500 and 300).

AFAIK, it doesn't matter whether the video system is PAL or NTSC if youre going to transfer DV to PC and burn on a DVD.

PAL models are cheapest in Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Singapore and probably Indonesia too). If my calculation is correct, somebody in CCI bought his PAL GS400 for about JPY120,000 - that's about the same price as a PAL GS200 in Tokyo!

Andreas, if you're absolutely willing to deal with the Japanese language, you might as well go for the GS400. With your Japanese friend in Osaka, you should be able to get one for a very good price. I think of it this way. Let' say the difference is $200. If I'm going to use my cam for at least 3 years, that would be like $0.20 a day :-)..while interest rate in Japan is like 0.00000001% :-(. If you're concerned about the next generation HDV coming very soon, that would take at least 5 years before prices come down to comfortable levels. By that time, you would have maximized the use of your DV cam.

Of course, physical size may be an issue. IMO (and I'm not a big man at all), the GS400 is not big per se, but quite hefty compared to the GS200. It looks like a block but definitely smaller than how it appears on pictures. In fact, it is almost the same size as my old Optura100 if I lay down (the Canon) sideways.

Good luck to you anyway.

PS.

Once you see how bright and clear the huge 3.5 LCD is, you probably won't settle for anything smaller :-))

As for the worrisome PAL/NTSC thing: I am form Austria ( PAL ) but I do spend more time in Asia, and very likely will use my camera mostly in Japan ( NTSC ) and Indonesia ( PAL ), where I will have most time to work with the videos on my computer. According to you, Allen, no problems once the Video is loaded on the computer, but you, Carlos, explain differently, and Pal will be better for me, especially since Indonesia also uses PAL. - So I am still not clear about this. Besides, does the quality of the video deteriorate once converted to MPEG?
I am certain however that, if it could be a NTSC model, I could buy the camera for a very cheap prize in Japan. ( The best prizes seen at Kakaku.com are Y 68,300 for the GS 200, Y 97.400 for the GS 400, Y 60.500 for the FV M100 = Elura 70 and Y 70.350 for the FV M20 = Optura 40.)
If I should go for a PAL model it will be a bit more complicated: Recently I checked the prize of the GS 200 (PAL) in Kuala Lumpur, which was over 900 Euro. Ordering from the US or Hongkong via internet to be sent to Austria will cost me 20% VAT + import duty. So these options are expensive. Buying a PAL model in Japan also is expensive, isn't it, Allen? So it just occured to me that I could buy a PAL model via internet in Hongkong ( however, I have not checked the prizes there yet ) and have it sent to Japan. There, I suppose I won't be charged any tax, or just 5% VAT. Well, a bit complicated, but this could be the best way for me, isn't it? And Allen, where is CCI?
By the way, it was there: http://www.alkenmrs.com/video/wwstandards1.html#TOP, that I found out that Indonesia and Hongkong use PAL.
Which model I'll get I guess I will decide once I will have those different model in my hand. The bigger LCD on the GS 400 sure will be nice. The GS 400 makes higher Pixel stills. Are there any more differences between these two models?
Further questions:
How do battery lifes of the models in question compare?
Which accessories should I buy together with my camera? I suppose
a UV or any other filter to protect the lens, a second akku, resp. a stronger power pack if available,
a bigger SD memory card, a camera bag,
possibly a wide angle adapter?
Any recommendations?
Also, which software for the video editing is recommended?
thank you very much for any further suggestions and help,
andreas

Andreas, the opinions of Carlos and I are complementary, that is, you can transfer PAL or NTSC video to your PC and eventually burn to DVD but somewhere in the process you'd have to select the system (PAL or NTSC). Conversion to MPEG2 is lossy regardless of the system you select.

I strongly agree with Carlos that you should stick with the video system of the country where you stay the most, but you seem to be an international fella :-)

Sony PAL cams are very reasonably priced in Tokyo, compared to Europe. Panasonic PAL is expensive because they don't sell well among tourists (most visitors in Japan want a Sony cam even before they go to stores right?).

CCI means Camcorderinfo.com

BTW, when you consider the prices in kakaku, don't forget to consider 2 things. First, you'd be charged for delivery to your place (up to JPY1000 depending on your address and location of the store). Second, it's safer and faster to pay in cash (instead of wire transfer to the bank account of the discount shop) to the delivery man in exchange for the merchandise. For that, you'd be charged cash handling fee by the delivery company (approx. JPY1000 also). Therefore, the best thing to do is to pick-up the cam at the discount shop but make sure to tag your Japanese friend along.

Take it slowly on the accessories. You're coming to Japan anyway :-) Again,go to the big stores and try whatever accessories you need to try first. Once you find out what accessories you actually need, you don't have to go any further. Accessories are priced the same everywhere in Japan. But most probably, extra batts are cheaper in Indonesia. You need extra batts by the way.

Not sure about no importation charges to Japan. All my previous orders through Amazon.com arrived duty free, but I was charged JPY1000 for my daughter's first communion dress.

hm..Allen, thank's very much again. However, I must ask further, as for me those 3 statements don't make it clear to me yet:

1: AFAIK, it doesn't matter whether the video system is PAL or NTSC if youre going to transfer DV to PC and burn on a DVD.

2: You should pick the system of your country, which being Austria is probably PAL. Nowadays most European TVs and DVD players also play NTSC, but when you download it or in some part of the process the computer will ask you if that job is PAL or NTSC.

3: Andreas, the opinions of Carlos and I are complementary, that is, you can transfer PAL or NTSC video to your PC and eventually burn to DVD but somewhere in the process you'd have to select the system (PAL or NTSC). Conversion to MPEG2 is lossy regardless of the system you select.

I really l iked the first one. - I do believe that it would best to stick to 'my country's system, but as you remarked, I am kind of an international fella.. -
To my understanding the 2nd and 3rd statemant do contradict the first. So I must understand wronlgy. Maybe I should ask, after choosing either PAL or NTSC while writing the DVD, how do the results differ? As far as I understand pretty much every modern DVD player will play both, pretty much regardless of which TV is connected. Is that so? And even if I found out that my DVD player does not, a new DVD player will cost me much less then the difference of the prizes of - well, I guess I slowly fall in love with the Pana GS 400 - a PAL to a japanese NTSC model.
Reading comments in forums at german sites regarding the PAL/NTSC thing most maintain that PAL is far better in quality and strongly discourage anybody who, in search for better prizes, considers ordering NTSC models online from the US. However there was one answer to somebody who was in a similar position like me, living in both NTSC and PAL countries, which made me very warm again for a japanese GS 400: I translate from the german, he said: "You can view NTSC material using both PAL cams and NTSC cams on any PAL TV without loosing quality, and you can also use either, both PAL and NTSC cams to capture NTSC material in an video editing program on your PC. This means NTSC material functions without problems in countries where NTSC, PAL and PAL M ( Brasil ) are the TV norm.
The other way around you cannot play PAL material using NTSC machines. Even a professional conversion ( costing 15 - 20 Euro ) will lead to a drop in quality. But you cannot mix both formats during post production of a video. - NTSC is more universally usable for the international use, including Germany."
WOW - is that so? then, a japanese NTSC could be the answer!
any comments on that?



NTSC-Material kannst du sowohl mit einer PAL-Cam als auch NTSC-Cam auf jedem PAL-Fernseher ohne Qualitätsverlust abspielen und auch mittels einer PAL oder NTSC--Cam in ein Videobearbeitungsprogramm auf dem PC capturen und dort problemlos schneiden. NTSC-Material funktioniert also problemlos in den Ländern, wo NTSC oder PAL wie auch PAL M (Brasilien)die Fernsehnorm darstellen.
Umgekehrt lässt sich PAL-Material nicht auf NTSC-Geräten abspielen. Auch eine professionelle Normumwandlung (Kosten 15-20 €) geht mit Qualitätseinbussen daher.
Nur kann man beide Formate bei der Post-Produktion eines Filmes nicht mischen.
NTSC ist für den internationalen Einsatz einschliesslich Deutschland universeller einsetzbar.

Gruss

I'm currently staying in a NTSC country but I think I'm leaning towards a PAL (maybe from expandore/singapore)
because
- PAL has 20% more resolution (allthough only vertically - in the opposite direction of widescreen).
- PAL color sampling is that chosen for the upcoming HDV (4:2:0=one color sample shared by a square of 4 pixels).
- PAL frame rate is good enough - slower than NTSC but greater than cinema movies.
- Many standalone DVD players will play both.
- Computers will play both on the computer monitor.
- Many computer graphics cards have TV out - I think some will play both.

Please someone correct me if I'm wrong.

If correct then the only drawback I can spot with PAL is if it always will be played only on NTSC because I think the conversion from PAL to NTSC is done by cutting off 10% of the picture at both the top and bottom rather than resampling.

Please keep the conversations in English. Translation courtesy Systran.


You can play NT sports club material both with a PAL Cam and NTSC Cam
on each PAL television without Qualitätsverlust and also by means of
a PAL or a NT sports club -- Cam into a video processing program on
the PC capturen and problem-free to cut there. NT sports club material
functions thus problem-free in the Ländern, where NTSC or PAL like
also PAL M represent (Brasilien)die television standard. Turned around
PAL material lässt itself on NTSC Geräten does not play. Also a
professional standard transformation (costs 15-20 â ' ¬) goes with
Qualitätseinbussen therefore. Only one cannot mix both formats with
the post office production of a film. NTSC is more universally
applicable für the international application including Germany.

my post had included my version of the translation of the german text. The original I had kept rather by mistake. ( I had copied it there first for translating )

<<<-- Originally posted by Andreas Griesmayr :
To my understanding the 2nd and 3rd statemant do contradict the first. So I must understand wronlgy. Maybe I should ask, after choosing either PAL or NTSC while writing the DVD, how do the results differ? As far as I understand pretty much every modern DVD player will play both, pretty much regardless of which TV is connected. Is that so?
-->>>

As Allan said, our statements are complementary. If you don't get the principle then let's try to make it clearer.

After choosing your video system, they will only differ (slightly) in image quality and (mostly) where you can play or see the DVD images.

As far as I know, only European DVD players will likely play both systems, but for that you will also require a bi-system TV. That is your TV or that on wherever you will see that video should accept PAL and NTSC signals. So answering your question:

1) No, not all DVD players are bi-system and you should check they are before buying one.

2) TVs may or may not be bi-system. A friend of mine living in Sweden spent some several weeks before he could play an NTSC tape, but you should have an even harder time in the US to play a PAL tape or disc. Though now that is less harder than it was until a few years ago.

3) What seems to be more universal are TV projectors, which seem to accept any video norm.

<<<-- Originally posted by Andreas Griesmayr :
And even if I found out that my DVD player does not, a new DVD player will cost me much less then the difference of the prizes of - well, I guess I slowly fall in love with the Pana GS 400 - a PAL to a japanese NTSC model.
-->>>

As I said, a TV is also part of the equation, so you will also need a PAL or NTSC compatible TV.

I live in an NTSC country (Brazil) and I own a PAL Hi-8 camera, and I can't see the images in my main 32" Sony TV, because it only takes NTSC and PAL-M signals. PAL-M is not really PAL, but a modified NTSC signal.

<<<-- Originally posted by Andreas Griesmayr :
Reading comments in forums at german sites regarding the PAL/NTSC thing most maintain that PAL is far better in quality and strongly discourage anybody who, in search for better prizes, considers ordering NTSC models online from the US.
-->>>

That statement can also be used to convince people buying in their countries, which is mostly justified. But if you are really into DVD you should buy multi-norm players and TVs, the players also being code-free. What is wrong is the prices policy between USA and Europe for disc prices, the latter being much higher. So you could buy them in the US and pay less. That is if you buy a lot.

<<<-- Originally posted by Andreas Griesmayr :
However there was one answer to somebody who was in a similar position like me, living in both NTSC and PAL countries, which made me very warm again for a japanese GS 400: I translate from the german, he said: "You can view NTSC material using both PAL cams and NTSC cams on any PAL TV without loosing quality, and you can also use either, both PAL and NTSC cams to capture NTSC material in an video editing program on your PC. This means NTSC material functions without problems in countries where NTSC, PAL and PAL M ( Brasil ) are the TV norm.
-->>>

That statement is mostly wrong and very confusing.

1) You can not record PAL and NTSC on any video camera, for now. You can play PAL or NTSC tapes on some pro and semi-pro DV players, but not on DV cameras. Though someone said you can play a PAL or NTSC tape on any Sony camera.

2) You can not view NTSC material on any PAL TV by definition, though many modern TVs (particularly European) are multi-norm. In fact NTSC has become more universal than PAL, but that happens in countries not belonging in North America or Europe.

3) You can capture your video onto an editing program, no matter it's PAL or NTSC. Your computer monitor will play it. But you need a PAL or NTSC TV if you want to use the board's video output. Also you will need a bi-norm DVD player and TV if you burn a disc from that video.

<<<-- Originally posted by Andreas Griesmayr :
The other way around you cannot play PAL material using NTSC machines. Even a professional conversion ( costing 15 - 20 Euro ) will lead to a drop in quality. But you cannot mix both formats during post production of a video. - NTSC is more universally usable for the international use, including Germany."
WOW - is that so? then, a japanese NTSC could be the answer!
-->>>

In a way that statement is right. NTSC is more universally used that PAL. A conversion, either way, will drop the quality a bit.

You can not mix formats, and you would have to convert one to the other if you need to use both.

If you need a universally accepted system, do get an NTSC camera, certainly a GS400. But be prepared to deal with situations where you will not be able to play your tape/DVD if you don't get the right TV. To solve the playing issue you should get a portable DVD that is multi-norm. I think portable Panasonics are so.

Let's hope this time I was clearer.


Carlos

Andreas, good news bad and bad news:

Good news first:

PAL GS400, GS200 and GS120 are now available in Tokyo Akihabara's duty free shops

English PAL and NTSC Elura70, Optura40, Optura500 are also available in Akihabara.


Now the bad news: Prices

PAL GS400: JPY158,000
PAL GS200: JPY118,000
PAL GS120: I forgot out of price shock :-)

PAL & NTSC Elura70: JPY84,800
PAL & NTSC Optura40: JPY99,800
PAL & NTSC Optura500: JPY114,800

You'd better check the prices out there before flying to Tokyo.

<<<-- Originally posted by Claus Olesen : If correct then the only drawback I can spot with PAL is if it always will be played only on NTSC because I think the conversion from PAL to NTSC is done by cutting off 10% of the picture at both the top and bottom rather than resampling. -->>>

Claus, this can not be right! If you just cut off these 20% of the picture's top and bottom you'll get a different aspect ratio. Converting PAL to NTSC is far more complicated! And remember, there is not only a resolution difference, but also a picture frequency difference (50/60Hz).

Btw, my girlfriend's Pioneer NTSC DVD player plays both, PAL and NTSC discs, without any problems.
And again, my friend's NTSC Sony PD170 also plays PAL and NTSC tapes correctly.
Why my GS400 can not play PAL tapes!??? :(

"Claus, this can not be right! If you just cut off these 20% of the picture's top and bottom you'll get a different aspect ratio. Converting PAL to NTSC is far more complicated!"

Andreas - thank you for correcting this. Maybe my confusion came from that's how VCD players do it according to http://www.pctechguide.com/24digvid_VCD.htm just below the table.
I tried google but did not find a good short explanation of how it works.
http://www.videointerchange.com/pal_secam_conversions.htm half way down describes a much more complicated process - as you say.

The GS400 just arrived in the local Fry's store here. I knew it wouldn't be small. And it isn't.

The GS400 just arrived in the local Fry's store here. I knew it wouldn't be small. And it isn't.

The GS400 isn't micro sized like a lot of other MiniDV cams but they don't offer the features of the GS400.

At least its not a vertical cam.

<<<-- Originally posted by Claus Olesen :
The GS400 just arrived in the local Fry's store here. I knew it wouldn't be small. And it isn't. -->>>


You can't have quality stuff if you go too small. Transport systems, 3-ccd head, large LCD screen and quality lens will limit the downsize.


Carlos

Good point Carlos, the GS400 1/4.7" 3CCD optical assembly is noticeably larger than the 1/6" 3CCD GS100 as you can see from this photo (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-12/74415/pana5.jpg)

So much I have learned with the kind help of you people, and also through some research I did in between. But to tell you the truth I have no idea which camera I best get!
I understand PAL is favoured over NTSC.
But so far I have a lot of points going for NTSC:
I have checked the DVD player and the TV I bought last year here in Bali, Indonesia. Although they were cheap models ( well, the TV was not so cheap but only because it is 28 inch ) I can choose 'auto', or 'PAL' or 'NTSC, the TV even got SECAM and two kinds on NTSC ( 4.43 and 3.58 - whatever that may mean ) And it seems to me that most machines in Europe will be not much different in this respect.
DVD players and TVs in Japan, as I understand, very likely will not be able to show PAL propperly.
The NTSC GS400 costs about 150 US$ less than the PAL GS200, taking Allen's PAL and NTSC prizes offered on the internet in Japan. Even though generally PAL could be better, should I still favour a more expensive PAL GS200 over a NTSC GS400?
For me a strong point against a japanese NTSC camera remains the japanese menus on the camera and even in the LCD. Is there any way to get what's displayed on the LCD changed to English?
If I wasn't scared of that I definitely would say I am decided to go for a japanese GS400.

But so far still at a loss:
I did find a PAL SONY DCR-TRV 38E here at the local market for 500 Euros ( 600 US$ ) It felt nice in my big hands, I liked the big LCD, not the bottom tape loading, but it seemed a better choice than the DCR-HC40 for 600 Euro, and the PC108 for a bit over 600 Euro. ( and that's about the complete choice here in Bali )

If I was to get a PAL camera I could, after all, as well buy it in Austria, but only if it was a Canon. But check out those prize difference for the Panasonics!
( prizes all converted in YEN, first prize = online shopping NTSC in Japan, second PAL in Japan acc. to Allen, third prize internet shopping Austria )
Canon Elura 70: 60.000+, / 84.000 / 87.000
Canon Optura 40: 70.000+ / 99.800 / 115.000
Optura 500: 85.000 / 114.000 / 143.000
Pana GS200: 68.300 / 118.000 / 143.000
Pana GS400 97.400 / 158.000 / 208.000
Considering that I should pay 20% VAT once I bring the camera into Austria the PAL prizes for the Elura70 and Optura40 are even surprisingly 'cheap' in Austria. ( they are called differently there however, MVX250I and MVX25I - in case that I did find the correct models )

Wow, soon I will have MY first video camera!

<<<-- Originally posted by Andreas Griesmayr :
Considering that I should pay 20% VAT once I bring the camera into Austria the PAL prizes for the Elura70 and Optura40 are even surprisingly 'cheap' in Austria. -->>>

You have to pay VAT even if you buy it abroad? Then it's not VAT but import tax.

Just one important thing: think of the warranty. You buy it in Europe, particularly in Austria, if you have any problems you will be able to solve them easily. If you buy the camera abroad it may be quite more problematic.


Carlos

dear Carlos,
on importing I certainly do have to pay 20% Vat AND import tax on top of that. Import tax could be very low however, just 2 or 3 %, if any. However usually one could get the VAT refunded in the country where one bought the camera on leaving that country if one is not a resident there but a visiting tourist only. In Japan this would be 5%. VAT refund. Those 20% VAT + import also would apply if I ordered e.g. online from the US.
VAT differes throughout Europe, even between countries which use the Euro. In Germany it is, I believe, 16%. So if I ordered online in Germany I even would have to get the german VAT refunded first, and then pay the austria VAT again. It seems however that customs doesn't practice that any more within Euroland, and I don't have to go through that procedure. One can note however that the same product cost slightly more in Austria then in Germany, even if offered by the same shop because of the difference of the corresponding VATs.

Andreas, if you carry the cam on your shoulder (and trash the box), how would the Customs inspectors or tax people know that you just bought the cam from overseas?

If you can live with NTSC, the Japanese versions of the Canons have multi-lingual menu! However, markings on the body are only in Japanese.

If you buy a PAL model in those duty free shops, you get international warranty valid only in PAL countries.

Malaysia and Singapore sell PAL cams at cheaper prices.

A GS200 does not compare with a GS400, IMO.

If you can live with Japanese menus and if Sony cams can indeed play both NTSC and PAL tapes, then you should try-out the HC1000 too. Price is about the same as the GS400 and you get the benefit of low shutter speed settings under video mode, spot focus and a slighly better low-light performance. You might even prefer the color saturation of the Sony over a Panasonic. Manual shooting is gonna be more complicated though because settings are embedded within the Japanese menus (touch-screen).

<<<-- Originally posted by Allan Rejoso : If you can live with Japanese menus and if Sony cams can indeed play both NTSC and PAL tapes, then you should try-out the HC1000 too. Price is about the same as the GS400 and you get the benefit of low shutter speed settings under video mode, spot focus and a slighly better low-light performance. You might even prefer the color saturation of the Sony over a Panasonic. Manual shooting is gonna be more complicated though because settings are embedded within the Japanese menus (touch-screen). -->>>

This is a question I seem to be coming often these weeks: have you tried the HC1000, Alan?

The Sony color saturation seems to be something I didn't think about until recently.

Tape problems I had with a Canon GL1 last year made me aware of a DV weakness I didn't know about: not being able to mix tapes. But it also raised another question: that Sony equipment seemed to play problematic tapes that Panasonic's didn't.

Apparently Sony cameras are a lot less sensible to this tape mix problem than Canons or Panasonics. This is a fact to nobody seemed to acknowledge on these forums.

So I will definitely include HC1000 and the future FX1 in my options, to try against GS400 and DVX100.



Carlos

<<<-- Originally posted by Allan Rejoso : If you can live with NTSC, the Japanese versions of the Canons have multi-lingual menu! However, markings on the body are only in Japanese.

<<<--If you can live with Japanese menus and if Sony cams can indeed play both NTSC and PAL tapes, then you should try-out the HC1000 too. Price is about the same as ......

'if you can live with NTSC'.....is it really that bad?
My biggest question now: How difficlut will it be to understand the japanese menus? The switches around the camera one can understand quite fast, i believe, but does anyone, maybe you again, Allen, know just how many menus will be displayed on the LCD, and how difficult will it be to understand them? Will those rather use symbols, or a lot of japanese Kanji'? ( well. more likely Hiragana/Katagana ) How do the different models compare in this respect? Optura 40 and GS400? Won't be the Sonys more difficult with all their menus on the touchscreen, not only because of handling issue, but because of the language issue? Thank you for mentioning the Canon's advantage of bilinqual display!
The review of the HC1000 are not very enthusiastic about this camera. I'd be curious, just as Carlos had asked, have you ever used one yourself?

<<<-- Andreas, if you carry the cam on your shoulder (and trash the box), how would the Customs inspectors or tax people know that you just bought the cam from overseas?

Allen I defintitely would not do that: Austrian customs officials are bad...though not as bad as the Germans who definitely would ask me for my purchase receipt, for they want me to proove that I did NOT buy it overseas. The Germans would do the tax declaration for me however, the Austrias could even have me contact a cargo agent do fill out the paper for me ( you need somebody to fill in the correct number ) who would charge me another 50 buks or so for that.

<<<--Carlos also says: Sony equipment seemed to play problematic tapes that Panasonic's didn't.

well, that could be a real good point for a camera, but I, as a beginner, will very likely only play the tapes which I shot myself, don't you think? But since it shoots well with the automatic settings, could be very good for a beginner!

andreas

I was searching for a camcorder too a few weeks back. I read quite a few postings from news group. There seems to be a reliability issue for Canon camcorders that many complain having issues after 1 year (when the warranty expires.) I could not afford to spend a thousand dollars for camcorder "every year". And I certainly do not want to be the one to test for Canon's reliability with my money. So decided to skip Canon. Just be alert!

Eric.

<<<-- Originally posted by Andreas Griesmayr :

'if you can live with NTSC'.....is it really that bad?

Most definitely not, but you have to consider being able to watch video both in NTSC and PALsville. That is the main issue you need to address. You've been to NTSC Japan many times right, and you probably have seen how eye-popping the quality of SD broadcast here (no need to discuss HD). Watching widescreen video shot with a GS100 on a super fine pitch 32-inch NTSC Sony with wega engine, I just cannot imagine how much clearer a PAL system can be. But at least on paper, PAL should be the better system if all other factors are the same (TV make and cam model). I have not actually seen how good PAL is - the PAL TVs I used in Malaysia and Singapore and in the hotels in Europe did not compare with the ones I've been using in Japan).


Allen I defintitely would not do that: Austrian customs officials are bad...

Be a good citizen then :-) But you mean to say if I were an Austrian, everytime I leave the country for any reason and carry some of my electronic stuffs on my shoulder or in my bag, I would have to bring some proof that such items were not bought overseas or that I have had paid for the customs duties of those or that I would have to declare the gadgets I would be bringing out? Which reminds me, somebody once told me to put the cam in a dilapidated cam bag to make it look old :-) Are we allowed to talk about these things here? :-)


The review of the HC1000 are not very enthusiastic about this camera. I'd be curious, just as Carlos had asked, have you ever used one yourself?

I have played with the HC1000 in stores many times. I have almost 30 minutes of videos shot inside various stores, and those samples provided by a Japanese magazine. The HC1000 certainly will not appeal to everybody. I still think the body shape is "not beautiful" but I am a big fan of its menu system (because I am not a pro!) :-) I appreciate its clean image, the capability to retain color even under insufficient lighting conditions, the tons of manual features (except for Bluetooth, every feature in the TRV950 is available but the access procedure is different - and will probably annoy the pros), slow shutter settings, availability of LANC, but I am still biased against the Sony color saturation although it cannot be denied that there are more people in this world who are satisfied owners of Sony cams. Kaku mentioned something about the Sony having more dynamic range (in color). Based on what I have seen, I think I would have to agree with that, but IMO, the Pany (and Canons) exhibit more closer to life colors. In the end, it all comes down to your personal preference. The Sony's ability to properly letterbox widescreen on the LCD is quite cool indeed (kudos to the new Canons as well), on the other hand, a 2.5 LCD just doesn't have the same impact as the bright and clear 3.5 LCD of the GS400. Finally, I paid almost 2x for my Optura100 (what a bummer) compared to the current market price of the GS400 and HC1000 and the latter 2 have soooo much more videocam features than the Canon. Price-wise alone (in Japan - that's why I qualified with a statement regarding acceptance of Japanese menus) , I find it hard to ignore the HC1000.

<<<--Carlos also says: Sony equipment seemed to play problematic tapes that Panasonic's didn't.

I have posted this previously but problems related to tape mixing is still a myth for me personally. I mix Sonys, Panys, and Fuji all the time, whichever tape color my family prefers on a particular shooting day without a single problem. I've been doing that on a Canon Optura100 for 3 years, and a Panasonic GS100 since March 2004. I don't know, I am probably lucky that's all :-), and there's no harm in heeding the advise of people who have actually experienced such tape-mixing problem. BTW, don't forget to buy a video head cleaner as well.

In regard to reliability, IMO, it does not matter what the make is. There's going to be at least 1 lemon somewhere and the risk should almost be the same for any giant cam maker.

BTW, I am only referring to consumer level cams ok :-)

Thanks for your comments on the HC1000, Allan. They are the first unbiased ones I have read on that camera.

Can you be a bit more specific on what you think pros would not like on menus and access procedure?

About the color saturation on the Sony cameras, isn't there something you can do to adjust it?

Are there less image fine-tunings you can do on the HC1000 than on the GS400?

My comments on tape problems actually did happen to me and I think it's quite annoying, besides being unpractical. Software should universal and "mixable".

But what surprised more was that the problematic tapes I recorded could be played almost flawlessly on Sony prosumer equipment and not on Canon or Panasonic. Susprising because I considered myself a "Pana person", or at least in VHS, S-VHS and TV, so I always thought of Panasonic as something people had to discover. That tape problem destroyed that idea I had. Now I even have my doubts on the DVX100.


Carlos

Allan,

My information about HC1000 having wider dynamic range was said in their own development team's interveiw (kinda bogus because interview is done internally, and Panasonic does that too on the website, kinda silly).

So, I don't know how much to believe, but it mus have better dynamic range comparing to its older model (don't know which one).

I will find out soon and provide you folks a comparison footage.

...Can you be a bit more specific on what you think pros would not like on menus and access procedure?

Try to imagine operating your camcorder like an ATM machine, i.e., instead of pressing or sliding discrete buttons or turning jogwheel on the cam body, all you need to (lightly) press with your finger is the LCD. Do you think you'd be happy with that? Personally, I don't consider that a major problem because I'm pretty adept to touch-panel controls systems in my line of work. In fairness to Sony, I feel they have significantly improved the menus to make the arrangement more user-friendly and convenient compared to its first version, not to mention that icons and control buttons have become bigger and easier to press. At any rate, if you're not used to it, I imagine it can be a very slow and frustrating manual operation process. Unlike the GS400, you can do menu-operation even while in the process of recording which raises some concern about causing unwanted cam shake as you press the LCD. One solution I find is to support the back of the LCD with my left pointing and middle fingers and let my left thumb do all the operations (2.5 inch LCD is pretty small and all corners can be easily reached by the thumb). That way, cam remains steady as a rock. But if you're going to move while shooting and want to do some manual adjustments, that's a different story. Does the menu block the view? Yes of course, but not totally. Even with the menu displayed on top of the image, you can still see "through" it and easily notice the effect of the fine adjustments you're making. Does touch-screen operation smudge the LCD? Yes it should but not so much unless you have dirty or moist fingers, or you press the LCD too hard (all that is needed is just a slight press).


...About the color saturation on the Sony cameras, isn't there something you can do to adjust it?

Color intensity adjustment through menu-operation is available, but I think Pros usually make color adjustments through NLE. As I posted previously, you might even prefer the color saturation of this cam compared to Panasonic. Compared to other Sonys that I've played with which tend to exhibit reds with strong orange hue or image with yellowish or bluish tint especially under fluorescent lights, the HC1000 has pretty accurate and bright colors although I simply prefer the Pany look.


...Are there less image fine-tunings you can do on the HC1000 than on the GS400?

The HC1000 has the following features: manual shutter speed setting including slow shutter speed settings under video mode (1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30), 24-step brightness setting (shown as bars and not iris value), sharpness setting, AE shift (+-4 steps), backlight compensation, color intensity setting, 2-mode zebra pattern (100%, 70%) color bar, LCD fine tuning such as color and brightness settings, HQ widescreen, interval recording, manual WB, sound level adjustment (mic only - same as TRV950), guide frame, manual focus ring that can also function as manual zoom ring with a slide of a selector switch, spot focus and active lens type OIS.

The HC1000 does not have Procinema mode and frame mode.

Some prices from 5 days ago from the duty free area in Heathrow Airport

HC1000 - £1106
GS200 - £850
PC330 - £1191
MVX20I - £680 (=Optura 30)

The prices are excl. VAT. The camcorders are PAL. The store (Dixon´s) had not yet gotten the GS400.

Forgot to mention that B&H now also has the NV-GS400 in stock - at about $200 more than the PV version.

<<<-- Originally posted by Claus Olesen : Forgot to mention that B&H now also has the NV-GS400 in stock - at about $200 more than the PV version. -->>>

What's the difference between them?


Carlos

Thanks for your explanation, Allan. Quite enlightening.

Let me ask a bit more on this LCD touch panel access.

You can only make adjustments using the flippable 2.5" LCD screen or you can also use the eye viewfinder and other buttons?

My plans when buying any of these cameras is to buy a 7" or more external LCD viewfinder (probably Panasonic's), so it would be more practical to do adjustments in a different way, if possible.

About the wide-screen mode, how do they compare? The GS400 seems to take advantage of real 16:9 CCDs, very much like the PDX10 does, but I wonder if the HC1000 does any of that.

About the unavailability of Pro-cinema and frame modes, I am not sure that would be a problem for potential film projects. My understanding of the former is a bit obscure yet to see if it could be of any use. In fact from what I have read they do not seem to help there and seem more like a thing for someone who wants to see a film effect on his home videos. Am I wrong?

The internal adjustments you mention seem fine to me, though that using the same ring to zoom and focus sounds a bit compromising. How do you do if you need to focus while you are zooming, which is quite common?


Carlos

...You can only make adjustments using the flippable 2.5" LCD screen or you can also use the eye viewfinder and other buttons?

Except for manual zoom, manual focus and backlight compensation, all adjustments are done through touch-screen menu. Tiny viewfinder is available but I haven't tried it yet because it induces dizziness in me :-) I wonder if blink control VF is now under development (LOL).


...About the wide-screen mode, how do they compare? The GS400 seems to take advantage of real 16:9 CCDs, very much like the PDX10 does, but I wonder if the HC1000 does any of that.

Based on available info in the net and as far as my eyes can detect, they are very similar (both cams don't make people look super wide-bodied, both cams don't simply put black bars on the top and bottom area of the screen, there is a marked increased in horizontal angle of view compared to 4:3, and there is no visible loss of clarity). Except for the Canons, I have not actually seen better implementation of 16:9 for this cam level. I haven't found any data on their respective resolution under widescreen, unlike the new Canons which boast 1.5MP/1.23MP resolution under HQ widescreen


...About the unavailability of Pro-cinema and frame modes, I am not sure that would be a problem for potential film projects. My understanding of the former is a bit obscure yet to see if it could be of any use. In fact from what I have read they do not seem to help there and seem more like a thing for someone who wants to see a film effect on his home videos. Am I wrong?

As far as my home-video dad needs are concerned, I'm most pleased with widescreen interlaced mode. I never find the need to grab frames, procinema is dim and jerky for my liking, and I feel frame mode is rather bright and tend to reduce contrast. On the other hand, Procinema and frame mode certainly give home video an interestingly different look. Did you happen to see those samples from a Japanese magazine that I uploaded to Guy's site and made available for a short period? Those samples seem to show procinema as the better mode. What about Kaku's samples? Well I don't know and for sure, I'm in no position to comment whether this kind of cam is good enough for film projects. The GS400 and HC1000 are the best consumer cams in the market right now but I would be most interested to find out how much performance real pros can squeeze out of them.



...The internal adjustments you mention seem fine to me, though that using the same ring to zoom and focus sounds a bit compromising. How do you do if you need to focus while you are zooming, which is quite common?

Set the ring function to manual focus mode then use the zoom rocker on the rotating grip for zooming in and out, or, set focus to auto :-). A few more impressions about the controversial rotating grip. Copied from JVC/Sharp or not, IMHO, I think it's one feature (or a variant - depending on your shooting angle, I think it would be nice if the grip can rotate from 0 position towards the other direction as well) I'd like to see in future Pany cams. It Does work well in allowing a shooter to find his most comfortable grip. At the default position, stress on the palm and wrist is pretty bad due to the heavy front of the HC1000. However for every slight turn of the grip, you can actually feel the relief and gradual improvement in cam balance. In fact, I feel more comfortable holding the HC1000 with the grip rotated at approx. 45 degrees compared to the long-bodied GS400 and I would dare claim that it would be less tiring to shoot with the HC1000 at that position for a long time compared to GS400, despite having more weight. That is not to say that GS400 is not ergononically designed but the previous GS100 has a more balanced feel, most probably due to the discrepancy in size of the lens block between the GS400 and GS100.

Thanks, Allan.

My main concerns are now with that touch-screen system as being the only option to handle menus.

IMO they might be prone to get deffective soon enough and that would be an expensive thing to repair.

I will find out (where?) more about this Sony touch screens and see how they behave in the long run. Do prosumer models like the PD150/170 or VX2000/2100 use them too?

About quality pro-like results you can get from the GS400 or HC1000 I will get back here with comments about them when I get to do some tests.



Carlos

Now finally I, for the first time, held the Pana GS 200 and GS 400 in my hand, in Bangkok, where the PAL versions cost around 900 and 1200 Euro, if I remember correctly. I must say that I had a hard time to have the GS 400 comfortably in my hand.
Just now in Kathmandu I had tried out the Canon MVX3i and MVX10i, or Optura XI and Optura 500. I liked the feel of the MVX3i, but it is an rather old model by now, and one cannot zoom with a ring on the lens, is that correct? I really liked this on the GS 400.
The MVX 10i is so small and light...I must say attractive because of that, since I do a lot of travelling.
Well, the main point of my post however is: prizes here in Nepal are very attractive for PAL models ( also for digital still cameras )
They are the european models with european warranty, and the Optura XI cost 900, the Optura 500 850 Euro.
tempting....!

I had the Optura Xi but only kept it for one month after finding out about its poor low light performance (and auto focus in low light). I also found its contrast ratio to lacking compared to the past Pana 3CCD DV953 and GS100.

I have yet to get my hands on a GS400 so I cannot comment any further other than to say it appears to be better than my past DV953 and GS100.

Andreas, FYI - I just saw that amphotoworld has the nv-gs400 for $1149. Not bad if it doesn't come with any catches.

Wow, not a bad price. In Singapore, the PAL GS400 costs around SGD$2000 (i.e. about USD$1175).

A&M Photo World?

I wouldn't wish that on anyone!

Please research any company before making a big purchase like this.

I always recommend Resellerratings.com and here is the direct link for A&M. It ain't pretty!

Click here (http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1988.html)

Here is the list of DV Info's sponsors: Click here (http://www.dvinfo.net/sponsors/index.php)

das Gemut---I found both the GS200 and GS400 extremely easy to hold, unlike my MX300; and I have small hands. Guten tag. :-))

Frank, more German please! ;)

If anybody is interested to hear my opinion, I also find my GS400 very easy to hold, it could even be a bit taller. I only wish the zoom rocker would be a real rocker and the other direction, from front to back instead of the small slider from right to left.

Gute Nacht! ;)

Tommy - "A&M Photo World?...It ain't pretty!" - Yes, I saw that too after posting here. I should have checked first. Does indeed sound like a nightmare and something to stay far away from. How they still can be in business with a rap sheet like that is beyond me. The price difference is not worth the trouble. Besides, I have a feeling that that price might be without the standard accessories - if they honor it at all.

It's autumnal equinox and a national holiday in Japan. I went out with absolutely no plans of buying anything but went home with my own Black GS400. Wasn't planning to buy until around 10 October but found a deal too hard to resist. Now it's time to let go the black mamba to my close relatives.

For those even remotely interested in the Japanese GS400, there is a special sale in one of my sources until 26 September 2004. Price shipped to NA is down to only $930!

Allan, first off congratulations on your purchase and secondly count me in for a black GS400.

Allen, you being a Canon fan finally also bought your GS 400? yesterday, finally in Japan, I went down to Yodobashi Camera in Osaka and had my feels of the GS 200, GS 400 ( both available in black ) and the Canon Optura 500 and Optura 40. My thinking was that I may opt for the Optura 500, because the Canons have the option to choose the language on their LCD. But then, having all these models in my hand I really did not like the Optura 500, it simply is too small for my big hands, and the low light performance of the Opt 40 should be still bad. Again I tended towards the Panasonics, not sure if going for the GS200 only since it is not as big as the GS 400 which could be an advantage as I will take the camera along on many travels. - But then after all, why not going for the best, and my favourite is the GS 400, and it did become cheaper recently again.

My big concern now is the language problem! As I mentioned I thought I would rather go for the Canons for this reason, but the Opt 40's low light performance and the Opt 500's size made me want the panas again. But in the shop I was told that many models do have the language choices, the JVC's for example. Any recommendable JVC model?

- How much of a problem do you think think the japanese menus will be? Could it be enough, for me as a beginner, that I start using mostly the automatic settings, and then only slowly learn the menus - and it only could be very slowly, considering thoese japanese hyroglyphs!
Or is there any way one could reprogram the Panasonics to have the menus in English? Taht would be perfect! Anybody?

Thank's,
Andreas

und mein Namenskollege Winkler wird sich darueber freuen!

Danke Andreas! ;)

Go for the GS400!! If you will use automatic controls almost all the time, the Japanese menus should be not a big issue. There are also English menu translations available to print out.
But of course, if anybody could find a way to change Japanese models to English would be perfect and I'd sell my PV-GS400 right away to get a black NV-GS400 ...finally with a 24hrs clock! ;)

for convincing me to get that very cool looking camera, I can't ait anymore anyway and will order it this evening. Which accessories would you recommend? A second battery? The 'VW-VBD140', the smallest one, is included. There are the bigger 'VW-VBD210' and the biggest 'VW-VBD7'. Could the last one be too big, is to speak too heavy, and the '140' the better buy? And how about the microphone? Better to get an 'external' one which can be connected to the 'hot shoe', and there again are two models, the VW-VMH3 and the VW-VMS2. And protecting UV filter? And Video light? How necessary is it? Again there are various models, VW-LDC10, VW-LDDS9 and VW-LDH3. I have the information about all these accessories in japanese language only, and I hardly can tell what is their difference. Anybody has some recommendations?
And I suppose there will be cheaper non panasonic accessories as well, batteries or camera bags. Any recommendations there? And if so, where do order/get?
( Why I have not ordered the GS400 yet is just because I had written to various internet shops for a special prize including accessories, and a Panasonic Lumix LX7 which I will get for my friend here in Japan, but there has been not any answer yet )

'wuensche noch einen schoenen tag'
andreas

Hallo Namensvetter,

> Which accessories would you recommend? A second battery?

I would definately recommend a second battery! The small original 1360mAh doesn't last that long. Sorry, can't give you any exact real life details, I had no time for intensive continuous testing/measuring yet. But I bought a 3rd-party 2100mAh battery too which works a bit longer, might be 2 hours operational time with PowerLCD and recording/playback. Furthermore I built another battery pack by myself. It has 4400mAh and works about two days with recording and playback as well - can't tell you any continuous operating time too. Feel free to check here (http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30455) for more details and photos.

> And how about the microphone?

Hm, I'm not very satisfied with the built in mic. The results disappointed me several times - very "thin" sound and seems the wind filter doesn't work well - maybe I'll try to attach some kind of physical wind protection soon.
I'd also buy an external mic, preferably for the hot shoe. But the Pana originals are quite expensive and the specifications don't sound that good - starting from 100Hz only - I need lower frequencies, as I might record some music events in clubs.
I'd also try to build some kind of hot shoe adapter for a "normal" mic by myself, if I only could get a pin description for the GS400 hot shoe!

> And Video light? How necessary is it?

I myself never needed any video light so far. I think the GS400 can record more than you can see with your own eyes.

> camera bags. Any recommendations there?

I bought a small camcorder backpack in my local store. Very satisfied with it! It has sufficient space for all needed accessories incl. some tapes, cables, lenses and my seldmade battery pack ;). There is even a small "rain coat" included hidden in a compartment on the bottom. It's from Jenova (http://www.jenova.com.hk), but I can't find my particular model on their website.

You might also check for a wide angle lens. I purchased the Raynox HD-5000PRO, but found it's vignetting in wide and photo still modes on full zoom back. Therefore I sold it to my brother who owns a Pany with 37mm thread. I'll look around for another wide angle - unfortunately I can't get the Raynox HD-6600PRO43 over here in Taiwan. Maybe I'll look for it when I go to Japan soon.

Schoenes Wochenende!