GS100K in English on Supervideo.com?
 

"Black Mamba with entire cam In English HERE!" it says at the Supervideo.com site. http://www.supervideo.com/MXExtreme.htm

He's calling it the MXExtreme. The buttons on the lens are marked in English but the LCD is closed and there is no specific mention of the menus being in English. To me, it sort of looks like the English captions are stickers covering the Japanese lettering but it's hard to tell from the picture. What do you think?

Any suggestions on the following would be greatly appreciated:

I am having a tough time deciding on a DV cam. Now that the Xi has been reviewed at http://www.camcorderinfo.com. I can see that the low light ability probably isn't that great even though the color is great for a one-chipper. The PV-DV953 looks good but lacks some of the updated features of the Xi and the GS100k like a dedicated headphone port. If it wasn't for the Japanese menus and warranty issues I would be all over the GS100k. Sony is another option but the TRV38 and TRV70 just didn't impress me colorwise. Also, handling the TRV38 is a pain. Budget is around 1K.

My use for the cam is initially for interviews for a retirement video for my father and then home and family stuff after that.

-Stewart

Looks like Chucky got his hands on some English STICKERS..

I'm sure the in-camera menus are still Japanese. It might have a translated manual in English.

I have several friends who can read Japanese and I'm just a week or two away from ordering the GS100K (black of course). I've also owned the NV-MX1000 which is also a Panasonic MiniDV from Japan. Once you learn the menu system you'd be amazed how easy the cam is to operate. I've included a screenshot of the MX1000's menu viewed from the external LCD.

From this shot you can see that I am in Manual Mode (MNL) for pictures. I have the Mega Opitical Image Stabilizatoin on, Outdoor WB (sun), 1/30 shutter, +15 exposure, Progressive Photoshot (P),Red Eye Reduction and Flash enabled, and still resolution is 1280 with 108 pics remaining on memory card.

How easy is that? :)

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-...MX1000Menu.jpg

I have the Optura Xi and if the Japanese menu (and warranty) still bother you then I would suggest either the DV953 or Xi. I feel the DV953 is the better cam even though it lacks the higher widescreen resolution. All three of these cams require good lighting to achieve their best.

Stewart Fountain, I am sure that guy is a lo_ser. Did you ask the price for the English stickers version? I am sure it is $4000 including with unnecesseary accesories. :)

Stewart, what I see is the black NV-GS100 with a wide angle adaptor and Hoya rubber lens hood, an XLR adaptor (probably a Beachtek), an external mic---all sitting on a tripod.

Then the pictures below are Pana cams in a rain jacket and all-weather housing.

The easiest way to figure out the menus is to download the PV-DV953 manual or NV-MX500 manual (free).

If you want info on one of these cams with all the extras, e-mail via the link on that super video page. Or, check out price Japan, or, contact Allan. Personally, I'd go with Allan.

Having Japanese menus would make me nervous as well, but I'm sure that I food get over it while learning the ins and outs of the cam.

I still think the PV-DV953 is great bang for the buck. Though the GS100 is the little bit better cam.

Regarding low light. There's a fix for this: be more creative with lighting techniques---such as, replacing a 60 watt bulb with a 100 watt'er, position your dad properly (under a light), etc. John Jackman of http://www.dv.com has an excellent lighting book.

I should have my professional Panasonic PV-DV953 digital camcorder this week. I ordered it from B+H. The PV-DV953 being a professional camcorder, it will enrich my life as a manager in a Calgary lady's shoe store. I just wish it was black since professional camcorders are black. I figure to keep the cost down, the factory didn't paint it black.

Fred, not all professional cams are black. (Just the good ones.) :):)

I own the GS100K and am a fan, but I think you should plod through the various threads in this forum on the camcorder. Everyone has a different level of tolerance for Japanese menus (and manuals). A recent thread mentioned the frustration of not being able to easily discern what feature cancels out another feature, for example. More sophisticated users are frustrated because the cam can't handle the freestyle remote control and a non-Panasonic mike at the same time (and the one person who bought the Panasonic mike and has posted on these boards had problems with it). Someone who just did a few weddings has put his cam up for sale. Balance out your planned usage with the camcorder's shortcomings before jumping, particularly since this is an item you would not be able to return very easily, if at all. Sorry if you had already thought of all of that and this seems gratuitous. Wasn't meant to be.

Thank you all for such great responses!

Seeing the LCD view of the menus makes me think I could probably (BIG probably!) get over the Japanese menus but what about the warranty? I keep hearing that the one thing to buy an extended warranty for is a camcorder with all the moving parts and tape transport. Let's say it breaks for whatever reason, where do I send/take it for repair (even for the smallest thing)?

Tommy has an Xi and is still ordering a GS100K. Are they so far apart in quality that you need both for different situations? Plus, he has the Xi and feels the 953 is the better cam. Both are almost the same price and the more peole that review the Xi the more people recommend the 953. This makes me think the Xi isn't as good as all the hype. Maybe I should get a 953 now and sell it for a US release GS100K later this year?

I'm beginning to think the the 953 or the Xi is really the way to go. I want to use external lav mikes for the interviews and I was going to monitor the sound with a headset too. I guess I will have to be creative with the lighting so I ordered the Jackman book (Thank's Frank!). Low light scares me though. I saw someone post that 2 100w lights are considered low light! It's one thing to light an interview properly but how do you shoot around the house with notoriously "low" lighting?

I am truly a video noob here (never used a cam before) so all your info is great! Thank you one and all!

-Stewart

If you have a 60 watt bulb, and a PV-DV953, you can get good footage. The trick is to have the light from this bulb shinning on the subject, and not shoot the dark side of the subject. A 100 watt bulb would be better, or 2, 60 watt bulbs. But you would have to place the bulbs or subject correctly. It's not difficult.I don't think the GS100 is that much better, a little better in some ways, in other ways, no.

Stewart, I think you would really enjoy the DV953 as I captured a lot of great footage of the one I had earlier this year. The Xi is also a great cam but the DV953 handles contrasts (sky/tree line) a lot better. With the Xi it always seems to blow one out or underexpose. I'm not sure if this is just the Xi's weak point or the benefit of the DV953's three CCDs. Low light autofocus is also a sore point with the Xi.

I'm choosing the GS100k since I could possibly benefit from its marginally better low light performance and improved 16:9 mode. Well that and its BLACK MAMBA. Seriously though, I have upgrade issues (just ask Frank) and I think the DV953 would suit you best. As Frank mentions the GS100k is only slightly better for the added inconvenience of Japanese menus and overseas repair.

A still from my DV953

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-...Picture360.jpg

A few frames from my DV953

http://www.villagephotos.com/pubbrow...elected=339297

If Panasonic would have brought out a black version of the professional Panasonic PV-DV953 camcorder, Panasonic would have made more money and pushed Sony out of business. I just may paint mine black. I don't know. I have to look into it further.

You made a good buy, Fred, but don't paint it. You'll ruin it.

Almost got a pv-dv953,,, then heard about the nv-gs100k,,,, wait a bit.

The supervideo.com says the 100k has zebra stripes for exposure control, color bars for calibration (SMPTE??), skin tone adjustment, internal neutral density filter, audio adjustment for mic input, manual white balance,,,,

Panasonic.com and b&h photo video.com info on 953 mention only the manual white balance.

BUT,, in the current Consumer Review Video Buyers Guide says the 953 has zebra stripes and color bars,,, hopefully they are telling the truth.

PLEASE, what does the 100k have that the 953 does not??
Chuckmeister claims that Panasonic removes such features on the U.S. versions of the MX series,,, comments please.

Brian,

The DV953 has manual audio, zebras, and color bars. The ND filter I'm not so sure on but maybe someone else can chime on which cam has it and whether its defeatble or full auto.

As for the skin tone adjustment.. Do you have Japanese skin tone? :)

Save your eyesight and avoid Chucky's website. What does the DV953 not do for you? You might want to read several posts up where I mention several differences between the DV953 and GS100k.

Color bars on my past DV953

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-6/74415/DV953.jpg

Brian, the biggest difference I see between these two professional Panasonic camcorders is that one is professional black and one is not professional black. I went and did some reading on those long threads, and Allan has noted a number of shortcomings with the black professional Panasonic camcorder.

No INTERNAL ND filter on either GS100 or MX5000 - chuck, chuck, chuck.....

Neither are professional camcorders but both can be used for various applications. Color doesn't matter a bit... - cams are absolutely THE SAME!

This has been posted many times in different bits but I'll try to sum up the most important differences:
[list=1][*]Just to mention beforehand that reading the Japanese catalogue (before to buy my GS100) I was shocked that GS100 doesn't have the skin mode in the menu as well as the data setting (shutter speed etc.) With Allan's help I figured it out that skin tone is rather on separate button and the data is recorded by default - you can recal it on playback if you want.[*]Now everything as funcionality is simillar - Pro Functions - Color Bars, Sharpness and Saturation adjustment, mic level and audio meter indication, Zebra patern to help you adjust manually exposure, Manual Focus, Manual White balance.[*]Minor changes - repositioned buttons for Mega OIS, Back light correction and Fade. On GS added buttons for flash activation, wide mode and new function Pro Cinema with cine like gamma. Also new Tele Macro. SD card behind the buttons on GS100.[*]Flatter, sleeker design - shorter, lighter using new smaller batteries GS100. (750 vs. 950 with batt. & tape)[*]Other improvements- slightly better lense (more multycoated surfaces), better noise procesing engine giving real results, nicer grip, better resolution wide mode, slighly better stills.[*]What is worse in my opinion - remote and mic jack now are shared on GS100. While MX5000 mic jack is unpowered it's separate form the wired remote jack. MX5000 (don't know about 953) has mini system plug you can use with sold in Japan Panasonic tripod with remote in the pan handle. MX5000 also have hot shoe vs. cold shoe on 953 as reported (am I wrong?) 953 can't be operated by the MX5000 all weather pack.[/list=1]To end up - I wouldn't go for 953 if I could get GS100 - TV system is same only menus are Jp. You can buy all the accessories offered by Chucky in USA and use the custumer support (for Beachtek, filters, etc.) From Japan you need only GS100 and eventually the all weather pack. The zoom mic doesn't seem to be very successful. Even batteries are cheaper from Hongkong.

THANKS FOR THE GREAT INFO !!!!!
THANKS FOR THE GREAT INFO !!!!!

Tommy, as to the skin tone, I'm a pasty white cracker, ha-ha.

As for the CHUCKMEISTER site, it is interesting, but the "Pana rep" explaination about High Def with a knitting machine made me realize to take it with grains of salt, around the rim of a margarita... http://www.supervideo.com/MX7000Q&A.htm

I've actually witnessed 2 Jap customers (one male, one female) complaining that new cams are showing their skin pores too much. The seller gladly explained Skin Tone feature and taught them how to reduce sharpness as well.

To supplement Bogdan's post, here are some rather trivial differences:[list=1][*]the GS100K has a better LCD...actually too good looking that some owners are complaining that video as seen on TV is 3db darker.[*]tape loading mechanism of the GS100 is smoother, quieter and faster.[*]Bass enhancer[*]Better (useful) Smooth Colored Night Mode of the GS100[*]NO Bluetooth capability for the GS100 - that probably reduced the cost by $20.[*]Widescreen modes are very convenient to activate or deactivate.[*]PANY SAID, the GS100 lens hood is more effective (whatever that means!)...well, there is a difference of material (finish) around the opening.[*]Robin Liss complained about the position of some terminals at the grip area of the MX5K. Pany listened and changed their positions. but I feel the new locations are still kinda tight.[*]GS100K's wired remote has a small mic.[*]Continuous photoshot to card.[*]Quick start (1.7 secs). Some owners seem to like this..but better have a huge battery.[*]Self-timer[*]More slow shutter options under card mode.[*]and my most favorite of all, one touch magic strap (LOL).[/list=1]I still don't like the surface finish at the back of the GS100K LCD..it should be improved to be more resistant to scatches.

So the professional black GS100 Panasonic is better than the PV-DV953? Does it cost more? I hope I have made the correct decision with buying the PV-DV953 from B+H. I should recieve it sometime today or tomorrow. I'm nervous now.

I own the silver NON professional model !!!

Fred, if you read up you'll understand that GS100 is refined in every aspect but it's not that far from what you chose. Don't get down - probably it'll fit you well. Especially it will be easier for you using English menus!

If you just have to have the 'pro' black cam with Japanese menus, on your way home from the camera shop stop by a book shop and get yourself a book for learning Japanese katakana. This is the Japanese characters that are used for non-Japaese words like menu, zoom, mode, etc. Armed with this and some common camera knowledge you shouldn't have too much difficulty working out the menus on this camera.

You should realize that the silver model is known as "The Silver Shadow" (so named by yours truly). If anyone asks and you tell them that it is called that because it is the Rolls Royce of camcorders, I doubt you will get any comments about it not "looking" pro, more likely to be asked about its features.

I have been reading the manual for the 953 all day and I really think I like it on paper!

3CCD, top loading, best low light I can hope for (I can live with 1 100W or 2 60W bulbs properly placed), mic and headphones at same time. Is there something missing from the 953 that I don't know I need?

All I have left to do is hold one and see if it's comfortable. I just don't see how I can do better, especially now that it's around $1K all over the place?

It was the same way with my digicam. I spent forever choosing the Canon G3 and I love it until the next thing comes along. Now the new Sony 8MP is out and the Canon Digital Rebel is here. So I'll upgrade eventually but meanwhile I've been out taking great pix with my G3 and I bet it'll be the same for the 953.

Thank's for all your help!

Now where to buy it, what external mike, batteries, wide angle lens, case, tapes, Bogen tripod head.......??? :-)

-Stewart

Stewart, see this thread: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...threadid=17208

B&H carries the PV-DV953

For extras not available in the USA, contact Allan.

Stewart, the Canon G3 is a great digital cam. My mom has the G2 and loves it. The swiveling LCD is something I missed after moving from the G2 and Sony F717 to the Canon 10D. Well that and live preview on the LCD. :)

I was going to get the new Sony 8MP since I'm a big fan of the swivel body design but I believe they have made a mistake by keeping the same CCD and loading it with more pixels. I originally bought the Digital Rebel (300D) last month but immediately upgraded to the Canon 10D.

Let us know how the DV953 treats you and make we can compare it directly to my upcoming GS100k purchase.

Tommy, I got the G3 as an upgrade to a Nikon 990 just as the G5 was coming out. I don't like the noise patterns of the 5MP CCD's so I'm not sorry I got the G3 and 420EX flash which I love.

Digital Rebel and 10D are enticing! Smooth 6MP CMOS with high ISO. Lens costs are tough though. I'm just waiting out the reviews of the Sony F828. I know what you mean about the 8MP CCD being small. If the noise is acceptable (big if) it'll be a killer cam with 28-210mm Zeiss T* lens, manual focus, dual media and swivel body! I'm hooked on swivel now.

I'd consider getting the 953 at B&H like Frank suggested but they only offer the MACK warranty. If I have to mail the cam to MACK for repair I might as well get the GS100k and mail it to Japan for repair (well sorta)! Maybe I worry about the warranty too much but when Panasonic only gives you 1 year parts except CCD which is 6 months and 90 days labor it does not instill a sense of "being taken care of" if something happens, even in the first year. Of course, my uncle bought a 5yr GE warranty for his Sony Hi8 and when the tape drive failed, it took him 6 months and multiple mailings to unskilled, "licensed" repair centers to get anything fixed and they made him pay for some of it under "wear and tear" clause. You just can't win sometimes. Anybody care to comment on repair or warranty issues?

A 953/GS100K direct comparason would be great!

You know, all I want to do is get on with the interviews (OMG! I have to ask people questions?) and try to make something watchable for my father! In my mind I see Ken burns but I hope reality will even rate with something on public access.

-Stewart

Allan already did an extensive comparison of the PV-DV953/MX5000 and GS100, along with the Sony PC300 and Canon Optura Xi. However, I would welcome Tommy's thoughts between the PV-DV953 and GS100 if he's game.

Panasonic USA doesn't offer extended warranties? Pana Australia does, as far as I know; and Canon and Sony do (here). I haven't heard anything bad about MAC Warranties, though.

A comparason I was thinking of might be shooting in a room with various light levels so we could see how a 60W bulb looks, etc. Just a thought. I don't know what Tommy had in mind?

I just called Panasonic (800) 637-2007 and found out they do offer extended warranties! Service is mail-in though with a 10 to 12 day turn-around, sigh. Doesn't anyone do local factory repair anymore? I imagine even if I got it at CC or BB that they would just ship it out to be repaired too.

The extended warranty for the 953 from Panasonic was quoted as:

All parts and labor, unlimited cleanings, 1 preventative maintenence per year costs $174.95 for 2 years, and $249.95 for 3 years. They reimburse you the UPS shipping costs. They also said they offer unlimited extensions so you are always covered. They also offer the plans in 4 month installments with no finance or interest charges.

The Panasonic plans sure do cost more than the Mack (2yr $69.95 & 4yr $99.95 or Repair Master ($109.88 2yr and $149.88 4yr) warranties from B&H and J&R respectively, but you are getting "factory" service for what its worth. B&H is a great place to shop. I never have to worry with them and they have great prices too. Tough decision.

-Stewart

The low-light abilities of the 953 aren't nearly as bad as I was expecting. All the low-light posts had almost scared me away from the cam, but I'm so glad I got it. Shooting under normal household lighting has been fine for me, especially once you learn the manual controls. Sure beats the crap out of my Canon ZR60 in low-light (though that's not saying much)! Unless you are shooting caves or candlelight cermonies, I wouldn't worry about it.

And I'm not sure why all the stress over the color? The Panasonic silver is not a "cheesy" looking silver. I've already recieved a few comments on how slick it looks. Everyone can tell by looking at it that it's not your normal "garden-variety" camera for shooting home videos. Besides, it produces SUPERB footage, and isn't that what matters ultimately?

Just random thoughts from a happy 953 owner.

Brian,

Thank you for your low light observations! I expect to be pleasantly surprised that the 953 won't be as bad in low light as I keep reading.

In this 2 part http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/t29777.html personal comparison of the 953 vs. Sony PC330 (both PAL), "widecam" seems to rake the 953 over the coals for its low light abilities (grainy with excessive edge enhancement) in auto mode in the store. I suppose his observations are valid but I wonder if it was some user inexperience combined with a Sony that's geared towards being auto point-and-shoot for the general public? Could it be that the PC330's 1/3" CCD really does make a difference?

-Stewart

I'm sure a 1/3" CCD model is going to be much better under low-light conditions than our 953's. But for a 1/6" CCD camera, I don't think it does too bad at all under normal lighting. I've shot footage indoors under 1 x 100W bulb, and it does just fine. I bring the gain up manually to around 6+ or so, and as long as I don't go above that it does fine. Slightly more grain then I get outdoors in sunlight, but more than acceptable.

I guess it all depends on one's definition of "low-light". I always have at least 100W bulbs all through my house, because I can't stand dimly lit rooms -- gives me a headache. But under these conditions the little 'ol 953 does just fine. I'll pop a 60W in over the next few days and see how it does under those circumstances.

And remember, I'm not a "pro" by any means. I'm a complete beginner at all of this so perhaps I'm not seeing what some of the more experienced guys are seeing. I've never held a $10,000 pro camera in my hands so I don't really have anything to compare the 953 against except my consumer Sony and Canon models. And compared to those the 953 does great under low-light, and completely whips up on them in daylight!