reply at camcoderinfo forum :
---------------------------
I can confirm that the lens size of the GS400 (PAL) is 43 mm, not 58 mm as was speculated. I have the new swiss Panasonic product catalog in front of me. Unfortunately no details for this model in the technical specs section, exept the ones we already know from the belgian homepage. But the picture is big enough to identify the following lens specs: 12x optical zoom, 43 mm, f3.3 - 39.6 mm, 1:1.6
---------------------------

I don't get it.. doesn't the DV953 have 43mm lens?

and from the pic of GS400:
www.alienminds.ca/nvvsgs.jpg
looks like GS400 has much larger lens...

how come?

George, Pana would keep the same filter thread size so that they wouldn't have to replace or update their adaptors and filter kit. From the pictures, however, the front lens element looks wider than the one on the PV-DV953/MX5. Is that a good thing?

ohhh... gotcha... so it's the filter thread, not the lens

and bigger lens.. more light... =)

+HAD 1/4.7"

=) sweet

George I saw a pv-dv953 today. Is the gs400 bigger and better or just better and the same size?

It will be interesting if the GS400 is 1/4.7" HAD with Crystal Engine. Isn't it supposed to be 800k/CCD?

nope, it's 1Mega 1/4.7" CCD for sure.
and looks very much like Sony's CCD...

But according to Chris, Pana makes their own CCDs. The CCDs are most likey 1/6 inchers, or .166" :-))

Yes.. but this one is 1/4.7".
and as you said it's most likely not to be a Panasonic CCD, but Sony (since it's not 1/6").

and Pana is owned by Matsushita, =) and it has a history of using Sony-CCDs in their other subsiduaries.

Tom, the size is about the same from what I can tell...
here's a pic so you can compare them:
NV500vsGS400.jpg

I think they are about to same scale here, you can refer to the filter thread (it's the same size of both cams).

back to the topic of Displaying 1080p

i'm back from drinks ;) and sober again hehehe.

sorry guys i know it's off topic but if you want to capture HD it's not worth it unless you can display it.

the first one is a Toshiba Rear Projection TV, it's model number is the
57HLX82
http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/televisi...?model=57hlx82

it has 3 1080p LCoS chips projecting the image.

the next is a JVC projector due out later this month

DLA-HD2K
http://www.jvc.co.jp/english/press/2004/dla-hd2k.html

this also has 3 1080p D-ILA chips(same as LCoS)

both of these upscale lower resolution images up to 1080p

the toshiba using an un named method, the JVC using a 'Faroudja Digital Video Processor' for a '1080/60p Upconversion for All Images.' apparently the processor the JVC uses is the best one to do it with. and it has a whole separate box for doing the inputs and picture processing.

the third projector is a sony Qualia 004 projector, i don't read japanese so i can't tell you the exact specs only that it cost around US$90k, but for the price it looks like one hell of a box

the projector is shaped similar to one of those Malaysian kites. and is packed with technology and innovation from what i gathered from the pictures and the little english i gleaned from it.

this is how to get to the Qualia site well worth the look

http://www.sony.jp/products/Consumer...dex_flash.html

this is the PDF for the 004

http://www.sony.jp/products/Consumer...ogue.pdf<br />

there's a camera that might interest some of you cashed up ppl out there, it is about the size of a dunhill lighter or there abouts and is modular, and comes in it's own custom made lacquer attache. the camera's model number is 016

there is also a CRT TV there with a HDMI input, but other than that i have no idea what is so special about it other than it costs about USD$9k

this Qualia range of products has been created for the super rich

an example of this is their headphones 007 and their portable music device 010

well that's about all i have to add about view HD at the moment, all else that i can tell you is that i'm getting a black GS400 when i go to japan in july and getting all the wizz bang attachments and big batteries so i can film my train journey from tokyo to london.

1080p and LCoS is yesterday's meatloaf for display devices and by the time they arrive the 1080p TVs will probably be 1/5th the price they are now.

I think 720p/1080i is great for right now but I would like a better storage medium which would help overcome the obstacles that spawned HDV (HighResolution Disgusting Video).

PV-GS400 availability
 

Today I called TechDepot (part of Office Depot) and asked when the listed PV-GS400 would be available for delivery? http://www.techdepot.com/product.asp?productid=1903964

The answer was they expect some next week! The have it listed for $1203.95.

Thanks Bill. I signed up for their in-stock email alert system.

no way!

I would take that info with a grain.. with a spoon of salt.
you should wait until they say they have them in stock and read the specs for you as proof. =)

has anyone delt with this company before?