I don't think I've ever seen a manufacturer offer an updated model that was so clearly inferior to the previous model. Usually they try to convince you its better by adding some useless feature or other. Panasonic seems to be saying "it's just like the other one, just not as good. But don't feel too bad. We knocked a little off the price." There's something to be said for honesty I guess. I don't know why they didn't just give it a new model number and say they're killing off the GS line. Come on Canon and Panasonic, lay this sub-$2K HDV cam on me already. I don't want to buy that Sony thing.

Was it not arguable that the MX500 (PV953) was a backward step from the predecessor in terms of CCD size?

I wonder if GS400 prices will go up rather than down as they reach end of line? ;-)

I see they are available UK retail for under £700 - I am very tempted!

Or if I wait a year, then perhaps I'll get a similar HD camera for £1000....

It seems to me Panasonic bargain away its advanced customers to Sony. The only way for similar price is buying Sony HC1 - under-HDV camcorder.

Very poor, Matsushta!