Performance

The PV-GS250 is armed with three CCDs, each 1/6 inch (with 800K pixels total, 640K effective for video and 710 effective for still). This how the camcorder can support such a wide array of still image resolution measurements. While the PV-GS250 has less effective pixels than Panasonic’s PV-GS400, it has the most of any Panasonic camcorder before it, and therefore occupies a very special position in the Panasonic line. With more effective pixels that both the PV-GS120 and PV-GS200 of last year, and the PV-GS150 of this year, we expected good things out of the PV-GS250.

And we got them, at 3000 lux anyway. We first tested the PV-GS250 at 3000 lux, equivalent to the brightness of bright sunlight, as we do all of our other camcorders. We might as well test each camcorder under optimal conditions before we submit it to low light conditions; though the low light conditions we test under presumably fall within the manufacturer's recommended shooting range, the performance of many camcorders in this area is less than optimal.

At 3000 lux, the PV-GS250 performed well, though not quite as well as I thought it would. While it had better colors and crispness than the PV-GS65 (as expected) and better crispness (barely) than the PV-GS150 and PV-GS200, it failed to outdo the PV-GS200 of last year and the PV-GS150, both of which have inferior specs, in the color department. This is an odd tendency that's only accentuated in lower light levels, but one that proves once again that specifications are not the only things that make a good camcorder.

For example, at 3000 lux, the PV-GS200 produced richer colors, as did the PV-GS150, especially in the areas of green and yellow. Many of the inferiorities (and superiorities) that the PV-GS250 exhibited at 3000 lux were subtle differences, while under low light these differences become much more apparent.

**Video Resolution ***(12.0)*

We captured still from video at both 4:3 and Wide modes on the PV-GS250. We did not bother to capture from the camcorder’s Cinema mode since this does nothing but letterbox the image. From video captured in both 4:3 and wide formats on the PV-GS250, we exported stills and ran them through Imatest Imaging Software. In 4:3 mode, the PV-GS250 gave us approximately 524.1 horizontal lines of resolution and 219.9 vertical lines of resolution at its best, yielding a true resolution of 119867.49.  In Wide (16:9) mode, this model gave us 545.1 horizontal lines of resolution and 256 vertical lines at its best, generating a true resolution of 139545.6.  That is a very sharp image, and when paired with the PV-GS250's quality color balance it makes the imaging of this model quite strong.

Low Light Performance*(5.5)*

The PV-GS250 in low light is kind of a disappointment. We would expect this camcorder to produce less noise and better crispness and color information than many Panasonics lower in price and in specifications, but this wasn’t the case. While the PV-GS250 generally produced more crisp images with less grain than other Panasonics at 60 lux (slightly below normal indoor lighting), its colors were sometimes not as good. For instance, when up against the PV-GS150, the PV-GS250 produced pretty much identical color; at 60 lux, we expected a little better. Also, when up against last year’s PV-GS200, the PV-GS250 produced only slightly less noise, with yellows and greens slightly worse. Compared to the PV-GS200, the PV-GS250’s blues and violets, at 60 lux, were better.

At 15 lux, the story changes yet again. For some reason, at this level of brightness a lot of the color information on the PV-GS250 drops off dramatically in some of our tests. For example, in comparing the PV-GS250 to the PV-GS200, PV-GS150, and even the PV-GS65, we see that all three of these "inferior" camcorders produce more and better color information. In our thorough testing, we have produced colors equal in scope to that of the PV-GS200, but this is the best we can do with the PV-GS250.

**Wide Angle ***(8.8)*

Under our new wide angle test, we zoom the camcorder out to its widest setting, and if it includes a wide angle adapter we put the wide angle adapter on the camcorder. We then use a laser level to measure the angular distance of the camcorder’s widest angle. Using this method we found that the PV-GS250 had a widest zoom angular measure of 44 degrees. We then multiply this number by 0.2 to get the wide angle score of 8.8.

Format

**Compression ***(8.0)*

The Panasonic PV-GS250 uses standard DV compression to MiniDV tape. MiniDV compression is definitely the standard of video quality against which all other compression formats are judged.

Media*(8.0)*

The Panasonic PV-GS250 records video to 6.35mm MiniDV tape in both SP and LP modes. The camcorder records 80 minutes in SP mode and 120 minutes in LP mode. Still JPEGs can be recorded to SD card, ranging from 32 MB to 1 GB.

**Editing ***(8.0)*

Video footage recorded to MiniDV tape can be edited very easily using a FireWire connection and any of many compatible editing software suites. The PV-GS250 ships with no such software, though free versions of Avid are available for download. Editing is done using the PV-GS250’s FireWire input/output located underneath the screen. MiniDV camcorders always score well in this section, and this point of evaluation is mostly relevant for camcorders which use different compression methods (such as MPEG2 or MPEG4) and do not have the editing capabilities of MiniDV camcorders.

Tour

**

The Front ***(8.5)*

The front of the PV-GS250 has been overhauled from last year’s PV-GS200 model. Overall, the front has been made much more curvilinear. While most of the major elements remain (the lens, the stereo microphone, and the flash), they have shifted around a bit. The lens is still in the same place, but the stereo microphone has moved from under it to the left side of the front, directly under the flash. The PV-GS250 is big enough to place the microphone away from the user’s fingers. The infrared sensor on the front of the camcorder has moved from immediately below the lens to immediately below the flash, between it and the microphone. The front edge of the strap protrudes from the lower left of the front of the camcorder, making extra room for the fingers, and includes a very convenient snapping clip to quickly attach and detach the camcorder’s lens cover.

**The Right Side ***(8.5)*

The right side of the PV-GS250 hasn’t changed too much since last year’s PV-GS200. It holds the same tape mechanism panel as last year. This panel folds open from the top, allowing for easy switching of tapes. Among the cosmetic differences, the PV-GS250 is sleeker and has shed the finger grips found on last year’s model. Also, the mode switch has been moved from the right side of the PV-GS200 to the LCD cavity on the PV-GS250. This makes the switch a bit harder to get to than last year, but not that much. The port cover is located directly to the left of the gray tape mechanism panel. This cover reveals the PV-GS250’s A/V input/output (headphone out), microphone input, and USB port.

**The Left Side ***(8.5)*

The left side of the PV-GS250 is similar to that of the PV-GS200, but again, has been made much more curvilinear. Instead of the squarish style of the PV-GS200, the PV-GS250 includes an LCD screen whose outer side curves up and under, conforming to the cylindrical form of the camcorder. The cluster of buttons, including the prominent compass button found on last year’s PV-GS200, has been removed in favor of Panasonic’s new navigational system, a joystick mechanism located on the back of the camcorder. Under the LCD is the camcorder’s FireWire port, auto/manual mode switch, and Power LCD button. The camcorder’s SD card wraps around the bottom of the LCD cavity, stretching towards the bottom of the camcorder. While not as cool-looking as last year’s port, it’s still pretty spiffy.

**The Back ***(8.5)*

The back of the PV-GS250 is similar in layout to last year’s PV-GS200; it includes a battery port, electronic viewfinder, mode dial, and on/off switch. But things have been rearranged for the better: one of the best things about these new Panasonics, from the PV-GS250 on down the line, is the new extremely easy-to-use navigational system. The ergonomically designed new layout is instantly felt and appreciated as soon as you grasp the camcorder. It’s definitely designed for one-handed use. The mode dial on the PV-GS250 includes mode options for camcorder, camcorder playback, still camera, still camera playback, and PC connect modes. In the center of the dial is the new navigational joystick, which navigates an electronic image of the old compass button of last year, now projected on the LCD display. Above these controls are the quick start and menu buttons. Below these controls is a humongous port cover revealing the camcorder’s S-Video port.

**The Top ***(8.5)*

The top of the PV-GS250 is almost identical to that of last year’s PV-GS200. It lacks the grip found on last year’s model, but includes an identical photo button and zoom toggle. The zoom toggle is the worst part of this camcorder. It is very hard to control and get smooth zooms with. There is also an intelligent accessory shoe and relatively mobile viewfinder.

Auto / Manual Controls

Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control (5.0)

The Automatic controls on the PV-GS250 are similar to those found on the PV-GS65 and PV-GS150; automatic control over exposure, gain, focus, and white balance are all available. While the PV-GS250 lacks a dedicated Easy mode, which is usually seen on most Sony camcorders, it does have an automatic mode that places automatic locks on white balance, aperture, shutter, and focus. This mode basically removes the third menu option when using the new joystick to navigate the camcorder's manual control menu.

Auto exposure presets are available in order to set particular windows of performance on exposure. They include Sports, Portrait, Low light, Spotlight, and Surf & Snow modes, and are accessed within the menu system. However, these features are only available in manual mode, not auto. Automatic adjustments to exposure and focus are not the best, but are certainly not bad. They are smooth and only run into problems when greatly shifting focal length or light levels. Automatic adjustment to white balance was too slow for me, though I could just be used to Sony’s great auto white balance.

Overall Manual Control (7.5)

Like all Panasonics, the PV-GS250 offers more manual control options than pretty much any other camcorders for this price. It includes independent manual control over shutter speed, aperture readings, focus, zoom, and white balance. The only thing it’s lacking is manual control of the audio levels, which is available on some Canon camcorders.

In earlier years, there have been complaints about the discrepancy between the amount of control Panasonic offers and the amount of effort it takes to access these features, and this year Panasonic has really worked to remedy this. The newly designed navigational system not only allows the user easy one-handed access, but also does not require the LCD screen to be open. When the user presses down on the joystick, the manual control menu is engaged and a digital compass button appears on the LCD screen. Pressing down on the joystick again brings up a second compass button with different options. Depending on whether or not the user is in manual or auto mode, there can be up to three compass button fields to cycle through. Panasonic has really gotten down manual control on this year's set of camcorders.

Manual Control Menu with Superimposed Compass Button

Last year this compass button was located under the LCD screen and required the user to not only look at the LCD screen each time he or she wanted to look at the options, but also to open the LCD screen to access them. This year’s system is a little better.

The only problem with the manual control here is that it can be kind of cumbersome to adjust. While the new joystick control makes these adjustments more convenient and (literally) more at-your-fingertips than last year’s models, the user must scroll through all the manual controls to access each one. All in all though there are some good manual controls here. I would have liked to see some slower shutter speed options for video though.

Spiffy New Menu Design!!

Zoom Control (7.0)

One downside of the manual control on the PV-GS250, and maybe the only downside, is its zoom toggle. Every manufacturer this year beats Panasonic in the design of their respective zoom toggles. Canon and Sony, especially, have very easy-to-use, good toggles; JVC is up there too. Panasonic’s toggle is nearly the same from the PV-GS19 to the PV-GS250; it isn’t elevated enough from the camcorder body and doesn’t feature enough grip to provide easy fluid zooms. If you can start a zoom going in and then transfer to a zoom out without going all the way in and without making a jerky zoom, you are definitely more skilled than most of us (and that's saying something). Also, the zoom toggle is positioned so as to be directly above, and operated by, the user’s middle finger. Personally, I’d rather use my index finger for such important and delicate adjustments; it makes the ultimate difference between utterly crappy and subtle and nice.

Zoom Power/Ratio*(10.0)*

The PV-GS250 has a disappointing 10x optical zoom, with options for 25x and 700x digitally, but digital zoom is useless and means nothing.

Focus (7.0)

Focus on the PV-GS250 is pretty simple, much simpler than the manual focus found on other consumer Panasonic camcorders. While the auto/manual/focus switch is still used to place the camcorder in manual focus mode, one no longer has to use the joystick controller to move through the focal length. Instead, the PV-GS250 features the always-nice focus ring, which wraps around the front of the lens barrel. From auto mode to manual focus mode, the user will open the LCD screen, move the auto/manual/focus switch down from auto mode, through the manual mode option, all the way down to Focus. This will place the camcorder in manual mode and also active the manual focus ring. When released, the spring-loaded switch will return to manual mode (the middle option) and provide the user with access to all of the other manual controls on the camcorder, including focus, as indicated by an MF icon on the upper right of the LCD screen. If the slider is moved down again, the icon will disappear and the focus will become automatic, though the camcorder will still remain in manual mode.

The focus ring itself is nice and smooth. Though I wish it had more grip on it, it is nice to have a focus ring at all on such camcorders. The PV-GS150 does not have a focus ring, though its built-in lens cover looks a lot like one.

Exposure (Aperture) (6.0)

Manual Exposure can be accessed by first switching into manual mode. Once selected, this mode takes the user to the third electronic compass button on the LCD, which is the manual control menu. Using the joystick to scroll through the manual controls within this menu, the user can toggle through the exposure adjustments which include: Open f/2.0, f/2.4, f/2.8, f/3.4, f/4.0, f/4.8, f/5.6, f/6.8, f/8.0, f/9.6, f/11, f/14, and f/16. There are smaller increments in between each F-stop that lack numerical delineation. While a dial of some sort would provide an easier way to scroll through these options, I do think that it would make one-handed use of the PV-GS250 difficult. Similar options are available in still photo mode.

Shutter Speed (7.0)

Shutter speed adjustments are available within the same manual control system as exposure and focus. Using the joystick control, the user can toggle between options of 1/60, 1/100, 1/120, 1/180, 1/250, 1/350, 1/500, 1/750, 1/1000, 1/1500, 1/1/2000, 1/3000, 1/4000, and 1/8000. In still camera mode, options from 1/30, 1/60, 1/100, 1/120, 1/180, 1/250, 1/350, and 1/500 exist. Having independent shutter control is pretty sweet, and though I’d like to control these with a dial, its presence might also make one-handed usage more difficult.

White Balance (7.0)

Accessing white balance options is similar to accessing both shutter speed and exposure. Standard options exist and include presets for indoor (light bulb icon) and outdoor (sun icon); there are also Auto (AWB icon) and Manual (weird-looking square with two triangles icon) options. Manual white balance, necessary in unusual environments like stage sets or sunsets, is pretty easy to use. It is accessed by first selecting it from the white balance options, using the left and right joystick directions, and then by pressing up on the joystick to set the balance. The screen will go black, and then the image will return, adjustments made.

Gain (7.0)

It’s pretty cool to have manual gain options on any consumer camcorder, and like almost every other Panasonic camcorder, the PV-GS250 has them. Be warned however: too much gain equals too much noise. Nevertheless, manual gain options are available once the joystick is used to get to the camcorder’s manual control menu. Manual gain options are only available once the aperture is set to Open. Once the aperture is set, manual gain options include: 0dB, 3dB, 6dB, 9dB, 12dB, 15dB, and 18dB with smaller increments in between each setting, which each lack numerical delineation.

Other Manual Control (0.0)

There are no other manual controls available on the PV-GS250.

Still Features

**Still Features ***(8.5)*

Like the PV-GS65, the PV-GS250 captures stills to its SD card in both digital camera mode and during video recording in camcorder mode, though stills taken during video capture are only available at a resolution of 640 x 480. In still camera mode, the PV-GS250 adds a host of possible capture resolutions, including 2048 x 1512, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, and 640 x 480. The PV-GS150 only features options for 640 x 480, 1280 x 960, and 1720 x 1320. The PV-GS250 does offer the RapidFire Consecutive Photoshot option, which allows users to take up to ten photos at a 0.5 second interval (if 1/30 shutter is selected, only 0.7 second-intervals are available). This burst mode is only available in 640 x 480 mode. The PV-GS65 supports PictBridge technology, which allows for stills to be easily printed directly from the camcorder. The camcorder’s built-in flash can only be used in digital camera mode when recording to card, and includes three settings: off, on, or auto. In on and auto modes, the camcorder will tell you if the flash is set too high (minus sign) or too low (plus sign), which lets the user adjust the flash level in the menu system.

**Still Resolution ***(5.9)*

We tested the still resolution of the PV-GS250 in the same manner in which we tested its video resolution using Imatest Imaging Software. The PV-GS250 captures still images to SD card at 2048 x 960, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, and 640 x 480. Of all the stills recorded the best resolution we could get out of any of them was 592,607 pixels (0.59 MP). While this seems bad, considering the manufacturer’s reported 3.1 MP, it is the best of any camcorder so far this year - I guess our testing software is a bit harsh, but when we use this software on dedicated digital cameras those perform at 80% or 90% of what manufacturers report. It illustrates how bad stills are on camcorders and that we probably shouldn't believe in Panasonic's pixel shifting technology.

**Still Performance ***(6.5)*

The PV-GS250 produces stills at a multitude of still resolutions and performs well. As far as color performance, we have to say that the PV-GS250, even with more effective pixels for still images than any other consumer Panasonic (save the PV-GS400) does not perform drastically superior to the PV-GS65 or PV-GS150. In fact, the PV-GS65 and PV-GS150, while not offering comparable photo sizes, produce slightly more vibrant colors. This is consistent with the low light results during the video tests as well. All three of the camcorders produce relatively crisp nice stills (for camcorders that is).

 

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Handling and Use

**Ease of Use ***(6.0)*

While the PV-GS250 doesn’t offer an easy mode, it is generally easier to use than many Panasonic camcorders of yesteryear. This primarily due to the new navigational system on nearly all of Panasonic’s new camcorders this year. While last year’s compass-button-under-the-LCD-screen system made menu navigation and manual control adjustment a two-handed enterprise, the new system allows for easy one-handed use. Also, Panasonic has overhauled their menu system for both manual control as well as general options, making the overall menu experience a more enjoyable one. Again, though, there is no easy mode, which takes away from the camcorder’s overall ease of use, and menu icons can be hard to decipher without a manual or a period of adjustment.

**Handling ***(9.5)*

The combination of the PV-GS250’s focus ring, new navigational system, and sizable body design makes the camcorder a joy to handle. It’s rare to see a relatively large camcorder so easy and comfortable to handle and navigate with one hand. Needless to say, to operate the camcorder’s focus ring the user must use two hands, but by and large this thing is easily handled with one. Also, the camcorder is sized such that the user's pinky finger won't obstruct the microphone. Bravo.

Portability*(4.0)*

Not the most portable of camcorders, the PV-GS250 measures in at 3.2 x 2.9 x 5.7 inches, and without tape, battery, or lens cap weighs over a pound. This is obviously not a pocket camcorder.

LCD/Viewfinder*(6.0)*

The PV-GS250, like the PV-GS65, ships with an LCD screen that unfortunately solarizes. Sonys have better LCD quality, but the PV-GS250 does excel in LCD design. The outside of the LCD screen curves towards the bottom of the camcorder, closely conforming to the camcorder’s body shape, making it both ergonomic and beautiful. The PV-GS250’s viewfinder is also extremely mobile (it has to be to allow access to the accessory shoe), which is nice, though not necessarily new from last year. But newer isn't always better; if you got something good, you keep it.

**

Battery ***(11.8)*

Recording video to tape with the LCD screen open, and without zooming, the included and fully-charged CGR-DU12 battery pack yielded one hour, 58 minutes, and 27 seconds of recording time on to MiniDV tape before shutting down due to low battery.

Audio / Playback / Connectivity

Audio*(7.5)*

Audio on the PV-GS65 can be captured in either 12 or 16 bits. These options can be set within the camcorder’s menu system. Audio Dubbing, for cool voice-overs and such, is available via remote. The camcorder does feature a port on its right side to which an external microphone can be attached, and a A/V output port which doubles as a headphone output. The accessory shoe on top of the camcorder’s body is intelligent, and allows for external microphones to glean power from the camcorder’s own battery. There is a wind cut option available within the camcorder’s menu system, which cuts down wind noise. ****

VCR Mode*(6.5)*

Like many of the other Panasonics this year, the PV-GS250 offers playback modes in both its camcorder and digital camera modes. These modes are accessed using the mode dial. Utilizing the camcorder’s new joystick navigational control, the playback modes of the PV-GS250 are easy to use since they require only one hand. As in the manual control menu of the camcorder, there is an electronically displayed compass button imposed on the LCD screen. On this button are the playback options, whose placement visually corresponds with the user’s navigational interface. Slow-motion/frame-by-frame playback is available with the camcorder’s remote. Television playback is available through use of either the camcorder’s A/V output port or S-Video port. Thumbnail playback of card captured still images is available in digital camera playback mode, and the card can be formatted and edited on the camcorder. The camcorder can be connected to a computer for editing or viewing using the DV port or the USB port.

**

Ports ***(7.5)*

The PV-GS250 includes a USB, microphone, and A/V/headphone input/output port on the right side, with a DV port underneath the LCD screen and an S-Video port under the mode dial. The placement of the microphone port on the PV-GS250 is intelligent; it's towards the back of the camcorder, near the accessory shoe.

Other Features

Widescreen/16:9 Mode*(7.5)*

The PV-GS250 offers two widescreen modes: Wide and Cinema. The camcorder’s Wide mode is the camcorder’s 16:9 mode, which gains information at the sides of the image while losing a bit at the top and bottom. This is similar to the mode found on the DV953 of yesteryear and is decidedly inferior to the GS400-esque widescreen found on the PV-GS150 this year. We can't imagine Panasonic's reason for doing this. The Cinema mode letterboxes the 4:3 image of normal recording with black bars to look like a 16:9 filmstrip in aspect and not quality.

Standard 4:3 Mode

Wide Mode (16:9 squeezed to 4:3 visualization)

Cinema Mode (letterboxed 4:3 screen for 16:9 image)

Scan Rates/24P*(0.0)*

The PV-GS250 does not offer recording in 24P (24 progressive) or any 24P-like effect to stimulate cinema-like capture. Video is captured at the rate of 60 interlaced fields per second each, with 525 reported lines of resolution.

**Other Features ***(7.5)*
Magic Pix (Magic Pix and 0 Lux Magic Pix)

Indicated by the star and moon icon, this feature functions as the camcorder’s night mode and actually operates in two modes: Magic Pix, a slow shutter mode which lets more light in, and 0 Lux Magic Pix, which turns the LCD screen bright white so that it can be reversed and shed more light on the scene.

TeleMacro

Indicated by the Flower icon, this feature focuses on the foreground object (about 16 inches in front of the camcorder). If selected when the camcorder is not zoomed in to 10x optical zoom, this feature forces the camcorder to zoom to 10x and focus on the foreground object. The background becomes blurry, with crisp focus placed on the close-up object.

Fade In/Out

Indicated by the icon of an arrow within a box, this feature allows the user to fade in and out of a given shot. This feature is available in the camcorder’s manual control menu.

Wind Cut

Available in the camcorder’s menu system, this feature reduces wind noise when recording with the camcorder’s built-in stereo microphone.

Image Stabilization

The PV-GS250 offers Optical Image Stabilization which works great, except when optical zoom is engaged—the more zoom, the worse. Oddly, the PV-GS250's menu system still lists EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) as an option, perhaps to save a bit of money and recycle the PV-GS150's menu system, as suggested by Guy Bruner, editor of Pana3ccduser.com.

RapidFire Consecutive Photoshot

As the burst mode for still picture capture while in still mode, this feature allows the user to capture up to 10 pictures at an interval of a 0.5 seconds. Additionally, if the shutter speed is set to 1/30 of second, a 0.7 second interval can be established.

QuickStart

This function allows the camcorder to enter into standby mode for thirty minutes, which allows for it to be turned on in a shorter time (1.7 sec) and ready to record to either tape or card, depending on the mode selection. During the QuickStart standby time, the camcorder uses about half the power than it uses during recording mode, which drains battery power and leaves you with less overall recording time than if you just turned the thing off completely. One warning: once the QuickStart standby is implemented, the camcorder’s zoom mechanism automatically retracts to wide angle. Thus, you cannot save a particular zoom magnification while standing by. If you were to turn the camcorder completely off, your zoom magnification would remain, which makes the QuickStart function a misnomer.

Zoom Mic

The zoom mic function is accessed in the camcorder’s menu system and adjusts audio capture based on the camcorder’s zoom engagement. This is nice feature, though it probably makes only a slight difference with a 10x optical zoom camcorder.

Comparisons / Conclusion

Comparisons
Panasonic PV-GS150

The PV-GS150 features three 1/6 inch CCDs with 800K gross pixels each (400K effective for video, 530 effective for stills). These are worse specs than the PV-GS250. The PV-GS150 also lacks a focus ring, though it does have a built-in lens cover that is surprisingly similar in looks to a small focus ring. The PV-GS150 is also about a full inch shorter than the PV-GS150, though it has nearly all of the same features. The PV-GS150 lacks the optical image stabilization of the PV-GS250 and looks worse overall (the PV-GS250 has a nice glossy finish). The optical image stabilization on the PV-GS250 is really an important and very noticeable upgrade from the PV-GS150. Certainly there are not major differences in low light performance to factor in, though the PV-GS250 does a bit better. Also, the PV-GS250 offers more still resolution options than the PV-GS150, including 2048 x 1512, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, and 640 x 480 (the PV-GS150 only has options for 640 x 480, 1280 x 960, and 1720 x 1320) - however, we were happy with the still performance of both the PV-GS250 and the PV-GS150.

Panasonic PV-GS400

The PV-GS400 features better imaging specs than that of the PV-GS250 (three 1/(4.7) inch CCDs, each with 690K effective pixels for video and 1 MP for stills). It features better video quality in bright and low light than the PV-GS250, and runs about $150 more than the PV-GS250’s recommended price. On top of its superior video performance, the PV-GS400 also features a zoom/focus ring that also controls most of the camcorder’s manual controls--and there are a lot of them, as the PV-GS400 features all the manual control of the PV-GS250. On the downside, the PV-GS400, released last year, lacks the new navigational system of the PV-GS250. Then again, it has an amazing combo ring, and did I mention that the PV-GS400 has a 3" LCD screen? It's really an amazing camcorder, and if you have the money you should jump at the chance to pick one up.

Sony DCR-HC1000

The Sony DCR-HC1000 features the same imaging specs at the PV-GS400. Available now for about $150 more than the recommended price of the PV-GS250, the DCR-HC1000 produces noticeably better video due to its enhanced image specifications over the PV-GS250. (And it should--after all, as shown earlier the PV-GS250 offers few improvements in this area over the PV-GS200.) The DCR-HC1000 offers a good zoom/focus ring which is nice, but unfortunately it adds a gimmick (rotating body design) rather than much-needed manual control. The DCR-HC1000 still lacks manual shutter speed and independent aperture control. It's a bad camcorder and a bummer; the PV-GS250 is a better bet.

Who It's For
Point-and-Shooters (5.0)

Though it doesn’t feature a designated easy mode, the PV-GS250 is a good handheld camcorder. It is not designed for the point-and-shooter, with a lot of manual control, focus ring, and microphone jack, but can definitely work for one, especially if they want good video quality. But it’s going to cost more than, say, a Sony point-and-shooter.

Budget Consumers (3.0)

Kinda pricey, the PV-GS250 isn’t recommended for the budget-conscious consumer; however, it can be considered a deal for the amount of money that it does cost versus the amount of camcorder you receive.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (4.5)

Compared to other camcorders, the PV-GS250 does pretty well in the still department. It produces good images at a variety of different resolutions, which is a lot more than most. Still, it can’t be considered a hybrid camcorder.

Gadget Freak (5.0)

The PV-GS250 doesn’t feature any crazy gadget this year, though it does sport a new, super-handy navigational system.

Manual Control Freaks (7.5)

This is where the PV-GS250 shines. It includes all the nice manual controls that we’ve come to expect from Panasonic over the years, and offers a cool focus ring to boot.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists (8.0)

A good backup camcorder for the serious hobbyist, definitely.

Conclusion

The PV-GS250 is a great camcorder, but the PV-GS400 is such an awesome camcorder that it might be a better idea to save $150 dollars more for the PV-GS400. For another $150 you’ll get better video performance, a wonderful zoom/focus/shutter speed/aperture ring, and a bigger LCD screen. You also get added control. The advantages to the PV-GS250: a new navigational system, some nice still options, and a smaller form. But it doesn’t really seem worth it. In fact, for the recommended $300 difference between this camcorder and the PV-GS150, there might not be enough of a difference between camcorders to justify such a gap in price. For instance, there really isn’t much difference performance-wise between the two camcorders. Besides, the PV-GS150 doesn’t have a focus ring, or the ever-important optical image stabilization. And something tells me that still options aren’t going to tip the scales too much. The bottom line is that the PV-GS250 trumps the competition with great video performance, great manual control, and acceptable low light performance. We certainly recommend it, but if you have the money the PV-GS400 adds a ton more features.