This is an attractive prospect if you want a three-chip camcorder, but a similarly-priced single-chip model will probably provide better image definition if you want decent still-image capture as well.Panasonic caused a bit of a stir in the camcorder market when it released the NV-MX500, as it was the first three-chip camcorder to come in under the AU$4,000 mark. Now the company has done it again with the NV-GS70, allowing you to pick up a three-chip model for the same price as many single-chip products.
However, before you get too excited about this development, it´s worth noting that Panasonic has made some inevitable sacrifices in the specification of the NV-GS70 to cut the overall cost of manufacture, starting with the image sensor itself. Where even entry-level MiniDV camcorders typically use CCDs with a resolution of at least 800Kpixels, the NV-GS70B uses three chips with 540Kpixels each, so image definition is less sharp than we were expecting. This is especially true with still capture, as the 1,536-by-1,152-pixel photo capture lacks the clarity of a true 1.7Mpixel still image, with an alarming amount of image noise spoiling even a well-lit subject.
As far as the camcorder itself is concerned, the NV-GS70 is certainly the most compact three-chip product you can buy, and although the styling may not be to everyone´s taste, it´s comfortable to handle, with less of the associated strain you´ll get from shooting with a larger, heavier model. We´d prefer the mode selector to be a dial, and would like the job wheel to provide more positive feedback, but these are minor drawbacks that you soon get used to.
Common issues with compact camcorders have been avoided here, with a top-loading tape drive, a tilt-and-slide internal viewfinder, and a front-facing internal microphone. You also get a pop-out SD card slot, to match the pop-up flash for stills -- although why the flash pops up at all when it´s already on the outside is a question that only Panasonic can answer.
If we were a little disappointed by the capture quality, we certainly can´t complain about the degree of manual control found here. Those of you who are looking for advanced setup options will be happy to find ring-operated focus, exposure compensation and programmable white balance, as well as both iris (aperture) control between F1.8 and F16, and shutter speeds from 1/50s to 1/8000s (1/500s when shooting in progressive recording mode).
The NV-GS70 also has a range of features that help to differentiate between it and the next camcorder on the shelf, namely a clip-on external microphone/remote control, and a handy quick-start function that leaves the tape parked on the recording heads during standby so it takes very little time to power up and start shooting. You´ll also find composite and S-Video inputs (as well as DV In/Out) for recording external analogue signals, a Webcam mode and a smart accessory shoe for external microphones, flash units and video lamps.
But the bottom line with camcorders is always video quality, and although the still capture is poor, the three-chip image sensor does a much better job of capturing a PAL video frame. Colour artefacts are minimal, as you´d expect from at three-chip camcorder, and while the definition won´t impress those who are used to products like Sony´s TRV950, it´s about right for the price. Some may feel that the colours are a little on the over-saturated side, but this can be tweaked in the edit.
If image definition and still capture is more important to you that colour, then you´ll be better off with a similarly-priced single-chip model, otherwise, you should give the NV-GS70 a look.
Panasonic NV-GS70
Company: Panasonic Australia
Price: AU$3,079
Distributor: Selected resellers
Phone: (02) 9986 7400
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