Big Little Camcorder

This pocket-sized, SD-compatible Digital Palmcorder MultiCam sure doesn't seem small when you look at its capabilities. It's designed to capture the same high-quality digital video as conventional sized camcorders, only in a camera that can fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. It features digital camcorder, digital still camera and teleconferencing Web camera capabilities, all in one easy-to-use camcorder. Cinema mode records video in the same 16:9 aspect ratio as a movie screen, giving your videos a dramatic, cinematic effect during playback. The PhotoShot still camera function is a perfect way to consolidate your photo and video needs into one portable camcorder. And the still pictures can be stored on an SD memory card for easy transfer to a PC for storing, editing and emailing. A unique picture-in-picture function lets you take a previously recorded still image, miniaturize it, and then include it in your videos for a special effect.

3-Way PC Link

The PV-GS12 offers three easy ways to transfer your images to your PC. Using the IEEE 1394 interface, you're able to connect to your personal computer for advanced editing and viewing purposes. Or, use this exceptional digital technology to connect your camcorder to similarly equipped camcorders, allowing you to produce duplicate copies of your personal recordings without any loss in picture quality. Thanks to the SD memory card slot, you can use an SD memory card (not included) to save and transfer still images, video clips and audio files to your computer. Plus, you can create your own images on the computer to use while you shoot videos with your camcorder. With the USB connection, you can easily transfer still images captured on the Mini-DV tape to your computer for use in email or printed documents.

Get In There

Getting in close helps bring out the subject in your images. The PV-GS12 is equipped with a lens capable of a 20:1 optical zoom. The powerful optics act like a telescope to produce close-up shots with extraordinary clarity, so you won't miss a single detail. The versatile lens system also offers variable zoom speeds, so you can adjust your zoom speed from wide angle to full telephoto. What's more, with the zoom mic feature with wind noise reduction, as you zoom in on the picture, the audio will also "zoom in" so that you can pinpoint distant sound emanating from your subject. And wind noise reduction helps to cut down on unwanted background noise. If the optical zoom doesn't keep you happy, you also get the benefit of digital zoom. Through the use of digital technology, the zoom ratio on this camcorder can be increased to 800:1, producing an incredibly close crop even on distant subjects.

Digital Effects

Now you can add exciting digital effects in both the Recording and Playback modes to make your videos really come to life. Here's a rundown of your options: Digital Zoom (Playback) enlarges the center of the playback image by 2x; Digital Mirror creates a mirror-like symmetrical image; Strobe digitally "freezes" a series of images; Mosaic turns your image into a mosaic pattern; Slim vertically expands an image; Stretch expands the image horizontally; Trail forms multiple impressions of all images in motion, which gradually fade out as the motion comes to a halt, creating a trail effect; Monotone (Playback) plays the image back in black and white; Sepia (Playback) creates the impression of antiquity by applying a sepia tone.

SD Memory Cards

SD memory cards are incredibly versatile, hold vast amounts of information and are about the size of a postage stamp. That's why they're revolutionizing the way people enjoy audio, video and information content. In fact, SD memory cards are used in a wide range of products including A/V equipment, PCs, cellular phones, PDAs and other communication devices. You'll be able to enjoy this amazing technology in the PV-G12, opening up a wealth of possibilities. Thanks to the SD card slot you can actually use your camcorder as an external storage drive. Using the included USB cable, transfer photos, data files, or even motion images back and forth between the camcorder and your PC.

Comparison Specifications

• 20x Hi-Definition Zoom/800x Digital Zoom
• Mini DV Format, 1/6", 680K CCD
• 2.5" Color LCD Monitor
• i.LINK (IEEE 1394) PC Interface, USB Port, Composite Video Out
• Electronic Image Stabilization
• SP/LP Record Mode, Cinema Mode, Soft-Skin Mode, Self Record
• MagicPix Images (Color Recording in Low Light)
• PhotoShot Built-In Digital Still Camera

Additional Specifications

• Mode Dial
• Image Size (Normal/Fine): 640 x 480
• Compression Still Format: JPEG
• RapidFire Consecutive Still Shots
• Progressive PhotoShot Mode (Card Only)
• Picture-in-Picture
• Web Camera (With Optional Cable & Software)
• Built-In SD Drive
• Quick Start
• Zoom Mic

Manufacturer Specifications

• Easy-Grip Strap
• Easy Cassette Eject
• Digital Effects (Record & Playback)
• Battery & Tape Indicators
• 5-Mode Program AE (Auto Exposure)
• PCM Audio (12-Bit/16-Bit), Wind Noise Reduction
• Auto and Manual Focus
• Simultaneous Motion/Still Record Mode
• EfficiBright LED Light
• Audio Dubbing (SP Only)

Dimensional Specifications

• 0.88 lbs.
• 3 3/8" x 2 3/4" x 4 3/8"

Panasonic PV-GS12 Warranty Details

1 Year Parts, 90 Days Labor