The PV-GS300 sits between the PV-GS180 and the top-end PV-GS500 in Panasonic's line of three-CCD MiniDV camcorders. This model is billed as an updated version of the older Panasonic PV-GS250, but replacement might be a more accurate description since not all the changes can be considered positive.

Compared to the PV-GS250, the PV-GS300 has an improved 2-7/10-inch widescreen LCD monitor and a smaller, more compact body. There are three separate 1/6-inch CCD sensors, each delivering 640,000 effective pixels when shooting in 4:3 mode and 540,000 pixels in 16:9 widescreen mode. The Leica Dicomar lens features a 10X optical/700X digital zoom capability, and it has a macro zoom feature for shooting extreme close-ups of nearby objects.

As you would expect from a three-CCD imager and top-quality lens, the PV-GS300 delivers outstanding video. Images are clean and sharp with great contrast and rich, accurate colors. Even in low-light conditions, images are rich in detail and remain free of noise. As with the PV-GS250, the PV-GS300's optical image stabilization system does an excellent job eradicating unwanted camera shakes without compromising picture quality. The unit also offers a 3.1-megapixel stills capability with a selection of resolution options available, up to a maximum resolution of 2,048X1,512. Stills can be saved to MiniDV tape or SD memory card.

Curiously, Panasonic has removed the manual focus ring of the PV-GS250 and transferred focus control to the joystick menu system, where it is far less convenient to use. The PV-GS300 also lacks the headphone jack and the analog-to-digital passthrough function of the older model. Fortunately, this model does retain an excellent array of manual controls. In addition to the focus, the PV-GS300 offers manual controls for shutter speed, aperture, gain and white balance.

While the loss of some features from the PV-GS250 is regrettable, the substantial reduction in price makes the Panasonic PV-GS300 an excellent value for a three-CCD MiniDV camcorder.

Pros:  Three-CCD imager, excellent manual controls, new 2-7/10-inch widescreen LCD, good value for the money
Cons:  Focus ring of the PV-GS250 is gone, as is the headphone jack and analog-to-digital passthrough

Warranty
90 days labor, 1 year parts