Panasonic gs31 camcorder - What Do Users Really Think Of It?

Features of the Panasonic gs31 camcorder

The Panasonic gs31 camcorder offers a 26x optical zoom, a SD (secure digital) slot for capturing still photos and a host of digital effects including Panasonic's exclusive Soft Skin Mode.

This camcorder is aimed at consumers who are interested in capturing digital video and audio onto mini DV tape at a budget price.

Other features offered include an Electronic Image Stabilizer for shake-free video recording and Zoom Microphone Technology to focus audio pick-up where the lens is zoomed.

In addition to MiniDV video, take still pictures at 640x480 VGA resolution that can be captured on an SD memory card. The camera has a Firewire IEEE1394 DV port for transferring video and a USB 2.0 port for transferring stills to a computer for enhancement, editing, copying, and printing.

2.5 Color LCD Screen Monochrome viewfinder
Filter Diameter - 30.5mm

Unit Dimensions -

approx. 3.25 (h) x 2.5 (w) x 4.5 (d)
Unit Weight - 0.90 lbs.

Well that's the technical side of things. Let's see what actual users had to say about the Panasonic gs31 camcorder:

"The Panasonic PV-GS31 is an excellent camcorder to learn the basics and capture excellent digital video. It had exactly what I needed: a light for night shots, LED screen, and a great zoom feature for close-ups. It transfers well to the computer to upload the video I take on the MiniDV tapes."

"This one (PV-GS31) does not have "advanced" features like audio dubbing in GS35, but also lacks a lot of what I consider basic features - like a remote control, basic PC editing software. The battery life indicator also does not seem reliable - the battery runs out even when the life indicator shows half the life is still remaining. Rating it average as it is not a total disaster. It records very decently. And the price was great"

"All we wanted to do was shoot some video of our newborn baby. The problem is, newborns aren't in the mid-day sun, outdoors, much. Tried during the day (indoors) -- mediocre. In the evening, in a lit home, horrible. This camera is also very slow to focus when using in "auto" mode"

"I never considered myself a camcorder type of guy, but we bought this to record our wedding and it's been a lot of fun since. Quality is good for price and I've downloaded the video to camcorder for back-up. (Use firewire for this, with the camcorder on play mode.)"

There you go, mixed reviews on the Panasonic gs31 camcorder.

What we can make from that is:

if you want a budget camcorder to just point and shoot (but still willing to go to the trouble of providing adequate light for darker situations ie. Accessory light) the gs31 will serve you well.
if you want better low light performance, best look at other models and most likely at a higher cost.

Use Your Panasonic gs31 camcorder the right way