Panasonic NV-GS400

Hi there, I'm going to Vietnam in a couple of months for about 4 weeks of backpacking and I'm looking at getting a Panasonic NV-GS400. What do people think of these? Are they worth the Money? I've seen them selling for about AUS$2250.

Very good performance for price. if anything it lacks a little in accesibilty of manual controls but it is still a top camera.

How portable is it? Ive had it suggested to me that its size is perhaps a bit bigger then I want to be carting around with me whilst backpacking? Is it really that much bigger then the lesser models?

I own it and it's definately top of it's class. I'd have to disagree with Skyman and point out it has almost full manual control including Focus (with focus ring), Aperture, Gain + constrast, sharpness, brightness etc
Optical Stabilisation and 16:9 ability also a bonus.

Similar cam might be Canon GL2. The next step up would be to start looking at something semi proffessional like a Panasonic DX100, Canon XL2 or Sony PD170 which I think unless you a very serious would be complete overkill. There are also others in the series which are also very good and smaller. The most recent is the GS250 which if size is premium may be good choice. Personally I do not think cam size is too much however is quite a bit bigger than GS200 (haven;t seen 250), however you would be best to go into a shop and find what's comfortable for you.

Best to go to specialist video sites for reviews. Best are CamcorderInfo and for site focusing on GS400 and family:
Pana3CCDUser

If you have other specific questions feel free to ask.
Cheers
Mark

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Originally Posted by mr_easton

I'd have to disagree with Skyman and point out it has almost full manual control including Focus (with focus ring), Aperture, Gain + constrast, sharpness, brightness etc

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that is not what i said, what i said was that the manual controls are fiddly to access. i don't think it is to big to take. certainly their are smaller (and cheaper) 3ccd digital video cameras, but i am guessing this is a longish term purchase so i would be going for the better model. having said that if you don't plan to use the manual modes then get a smaller one, although you will loose optical image stabilisation and zoom but it will be cheaper, smaller and lighter.

Sorry Skyman misread you there.
I'm pretty sure the new GS250 also has optical stabilisation (unlike the 200)