Camcorder Comparison: Panasonic PV-GS400 vs. Sony DCR-HC1000 Mini DV Camcorders (page 4)

• Superb image quality
• Excellent LCD monitor
• High-quality stills

WEAKNESSES

• Cheap membrane-style controls under LCD

A great camera that delivers excellent performance on both the video and still sides of the equation.

Sony DCR-HC1000
Format: Mini DV
Lens: f1.6, 3.6-43.2mm focal length, 12:1 optical zoom, 150:1 digital zoom, 37mm filter diameter
CCD Pixels: Video: 690k (x3), Still: 1000k (x3)
Viewfinder: .33 inch color LCD, 110k pixels
LCD Monitor: 2.5-inch LCD
Focus: Auto, Manual
Anamorphic 16:9: No
Image Stabilization: Electronic
Exposure: Auto, Manual, Program AE modes, Spot Meter
Minimum Shutter Speed: Video: 1/4; Still: 1/60
Maximum Shutter Speed: Video: 1/10000; Still: 1/500
Iris: Auto, Manual
Electronic Gain: No
Zebra Stripes: Yes
Night Mode: No
White Balance: Auto, Manual, Indoor, Outdoor
Audio: 12-bit or 16-bit; 4-channel surround recording w/optional ECM-COP1 microphone
Manual Audio Levels: Yes
Audio Meters: Yes
Microphone Input: 1/8-inch Plug-in-power x2, front and rear
Headphone Output: 1/8-inch stereo mini
Inputs: Composite video, stereo audio, S-Video, FireWire
Outputs: Composite video, stereo audio, S-Video, FireWire
Edit Interface: FireWire, LANC
Other Features: LCD touch-screen controls, 4 digital effects, 7 fades, VAIO computer DVD/VCD burning interface, Sharpness and Camera Color picture adjustments, hot shoe, digital program editing, Memory Stick Duo, memory chroma/luma key
Dimensions: 4 (width) by 3 1/8 (height) by 6 1/4 (depth) inches
Weight: 1 pound 11 ounces

• Superb image quality
• Many innovative features
• In-camera editing tools

• Stills only 1 megapixel

A great choice for in-camera editors and demanding high-end hobbyists.

Joe McCleskey is Videomaker's Technical Editor.

$1,499
Panasonic
One Panasonic Way
Secaucus, NJ 07094
(800) 211-PANA
www.panasonic.com

$1,700
Sony Electronics
One Sony Drive
Park Ridge, NJ 07656
(877) 865-SONY
www.sonystyle.com

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