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View Full Version : Panasonic Shatters the Price Barrier for 3CCD Digital Video Cameras


Jason Dunn
03-19-2004, 12:30 AM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?displayTab=F&storeId=11251&catalogId=11005&itemId=68763&catGroupId=11303&modelNo=PV-GS120&surfModel=PV-GS120' target='_blank'>http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?displayTab=F&storeId=11251&catalogId=11005&itemId=68763&catGroupId=11303&modelNo=PV-GS120&surfModel=PV-GS120</a><br /><br /></div><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/panasonic-pvgs120.jpg" /> <br /><br />Panasonic dropped a bomb on the digital video camera world, and not that many people seemed to have noticed (myself included): they've released the PV-GS120, a 3CCD camera, for only $699 USD MSRP. To understand why this is such a big deal, you need to look at the other cameras on the market today. The term CCD (Charge Coupled Device) referrs to the light sensor the "sees" what's going on. Single CCD systems have one sensor to record red, blue, and green. This is typical of most digital cameras today, both still and video. A three CCD system, however, has one sensor per primary colour type - the result is a much truer-to-life image. Especially in video, 3CCD systems make an enormous difference in quality, and thus are highly coveted. Pansonic defines their 3CCD system like this:<br /><br /><i>"The remarkable 3CCD camera system is the same type that's used in Panasonic professional broadcasting equipment to deliver an incomparable overall picture. Color is reproduced with great fidelity as a separate CCD is used for the reds, greens and blues that compose an image. The result is great detail with up to 540 lines of breathtaking resolution."</i><br /><br />When I bought my MiniDV camera last year (a GL2), I did so after testing nine different cameras <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0735618739/jasondunn-20">for the digital video book.</a> I tested several consumer and pro-sumer level cameras, but the one that stood out head and shoulders above the rest was the Canon GL2, one of only two 3CCD cameras that I tested (the other was an older Panasonic). The quality difference between the one CCD and three CCD units was shocking. I have to admit, however, that the 3CCD Panasonic camera didn't come close to the quality of the 3CCD Canon GL2. The GL2 was $3999 CND MSRP last year, and although prices have fallen someone, it's still almost unheard of to get a 3CCD camera for under $1000 USD. For Panasonic to release a small 3CCD digital video camera at this price is no less of an event than Canon releasing the Digital Rebel for under $1000 USD.<br /><br />My only concern with this is that I hope Panasonic has since improved their consumer 3CCD offering, because what I saw last year wasn't terribly impressive.

Gary Sheynkman
03-19-2004, 12:41 AM
This is VERY strange.

wont it canibalize panasonic's single CCD line?

Suhit Gupta
03-19-2004, 02:38 PM
This is VERY strange.

wont it canibalize panasonic's single CCD line?
They seem to have lowered the prices on their single CCD line, I think that is the only way they can justify the price of their 3CCD. OTOH, take a look at the other 3CCD cameras they offer, those are much more expensive than the GS120.

Suhit

Crocuta
03-20-2004, 06:10 AM
Oh, I smell a price war abrewin'. This is very good news for all video enthusiasts (but especially those who can't afford the luxury of a GL2). Really, though, I don't see that the issue is whether Panasonic's 3CCD vidcams are as good as Cannon's. After all, just look at that price! The issue is whether their 3CCD vidcams are better than everyone else's 1CCD variety. If so, they have a winner, and Cannon still has a market for it's pro-sumer option (though would still probably have to lower the price).

Suhit Gupta
03-20-2004, 10:59 PM
Oh, I smell a price war abrewin'. This is very good news for all video enthusiasts (but especially those who can't afford the luxury of a GL2).
Yep, certainly good for us. If they drop under $500 (especially the Canon), I would love to pick one up. It is also interesting you point out the Panasonic 3CCD vs. the 1CCD of the Canon, anyone done a comparison?

Suhit

JTWise
03-22-2004, 04:19 AM
Really, though, I don't see that the issue is whether Panasonic's 3CCD vidcams are as good as Cannon's. After all, just look at that price!

This was the exact reason that I chose my Panasonic DV-cam over getting the GL-2 when I purchased it last fall. Although I am sure the GL-2 is better than my camera, it was about $800 more than my camcorder. Quite a difference in price. I am happy with my purchase. I feel the color on my unit is better than any 1ccd unit I tested, although its low-light performance is not too good.

backpackerx
03-23-2004, 08:58 PM
Anyone seen a release date for this?

backpackerx
03-24-2004, 03:52 AM
I actually found OneCall selling this for $629 today. Doesn't say when delivery is.
PVGS120 (http://www.onecall.com/Shipping.SHP?CartProductID=22358&NewQty=1&PMOID=1278&PMOCID=1395&PMOCode=pdpangs120)