Panasonic gs-320 vs. gs-500

Official_Recap

Official_Recap

Active member
I'm looking at purchasing a new camera. I've been using the gs-320 for the past season and it has been a great beginning 3ccd camera, especially for the price. I'm looking to possibly upgrade, but am tight on the money side of things. So I was looking at the next step up, which is the 500. I like that the actual chips are bigger, so the color will be better (?) but I'm wondering if there is another camera in comparable price range that is drastically different or any other cameras to consider around that price ($699). Any input will be greatly appreciated.

thanks.
 
A little older but still a good option. Like the guy said above the Hv20 or Hv30 seem to be the best options in that price range currently.
 
yeah, the hv20/30 is looking good right now. but I'm not sure if I really want/need HD right now just because of file sizes and workflow and formatting. it just seems like a bigger hassle than is worth it in the end if I'm just going to be burning to SD DVDs ultimately.
 
you can record SD with the HV30. No reason not to get it and when you're ready to work with HD you're all set.
 
yea definatly DONT buy the hv30 if your gunna record in sd. just get a nice 3 chip sd camera
 
right. so I guess if I go HD in this price range, I'll go with the hv30, but going back to my original question, what would be the good SD 3ccd camera to look at if I don't want to make the step yet to HD. and what would the real difference be between going with HD vs. SD
 
those look a bit out of my price range. also kind of large in size. I'm looking for something relatively manageable in follow cams. I think I'm leaning towards the hv30 and just go with HD, and it also has the different frame rates which is nice if I want to go for the film type look with the 24p.
 
asian alien hit it on the head. basically if you dont want a 3chip camera that is large you have no other option than the hv30. I mean i love my Gl-2 for follows and I dont know why you wouldn't but its out of your price range. DO THE HV30...you will like it, even though I am no expert with it. I have heard nothing but magnificent things
 
True story.

I have the GS 500 and I love it - check my vids if you want - but the HV30 really steps things up, I'll admit it. If it had been around and reccomended when I bought mine I might've done that instead.
 
ok so I'm going with the hv30. now I'm going to need a lens as well. I want a semi-fisheye. so something around .3x with not a ton of bend, but I can't find any 43mm threads for a reasonable price in comparison to what the actual camera is going to cost. I know there are a few for roughly $150, but they are larger thread sizes. the other 43mm lenses I have seen are over $400, which I'd like to stay away from...
 
that's what I was thinking. I wasn't sure if since it's a fisheye, using a step ring would do anything in terms of distortion for any reason.
 
thank you for that incredible insight, because that is completely within my stated price range...phenomenal camera, but I don't have thousands yet.
 
the pv-gs500 is not large at all...it fits in your hand and has a ton of capabilities its a really great quality camera....

and if you are choosing between the 320 and 500 get the 500 its worth it so many more features than the 320

320 = consumer (ie...people like your mom and dad who want to film your sis opening presents)

500 = more "pro" sumer (ie...people like us who can use it with action and be artistic with it)

i own a pv-gs 500 and love it...its great quality, and all the manual settings you want
 
Yeah. the size on the 500 looks fine. my concern now is the price difference to functions. the hv30 seams to give more bang for the buck with all of the manual functions and different frame rates. also having the ability to switch to HD when I feel ready is appealing. But if the picture/color on the 500 is much better, that might be worth it. Has anyone used both?
 
i wish i could help you on that one...alli have used is my gs-500 and i love it...the picture comes out great all it takes is a little white balancing and bam you got a great shot...and the manual focus ring is a plus
 
im pretty jacked up about this winter...our school lets us rent out sony high def cameras at no cost at all...totally doing it for ski season
 
ok so I got an hv30. sick camera. very good decision thanks for everyone's help...however, after shooting some footage, Final Cut Pro will not recognize the camera to capture it onto my computer. it is saying the deck cannot be found and the preview is unavailable. (i am using a firewire as I have been for the past two years. nothing different.) I shot it all in the 24p mode so I set the project to 1080 24p.
is there any specific difference you need when capturing hdv footage?
 
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