Panasonic's new budget
camcorder lineup
Panasonic PV-GS series
The product: Panasonic's updated PV-GS series of digital camcorders includes the entry-level PV-GS19, the midrange PV-GS31, and the high-end PV-GS35. All three share the same design, though the PV-GS19 lacks a color viewfinder and an LED light, and the PV-GS35 includes a higher-capacity 3-hour battery. The principal difference between the three camcorders is their optical-zoom capability: the PV-GS19 has a 24X zoom lens, the PV-GS31 has a 26X zoom lens, and the PV-GS35 goes the distance with a 30X zoom lens. Full series specs include:

• MiniDV camcorders
• 24X optical zoom (PV-GS19), 26X optical zoom (PV-GS31), 30X optical zoom (PV-GS35)
• Still-shot capability; SD card slot included
• Color viewfinder (PV-GS31, PV-GS35)
• LED light for low-light shooting (PV-GS31, PV-GS35)
• High-capacity 3-hour battery (PV-GS35)

The price: All three camcorders ship in March 2005. The PV-GS19 will cost $349.95, the PV-GS31 will cost $399.95, and the PV-GS35 will cost $499.95.

The prospects: The zoom ranges on these Panasonic camcorders trump those on Canon's competing Elura and ZR series. Then again, optical zoom isn't the be-all and end-all of digital video, so it remains to be seen how the picture quality of the camcorders compares.

By Rob Dubbin, assistant editor, CNET Reviews