The Panasonic PV-GS59 camcorder offers the following features:

* 2.7” 16:9 LCD
* 16:9 widescreen format recording
* SD Memory Card slot
* high-speed USB 2.0 plus USB cable
* MotionDV Studio video editing software

Panasonic PV-GS59 Press Release

Combining digital imaging versatility, ergonomic design, powerful zoom and enhanced PC connection options, the new Panasonic digital camcorder line offers point-and-shoot ease with high-performance features.

“Digital camcorders should be fun, versatile and easy to use,” said Panasonic’s Rudy Vitti, national marketing manager, Optical Group. “Panasonic believes that state-of-the-art digital technology should be accessible and user-friendly, whether you’re a beginner or an accomplished videographer. This new line-up offers a multitude of advanced functions, features and easy-to-use navigation that will appeal to a broad spectrum of consumers who will appreciate how Panasonic makes it easy to capture life’s precious moments.”

The 2006 camcorders feature a new, low-height, compact design with a practical side-load mechanism for inserting and removing tapes. The three new models, PV-GS29, PV-GS39 and PV-GS59feature DV output (firewire) for easy digital connection to compatible PCs or digital video editing equipment; color viewfinder; 30x optical zoom and 1000 digital zoom1. And all feature easy-to-use one-finger navigation with joystick control.

“With a suggested retail price of $299.95, the PV-GS29 offers advanced features and the quality consumers expect from Panasonic at a very affordable price point,” noted Vitti.

Model PV-GS39 adds true 16:9 widescreen format recording, SD Memory Card slot and SD card USB reader/writer. “The widescreen video recording format integrates perfectly with the way a growing number of consumers are viewing HD content on television,“ said Vitti. “With the PV-GS39, consumers can capture their own widescreen images and view them on a widescreen display. Movies and many TV shows are in the16:9 format. Now your personal videos and still shots can be, too.”

Model PV-GS59 additionally features high-speed USB 2.0 for high quality full-motion video transfer, and includes a USB cable and MotionDV software for editing, converting to MPEG4 (e-mail), or archiving to recordable DVD “The PV-GS59 is a great camcorder for those who love creating multimedia projects or e-mailing video to friends and family,” added Vitti.

Panasonic PV-GS59 Reviews

CamcorderInfo has a review up of the Panasonic PV-GS59 and concludes, “he PV-GS59’s greatest strength is what makes all the Panasonic camcorder great: outstanding manual controls and handling. How then, can one choose among them? “Very carefully,” we reply. The PV-GS39, PV-GS59, and PV-GS180 - all in a row in the product line - are like a balancing act of features. The company clearly didn’t want to give anybody too much or the differentiation gets pretty thin between all seven MiniDV camcorders. So… it breaks down like this: The PV-GS39 ($349) and PV-GS59 ($379) have the same core specs, including a single 1/6” 800K CCD, widescreen LCD, and 30x zoom. The PV-GS59 gives you the extra benefits of: compatibility with a remote (not included) that gives you more playback options, a faster USB connection, editing software, and audio dubbing. All this for less than fifty bucks more.” Link.

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