Panasonic NV-GS70B review

Audio reproduction is good for such a small camcorder, especially when you consider the microphone's on-body placement. Many higher-end camcorders like the Canon XM2 place the mic off-body, and the NV-GS70B competes relatively well with even these. Wind-noise cancellation and a zoom function are also available, although you have to cycle through the menu system to enable these functions. And if the on-board audio isn't good enough, there's a powered shoe available for adding a higher-grade external mic. An external shirt-clip mic is already supplied for narration. Serious video makers will also be pleased to discover the package hasn't been spoiled by a bottom-loading tape mechanism, so the NV-GS70B will be equally at home on a tripod.

If you're a video professional, you're still better off opting for the more expensive semi-pro models like PC Pro's A-listed Sony TRV-950 (see issue 99, p120) or Canon's XM2, since their image quality is that little bit better for broadcast. But if you're after a companion camcorder that can fit in your pocket, or can only afford one unit for domestic and semi-professional use, the NV-GS70B is a revelation. It's the perfect trade-off between colour fidelity and portability, as well as offering amazingly good value.

Author: James Morris