The Chuckmeister wrote:

The MX5000 is closer due to the Electronics... you were fooled by the... appearance of the GS70... FYI Yes... I HAVE posted translation portions and about 37 Links that probably translate into well over 100 pages....

meister

http://www.supervideo.com/2003h.htm

You can download the PDF MX500 English manual from here:

http://www.dvfreak.com/pana_mx5.htm

well why dont ya just whip me on the head with all this crazy in circles of insane madness and just gimmie the translation will ya meister... sheesh =)
just kidding but even if translation was available over in that hyperbole jungle you are better off just browsing gs70 mx5k and 953 manuals and take yerself over to a superstore that sells one of the above and spend 20 mins tinkering & it will all become clear
i had some doubts about a jap language camera but its fairly straightforward after an afternoon cram session with the above manuals and the store visit i feel much better and would advise anyone looking for a camera with a 1000$ pricetag dont let the language get in the way
compare what you get when you are at that superstore
$1000 cams have 2.5 screens 2mp stills 1 ccd and this is just things you notice within 2 seconds of "looking" dont even have to touch another camera to see the value you get for overlooking the language
i will say old meister is right about 1 thing americans are getting a bummer deal
IMHO it is the best investment for 1100 bucks worth