Which one's better, the black mamba or the GS400? Is the GS400 an improved mamba? Since Pana's mum, with only a 1/2-_ssed mumble, I just had to put this question to the experts. What do you think?

(same CCDs + crystal engine = almost the same cam?)

Judging from the specs, I like the GS400 better. I think it should be named the "White Cobra" or something like that.

But I'd rather get the DVC30 for less than $2200.

If it's going to have the slightly better LUX requirements as the GS100 over the MX5, it'll at least be an improvement over the MX5/DV953. Just have to get out the spray paint. :-))

Looking at Sony Japan's catalogue for intl models (PAL and NTSC) combined, I noticed that although the CCDs have the same gross no. of pixels, the effective pixels for PAL cams are always higher.

Question, do PAL and NTSC cams use exactly the same CCD but effective resolution is determined by the video system? If yes, could that be the reason why (assuming the GS400 uses the same CCD as GS100) the GS400 resolution can be interpolated up to 4.0MP?

If the GS400 uses the same CCD, optics and engine as the GS100, then (aside from the digital still resolution) their only difference would be the ff:

1. Power LCD
2. Pany's new universal cam design (similar to GS200).
3. Ability to record to tape and card simultaneously.
4. Body color perhaps

The PAL MX300 had both a higher total CCD pixel count and a higher video effective pixel count than the NTSC MX3000's.Question, do PAL and NTSC cams use exactly the same CCD but effective resolution is determined by the video system?That wouldn't apply with the MX300/O. Also, is the PAL MX5's pixel count higher than the NTSC versions? (MX5000/PV-DV953) Looks like it's not. See here:

http://www.dvfreak.com/pana_mx5.htm4. Body color perhapsThere's always spray paint.

I think GS400 is likely to have new CCD

here's some visual comparison of MX and GS side by side:
http://www.alienminds.ca/NVvsGS.jpg

ps. PAL system design has higher linear horizontal resolution, hense the required more active pix for capturing. Also better colours, but slower frame speed.

ps. the first wrong assumption came about =/ DX10 turned out that has combined number of pixels not for each CCD (so it does not add-up as possible CCD for GS400) =/
(I feel stupid for not checking this earlier)

I feel stupid for not checking this earlier.I often check then forget, but most of the time I write down the interesting tidbits. The best thing to do when feeling stupid is to not think about it, and just post away. :-))

But I'd rather get the DVC30 for less than $2200.

Yeah, but what about quality widescreen?

If there is a NTSC GS400 with identical specs to the GS100 (regardless of body size or color) then it will definitely be superior to the GS100 in the fact that we'll get a North American warranty and English menus.

2. Pany's new universal cam design (similar to GS200).

I thought the GS400 looked like a DV953 and would roughly be the same size??

...I thought the GS400 looked like a DV953 and would roughly be the same size??

I mean the simplified power switch, the new dial mode at the back side of the cam and the big cross-layout (multi-function) buttons inside the LCD panel, replacing the jogwheel.

No, don't replace the jogwheel~! :)