Finally Did it!!! GS400 is on the way!!!
 

After a lot of research and headaches trying to decide what camcorder would be right for me at this point......I finally decided on the Panasonic GS400. I ordered it from "I buy Digital" with an accessory kit to go with and a Mack extended warranty. Should be here Thursday of next week. I'm excited and I'm pretty sure this will be a decent "first camera" for me. I thought about higher priced cameras like the (XL2) and HDV cameras too but just couldn't justify this much money or technology for myself at this point in time. The GS400 should be a good ground level camera, with cool creative features to get me started into digital video. Next purchase is my NLE software. (????) Just may go with Adobe Elements for now.

Congraz on the new camera and why buy expensive equipment when you can rent it for a day when you need it.

John

Congratulations, Steve! You picked a winner!!

Congratulations, Steve!

Hope you will enjoy it.

Your next purchase item really should be a UV filter if you have not gotten it IMHO.

Regards
Leigh

Leigh, I did get a small filter kit that includes a UV. This 3pc filter kit was a part of the accessory package deal that I bought the camera with. Also came with titanium wide angle and tele lenses that screw on (I guess). Also a full sized tri-pod, extended 4hour life battery, Delux carry case, 5 miniDV tapes and a lense care kit. I think thats all. Sweet!!!!!

Congrats, Steve! It's a great little video camera.

Congratulations Steve,

I just got one last month and love it. I use it for second camera with my XL-1s and the footage really blends in well. My only complaint is that the manual focus and zoom are on the same ring so you can only do one at a time. You really need to plan your shots well cause if it and decide which one to use on auto function.

That and of course it's such a small camera that it can be hard to hold and shoot with but on a tripod it looks like a camera costing three time as much.

Obviously, you don't know much about the GS400 if you think you only have zoom control via the ring in manual.

Okay Guy,
how do I do a manual zoom with out the ring on the lens?

Use the zoom toggle or the wired remote.

Well that's not really a MANUAL zoom then is it Guy?

Thanks for the support guys. I'm sure I've made a good decision. Anyone here have experience with the Letus35 adaptor? I've read a little about it in "Alternative Imaging Methods" and there are a few GS400 owners who use it. Just curious. Also, has anyone messed around much with the add on titanium 2x tele lense and wide angle lenses like I mentioned with the package deal?

Just to add to the suggestions above...I now often replace my UV filter with an ND filter when using the GS400 in bright sunlight. I get vignetting effects with both fitted at the same time.

The zoom ring is not really manual either. It uses motorized servos.

Congrat
 

Congratulation.
I was thinking about VX2100 or similar too,but I'm at point of learning curve,so like"John" suggested why not rent it If you need it.
I love GS400.It's not a proff.camera but like I said I'm in learning curve.
If you need anything about GS400 visit www.pana3ccduser.com there are a lot of guys who can help you out with everything.I think Guy here is one of them.Thanks to him I know a lot of stuff better than from Panasonic poor written manual.
Those guys are crazy,they can make GS400 look like proff. camera with a few extra accessories.I love them,they are great.
As for NLE I like Premiere Pro.I bought Total trainig DVD's which are great and you can always sell them on Ebay.
I think Guy use Vegas which is supposed to be another great NLE,but I've never tried.
anyway good luck