The PV-GS39 is a low- to midrange unit in Panasonic’s current line of compact MiniDV camcorders. The PV-GS39 is smaller and sleeker than its predecessor, last year’s PV-GS31, and it offers an improved feature set over the current low-end PV-GS29. This camcorder has true widescreen recording and a bigger 2-7/10-inch widescreen LCD display. It also has a USB connection, something the less-expensive model lacks. This allows you to use the PV-GS39 as a webcam or video conferencing tool (optional cable and software required), and the USB enables much faster downloads to a computer.

The new Panasonic PV-GS39 aims to uphold the high standards that Panasonic set forth in their 2005 PV-GS series. As a 1 chip camcorder standing smack in the middle between the new GS19 and GS59, the PV-GS39 looks to replace and improve upon the last year’s PV-GS31, starting with a smaller, redesigned body, true 16:9 capture, a 2.7” widescreen LCD, and a small 26x to 30x zoom increase.

Panasonic’s PV-GS39 is an inexpensive, entry-level camcorder with a long reach. Its 30X optical zoom brings even distant subjects into close view, though you’ll want a tripod to steady the camera. The PV-GS39 offers relatively good video quality across a variety of lighting conditions, but we were disappointed by its consistent graininess, especially compared to last year’s PV-GS35.