Pal,NTSC

[ribac]

Hi,I have a dilemma.
I'm here in US right now and want to buy either Panasonic GS400 or GS250
camcorder.I'll go probably with GS250 but NTSC standart.
I actually live in Europe.Is it a bad idea to tape it in NTSC and then to capture it in PAL using Premiere??Or maybe leave it in NTSC,usually most DVD players and TV's includes both systems.Any opinion.
I can buy GS250 PAL version here but it's $200 more then NTSC.
On the other side GS400 PAL version costs $150 less($1154) then NTSC version/

[Richard_G]

If you want PAL output buy a PAL camcorder, if you want NTSC output, buy an NTSC camcorder. You could leave it as NTSC if you must as all European DVD players can play NTSC discs, but bear in mind that PAL DV converts to DVD compliant much better than NTSC DV does. Converting from one to the other just isn't worth it. The quality you will lose will be a waste of the camcorders capabilities.

[ribac]

So If I fully understand PAL is slightly of better quality then NTSC??
The reason I was asking is only because of the Panasonic GS250 I want to buy.It's $720 for NTSC.On the other hand GS400 looks nice,a litle bit bigger,better features but $1154 for PAL version.I don't know If I will use all those features but it seems like I'm going need to buy GS400 PAL.In Europe is more expensive

[Richard_G]

That's correct, PAL DV converts to DVD much better. If the encoding is done properly the finished DVD looks exactly the same quality as playing back the tape direct to the TV. See item 7 of Lordsmurfs wonderful guide http://www.digitalfaq.com/dvdguides/capture/dv.htm.
The prices you quote do look pretty cheap, I would go for the GS400 PAL version at $1154, that cam retails at around £1100 in the UK (which is around $2000). It can be got cheaper if you shop around, but I've never seen it that cheap!

[edDV]

If you are planning to stay in Europe, buy PAL equipment.

Are you planning to return to the USA? If so, I suggest you master your DV material in NTSC standard so that everything works directly when you return home.

NTSC material plays on most PAL DVD players and TV sets (with compromise) but PAL will not play back to NTSC sets when you get home unless you buy very expensive multisystem equipment.

True you can start with a PAL DV master and make it into a NTSC DVD but it would require deinterlacing the PAL video which will degrade the image in NTSC.

So, in summary if you plan to stay in Europe buy PAL, if you plan to return home buy NTSC.

PS: Oops, live in Europe? Anyway, buy the equipment for your home region, the place you will eventually live.

[nwo]

have a look at this i just got a GS-400 on ebay for £699

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-Panasonic-NV-GS400-4mp-Camcorder-Worldwide-Wrty_W0QQitemZ753...QQcmdZViewItem

[edDV]

Great deal if it's mint condition.
PAL model.

[ribac]

Why don't you buy it online in USA.I'm gonna buy it here in US PAL system from www.digitalfotoclub.com.They even ship internationally.

[ribac]

Don't you think GS400 is too much bulky??

[nwo]

Don't you think GS400 is too much bulky??

In fact in a bit too small for me!, i kind of miss my old Panasonic M10.

[lenti_75]

buy it, if the price is what you're looking for

most european dvd and tv's play ntsc, so no problem
just leave it as ntsc, don't convert it to pal, to much work and you loose quality.

[Richard_G]

buy it, if the price is what you're looking for

most european dvd and tv's play ntsc, so no problem
just leave it as ntsc, don't convert it to pal, to much work and you loose quality.

:)

By starting with an NTSC source the quality is inferior before you do any conversion. Spend the extra and buy PAL and at least start with decent quality and have something that is totally compatible with every other piece of European equipment. All European DVD players will play back NTSC discs, but not all TVs will accept an NTSC input. Most will but some of the cheaper ones, particularly portables, won't. An NTSC camcorder would be no good if you wanted to connect it to somebody elses TV to show them something you had shot.

On the subject of the GS400 being big, you can't have everything. It is a 3CCD camcorder so has to be big to fit everything inside. You need (ideally) the 3CCDs to get the best possible quality, so again you have a decision to make. Do you go for a tiny little camcorder and accept that quality will be compromised or do you go for a bigger one and get the best you can? Personally, I find the GS400 too small, but I've got two Sony VX series camcorders...... Even they are too small, a decent camcorder should really sit on your shoulder!

[ribac]

Just bought PAL GS400 for $1154. Main think in desicion was "true" 16:9

[ribac]

And you're right.It's not too big.I have my old camera a more bigger.Anyway I think spend extra for good camera which will last for me for another couple of years it;s good idea.

Thanks for help

[edDV]

The GS400 is a great cam for the price.