Panasonic again upped the value for pro-quality video imaging in under-$1,000 digital camcorder models by incorporating optical -- not digital -- image stabilization into the new PV-GS250, introduced at CES 2005 earlier this month. A year ago, Panasonic drew attention and praise in the camcorder world by introducing the lowest-priced three-chip camcorders ever, the PV-GS120, at $699.95, and the PV-GS200, at $999.95. All professional video camcorders use three-chip (3CCD) designs, because of superior picture quality, while most consumer models use a single image sensor. Similarly, optical stabilizers are generally considered superior to electronic versions, but most consumer camcorders use the less expensive electronic method.