Sound Advice: Panasonic's exit doesn't mean end of plasma TVs

Q: Any updates on the situation with Panasonic plasma TVs?

A: Panasonic has announced that it is ceasing production of plasma TVs, but the reports of plasma's death have been greatly exaggerated. At the time of Panasonic's announcement, South Korean manufacturers LG and Samsung said they would continue to develop plasma TV and will have new models for 2014.

Since the Panasonic news started circulating, I have received a deluge of e-mail about plasma, Panasonic and what to buy. It's too bad interest wasn't this high before, when it might have made a difference. I will write more about this in my next column.

Q: My receiver doesn't have a phono input. Can I connect my record player to another input such as CD or AUX (auxiliary)?

A: If your turntable has a built-in phono preamp you can use an ordinary input. Just be sure your turntable is set to "Line," not "Phono."

If your turntable doesn't have a phono preamp, you can get one for as little as $20. The Behringer PP400 is a good one for occasional listening.

Q: I work for an auto dealership, and we're considering a mirrorless camera for use in our business. The most important function will be video recording. I worked in the TV broadcast industry as a reporter and editor, and I'm used to extremely high-­quality video. The camera must also have a separate microphone input so we can use camera-mounted and wireless microphones. Still capabilities are important, but secondary to the video functionality and quality.

A: If the best video is what you are after, get a Panasonic.

Olympus and Panasonic are quite candid about the capabilities of their Micro Four Thirds cameras. Olympus is traditionally a still photography company and has stated that its goal is to make the best cameras for still photography, while retaining good video capabilities. Panasonic markets its cameras as hybrids.

I've tested Panasonic's LUMIX DMC-G6, and the video quality is extraordinary. I take the memory card from the camera, put it in my TV's SD card slot and I'm treated to video that looks as if it was recorded by a TV station. It is $648 with kit lens.

If cost is no object, the LUMIX DMC-GH3 ($998, camera body only) has video processing that is so good that the camera is used in professional filmmaking.

Those who don't need an external mic input can get a LUMIX DMC-G5 with kit lens for $399 on Amazon, reduced from $699.