JVC GR-DA30US Mini DV Camcorder

Description: The JVC GR-DA30US is a MiniDV-based, home-movie camcorder.Compared to other home-movie camcorders on the market, it is very inexpensive at around $190.

Pros: Has a 30x optical zoom, which is somewhat more powerful than some similarly priced camcorders.Supports manual focus, which helps intermediate users to shoot in hard-to-focus situations.In addition, frequent travelers will appreciate how relatively little it weighs, only 13.6 ounces.

Cons: Has only a 2.4-inch viewscreen.

Suitability: A home-movie camcorder, suited for family use.

Value: In view of its very inexpensive price, this camcorder has great features for the money.

Suggestions: For more help selecting the right digital camcorder, visit CNET Reviews' buying guide.

CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.

• Manufacturer: JVC
• Part Number: GRDA30US

• General

• Product Type Camcorder
• Digital Zoom 800 x
• Optical Sensor Size 1/6"
• Optical Sensor Type CCD
• Analog Video Format NTSC
• Special Effects Sepia, Mirror, Strobe, Classic Film, Black & White
• Image Stabilizer Electronic
• Digital Scene Transition Slide wipe, Black fader, Scroll wipe, White fader
• Min Shutter Speed 1/60 sec
• Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec
• Shooting Programs Snow, Spotlight, Night mode, Sports mode, Twilight mode
• White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
• White Balance Presets Fine, Cloudy, Halogen
• Exposure Modes Manual, Program, Automatic
• Exposure Metering Spot, Matrix
• Camera Flash None
• Webcam Capability Yes

• Main Features

• Color Support Color
• TV Tuner None

• Memory / Storage

• Flash Memory None
• Floppy Drive None
• Media Type Mini DV
• Recording Speed LP, SP

• Lens System

• Type Zoom lens - 2.3 mm - 69 mm - F/2.0-4.1
• Focal Length 2.3 mm - 69 mm
• Lens Aperture F/2.0-4.1
• Optical Zoom 30 x
• Lens system type Zoom lens
• Min focal length 2.3 mm
• Max focal length 69 mm
• Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
• Filter Size 27 mm
• Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
• Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive

• Additional Features

• DV input Yes
• Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
• Search Modes Blank search
• Additional Features Built-in speaker, Auto gain control, 16:9 widescreen mode, Backlight compensation
• Time Code Yes
• Included Accessories Lens cap, Camcorder shoulder strap

• Viewfinder

• Viewfinder Type None

• Display

• Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.4 in - Color

• Digital Player (Recorder)

• Type None

• Microphone

• Type Microphone - Built-in
• Microphone Features Wind noise reduction

• Connections

• Connector Type 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire/i.LINK), 1 x DC power input

• Audio Input

• Audio input type Microphone
• Microphone type Built-in
• Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
• Microphone Technology Electret condenser

• Miscellaneous

• Carrying Case None
• Cables Included A/V cable

• Power

• Power Device Power adapter - External

• Battery

• Supported Battery JVC BN-VF808
• Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 730 mAh ( Included )

• Viewfinder / Display

• Display Form Factor Sliding
• Display Format 112,000 pixels

• Environmental Parameters

• Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
• Max Operating Temperature 104 °F

• Physical Characteristics

• Width 2.8 in
• Depth 4.6 in
• Height 3 in
• Weight 13.6 oz

JVC

Manufacturer profile

• Website: http://www.jvc.com/
• Address: 1700 Valley Road, , .
• Phone: 800-526-5308