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"Great entry level/family camcorder..." on by bignerd972
Pros: Harddrive = NO TAPES, 32X zoom, compact size, cost(on ebay)... Did I mention NO TAPES
Cons: records on .mod format
Summary: First, let me say that this product actually deserves a 8.5 to 9 rating. I normally do give any product a 10 b/c nothing is perfect but some numnutz gave it a 6 b/c of stabilization issues so I wanted to even it out a bit.
Anyhow, I really love this camcorder. This is definitely no professional Hi-Def cam but it does what it is supposed to do and it does it quite well. If you are in the market for an average to above average point and shoot cam for family events and around the house recording for those special moments, this is your camcorder. A previous commenter explained that he had stabilization issues. My advice to him is to get a tripod(I purchased one on ebay for 15 bucks). I would consider my hand just as stable as the next man and I have had no stability problems w/ the MG155. The image quality is pretty good actually; Better then I thought, yes, even in low light conditions! Again, if you are looking for a Hi-Def cam, go buy one. If you are looking for an affordable harddrive based, family cam with a good picture, this is for you...
There my be other cons but the only one that really sticks out to me is the fact that the cam records in the .mod format... It really isn't that big of a problem b/c all you have to do is rename the file to .mpg using this small program... You can read more about the process at camcorderinfo.com: The name of the program is "SD Copy" -
"If you have a MAC and need to convert MOD files do this...." on by SnitGTS
Pros: Small, Easy to Use, No Tapes
Cons: Saves movies in .MOD Files
Summary: I haven't really had that much time to play with the camera yet, so I don't feel right reviewing it yet. However, I have had extensive experience trying to get the movie files to play in QuickTime on my Mac.
First off, this camera is compatible with Mac os x!!!! However, JVC saves the files as MOD. For the easiest way to convert it and be able to view AND hear it in Quick Time, do this.
Go to http://www.squared5.com/svideo/mpeg-streamclip-mac.html and download MPEG StreamClip (either 1.8 or the beta will do). Then open the .MOD file in the program, click File, and select "Export as Quicktime" and it'll do the rest!
I'm writing this because I just spent 2 hours trying to find a way to convert the files WITH sound. This WILL WORK!!! -
"Finally, a camcorder I will use." on by Groover_1971
Pros: Analog video input, Easy operation, nice docking station
Cons: low-res stills, no IR light for night shots
Summary: I searched online and in stores for three days before I decided on this camera. The 30G harddrive was my main focus. I also looked at Sony but I didn't like its tiny touch screen much. I liked the placement of the controls on the JVC better too.
It was easy to operate. I read the instructions while the battery was charging.
One of the surprise features that I found was the ability to "dub" from an analog signal such as a VCR or DVD player. Since my old camera is a VHS-C, I can use this to convert my old tapes to DVDs using the "S-Video" cable port in the docking station. In other words, if it can be connected to a TV, it can be recorded (hint, hint).
I had read that the low light filming wasn't very good. They must have been talking about "no light" filming because it makes good movies indoors. Strangely enough, it does detect and record infrared light but doesn't seem to have one onboard. I found this out when shooting with the included remote control.
I really wanted to get the GZ-MG255 which costs about $50-$100 more but I couldn't find anyone that sells them except online and needed one sooner.
I made the first DVD which got my wife's approval so I'm happy. We will be using this on our vacations mostly but also just around the house. Without the tapes or mini-dvds to cope with, this should be a great grab-n-go video solution. -
"Not a good camera if you're moving and shaking too much." on by Zin2007
Pros: Decent HD size (30 gb - no need for tapes), lots of features, external night light, widescreen recording, good video quality and compact.
Cons: Video is too shaky.
Summary: I did some research and bought the GZ-MG155 because it had almost everything I wanted for the price, however when I did a playback on a few of the shots I took, all of them were way too shaky. Even the ones I was did my best not to be shaky.
It's just way too sensitive. After watching a few minutes I got motion sickness. Having the "anti shaky" thingie turned on didn't help much. I don't know if it's the brand or what. I'll just put it on a stand whenever I need to use it.
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"Good camera for the money - throw away the software" on by photo-nerd
Pros: Good, cheap camera, decent quality
Cons: software stinks need high level of pc knowledge to get it to produce good results.
Summary: This is my first hard drive camcorder. It's easy to use and cheap. After hours of using this with my computer, I've discovered the following (btw: I'm using Vista Ultimate).
Don't use the Everio software, it's buggy, bloated, and featureLESS! Instead, connect via USB and copy the movies to your harddrive.
NOTE: the 16:9 doesn't display correctly. There is a problem with the way the videos are recorded...use a freeware ap called sdcopy on camcorderinfo.com
If you want to play the movies before editing, use windows media player classic (it's a freeware ap). Normal windows media player doesn't work (some of Vista sucks)
Both Vista's movie maker and Premiere Elements 3 can view/edit the fixed files from sdcopy. For best results when saving the wmv use a freeware plugin for premiere elements called a frameserver (available from debugmode)...you can do a search for it. Then frameserve the video to windows media encoder (a freeware ap) and their you go.
Also, this camera has a video/audio input not advertised...I recorded some TV with it last night from my VCR Composite out...and it worked great!
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