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Average user rating:
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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6 out of 6 people found this review helpful
3.5 stars
"Seven so far."
Pros: Fast file transfer, Streams USB, Good menu package
Cons: Poor IS correction, small LCD, Awkward Zoom/Wide
Summary: I gave this a seven since all you have to do is plug in via usb and transfer your *MOD files, change the your file extensions to MPG and there you have quality mpeg2. I didn't even had to load the supplied software. Good job JVC. Huge file transfer time savings!
>>Just remember you need the mpeg2 codec on your PC<<
Recording Quality:
Haven't really had time to scrutinize quality. I expect Fair/Good daytime video and sound quality. The 1.8 lens definitely won't make it a contender for low light quality recording without a video light. The camera does have a manual gain adjustment though.
The still mode shoots right to hard disk as well and seems to be fairly responsive time wise and has a built in flash which seems to do a decent job for what it is.
I thought that the audible lens cover alarm was helpful since I always tend to leave or put the lens cover on frequently.
The supplied battery lasted about 45 minutes with more then average zoom usage.
Concerns:
Hard drive storage media, I bought the store extended warranty without even thinking about it.
The Image Stabilization circuitry is fair at best, I have to hold it with two hands or use the mono pod. This is probably true for all cameras this size.
I think a little more thought could have been used in the Zoom/Wide button design and placement.Updated
The 1/3.6 CCD package performed better then the same size CCD package in my old Hitachi DMZ580 (The not so old Hitachi unit failed me). The video in HQ mode was quite crisp going camera to TV through the simple RCA jacks in the front of my Epson 47" widescreen. I shot the video in normal (not wide mode) and to my surprise the video filled my entire widescreen with no application of wide, squeeze or zoom. I exepected normal which leaves undisplayed areas at the outer ends of the tv display. Don't know if I thank JVC or Epson? Faster panning produced significant pixellation. I was shooting a high school water polo final (indoors, nighttime, bright sodium lighting) and did not try "sports" (faster shutter speed) mode so better results may be possible. All in all, way better then I expected.
Special note: Get quality fair priced JVC camcorder replacement batteries at calcellular.com. You'll need em. One of the major electronics retail stores sold me a 2 hour eveready battery for $90.00 which didn't communicate with my camera. If you don't want to fool around get the JVC product from B&H Photo.
Thank you calcellular.com, I hope you get some more business from this review.
