JVC Everio GZ-MS120 user reviews (blue)

4.0 stars

"Great zoom, good price ... but YouTube may need work" on July 6, 2009 by RazorMaker

Pros: It fits my hand perfectly, file transfers are quick, SD cards are cheap and easy to find, shutter-style lens cover is better than a cap, DVDs are crystal clear (ultrafine video), good for filming family events, good stereo, fast recharging

Cons: YouTube videos are grainy, no view finder, no shoulder strap, MOD files are not seen as MPEG-2 files by video editors (you have to tell them), need newish computer with fast processor to view video clearly

Summary: I bought this camera for its optical zoom, SD storage, ergonomics, etc., and because my old tape-based camcorder is a JVC, and it's great (unfortunately, mini-DV tapes stretch). I didn't want an HD or DVD camcorder because they have moving parts, compatibility problems, use too much power, etc. I had a Toshiba Camelio S10 HD camcorder, but it was terrible: grainy, blurry images, QuickTime format that doesn't work with QuickTime, flickering white spots started appearing in videos less than two months after buying the camera, good YouTube interface, but very slow with video files and images aren't fluid, no apparent customer service support from seller, etc. The JVC is completely different and worth the expense. I'm still figuring out the YouTube functionality, but I've DVD'd a few videos and the image quality is great. Watch that flip-out screen, though, and use Ultrafine for the best results. The camera isn't set at the factory to turn off completely when you close the screen. I think you can set the camera to do this, but (I need to check) it may not turn off so that you can record with the screen closed or close the screen when the camera is connected to a computer, etc.