JVC GR-D370

Average User Rating

4 reviews

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JVC GR-D370 - top JVC GR-D370 - side JVC GR-D370 - back
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  • JVC GR-D370 - top
  • JVC GR-D370 - side
  • JVC GR-D370 - back

CNET Editors' Review

The good: This MiniDV camcorder is relatively inexpensive and offers a powerful 32X zoom in a fairly compact package.

The bad: Wide-screen video appears distorted on the display; viewfinder must be extended to be activated.

The bottom line: Despite its relatively low price and big optical zoom range, the JVC GR-D370 does little else to distinguish itself in budget class.

Review: Wide-screen video is all the rage these days. With high-definition, 16:9 televisions becoming more and more popular, it's easy to see why even budget MiniDV camcorders such as the JVC GR-D370 are starting to include wide-screen modes. This model is actually an upgraded version of JVC's GR-D350, which costs only slightly less and is nearly identical, save for the D370's wide-screen support and a video light.

At less than a pound and just 2.3 inches thick, the GR-D370's slim frame is small and light enough to carry in a handbag or backpack. Unfortunately, the

... Expand full review
Wide-screen video is all the rage these days. With high-definition, 16:9 televisions becoming more and more popular, it's easy to see why even budget MiniDV camcorders such as the JVC GR-D370 are starting to include wide-screen modes. This model is actually an upgraded version of JVC's GR-D350, which costs only slightly less and is nearly identical, save for the D370's wide-screen support and a video light.

At less than a pound and just 2.3 inches thick, the GR-D370's slim frame is small and light enough to carry in a handbag or backpack. Unfortunately, the small form factor means cramped and awkward controls for large hands, but the camcorder is a good match for smaller to more average-size palms.

JVC GR-D370
The JVC GR-D370's record and still/slow buttons are uncomfortably small, as well as too close together; even a medium-size thumb ends up hitting them simultaneously.

JVC GR-D370
JVC GR-D370
The GR-D370's navigation switch and nearby buttons (top) provide little tactile feedback, and the zoom slider (bottom) feels a bit sticky.

The GR-D370's features are standard for a compact, budget camcorder. Its sensor is a puny 680,000-pixel CCD, with just 340,000 effective pixels for both stills and movies. While you get a relatively powerful 32X optical zoom lens, there's only digital rather than optical image stabilization, so you'll get a fair amount of jitter at maximum zoom unless you're using a tripod. The camera also accepts SD cards for recording still images, but the tiny sensor means your photos will really be suitable only for e-mailing, not printing.

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Average User Rating

2.5 stars out of 4 user reviews

Rating Breakdown

  • 5 star: 0
  • 4 star: 1
  • 3 star: 2
  • 2 star: 0
  • 1 star: 1

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Most recent user reviews

Showing 3 of 4 reviews

3.0 stars

"Not bad for a cheaper camcorder" By DLG454

Pros: easy to use, I got mine gently used, so I got a GREAT deal on it. It's great for just everyday use, taking vids of the grandkids and such.

Cons: the buttons are annoying sometimes

Summary: i love the ability to switch from mini tapes or memory card. the start/stop button is situated in a precarious position, and I didn't find the record/off/play switch easy to maneuver. the camcorder may not have as great a pic as high end cameras, but, all-in-all ... Expand full review

3.5 stars

"Overall good cheap camera" By asonofgod

Pros: Great video quality, Fits hand easy, grat optical zoom.

Cons: Smooshed screen in 16:9. A little hard to use some options.

Summary: Overall this is a good camera. However when you use it in 16:9 ratio the screen looks smooshed, however it looks great when played back on PC or TV. Some of its features are a bit hard to find or set. It has great video quality, and great optical ... Expand full review

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