Editorial Review

Featuring a compact, vertically aligned body to go along with its potent 10x optical zoom, the GR-DVM76U is a great buy for those in need of portability, but who don't want to sacrifice quality. Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder
• 10x optical, 200x digital, zoom with image stabilization
• 2.5-inch color LCD, black and white EVF
• Records 1024 x 768 digital stills onto included 8 MB SD card
• Full color low-light shooting mode

Reviews (2)

this camcorder has weak points
I don't want to talk about good points for this camcorder here. I just want to point out some weakness. The Perfect Beginner's Camcorder
I bought this camcorder (Not From Amazon. I bought it cheaper) and it's my first camcorder. What a camcorder it is! Read more

Editorial Review

Smaller than most paperback books, JVC's Micro Pocket GR-DVP9 features a 1.33 Super HS megapixel CCD, 540 horizontal lines of resolution and UXGA size HG digital stills (1600 x 1200 pixels). It has a 10x optical and 200x digital zoom with a 2" LCD screen and includes a 8MB SD card. That stores MP3 sound effects as well as digital stills. Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder with 10x optical zoom
• Image stabilization for smoother and steadier video
• Color LCD screen with 200,000 Pixel Resolution
• Comes with software for easy CD creation
• USB PC Link

Reviews (4)

this camera started a revolution
small camera with allot of value. Video quality is above what you would think a small camera could do. JVC proves they now what they are doing with this camera. image stabilization works top notch when zoomed back. dim lit rooms are pretty good. portability is perfect. slide lens cover is very convenient!!!! very well built and it fills so in your hand. i have 5 video camera's and i always take this one everywhere i go. instant on and off when you lift thelcd screen is a bonus feature that you will learn to love. manual controls for $600 dollar camera are above par. If you are contimplating buying this camera do so- you will be very satisfied!

What good is looks without reliability?
I am an aesthetic person and i love beautiful things, so when i saw this, I bought it automatically on looks alone. Its functionality is great too but it all went wrong after 6 months. The flip out 2 inch screen started going blank when i pulled it out. Because of this it has soured my experience of the product hence only 3 stars. Has anyone ever had this problem and how, or how much did it cost you to fix it.

maravilla en miniatura
es una excelente camara de video, con una resolucion deslumbrante , facilidad para poder manejarla con solo una mano, y una calidad de construccion esplendida.Read more

Editorial Review

The JVC GR-DVL815U is a true workhorse of a camcorder. All the features usually found in higher-end electronics are packed into this small, easy-to-carry device. The 680,000-pixel CCD of the GR-DVL815U also captures digital stills that are recorded onto either tape or the included 16 MB MMC card. The GR-DVL815U is compatible with both MultiMedia or SD memory cards.Read more

Features

• MiniDV
• MiniDV camcorder
• 10x optical, 400x digital zoom with digital image stabilization
• 3-inch color LCD monitor and monochrome EVF
• Photo mode records still images onto tape or included 16 MB MMC card
• Uses an included lithium-ion battery; also includes remote control, AC adapter/charger, shoulder strap

Reviews (5)

A good camcorder for the money
I bought this model after I have done quite sometime researching for this range of camcorders. This one was picked because it provides the most of the features for the money. Also, because I don't care much for the still picture quality since digital camera is what you should get if you are in for still pictures. In term of video quality, this one offers the same par with a much higher cost models. I have used it for over 9 months now, and over all, I'm very happy with it. Here some not quite good features that I observed: Great camcorder for the money
My husband and I bought this camcorder to make short films for competition and we were very happy with it. The picture quality is excellent both indoors and out. The sound is good but it tends to pick up a lot of echo in large indoor spaces. It doesn't eat up battery power (which was a concern) and is very easy to use. The night-alive feature was a disappointment though... as the others have said it makes your subjects blurry and appear in slow motion. Overall, we love this camera and are very pleased with its performance.

not all it's said to be..
I bought this camcorder and I took it home and tested it before I wrapped it. ... .. Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder
• 10x optical, 700x digital, zoom with image stabilization
• 3.5-inch color LCD; color EVF
• Digital still mode records megapixel images onto included 16 MB MultiMediaCard
• Analog inputs for digital archiving

Reviews (9)

Awsome Camcorder
I owned this camera for 2 years, and used it for lots of kids activities, hockey games and soccer games.I loved the fact that you could take video, and then go home and take still pictures of your video footage.It is nice not to have a digital camera on one shoulder, and a camcorder on the other.It does take a minute to switch to memory to take a picture, and then back to video to take video, but it is not all that bad, especially when you can video the whole thing, and then take still pics of the video.We went to EuroDisney for one of our kids dance recitals, and the camera fell about 3 feet and broke.Since then, I have been using a friends 820U, and even though it is almost the same camera, unfortunately, it does not take still pics as well as the 920U.I think I am gonna upgrade again, the pics arn't as clear, but the video is the same.I spend alot of time taking my video and transferring it to DVD movies to send to my parents back in the states, since we have moved to the UK for a year and a half now.She said she definately feels like she is not missing as much as the grandkids lives with the video I send.It is easy to transfer the video to the computer, and of course, takes a while to edit, since I tape everything!LOLIt is a camcorder I would defiantely recommend if you tapes lots of kids activities and wants still pics and video.

Serious problem with "digital noise"
I purchased the camera as a gift for my husband in July of 2002. As new parents, we expected that we would want a camcorder to record important moments in our children's infancy and toddlerhood. We have not been able to do so, as the camera has been out of commission or in the repair shop for most of the time we've owned it. Excellent camcorder
This is an excellent camcorder.Read more

Editorial Review

Elegantly styled with an easy to use design, JVC's GRDV800 takes full advantage of the MiniDV system and provides a sharp 540 horizontal lines of resolution, ensuring outstandingly vibrant images. Some of the features of the camcorder include a huge 3.5-inch LCD screen, 10x optical zoom, accessory info shoe, the ability to record MPEG4 clips, and remarkable still camera performance. Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder with 10x optical zoom, 300x digital zoom, image stabilization
• 3.5-inch fold-out color LCD screen and color viewfinder
• Takes digital stills (1600 x 1200) and stores them on MMC card (8MB card included)
• MPEG 4 e-mail video clips, Web cam function
• Connects to PCs and Macs via Firewire (IEEE1394) and USB (for photos)

Reviews (16)

Fairly neat camera
I am fairly happy with this camera. It does not perform well in less than perfect lighting conditions, as others have mentioned. I always get yellow "splotches" wherever there is white, in both video and still mode (except in daylight), rendering most pictures somewhat worthless. I've not heard of others mentioning this yellow problem so it could be specific to my camera.
Poor focus, bad in low ligh
I purchased this camera for $800 about a year ago and it should of been worth $400-500.
I think this is a Terrific Camcorder
I've had my JVC GR-DV800 for close to 2 months now, and I'm extraordinarily pleased. It's my first camcorder, and I don't regret in the slightest the choice I made, having tested much of the major functionality, especially interfacing with a computer. Although it appears this model is getting harder to find new, I would recommend it unequivocally to anyone considering buying it. I'd like to address some of the specific aspects I've seen downgraded by other reviews here and elsewhere on the web, as well as passing along my experiences with the more advanced capabilities, in particular, operation in conjunction with a computer.Read more

Editorial Review

Whether you're recording your vacation, your children, or any event, theultracompact JVC GR-DVL805U digital cybercam offers a wide range of features tohelp you take the best shots. Not only does it act as a regular camcorder, butit also can function as a digital still camera. The still images are stored onthe included memory card and can be downloaded onto your PC via the providedserial cable. The included software provides a short editing process to makeyour images Web ready or e-mail compliant.Read more

Features

• High-resolution MiniDV digital format
• Large 3.5-inch swivel color LCD monitor
• Also functions as digital still camera; 2 MB storage card included
• 10x optical, 250x digital zoom
• Includes special effects and scene transitions

Reviews (27)

Upgrade available for Picture Navigator for Windows XP
I recently purchase a new PC with Window XP Professional.I was having trouble downloading images to my PC, like many of the other reviews have stated.I found a download which fixed my problem.
troubles transferring still images from serial port
I was quite impressed when I first used this camera, but after a few months, it's turning out to be a problem. I'm having the worst luck trying to download the still images on to my PC. Apparently, the enclosed software Multimedia Navigator(1 disc: JLIP VideoCapture | JLIP VideoProducer | PictureNavigator) does not work on the Windows 98 as it said, neither in W2K and Windows XP. Don't buy this
I bought this in a few years ago and it worked fine for a while.Read more

Editorial Review

Although larger than most MiniDV cameras, the JVC GR-DVL120U still feels lightweight and fits snugly into the palm of one hand. It also doesn't offer some of the high-end features of other MiniDV cameras, but for the inexpensive price of $400, it's still a great value.Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder
• 16x optical, 700x digital, zoom with image stabilization
• 2.5-inch color LCD; black and white EVF
• Snapshot mode records stills onto tape
• S-Video and IEEE1394 outputs

Reviews (21)

Good camera for the money
I reluctantly bought a display model of the GR-DVL120U about a year ago.I choose this model because of price, shape/size and the fact it was digital.Price was the biggest concern because the soul purpose was for shooting underwater video (if my housing flooded, I would be out less money).The camera is still going strong despite use in some rough environments.The video quality is very good and if works great for connecting to a computer (something my girlfriends Sony doesn't do well).The manual setting on the camera is great because I can lock the focus and everything for shooting underwater.That way it doesn't search for focus in low light conditions.There's lots of different settings you can tweak in the manual mode to work in your environment (I can get good footage 119 ft underwater!)The negative would be the camera isn't very common so it isn't always easy to find batteries or other accessories (like a good fisheye lens)

do not buy!!!!
it broke the third time we used it.no power, nothing.now the labor warranty is expired and the tape is stuck inside!do not nuy no matter how great the deal.you will buy buy a peice of excretory waste.

defective!!!
I had the camcorder for about a year and then BANG, this whinding noise starts to happen... I can't record with it anymore... It seems with the slightest touch, it makes a whinding noise and tottally destroys the image... This product was a great deal... Too bad it doesn't work! ... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. gr-dvl120U    2. 120, 120U   

Editorial Review

JVC's GR-DVL915U brings a true workhorse of a camcorder for all your digital video and photo needs. Many of the features usually found in higher-end electronics are packed into this small, easy-to-carry device. With a 680,000 pixel CCD, the GR-DVL915U captures the 520 lines of resolution common to the digital video standard--making every memory captured sharp and crisp. There is also a built-in digital still camera that captures images in many modes, such as full screen, frame, pin-up, negative, or multipicture, onto tape or an included 16 MB memory card. The GR-DVL915U is compatible with both MultiMedia or SD memory cards.Read more

Features

• MiniDV
• MiniDV camcorder
• 10x optical, 400x digital zoom with digital image stabilization
• 3-inch color LCD monitor and color EVF
• Photo mode records still images onto tape or included 16 MB MMC card
• Uses an included lithium-ion battery; also includes remote control, AC adapter/charger, shoulder strap

Reviews (5)

Initial Quality is Great but a Very Fragile Camera - Not Recommended
I bought this camera in 2001 when the fetures available in this model was fairly high-end among consumer models. The picture and sound quality was great and to my opinion better than comparably priced Sony models.
One of the best camcorder I have ever used
THis camcorder is by far the best one that I have ever used in my life.It gets a butt load of recomendation from me so you should go out and get one yourself.

Get your expectations right
To be honest, I had set my expectations a bit too high and was somewhat disappointed by the image quality. For instance, I had my eye on a digital camera (for stills) as well as a camcorder. So I thought I'd combine the two in a single purchase. Well, guess what! This little baby offers less than 1 megapixel (Mp), while the cheapest digital camera offers at least 1.3 Mp, with many models offering 3.3 and I've even seen ads offering 5 Mp.Read more

Editorial Review

Whether you're recording your vacation, your children, or any event, theultracompact JVC GR-DVL300U digital cybercam offers a wide range of features tohelp you take the best shots. Not only does it act as a regular camcorder, butit can also function as a digital still camera. The still images are stored onthe digital videotape and can be downloaded onto your PC via the provided serialcable. The included software provides a short editing process to make yourimages Web ready or e-mail compliant.Read more

Features

• High-resolution MiniDV digital format
• 2.5-inch swivel color LCD monitor
• Also functions as digital still camera
• 10x optical, 250x digital zoom
• Includes special effects and scene transitions

Reviews (17)

HEAD CLEANING REQUIRED""USE CLEANING CASSETTE"
I purchased my JVC DSL300U new back in 2000.I bought the extended warranty for an extra chunk of change.I couldn't be more unhappy with the product and so I am leaving these commments.It is an expensive camera and it if would have worked some of the time over the last 5 years I would have been happy with it.The largest problem is that it flashes the message "HEAD CLEANING REQUIRED""USE CLEANING CASSETTE".When this happens it does not work.Cleaning does not help.I have had it into the repair shop every time I tried to use it and it would work on average of 10 minutes to 30 minutes after I got it back.Often the authorized repair shop would say they could find nothing wrong or to try JVC tapes.I have only used JVC tapes in the camera.There is also the message E04 that tells you to remove and reinstall the battery.Lets be honest, removing and reinstalling the battery does absolutely nothing to fix the problem.I have taken very good care of it and it has NEVER been dropped.When I have actually thought is was recording and later looked at what I recorded birthday / holiday, Ifound out that it did not work correctly.Wide horizontal red and lines and no sound is not my idea of a good recording.Maybe you think I got a lemon.I did a web search on google with the following: JVC "head cleaning required" .I found out that all of the JVC mini DV cameras have the same problem and I am not alone.Do the search yourself before you buy any JVC video camera.Consumer reports November 2004, page 29 rates JVC mini DV as the worst in repairs and serious problems.It also rates JVC VHS-C as the worst for repairs and serious problems.You have been warned.Good luck!
'great little companion, but delicate.
I've had this camcorder for about 3 years now and it's been a nice addition. The battery life is fair (roughly an hour), and the picture quality is above average. I say that because it doesn't pick up all the details on pictures that you'd get from say just a digital camera. I like how the flashlight in the front actually does a good job and doesn't light things to a minimal effect. Dark rooms light the heck up once you switch that sucker on. The digital screen shows everything perfectly (for its size that is) and you won't have any trouble making sure you're getting everything or not. The sound is pretty good as well. Even when talking close to the speaker on it, I rarely got fuzz or any other weird effects added to voices. There's also a snapshot feature which isn't excactly innovative, but nice if you'd rather take a quick picture instead of taping something for a few seconds. Keep in mind that when you tape something, even after you see the status change to "REC", a second or two might get cut out. With the snapshot though, you don't get the full image because of a white border around the image. So be careful there.
Great for beginners
This is my first camcorder, and I'm having a ball with it!It's so easy to use, and I love the snapshot feature that allows me to take a snapshot image in the midst of recording, and it even throws in a little shutter click sound for effect!Maybe I'm easy to please, as I have no prior camcorder experience, and therefore no preconceived notions as to performance.But the picture looks great, and the sound is decent.I'm basically just using this for family purposes, and it serves me well! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Camcorder - Digital   

Editorial Review

A perfect introduction into the world of digital video, the GR-DVL320U provides all the features you need to get rolling, including a 16x optical zoom, digital image stabilization, and IEEE 1394 compatible outputs. Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder
• 10x optical, 700x digital, zoom with image stabilization
• 2.5-inch color LCD; black and white EVF
• Snapshot mode records stills onto tape
• Integrated autolight; comes with remote control

Reviews (1)

Good midline camera
This camera is a good midline camera with a pretty good level of control in the manual mode and well automated in the auto mode.The DV port is the small 4 pin connector that ships with a lot of after market IEEE-1394(Firewire) cards.If you intend to capture the video off this camera onto your computer you need a FAST PC, I'd say 1.5GHz or better, and over 512MB of RAM with a fast hard drive with LOTS of space, it goes QUICK.Price/Value is good, and I'd buy again knowing what I know about it.The onboard light is very taxing on the battery and should probably not be used unless you are plugged in.Enjoy it.Its a good camera. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The features of the compact, versatile GRD230 are accessible right out of the box. The record button is right under yourthumb, and the digital still shutter button is exactly where your index finger comes to rest on top of the unit. Playback and mode functions are likewise clearly marked and easy to reach under the flip-out LCD screen. The camcorder's well-thought-out design manifests itself in a dozen other thoughtful details as well. One of our favorites is that closing theLCD screen turns the power off, and opening it turns it on, which facilitates quick-draw shooting and means you'll be unlikely to run down the battery accidentally.Read more

Features

• NTSC
• Ultra-compact MiniDV camcorder and still camera with 1.33-megapixel CCD
• 10x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 500x) and image stabilizer
• Crystal View rotating 2.5-inch High Resolution LCD, to reduce glare and reflections from the LCD screen
• Illumi-Light: Built-in Auto light using twin LED lights for 1/10th the power consumption
• BN-V408U 800 mAh Lithium-ion, high-capacity, rechargeable battery pack; camera has built-in battery charger

Reviews (25)

Don't buy this camcorder
I bought this camcorder in 12/04 and I had to take it for service 4 times already. The screen was too dark and when I record, it show in slow motion.
Motor noise record in tape
The picture quality of this camcorder is good, nice body, The motor noise record in tape, I tried evry things, finally I give up, have to return it. The motor noise made me don't want to watch the play back.

Great Quality, Great Price
I bought this as a wedding gift for my sister, and have used it to shoot loads of footage at the wedding. Firstly, I havent heard ANY motor noise (and nobody else seeing the video has either). And I used it in both dimly lit rooms and normally lit rooms as well as outdoors. The picture quality is great, and the sound quality too. The ease of use of this camera in automatic mode meant that any relative of mine could step into my shoes when i wasn't around. Plus the digicam feature was a lifesaver because I ran out of battery on my digicam, and had to use the JVC as the substitute (and the photo quality is prety decent). Also the remote included with it is pretty handy and damn neat.
Read more

Features

• N/A

Features

• Transferto NLE system
• HDV/DV switchableIEEE 1394 digital I/O
• HDMI outputComponent,
• Y/C , and composite outputs
• Uses full size DV or MiniDV

Editorial Review

The compact JVC GR-D90 is a stylish, go-anywhere digital video camcorder that incorporates all JVC's key camcorder technologies. This entry-level MiniDV camcorder is 50 percent smaller than previous models and features a 16x optical zoom, picture stabilization, digital still mode, JVC's Night Alive feature, and a large 3.5-inch LCD.Read more

Features

• NTSC
• MiniDV camcorder with 16x optical zoom, 700x digital zoom, image stabilization
• Large 3.5-inch fold-out color LCD screen and color viewfinder
• Takes digital stills (1024 x 768) and stores them on MMC card (8 MB card included)
• Includes fun photo software: Presto! ImageFolio and Presto! Mr. Photo 3
• Connects to PCs and Macs via Firewire (IEEE1394) and USB (for photos)

Reviews (28)

JVC Camcorders ongoing problem
I own a JVC Camcorder and will never buy another one.It is less than two years old and every couple of months something else goes wrong with it.Right now it has the condensation error, please wait message.Not the only camcorder in the JVC line that gets this and even though more than 10 pages of search results come up on google JVC just says they won't do anything about the problem and your only choice is to take it to a 'service center.'I wouldn't mind if this was the only problem I ran into with the camera (BTW, I live in the very dry Denver and this problem popped up right after changing a tape in a very dry and very clean environment) but my JVC has seen problem after problem

extreme disappointment
I bought this camera because it was cheaper than alot of the others and I thought JVC was a good name.WRONG!I rarely used it, the first few months.Since then, I have not been ABLE to use it!I get the error "PLEASE WAIT. CONDENSATION, OPERATION PAUSED."And I can't do a thing with it. Very upsetting to find out while in labor with my first child. I called JVC who tells me that they have not received that error with this particular model, just with others, and to take it to a service center. After some research online, other models do the same thing, and JVC tells them the SAME THING! Why must we spend money to get it fixed when it is obviously a malfunction JVC knows about and are doing nothing ot fix it.

Its OK... I guess!
This camcorder is not the greatest I am just not thrilled with it as I though I would be, I paid a pretty good price for what I got. Some things that really annoy me about it is the time it takes to focus when you are zooming - sometimes I done missed what image I was trying to capture, pictures with the camcorder are never consistant - some a blurry, so a crisp, you just never know, the built in microphone is very poor - there are times when I cannot hear a darn thing, and when you don't want to hear anything you do, battery life sucks the big one - two hours and I was loading my second battery - thank god I though I might need another one or I would of missed half the zoo!This camera is probably best for a teenager and not for recording those special moments! ... Read more

Features

• MiniDV

Reviews (4)

Great camcorder at an excellent price.
My wife and I have really enjoyed using this superb digital camcorder.For the price - you can't find any other camcorder that can compare (I did a lot of research before buying). good value, excellent "beginner" model
I'm definitely a video amateur, but I dig this camera.It's small, lightweight and comfortable to hold.I haven't used it for extended periods of time, but the battery life seems acceptable compared to other models in this price range. good value, excellent "beginner" model
I'm definitely a video amateur, but I dig this camera.It's small, lightweight and comfortable to hold.I haven't used it for extended periods of time, but the battery life seems acceptable compared to other models in this price range.Read more

Editorial Review

The JVC GR-DVL510U is a true workhorse of a camcorder. A number of great features usually found in higher-end electronics are packed into this small, easy-to-carry device. The 680,000-pixel CCD of the GR-DVL510U also captures digital stills in many modes--such as full screen, frame, pin-up, negative, or multipicture--onto tape, or the included 8 MB MMC card. The DVL510U is compatible with both MultiMedia or SD memory cards.Read more

Features

• MiniDV
• MiniDV camcorder
• 10x optical, 400x digital zoom with digital image stabilization
• 2.5-inch color LCD monitor and monochrome EVF
• Photo mode records still images onto tape or included 8 MB MMC card
• Uses an included lithium-ion battery; also includes remote control, AC adapter/charger, shoulder strap

Reviews (9)

Great video camera only
This is a great "video camera" and a not so good digital still camera. If you are purchasing this "video camera" to use to shoot video then I will recommend this camera, but if you want a great digital still camera then purchas a separate digital still camera.The vast majority of "video cameras" are best used for video and not digital still photography. So once again buy this "video camera" for video and buy a digital still camera for digital photography.

Great Camera
I did a lot of research before buying. It is the best value in this class. Don't expect great snap shot quality from this camera and others in the same class. You need progressive scan and at least 1 mega pixel CCD for a good quality picture. That would put you into a totally different price range. Manufacturers advertise mega pixel camcorders pretty loudly and they are currently above $1200. The video quality is great (almost DVD) and low light sensitivity is good. I don't use special effect while filming so I can't comment. It does not record analog video. Manual says it records the DV but I have not tried it. Overall it is great for indoor/outdoor everyday filming even with my picky taste.

Great Video/Poor Still Photos
My husband gave me this camera for Christmas because he knew I really wanted a digital camera and I had expressed some interest in a camcorder as well...He figured this would do double-duty very well. I played with it all day Christmas day taking video and stills and was loving it.The video was awesome...very easy to use and of decent quality.Battery drained very quickly, but most do, so that wasn't a big deal.Close-up shots looked really good.The HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT came when I downloaded the still shots to my computer.They were of poor quality at best...colors not true and blurry even though all were taken at the highest resolution possible.I am returning the camera and exchanging it.I'm NOW told that most just don't have enough pixels to produce a good photo...Live and Learn!Good Luck... ... Read more

Features

• MiniDV
• MiniDV recording format with progressive CCD scan
• 10x optical zoom lens produces sharp close-up and wide-angle shots
• Digital image stabilization and digital still camera capable
• 2.5-inch LCD monitor with 10x playback zoom
• Special features include random scene editing and animation mode

Reviews (9)

Very Good Camera for the price
lots of features and a simple remote which can operate most of the features. Very sensitive to tape brand - it turns your camara useless
Do not buy a JVC camcorder!!! - Just a couple of months after buying a JVC GRDVM80U an "E04" error start popping in th screen. Apparently the machinery is very sensitive to tapes lubricants and other compounds. Cleaning the head is not enough - the camara just becomes useless (Well, you can probably fix it for $350, but then it will break down again soon) Search the web for "E04 JVC" and you'll know how frequent and fustrating this error is - and I was surprised to learn it is not restricted to this model. JVC just ignores the problem and blames the tape manufacturers. It might function as an average camera if you are willing to give up using a tape ... and recording.

Tape incompatibility!
I got the camcorder about a month ago but only spend about 2 weeks with it because it was in the repair shop most of the time. It seems that this camcorder is incompatible with TDK tapes. There were no mention of it anywhere in the manual or in the packaging. They should at least include a recent updated notice on the problem. After using the TDK tape for 15 minutes, the picture became distorted and the message "Head cleaning required" appeared. I took it to the shop and the technician said the video heads were damage and need to be replaced. After calling JVC on the phone, they told me alot of people had call in about the same problem. I'm surprised no one mention it in their reviews or I would have stay away from the TDK tapes. ... Read more

Features

• NTSC
• Low-Profile MiniDV digital camcorder and still camera with 1.33-megapixel CCD
• 10x optical zoom lens (500x digital zoom) and image stabilizer
• Rotating 3-inch LCD and black-and-white viewfinder
• Built-in auto flash with red eye reduction and SD/MMC card slot
• BN-V107US 700 mAh Lithium-ion, high-capacity, rechargeable battery pack; camera has built-in battery charger

Reviews (7)

Amazingly Prime Camera
I was one of the very first to purchase this camera off of Amazon and only now have i remembered to write a revew, expecialy after some of the complaints were written. I purchased this camera three days after it was on amazon and it arived in box on my doorstep in just a few days. Right out of the box, the camera looked nice, and as soon as i plugged it in, it turned on. In only about 20 minutes of playing with it i had fugured out almost all of the functions and was stunned but the still picture quality and with the video quality even in low light situations.
Fine designstyle, but operation sucks
I purchase this camera december 2004, i really like the design stlye its amazing. After a month or so the zooming start to malfuction, if i zoom to say 10X the camera start to unzoom its self back to 1X,. Because of this shooting a video is really hard beyond 1X, i have tokeep using my finger to try an keep the zooming steady. At that time i figure it was a function of me not knowing how to used it so i did not return it then. After reading the manual a few time i realized its the camera's fault so i sent it to JVC. They call me to say the need $150 before they can start to look at it. I realy feel rip-off, i have not even get $50 value use since i've got it and i have to start spending on it already. I really made a mistake in buying this camera.

jvc gr-dx307
I got it a week ago i took it to my son,s play the whole room was dark except for the stage the video was pretty good for just turning it and recording but when I got it home that was a differnt story the low-light shooting was bad that was before I used the nightshot when I turned that on some how it started recording in slow motion and was very very dark right now im still trying to play around with it and thinking about sending it back before my 14 days are up. ... Read more

Features

• MiniDV

Reviews (4)

Best camcorder I've owned!
I don't want to repeat what the other reviewers have said, I agree with everything. Small buttons? Sure, but the unit itself is small - you can't fit buttons that are any larger on this sucker. Great Camera!!
I have owned this camera for about 7 months and I must say I an impressed. Mini DV JVC
After looking over the vast range of camcorders available, we selected this model and could not be happier!! We have used it for app. 3 hours so far and the picture and sound is sensational. It was a bit hard to get used to the features at first (there are so many) but it is second nature now. My only suggestion is, get a Tripod. When you use the zoom, it is impossible to stay steady without it. I would buy this camcorder again and highly suggest it. I saw this camcorder cheaper at many different locations on the internet but opted to pay more at Circuit City and have not regreted it. Their policy gives you PEACE OF MIND, and can you really put a price on that? ... Read more

Editorial Review

The JVC GR-DVM55U is a true workhorse of a camcorder. A number of great features are packed into this small, easy-to-carry device. The 680,000-pixel CCD captures the amazing 520 lines of resolution standard in digital video. A low-light environment is no problem for the GR-DVM55U. The special night shooting function enhances low-light sensitivity so you can still capture clear images at night in full color. There is also a built-in digital still camera that captures images in many modes--such as full screen, frame, pin-up, negative, or multipicture--onto a tape.Read more

Features

• MiniDV
• MiniDV camcorder
• 10x optical, 200x digital zoom with digital image stabilization
• 2.5-inch color LCD monitor and color EVF
• Photo mode records still images onto tape
• Uses an included lithium-ion battery; also includes remote control, AC adapter/charger, shoulder strap

Reviews (7)

Room for Improvement
...First of all, and this is probably true of all camcorders, is that you can take the fold-out LCD screen and shove it. You can't use it in daylight, it is totally washed out and impossible to see anything whatsoever and, indoors, when you can see it, it is confusing to use and disorienting and makes for wobbly playbacks, the eyepiece viewfinder is the thing to use and the expense and battery consumption of these LCD screens is shameful and baffles me why manufacturers tout them so much. Second, there is no way that I can figure out how to monitor playback tape position (for porting to make tape copies) using the tape counter and NOT have the tape counter/time counter/frame counter digits appear on the finished copy. If you turn off the counter so it doesn't appear on the copied tape, how the heck can you monitor frame/tape location?? I wrote email to JVC service asking a work around to the problem, but they ignored any acknowledgement or reply. The battery life is very short, the upgraded 1-1/2 battery is almost as large as the camera itself and almost costs as much.The much touted "infinite life", "no memory" attributes of these new fangled battery chemistries is pure BS. The old NiCad camcorder battery from my 8-mm Minolta lasted longer and, the best, still is, lead acid batteries of all things! I've never replaced the lead acid backup battery in my home security alarm in fifteen-years! I paid a ton of money (to be first kid on my block with DVM) for this item, I wish I waited so as to get the latest "progressive scan" technology that improves image quality at the higher zoom levels. The digital zoom (>10x) is practically a joke in optical quality. And forget about low light recording, even at wedding receptions, low light graduation ceremonies, Bar Mitzvahs, Communion parties, this camera will just not record under those conditions (if for no other reason than the autofocus mechanism breaks-down in low light) and there is no provision for external light attachment. The camera's physical size is a JOY though, something this small you can take everywhere, every time, it does get used! In fact it is a bit too small in the button department, my fingers have trouble pressing the teensy-weensy buttons, very frustrating actually. I would not trade this sized camera for any amount of improved optical quality in a larger unit and in fact the larger units don't have better image quality, only more convenient finger dexterity/functionality. As far as the snapshot mode is concerned, uploading them to your PC really degrades the image quality if you use the JVC docking station. I tried using these images in ebay listings, but the image quality was just too poor. You will love the credit card sized remote control and the convenience of being able to operate the camcorder using the remote, certainly worth its weight in Pistachio nuts.

Good Performer
I have the JVC GR-DVX48 , which is exactly the same as the 55U, but the model number is different here in Australia. A step backward.
I've had the 50U for 3+ years and it has never disappointed me. It is compact, rugged and handsome. The 55U is an even more physically attractive update. The quality of the movies is excellent, and the quality of the still pictures is quite good (though not as good as any of the 3+ megapixel cameras available). The drawbacks, as I see them, are the relative expense of the mini DV film and more importantly, the loss of the MultiMediaCards for stills. Now all stills are recorded on the tape, making downloading images to your PC much more complex than with the older model. I think at that price, I'd opt for a camera with removeable media and perhaps image stabilization, such as the 80U. ... Read more