Being able to record 8 hours at a time is great. The only drawback to the hard drive type of recording is that a new file is created each time. The positive to that is that it makes for ease of transfer. You can record to DVD with the software they include and it's very easy. The battery life is awful, so get an extended or extra battery.
Buy JVC Everio GZMG57 1.3MP 30GB Hard Disk Drive Digital Media Camcorder with 15x Optical Zoom!
I have to admit that I acted a bit on impulse when I went ahead and bought this digital video recorder after doing a limited amount of research and having read some of the reviews here. Our previous video recorder never entirely satisfied me because it never let in enough light to make the picture look good. It would always be either too bright (from the light present or using the onboard-light) or too dark. Thus, you can imagine my impulsive action after reading the rave reviews on the video quality of this camera. As it turns out, everyone here couldn't be more accurate. I've used the camera in several different settings with different lighting and the resulting video is consistently clean and crisp. The only complaint I have so far is that the auto-focus isn't perfect...if you watch really close you can see moments where the focus adjusts just enough for a fraction of a second to cause a slight blurring only to readjust back to fully in focus. I haven't been able to identify a trend or reason for this yet so I'm left to assume right now that it's just something in the camera you have to deal with. Time will tell. Even with that, I still gave it a 5 because in my family you can't always have the light where it should be so to have a camera be able to record a crisp video from any angle is essential for anyone with kids.
Buy JVC Everio GZMG255 2MP 30GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Includes Docking Station)!
This camera has proven to be very convenient in size and features for the period of time it has worked. Feb 2007 - July 2008 with very little problems. I purchased it with no extended warranty, an extra battery and a good case for it. I have always taken care good of it , keeping the cover on and in the case when not in use. I also made sure to disconnect from computer through software before USB removal. I have used an average of maybe 90 minutes every two months since the purchase date. Im presuming most people would expect to use the same. All the features on the camera and convenience of size, HDD, extra zoom, 'okay' night mode, wide screen, etc. etc. is what may justify the price. Considering the extreme care and maintenance I provided, this camera is obviously not a quality made product from an electrical point of view. The power no longer turns on. Not with AC.. not with either battery... not even with the 30minutes of technical support tips. Sony says the warranty is expired and repair will cost $211.00. For an $800 camera at the time- brand new from a respectable seller, you would expect a better warranty. I should have asked, oh well. It seems I am not the only one having this problem. I guess I'll send it in for repair. The only problem is I needed the camera for the next two weeks more than the last year that Ive had it. The camera is great if you put convenience over picture quality. MAKE SURE YOU BUY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY-- consider yourself warned.
Buy Sony DCR-SR40 30GB Hard Disk Drive Handycam with 20x Optical Zoom!
Nice camera, but TERRIBLE video format - not recommended
The camera itself is simple to use right out of the box and takes very nice still pictures. The video, however, leaves a lot to be desired. For whatever reason, JVC has decided to use a proprietary "MOD" format and no programs (3rd party or stock) on my media rich macintosh can play these files. Go figure, but my little Palm Treo can create video files that are easily uploaded and viewable, so why can't JVC? Very poor showing from JVC in my opinion.
I have found this camcorder takes fantastic video as long as you set the indoor / outdoor button properly.
Negatives I have read about and agree with:
1) It is a little slow to focus at times
2) Still pictures don't look good
3) Records in .MOD format so editing and playback of files stored on a computer can be extremely problematic. I agree the included software for this is not very sophisticated and not user friendly. I found it an unacceptable long term solution.
HOWEVER THERE ARE SOME SOLUTIONS THAT SOLVE THE VIDEO EDITING PROBLEM = Adobe Premiere ($400-$600 I believe)and Pinnacle Studio (multiple versions) support the .MOD format (format support listed on both websites). I use Pinnacle studio "plus" version 11 which I found on sale for $99. It flawlessly recognizes, plays, and edits video from this camcorder and is a much more powerful program the Microsoft Movie Maker which I was previously using. With this software I love the camcorder. Without this software, moving, playing and editing files on anything other than the camcorder was a nightmare.
So, I would rate this 5 stars except for the negatives above. Without the Pinnacle software I agree w/ the 1-2 start rating a few have given.
Impressive fit and finish, easy-to-use features, image quality is good under daylight, but poor in a low-light environment. I paid $530 on Amazon in August '08 so it's a good value.
Buy JVC Everio GZHD3 3CCD 60GB Hard Disk Drive High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom!
Bought the camcorder about 2 weeks back. Was delivered within 3/4 days. Takes great videos and excellent pictures. Also since its quite handy to carry, don't have to take my Nikon Digital camera always.
Only con for me is the sound volume on the videos. For some reason the volume sometimes is barely audible if one is not speaking loudly wherease my old Sony Hi8 Camera would capture the slightest sound clearly. Have tried all the sound settings but haven't been very successful. Took it to daughter's performance concert and there the volume was good.
