Great Camera.. The only problem is that you have to detach the battery before connecting to the PC. The software that came with the camera is OK.
Buy Panasonic SDR-H200 30GB 3CCD Hard Disk Drive/SD Palmcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom!Tuesday, December 2, 2008
JVC Everio GZ-MG40 1.33 MP 20 GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder w/15x Optical Zoom Reviews
I purchased this camera in December of 2005 to use to record the milestones of my then 6 month old son. I ended up using it sparingly, as the battery would drain quickly while not being used, so everytime I went to use it, I had to remember to charge it up. But that's not that uncommon with rechargeable batteries, so I got used to it.
The biggist issue that 22 months after I bought it (Halloween 2007), I went to record my son for Halloween and got an error message that said "Lens Cap", even though the lens cap was not on the camera. With a bit of online research, I came to find out that this was a problem with the CCD (the image sensor, I believe) and it was a known problem with JVC models and JVC was replacing/repairing units with specific model numbers. However, this model was not on the list, even though I found dozens of postings on line from people with the same problem with this camera. I was able to convince JVC to provide a free evaluation of the problem (they tyically charge $60). It was the optical block (of which the CCD is a part, so I'm not totally convinced it wasn't the CCD all along). They quoted over $280 for the repair. When I told them not to do it and to send the unit back as the repair is too expensive, they immediately lowered the price to $190 - a little sketchy in my mind. But, I went ahead with the repair. I haven't yet used the repaired unit, but will shortly as our second child is due in days.
I would recommend staying away from JVC as I don't feel I was dealt with fairly and evenly in this manner. Even though they did the free evaluation, I think the issue with the CCD is something they should have handled at no cost, since it was such a wide-spread problem. And the negotiating on the repair cost is pretty sketchy for a company the size of JVC - I expect that from a local yokel. I expect JVC to quote me the best price they can acheive.
Monday, December 1, 2008
JVC Everio GZ-MG70 2.12 MP 30 GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom Reviews
I bought one of these a little over a year ago and am very happy with it so far. The video and sound quality is usually great and I never even bothered to put on the little things that limit electrical interference. My only regret is not getting the 60 gig because I use mine a lot and the space would be helpful.
Pros:
-tends to have very good video/ sound quality (I've had one or two times it was only avg or good)
-good software comes with it to convert file types
-easy to use
-the new version of windows media player supports the save format on the camera without having to convert it
Cons:
-videos take up a lot of space, especially when not converted. 5 minutes is about 100-150 megabytes. You can convert formats and change settings to limit space, but it can diminish the quality.
-battery seems to die quickly on mine.
--edit--
amazon won't let me change it, but I lower this to 4 stars now because the camera performs poorly in dark lighting (focus beomes a disaster)and when you convert to another file type, either the quality becomes extremely poor or you save quality but the file size goes up 4-6x it's already huge size (yes you have to convert because nothing plays the extension used). I haven't found one, but if there is an mod media player out there you may want to look into it.
Panasonic HDC-HS9 AVCHD 3CCD 60GB Hard Drive High Definition Hybrid Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Reviews
This has one of the best picture qualities ever with the three CCD's on it. I love using it and have recorded numerous shots just with the one 60 Gig hard drive on it even though you can add a memory chip to it. The battery last a long time as well. I would have added a mic input to it though then it would have been perfect for the novice film maker. However, the sound quality of the camera is great. I would buy this product again. Also, they have great customer service.
Buy Panasonic HDC-HS9 AVCHD 3CCD 60GB Hard Drive High Definition Hybrid Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom!JVC Everio GZ-MG360 60GB Hard Drive Camcorder with 35x Optical Zoom Reviews
I will say that the video quality at the highest setting is very good. I also purchased the largest additional battery that was available and i am not diappointed with that either. I have shot over 30 hours of video so far and the quality is pretty good. The camera is light weight and easy to hold for long periods of time with no problems, which is a huge plus. The menu is easy to navigate to make any adjustments.
What does disapoint me is that i have had several drop detection errors occur when i was filming, even when i was not moving my hand. I do have a professional camera mount kit for my car and when i film inside the car (mounted on the dash) at high speeds and high g forces (think of how the car leans around a turn) the camera is fine. But once i take it outside the car even at speeds around 60mph and no turns, i get camera errors such as hard drive issues, I happened when i wasn't even going over 30mph. I also found that the editing software is very poor. I went ahead and ordered the recomended software upgrade from jvc, Cyberlink power director V6. I find that windows movie maker does a pretty good job, but it won't import the files from the camera.
overall, if you don't want to edit and want too keep it simple, buy this camera. If you are looking for something a step better i wouldn't recomend this camera. I personally would not buy it again.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
JVC Everio GZMG57 1.3MP 30GB Hard Disk Drive Digital Media Camcorder with 15x Optical Zoom Reviews
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!JVC Everio GZMG255 2MP 30GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Includes Docking Station) Reviews
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.
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