JVC GRDVL805U MiniDV Digital Camcorder with Built-in Digital Still Mode
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Manufacturer: JVC
Price at amazon.com:
- 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
Product Description:
Whether you're recording your vacation, your children, or any event, the ultracompact JVC GR-DVL805U digital cybercam offers a wide range of features to help you take the best shots. Not only does it act as a regular camcorder, but it also can function as a digital still camera. The still images are stored on the included memory card and can be downloaded onto your PC via the provided serial cable. The included software provides a short editing process to make your images Web ready or e-mail compliant.This JVC digital cybercam offers a high level of picture and sound quality. A 680,000-pixel CCD delivers outstanding resolution, and with the large swiveling color LCD monitor, the camcorder can be operated from any angle. For important close-up shots, the 250x digital zoom provides fast zooming at variable speeds by finger pressure.This camcorder offers a large selection of digital effects and scene transitions. Exercise your creativity with effects like classic film, strobe, slow shutter, black and white, and many more. A random assemble editing feature provides an eight-scene memory for favorite scenes as well as the ability to add special effects. The JVC GR-DVL805U digital cybercam also includes playback zoom for enhanced viewing.The JVC GR-DVL805U is fully compatible with your PC computer. It includes a serial cable and digital output link. Other accessories include a handgrip strap, audio-video output cable, editing cable, DC adapter, AC adapter/battery charger, and remote control.
Description from Manufacturer:Whether you're recording your vacation, your children, or any event, the ultracompact JVC GR-DVL805U digital cybercam offers a wide range of features to help you take the best shots. Not only does it act as a regular camcorder, but it also can function as a digital still camera. The still images are stored on the included memory card and can be downloaded onto your PC via the provided serial cable. The included software provides a short editing process to make your images Web ready or e-mail compliant.This JVC digital cybercam offers a high level of picture and sound quality. A 680,000-pixel CCD delivers outstanding resolution, and with the large swiveling color LCD monitor, the camcorder can be operated from any angle. For important close-up shots, the 250x digital zoom provides fast zooming at variable speeds by finger pressure.
This camcorder offers a large selection of digital effects and scene transitions. Exercise your creativity with effects like classic film, strobe, slow shutter, black and white, and many more. A random assemble editing feature provides an eight-scene memory for favorite scenes as well as the ability to add special effects. The JVC GR-DVL805U digital cybercam also includes playback zoom for enhanced viewing.
The JVC GR-DVL805U is fully compatible with your PC computer. It includes a serial cable and digital output link. Other accessories include a handgrip strap, audio-video output cable, editing cable, DC adapter, AC adapter/battery charger, and remote control. Average Customer Rating: 
Comment: Buy the Sony TRV11 Instead Rating:
I first bought the JVC 805U because I was enticed by the cheaper price tag, which I convinced myself was the only difference. It isn't. Don't be fooled by price -- pay the extra money and get what you pay for.
I returned this model and bought the Sony TRV11. The video quality on the JVC is noticeably worse. This could be because of the lack of the Carl Zeiss lens or the lack of low lux recording (both found on the Sony).
The battery that came with the JVC only lasted about 30 minutes (compared to about 1 hour with Sony) and the image stabilization was shoddy at best. Also, the LCD screen quality on the JVC is just so-so.
While the JVC does have a built in light, it is really useless for night shooting.
Overall, the JVC has average quality and features. If you are willing to settle for average and want to buy a camera in the "average" price range, consider this one or close competitor Panasonic. If you want a much better camera for a few hundred bucks more, buy the Sony TRV11.
Comment: A pretty good deal... Rating:
Wy wife and I had been considering a Hi8 replacement since our daughter was born. Several factors guided our decision: digital format, ease of use, portability, and ease of image capture. I wanted to comment on some of the stronger features of this model.
First of all, the video works pretty well. I'm not super-impressed with the image stabilization, but the auto focus and lighting are pretty "smart". The color LCD is good inside, but I enjoyed the color viewfinder when filming outside.
The unit also serves as a digital still camera. The built-in 2MB memory allows for ~30 images to be stored at a time. I'm not sure how to capture at a size other than 320x240 just yet, but they look sharp at that resolution.
Unlike other models, the JVC also includes video capture software straight out of the box. I was discouraged, however, that the capture process relied on composite video and not IEEE 1394. Why offer the port und software if you can't use them together? I ended up purchasing MGI VideoWave to use IEEE 1394.
I'm somewhat of a Sony devotee, but I didn't find many models that had Memory Stick storage AND MiniDV format. If you're looking for a good alternative to that brand, consider this JVC.
Comment: Don't buy this Rating:
I bought this in a few years ago and it worked fine for a while.
But then it started giving the dreaded error regarding
the "Cleaning Tape" error and the cost of fixing this is $250!!
JVC's customer support is non-existent.
Moral of the story - pay more and get better quality.
Posted at November 11, 2003 07:59 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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