JVC GR-DVL815U Digital Camcorder
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Manufacturer: JVC
Price at amazon.com:
Used from $687.99List price $1,099.99
- 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
Product Description:
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. The GR-DVL815U also comes with a variety of multimedia interfacing capabilities, making transferring DV recordings or digital photos to a computer fast and simple. In addition to the standard IEEE 1394 DV interface, there is also a direct PC connection (RS232C) and a USB port for quick transfers to PC. With the included software and cable you can easily bring your photos into your computer for editing or e-mailing. A low-light environment is no problem for the GR-DVL815U. In addition to the integrated auto light there is also a special night shooting function that enhances low-light sensitivity so you can still capture clear images at night in full color. Also included are an AC power adapter/charger, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, remote control, CD-ROM software for photo editing, shoulder strap, and RS232C PC/AT compatible cables.
Description from Manufacturer: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.The GR-DVL815U also comes with a variety of multimedia interfacing capabilities, making transferring DV recordings or digital photos to a computer fast and simple. In addition to the standard IEEE 1394 DV interface, there is also a direct PC connection (RS232C) and a USB port for quick transfers to PC. With the included software and cable you can easily bring your photos into your computer for editing or e-mailing.
A low-light environment is no problem for the GR-DVL815U. In addition to the integrated auto light there is also a special night shooting function that enhances low-light sensitivity so you can still capture clear images at night in full color.
Also included are an AC power adapter/charger, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, remote control, CD-ROM software for photo editing, shoulder strap, and RS232C PC/AT compatible cables.Average Customer Rating: 
Comment: A good camcorder for the money Rating:
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:
1) Like other reviewers, still pictures are not that good. In good light condition, they are ok but it seems to be a little too white and not have very good details. In lower light condition, it is just too dull. However, again, if you are for still pictures, go for the digital camera. Otherwise, it's ok for the web but it could be better.
2) It does not automatically position itself to where you were left off the last time you video so you have to manually do that yourself everytime. Sometimes it takes the spontanuity out of you.
3) The light is not enough if you video someone 6-7 feet out. But then don't all the built in lights are like that!
Again, overall, I'm a satisfied customer...
Comment: Great camcorder for the money Rating:
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.
Comment: not all it's said to be.. Rating:
I bought this camcorder and I took it home and tested it before I wrapped it. ... ..
Why I was unhappy:
1st.. The night alive feature is a total scam.. There is such a strobe effect due to the slow shutter speed.. Your targets have to be totally still or it is so distored.. And it does not work in total darkness.. (like said)
2nd.. the video interface S-Video had pixel distortion when veiwed throw TV..
3rd.. Don't be fooled by the still picture.. The resolution is down right crummy.. And will not capture movement well..
finally.. Digital zoom is nothing more than a sales pitch..
Optical zoom is were it is at for quality..
With Digital.. All it is doing is blowing up the pixels..
Very much like viewing a pdf file (Adobe) What happens when you magnify a picture?? It looks [bad].. So, stick to a quality optical zoom and don't be fooled by a hugh digital zoom..
I forgot the digital EIS is [bad] too.. Optical EIS is much more stable..
On the good side.. very nice design.. And great optical close ups.. ...
Posted at November 11, 2003 07:58 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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