JVC Everio GZ-MG130 (30 GB) Camcorder

Pros: Data storage capability. 30Gb Hard Disc. No need for additional recording media. Large LCD. Software.
Cons: Easy to learn, but takes time. Included Battery insufficient. Car charger unavailable. Batteries costly.

THE "DEAL" It may be noticed that the price I paid was far below retail offerings. This due to the fact that I purchased an "Open Box" unit from Circuit City. Everything was still in their original bags, labels/tags were still attached, all ...

Pros: Good Optical Zoom
Up to 37hrs of Video
Priced Well
Easy output
Cons: 800x Digital Zoom
Still Shots at .3 MP
Comes with 60 minute battery

Everyone loves Black Friday. It's when all the nuts come out and shop. Competitive shopping should be part of the Winter Olympics. But alas, not everyone understands the nature of the beast. So, the many rush to get the few, while the few rush to get the ...

Pros: Compact size, massive hard drive storage, direct and fast access to true digital recordings.
Cons: Poor battery life, problematic ".mod" file format, non tech savvy need not apply.

Our old camcorder, an aging JVC Hi-8 had finally reached the point where it was not worth investing more money into to bring it back to a serviceable state - so the hunt began for a replacement. My goals with the new camcorder was a mix of convenience ...

Pros: Good quality video and pictures, no need for tapes or discs, 30 GB hard drive
Cons: Short lived battery life

I got my Everio camcorder at good ol’ Wal-Mart. And at the time it cost me roughly $530 dollars after tax, so I would suggest to anyone interested in this camera to shop around for the best deal you can find. But when it all came down to it there ...

Pros: 30GB Hard Disk Drive capacity, 34x optical zoom, quick restart, decent video, and lightweight.
Cons: Records in .MOD format. Still pictures blurry at 640x280; More expensive than the competition.

I have been wanting a camcorder for quite awhile and I finally bought myself this one for my birthday. I wanted a camera that took high quality video that I could upload quickly to my pc and edit -- at an affordable price. I was also specifically looking for one that recorded video on its own hard disk. The GZ-MG 130 seemed to fit the bill. However, as I began to use it I learned that it was missing several features that other camcorders in its category seem to have. Also, within a month of my purchase this particular model went down in price by $100. But the biggest negative for me is that it also records in .MOD format which means that you individually have to change each file to .MPG in order to edit it.

Pros: Easy to Use
Cons: No Time / date stamp on video. Video quality is so-so.

I bought this camera to do some surveylance. After trying to download the video, I found out the time/date stamp does not download into a PC with the video (I need this for court) unless you buy the separate and proprietary "Share Station" docking DVD burner ($200). I called JVC support and a technician (Carlos) confirmed this. I asked him why. He said "that's the way we make'em. Not a good answer. I would avoid this one or any other JVC product.