The Bargain Hunter's Digital Camcorder
Written: Mar 12 '01 (Updated Mar 12 '01)
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Pros: Inexpensive, good video quality, easy to use
Cons: Poor battery life, auto-shutoff
The Bottom Line: Good beginners camcorder, great for students or novices. Can't beat the price.
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| bub78's Full Review: JVC GR-DVL300 Mini DV Camcorder |
I recently purchased the JVC GR-DVL300U as part of an electronics spending spree. I purchased this particular model for the simple reason that it was the least expensive digital camcorder I could find. Overall I have been pleased with my purchase, but I can see where some extra dollars would have bought a nicer camera.
Good Thing, Small Package
Upon initially removing the camcorder from its packaging I was amazed at how small and lightweight it was. I had previously owned an old VHS camcorder that weighed in at over 7 pounds. This camera weighs less than a pound (battery included!), and easily fits in the palm of one hand. It also amazes me that the tapes are about the size of matchboxes. The unit includes a built in light and stereo microphone (capable of recording 2 separate stereo channels), a 2.5 inch active matrix color LCD, black and white viewfinder, and shoulder strap. The package also contained a remote (with 2 AA batteries), and several cables for connecting the camera to a TV/VCR. However, a 1394 (Firewire/iLink) cable to connect the camcorder to a computer was not included.
Shooting Video
The camera has two different modes to shoot video in: Manual and Automatic. Automatic lets the camera control everything, only the zoom is left for the user to control. Manual gives the user control over white balance, iris control, and focus. Manual also opens up a host of transition effects, and video modes (black & white, sepia, strobe, etc.) Unfortunately manual control is the only way to enable the camera's image stabilization, which, due to the camcorder's light weight, is necessary for any tight shots and most wide angle shots as well. It would have been nice if JVC had made a completely automatic mode that incorporated the image stabilization as well. The camera uses a 680,000 pixel CCD which allows it to capture some nice quality video. A comparable camera in this price range typically has a 300,000 pixel CCD. The more pixels the higher the quality of the video. The camcorders built-in light provides decent illumination in dark situations. The microphone is able to pick up sounds from every corner of the room, even from behind.
Flaws
Although I am mostly pleased with my purchase the GR-DVL300U does have a few flaws. One of the more annoying is that the camera automatically shuts itself off after 5 minutes without recording. This can be very frustrating when trying to set up a shot. It is possible to be in the middle of adjusting the focus and zoom and then have the camera shut off. This 'feature' was most likely included to conserve battery life, but it is also present when the camcorder is running on AC power from a wall outlet. A way to disable the autoshutoff would have been nice.
While the camcorder comes with a remote, the remote is used only to control the zoom or playback functions and is unable to turn the unit on or off. The camera's included battery is good for less than an hour of shooting footage or playing back tapes. JVC and others sell battery packs with longer running times, and I would recommend purchasing one (or more), if you plan on using the camcorder away from a wall outlet.
The Bottom Line
Overall I have to say that I am happy with my purchase and with the camcorder I selected. This JVC model offers good features for a great price. I would recommend it for the digital video amateur or anyone looking for an inexpensive digital camcorder.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 473
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Epinions.com ID:
bub78
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Location: Maine
Reviews written: 26
Trusted by: 4 members
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