JVC Camcorder
Written: Jan 28 '01 (Updated Jan 28 '01)
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Pros: Lightweight, easy to use
Cons: The camera has a few features that I won't use.
The Bottom Line: I would recommend this camera to anyone looking for a basic, easy to use camcorder.
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| Cleavenger's Full Review: JVC GR-AXM210U Camcorder |
We received the JVC GR-AXM210U VHS compact camcorder for Christmas and it is easy to use and takes a great video.
First off, the camera is lightweight, weighing in at a little more than 2 pounds. It feels comfortable in my hand and the buttons are easy to access when needed.
Let me tell you about the features of the camera.
-The first noticeable item is the LCD color monitor that unfolds from the side. The screen can be rotated up or down to make recording awkward situations easier. The camcorder is still equipped with the normal optical eyepiece that is needed if you find yourself in a lighting that makes the view screen hard to see.
-Another great feature is the 50X zoom that helps you get close ups easily. The buttons are conveniently located right at your thumb.
-You are able to watch the video while the tape is still in your camera. There are rewind and fast-forward buttons to put the tape where you want to start viewing it from. You can then view the video on the LCD screen. Since the camera uses the compact VHS cassettes (TC-40/30/20) you can insert the small cassette into the cassette adapter and simply put it into your VCR for viewing. If you are looking to transfer the small cassette onto a regular VCR tape, then use the supplied cord to hook up the video and audio from the camera into your VCR and play the tape on the camcorder and record it onto a tape in your VCR. We just keep the cables hooked to our VCR so we just have to plug it into the camcorder when we are ready to transfer a video.
-The camera comes with a battery pack and battery recharger that comes in handy. The battery will usually last anywhere from 1-2 hours depending on the amount of zooming you do and if the LCD screen is being used or not. The LCD screen also has a little icon that shows how much of the battery is left before it dies. The battery takes approximately 1 hour to recharge. You can plug the camera directly into the battery charger so that no battery is needed. (Just make sure you carry the charger with you.) You can buy bigger batteries that will record up to 8-9 hours but I imagine they are pretty pricey.
-There is an option to help stabilize the picture while you are video taping. This is supposed to help compensate for camera shake. I do always use this feature, except when using my tri-pod.
-One of my favorite features is the transition effects. This is the effect that will fade or wipe the screen as you start or stop taping. There are several to choose from and make the taping less choppy in between scenes.
-Some other less used features worth mentioning are some special effects available. My favorite is the monochrome setting that makes the scene that you are taping look like an old-time movie. It turns the picture from color into a reddish-brown tint. The other special effects include a setting to choose for taping fast moving objects and the twilight effect for taping in twilight.
-The last significant feature to mention is the video light that is built in on the front of the unit. This helps when the area in which you are taping just isn't bright enough. You are able to turn the light on or off, and also can set it on auto which will make it come on when the camcorder senses there isn't enough light. Keep in mind that this is just a gentle light, not overly bright, and it will use up your battery quicker when it is used. I haven't found this feature to be overly useful.
-The camera comes with a 90-day warranty and a 1-year warranty on parts.
A few of the other more insignificant features that I should mention is that the lens cover is built in so you won't have any loose pieces laying around that can be lost. Of course there is the standard date and time stamp that can be turned on or off as you want. There are also 8 pre-set titles (for birthdays, weddings etc…) that can be displayed on the film if you choose.
We've been really happy with the camera and also have the optional tri-pod, which is great. I can't really say there is anything about the camera that we don't like or that there is anything about the camera that I wish it did have. We are very thankful for the camera as we have a baby due soon and plan on putting the camera through its paces when that time comes.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): gift
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Epinions.com ID:
Cleavenger
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Reviews written: 71
Trusted by: 221 members
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